Queen of the South opened up a 20-point lead at the top of the Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division with a routine 2-0 home win against Ayr.
Daniel Carmichael should have put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute but his right-footed effort flashed wide from six yards out
Christopher Higgins went even closer four minutes later with a header that struck the upright.
The Doonhamers eventually made the breakthrough on the stroke of half time when Carmichael presented Derek Lyle with a simple close-range header.
Carmichael was involved again after half time, this time releasing Gavin Reilly who doubled the hosts' lead with a clinical left-footed strike on the hour mark as Allan Johnston's men made their dominance count.
Honest Men striker Mark Roberts tried an audacious lob six minutes later which drew a save from Lee Robinson but the runaway leaders were able to coast to their 11th win in 12 games.
Another impressive display by Queens who could afford to rest McKenna and Young. Ayr offered very little up front and were subsequently overwhelmed in midfield with Burns and Mitchell outstanding.
Queens Mad man of the Match - Paul Burns - An outstanding display by the wiry man from Cumnock,
Image courtesy of www.qosfc.com