A stunning strike from Dan Carmichael topped an emphatic 5-1 victory over Ayr United at Somerset Park saw Queen of the South maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Second Division. 

Ayr have been disappointing this season and languished in 8th place before kick-off but the home side took the lead through David Winters on 29 minutes.  League leaders Queens were immediately level though as Chris Mitchell`s free-kick was put past his own goalkeeper by Ryan McStay before Nicky Clark headed in his 14th league goal of the season on half-time.  The second half began in fantastic fashion for Carmichael as he picked the ball up inside his own half before cutting inside and finding the top corner with his left foot.  The winger bagged his second of the afternoon on 68 minutes after a mistake by Ayr goalkeeper Ally Brown before Derek Lyle finished the scoring with a long-range effort that swerved past the hapless goalkeeper.

Queens manager Allan Johnston gave his verdict on his team`s performance: "Delighted. It was difficult first half playing with the wind but second half some of the play and chances we made and some of the goals the boys scored were outstanding.

"We`ve been like that all season.  In some games you take your chances but some of the goals were from 20 yards and there wasn`t much Ayr could do to defend against them.

"It`s a difficult place to come, we saw the Alloa result last week but the boys were fully focused and were looking forward to the game and I thought we thoroughly deserved our win there.

"I`m delighted for Dan Carmichael, he got two goals and he just recently scored his first goal [of the season]. We`re all delighted for him, his first one there was unbelievable."

Dan Carmichael spoke modestly on his goal of the season contender: "Really glad to get on the scoresheet.  I`ve not been scoring many goals this season so I`m really glad to get on it.  I just drove in, took it past two players and then came inside and just shot.  Luckily it`s went in the top bag but I was really delighted with it."

Fellow goalscorer Derek Lyle was enthusiastic about the season so far: "Things are looking good.  All credit to Sandy and the gaffer for the way they`ve got the boys playing, pressing high up the pitch no matter if we go away from home or at home they still want to play the same way.  We have good attacking players in this team that will hurt anybody."