Having recorded only one win in their last five matches, Ayr despearately need to pick up three points at Gayfield Park, Arbroath.
They did just that thanks to an impressive first half performance which game them a deserved win over 10-man Arbroath.
Ayr took the lead in the ninth minute when Martin Campbell headed home a Chris Aitken corner.
The lead was doubled three minutes later when Aitken's shot fell to the unmarked William Easton who easily finished in the bottom corner.
Bryan Prunty curled a shot into the top corner on 22 minutes for number three.
Arbroath had captain Barry Sellars sent off after a second bookable offence and Weir, Lunan and Gates were also booked for the home side.
The Ayr United team was :Grindlay, Dempsie, McGowan, Walker, Martin Campbell, Keenan, Borris, Aitken (Weaver 55), Prunty (Williams 71), Gormley, Easton (Agnew 80). Subs Not Used: Henderson, Stewart.
The win closes the gap on leaders Brechin who were soundly beaten at Peterhead with Raith Rovers now equal on points with City.