The break-up in the title race after 10 games on the trot is fraught with uncertainty, with a similar strategy to follow in February and March, and must surely strengthen the argument for a more positive fixture list.

Gala coach George Graham, who saw his side disintegrate against sides challenging for the championship, having lost their previous two games to Melrose and Heriot’s, said: “But we are in a transitional period at present. We have no excuses. We are where we are. We will recharge our batteries and will be back.

“It was massively disappointing to lose the game. The number of unenforced errors killed us. We could not sustain the ball and keep the pressure on.

“Ayr have a very exciting back line and are very dangerous when they their hands on the ball, and we gave them it too many times to let them execute what they are good at.

“We are going to give our players a week off and then maybe arrange a game after that before we play Kelso in the Border League.” Even the inclusion of the Young twins, Gregor and Lewis, as well as Grayson Hart could not inspire the home side, who also appear to be lacking a bit of confidence.

Like Graham, Ayr coach Calum Forrester is giving his players some time off. “We do not have any matches, but Gala will have Border League games. I do not particularly think that will be an advantage and our guys, who have been carrying injuries, will get a chance to recover.” Ross Curle, a threat throughout the game, kicked an early penalty before Gala went ahead for the only time in the game when Lewis Young sprinted over after a series of scrums and Craig Dods converted.

However, Ayr’s dominance was rewarded when Blair Macpherson and then Craig Gossman exposed the Gala defence and Curle converted one.

Gossman added a second before being yellow-carded by referee Lloyd Linton for tackle on Lewis Young.

Euan Dods gave Gala hope with a try and Craig Dods converted. But with two minutes left, Robert McAlpine added the extra point and Curle brought his tally to 12 points.

The Premiership does not resume until November 29 – and it gets no easier for Gala. Next up are Currie and Glasgow Hawks on successive Saturdays, and both away from home.

Gala: C. Dods; L. Young, G. Young, A. Emond, G. Speirs; R. Howarth, George Graham; L. Pettie, R. Anderson, G. Robertson, C. Weir, O. Palepoi, George Graham, E. Dods, S. Cairns. Replacements: E. Johnstone, C. Mackintosh, J. Irvine, G. Hart, S. Law.