Ayr striker Scott Tiffoney had an angled shot saved before Stephen Kelly fired over the crossbar following a swift break.

The hosts pressed again in the second half as McGowan's header was saved and a shot on the turn from Andrew Nelson deflected just wide.

Defender Jordon Forster had an effort cleared off the line from a corner before substitute Oliver Crankshaw added a second from close range in stoppage time.

Defeat leaves Ayr fourth in the table, three points ahead of Dunfermline and with a match in hand.