O'Neill was not only heartened by the performance, but equally so the manner in which it was achieved.

"This could have been a really difficult fixture for us, as any side coming of the back of a result like they had last week (a three-two win at Raith Rovers) has the potential to cause you problems.

"In all honesty, we were very comfortable and to be brutally frank, we should have won by a much greater margin than even three-nil. But that takes nothing away from the effort and application of the players, who, in the first half especially, gave another great account of themselves.

"Once again our start to the game was very bright and very positive and that set the tone for us.

"Kevin (Byers) got us off to a great start and our second goal was a tremendous piece of football involving Charlie King, Darren Smith and Michael Paton.

"We passed the ball very well for the second goal, which wasn't easy as Somerset Park wasn't as firm as it normally is and it made the conditions for both sides difficult.

"Michael's goal will do wonders for his confidence. He has been running himself into the ground for us and I really feel the whole team has benefited from his inclusion, as he gives us so many options when it comes to getting the ball forward.

"I really felt we were comfortable throughout the team. I think Craig Nelson had one save to make in the first half and obviously the penalty save in the second, which was top notch. I was delighted for him, not only because he made such a fantastic job of stopping the penalty, but because he kept a clean sheet and our performances in recent weeks have warranted more of them. So Craig certainly deserves that.

"The referee was well up with play throughout the game and I felt the only mistake he made was with the penalty, but it was a difficult one for him to call.

"He was big enough to admit to David Murie after the game that had he made a mistake he would apologise for it and you can't ask for more honesty than that. Thankfully, it didn't have a bearing on the final outcome.

"Davie White and John Ward both looked assured again and that is very pleasing. There was the potential for us to go on and score a few more goals. I think even our biggest critics would accept, however, that going to Ayr United and winning by three goals isn't a bad result.

"John played on with a broken nose and that really says it all about him. He wasn't interested in coming off. He just wanted to continued playing and I think that sort of commitment underlines the sort of commitment we are getting from the players at present."

The manager also had praise for Charlie King, who went close to increasing his 11 goal tally in both the first half and the second.
"He put in an excellent shift again. I know he enjoyed playing further forward, but to be honest, his attitude and work-rate since we have moved him into a deeper role has been exceptional.

"The competition for places is becoming more and more intense at the minute. Gary Fusco could be available for the Alloa game and we had young Nicky Walker coming on and grabbing his first goal for the club.

"He is another player who gives us more competition for a place in the team, because he can play up front or in a wider role, and I was delighted for him.

"It's great to have a settled team just now. The thing about that is you know you will have unhappy players who all want to be playing and we have a situation where we have lots of guys who aren't in the starting line-up just now who are knocking on the door to get back in. That undoubtedly helps those in the side stay on their toes."

There is no let up in City's fixtures, where gaining three points continue to be vital. Following Ross County's visit on Tuesday evening, Alloa Athletic come to Glebe Park on Saturday and are nip and tuck with City in the chase for a promotion play-off spot.

"Alan Maitland always has his sides well organised and they are always a threat, especially at set pieces.

"From our point of view, we should be approaching every game in the same manner at present.

"We need to continue to show the same excellent work ethic we have done over the last few weeks and be as clinical as we can when the opportunity arises."

A reminder that Brechin City Youths will be admitted free of charge to the Brechin City v Alloa fixture on production of their membership cards.