David Hopkin insists Ayr's bottle for a fightback proves they're making good progress.
The new boss saw his men claim what could be a vital point in the 2-2 draw at Alloa.
And he says their refusal to fold after blowing an early lead gives him heart for the run-in.
Hopkin said: "We scored a fantastic goal...a tremendous counter attack straight from the goalkeeper and that's something we've worked on.
"Then Michael Miller should score to make it 2-0 and Tom Walsh misses another great chance.
"So we should be 3-0 up with the game dead and buried before they get back in it.
"Then we've come out in the second half and the boy's hit a wonder strike leaving us with an uphill battle.
"And maybe earlier in the season the players would have capitulated.
"But the boys kept going and right at the death we could have won it."
Hopkin was forced to shuffle his pack with Corrie Ndaba and Joe Chalmers missing out through injury.
And Jamie Barjonas – who came on as a second-half sub – hobbled off nursing a nasty blow to his knee.
Hopkin said: "I thought we started as if we were a bit leggy from the other night and we also missed the balance in the team with Corrie and Joe being out.
"To be honest we're down to the bare bones right now.
"But I've been delighted with the players and they're giving me everything.
"Now I will have a full week with them for the first time since coming in and I'm really looking forward to it."
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