St Johnstone extended their lead at the top of the William Hill Championship with a 3-1 victory over visiting Ayr.

Reece McAlear opened the scoring from the edge of the penalty area in the 16th minute, but the opener was cancelled out two minutes later by Ayr’s Liam Dick.

Cheick Diabate’s header restored St Johnstone’s lead three minutes before the break and Ruari Paton added the cushion with four minutes remaining in normal time.

The result moved St Johnstone five points clear of second-placed Partick Thistle after they played out a goalless draw with Arbroath, who have eight points fewer in third.

Arbroath could not take advantage of their extra man when Daniel O’Reilly was sent off for a high lunge in the 59th minute.

The sides saw out the stalemate with 10 men each after Thomas O’Brien was dismissed with four minutes remaining in the second half.

Oisin Smyth came closest to a late Thistle winner, twice rattling the crossbar in the closing stages.

Callumn Morrison’s 25th-minute penalty made the difference as Dunfermline secured a 1-0 victory over Queen’s Park at East End Park.

There was nearly a quick response to the opener when Seb Drozd hit the crossbar, but the visitors never found the finishing touch.

Bottom-of-the-table...