Jordan Preston scored twice for Ayr United as they moved into second place in Scottish League One with a comfortable victory over Stenhousemuir.

Preston opened the scoring on three minutes as his effort proved too good for Jamie Barclay.

The Blackburn Rovers loanee was denied a second goal on 16 minutes when the Stenhousemuir stopper kept out his shot.

Instead, it was Stenny who equalised when Euan Murray turned Alan Cook's corner beyond the reach of Greg Fleming.

However, Ayr restored their lead on 26 minutes through Craig Moore before Barclay inadvertently put through his own net to increase the home side's advantage going into the break.

Within seconds of the restart, Preston scored his second of the evening to all but secure victory before Ross Caldwell added a fifth for the hosts.

Liam McCroary netted a second for Stenhousemuir, but it proved to be only a consolation as Ayr moved level on points with leaders Forfar.