MORTON slipped further into relegation danger today after an abysmal performance saw them slip to defeat against Ayr at Cappielow.

The game had been billed as must-win for both sides but the Greenock men showed precious little throughout as they were comprehensively outplayed by their opponents.

They have now slipped into the play-off position and on this evidence look to be in serious trouble as other sides around them continue to pick up points.

Ayr, who parted company with their manager Mark Kerr during the week, completely dominated the first half but couldn't make the breakthrough, with local lad Luke McCowan firing a shot into the side-netting and Tom Walsh seeing a fierce drive well saved by Aidan McAdams.

The pattern of play was the same after the break, with the visitors well on top.

They finally got the goal they deserved on 55 minutes. Ton conceded a needless corner kick and were made to pay when they failed to clear and Cammy Smith was on hand, in splendid isolation, to guide home a cushioned volley.

Ton boss Anton McElhone threw on subs Kaz Sterling and Justin Johnson in a desperate attempt to turn the tide but the closest they came was an Aidan Nesbitt shot which flew wide of the goal.

McAdams had to look lively at the other end to prevent McCowan and Walsh extending the Honest Men's advantage, but Smith put the seal on it with three minutes left when he fired home after being teed up by Michael Moffat.

Morton now travel to Inverness on Tuesday and with no wins in 10 matches they are facing an almighty battle to save their season.