David Hopkin has warned his players there’s no room for more mistakes as they bid to down Premiership opposition.
Ayr take on Dundee United in the Premier Sports Cup tomorrow, fresh from salvaging a last-ditch point at home to Arbroath.
But Hopkin has told how a half-time hairdryer was required to turn the tide during a potentially damaging day at Somerset.
The boss said: “I had some pretty choice words to say on Saturday and the players needed to hear it.
“The two goals we conceded were nowhere good enough.
“You’re talking about basic mistakes that you should never be making.
“What did please me was the desire I saw when I asked the players to respond in that second half.
“It would be easy to hide but they gave me and the fans the kind of reaction I was looking for.
“So it was really pleasing to see us finish the game as strongly as we did.
“These are qualities we’re going to need throughout the season.”
The Arabs will visit Somerset this weekend on the back of ending Rangers’ 40 game unbeaten league run last Saturday.
And Hopkin knows that result will have raised expectations on Tayside.
He said: “I watched that game and we know Dundee United are a good side.
“Rangers were always going to get beaten at some point, but it’s a big result for Dundee United to do it.
“They have threats all over the park – but we’re not there to make up the numbers.
“This is a good chance for us at home in the cup and it would be fantastic to progress.”
Michael Moffat is Ayr's only injury doubt with the calf strain that kept him out of last week's game.
Meanwhile, Hopkin remains keen to add another midfielder and said: “It’s a position that I know needs strengthening so we’re continuing to look at what’s available.”
Negotiations are ongoing with Burnley in a bid to land an under 23 starlet on loan.
