Ayr United moved back into second place in the Scottish Championship as Neil Lennon suffered a disappointing debut as Dunfermline Athletic manager, with high-profile signing Victor Wanyama sent off.

The former Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was dismissed 20 minutes after coming on as a second-half replacement.

The 33-year-old Kenyan handled the ball after blocking Mark McKenzie and pulling him to the ground.

By that stage, Ayr were 2-0 up thanks to a fine strike from Connor McLennan and a cool chip from Jamie Murphy.

Ethan Walker added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time following a nice United move.

Scott Brown will feel his side were well worth the win that puts them above Livingston on goal difference, especially as Curtis Main also had the ball in the net, but his effort was ruled out for a foul on a defender.

There will be plenty of thinking for Lennon to do, with the Fifers remaining ninth, two points behind Hamilton Academical and six above Airdrieonians.

Facing Livingston on Wednesday, the former Celtic and Hibs boss now has just six games of the regular season remaining in the fight against the drop.

He will also have to do without the suspended Wanyama in midweek.