Scott Brown hailed his Ayr record-breakers after they smashed Broxburn for EIGHT.
The Honest Men recorded the club’s biggest ever victory on the road as they ran riot at Albyn Park in the Scottish Cup today.
Jay Henderson led the way with a hat trick while Lenny Agbaire, Mark McKenzie, George Oakley, Jake Hastie and Dylan Watret also got in on the goalscoring act.
And the clinical nature of the performance left Brown purring as he saw his side march into the last 16 with the minimum of fuss.
He said: “We looked well organised behind the ball and it was a very professional performance. We were a bit rash in the final third during the first half but our fitness levels and quality on the ball told after that.
“You could see the lads having that belief as soon as they scored the third goal – then everyone wanted one and we showed a ruthless side. I was delighted for the wee man to get a hat trick because he is such a threat and his ability on the ball in the final third creates so many problems for other teams. He makes a big difference for us with the goals and assists he’s produced.
“The subs also came on and did really, really well and Jamie Hislop’s through ball with the outside of his foot for Jay’s third goal was brilliant. And to see young Kenzie Mitchell come on was fantastic as well.
“The good thing about the club is we’ll always give youth an opportunity and if you’re good enough they’ll get the chance to come on and deliver on the park.”
Brown made four changes from Tuesday’s league win at Dunfermline with Celtic loan kid Lenny Agbaire handed a debut.
And United got the early goal to settle their nerves when Agbaire planted a perfect header past Robert Watt from Paddy Reading’s corner.
Henderson should have doubled the lead soon after when shooting wide from close range before Oakley headed over another good chance.
The pressure eventually told when Jonathan Page was penalised for charging down a Henderson shot with his hand in the box. And the winger stepped up to convert the spot kick.
United picked up where they left off after half time and made it 3-0 when Henderson tapped home Oakley’s ball following a quickly taken free kick.
Gary Brass missed a golden chance for a Broxburn consolation but screwed his effort wide from close range. And Ayr ran riot from there as they put Brox to the sword.
McKenzie headed home a fourth after a well worked move down the right before Oakley rifled home number five.
Sub Jake Hastie then finished with a brilliant volley to make it six as the hosts crumbled. And Ayr rattled home a seventh when Watret burst the top corner from 20 yards for the goal of the match.
Henderson completed his hat trick with the last kick when firing home after a great pass by sub Hislop.