But on 36 minutes Dundee went ahead with a stunning goal Paul McMullan picked up the ball on the half way line carried the ball and from 30 yards unleashed a unstoppable shot which flew into the net.
Minutes later McMullan hit the side netting, Ayr did have a couple of chances but failed to take them in the first half.
Second half and two changes for Dundee with Sheridan and Rudden replaced by Josh Mulligan and Zach Robinson. It paid off a few minutes later when Josh Mulligan won the ball and drove forward before laying to McCowan wide left, he picked out Jordan McGhee and when his effort was saved Robinson was on hand to turn home with one of his first touches.
Soon after and could have been 3-0 when McGhee was denied a goal when Albison saved well. Ayr United then scored to be back in the game. A good move was finished by Mullin
Dundee played well after the goal and could have scored a couple of more goals. One which Mulligan just missed the target after a lot of Dundee pressure.
Zach Robinson was twice denied when Albinson saved well and had a late header also saved. Ayr could have grabbed a late goal but it when over the Dundee bar and the full three points stayed at Dens Park.
A fine win and it will move Dundee closer point wise to the top of the league.
Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Sweeney, McGhee, Marshall, McMullan (Jakubiakat 90), French, Grayson,
McCowan (Cameron 82) Rudden (Mulligan 45)Sheridan (Robinson 45} Unused Subs: Byrne,
Williamson, Anderson, Strachan, Sharp
Referee: Grant Irvine
Att: 4,490
