East Fife boss Gary Naysmith claimed fresh faces are needed after watching his side slump to defeat in their last match of 2013.
A brace from Michael Moffat gave the home side victory, yet there were still encouraging signs for the Methil manager to take.
Naysmith said: “We were the better side for the first 30 minutes, then shot ourselves in the foot by giving away a penalty when we should have cleared our lines.
“After that we lost our way. We tried to regroup at half-time but never really got going and didn’t do enough in the second half to deserve to win.
“We’ve just been taking the wrong options and lacking a little bit of luck. The goals we gave away were disappointing but I don’t think they had a shot until the penalty, so I’m quite happy that we’ve come away from home against a team that’s going well and done that.”
The rookie manager would like to make several additions next month, but won’t be signing anyone just to appease the fans.
Loan restrictions and a tight budget will make it hard to bring players in.
Naysmith said: “I’d like to bring in some fresh faces but it’s difficult. I think the club needs it and it would help the current players.
“Everybody gets a lift from a new face but you’ve got to make sure it’s the right type of player and it’s not just for the sake of the fans to think you’re doing something.”
Naysmith himself hasn’t featured yet, and the 35-year-old ex-Scotland international admits he is uncertain if he will continue as a player for the club.
The decision will be made in about a month, when he expects to return to full fitness after a calf injury.
Ayr were set on the road to victory on 32 minutes when Moffat tapped in the rebound after his penalty had been parried by Greig Paterson.
Pat Clarke almost levelled for East Fife when he shot wide with just the keeper to beat but Moffat sealed the points with his 17 goal of the season.