It all started s badly on 14th July when United lost 7-1 to first division Queen of the South n the smi-final of the Brewers Cup held at Annan.
Althogh some pride was restored with a 6-1 play off victory against Annan Athletic it had to be said that the hos side are non-league.
The match away to first division Partick Thistle on Saurday 21st July took on new significance and a superb 2-1 win for the Honest Men restored some faith, particularly as United's performance was reatly improved.
Wednesday 25th July saw a home match aainst Premier league side Motherwell and although the Honest Men lost 3-1 the performance against a good SPL side gave heart. So the win agains albeit newly prmoted SPL side Gretna nevertheless has given optimism that Ayr could provide a series challenge or automatic promotion in the coming season.
Second half goals from Ryan Stevenson and Gareth Wardlaw were just reward for a game Ayr dominated and the Honest Men look in fine shape ahead of next week's league opener at Ross County.
Gretna had taken an early lead against the run of play when a game of defensive pinball flew off Kenny Deuchar and into the back of the net.
With the South Ayrsire Council still prevaricating on making decsions on two applications from United to build a new stadium, as they have done for some years nw with previous applicaions during Bill Barr's chairmanship, some good news is welcome at this stage.