JUBILANT Ayr United boss Ian McCall saluted his team as they ended the first quarter of the season clear at the top of Ladbrokes SPFL League One.

A thumping 5-0 home victory against Cowdenbeath left the Honest Men a point clear of Dunfermline Athletic, ahead of the international break.

United have won six games out of nine, drawn two and lost just one, scoring 21 goals and conceding only 11, and are the form team in the league.

McCall was impressed with how his team took the game to the struggling Fifers, who are in bottom spot and said: “It was a real attacking display and we took our goals well. We played with a real attacking formation and it worked really well although I realise we can’t do that every week and in some matches we will have to adapt to the conditions.” The manager felt his side were always in command of the match and added: “We were 2-0 up at half-time but I felt we needed another goal. We scored one early and after that were comfortable and in command of the match and it was a great attacking show. We scored some good goals and it was a real treat for the fans who gave us great support. But hopefully at the next home game we will attract even more of them. There’s still a long way to go but it’s great to be top of the league after the first quarter and that’s exactly where we want to be. I have always said whoever finishes above Dunfermline will win the league.” United players will train throughout the week although there is no game.

But the manager feels the break comes at a good time and said: “It will give the guys time to re-charge the batteries and hopefully Ross Docherty, Craig Moore and Jamie Adams, who are all carrying knocks, will have recovered for the next game.” McCall is delighted with his team’s progress compared to last season and added: “I would much rather be where we are now. When you consider what position we were in when I took over there’s no doubt we have come a long way and the players are all working hard.” Following the break, United face a testing trip to Station Park to face third-placed Forfar Athletic on October 17.

They are at Stenhousemuir a week later and are next at Somerset Park on Hallowe’en when they host Stranraer in a derby clash.

However the manager refuses to get carried away and said: “We have to keep our feet on the ground and are now thinking about he next match against Forfar, which will be difficult, but all games are. I said before the new season my aim was to make sure we were in the playoffs and we are well placed for that at the moment but know a lot of work has still to be done.”