Lee Bullen has demanded an immediate response after Ayr's flop at Arbroath last night.
The fuming boss branded United's Gayfield display "mediocre" as they fell to a 2-0 defeat in Angus.
Goals in either half from Dale Hilson and David Gold had Ayr well beaten on a night they could have moved within two points of the Championship summit.
But Bullen was left to hold a post match inquest after a flat performance which saw The Honest Men outfought for long spells.
He told the Ayrshire Post: "The two goals we lost were really disappointing and we never tested Derek Gaston at the other end of the park.
"Our decision making was really poor and we were passive, lacked aggression, and they deservedly got their goal to go ahead.
"We got in at half time and were able to regroup and started the second half okay but then we go and lose another really disappointing goal.
"The goals we lost were way too easy for them - and crosses came in to our box all night that should have been stopped."
Bullen and his coaching staff held a lengthy post-match debrief with the squad in the bowels of Gayfield.
The boss added: "I've asked the players for their input in the changing room and they are clearly very disappointed.
"There were a few home truths told and sometimes you need to get personal after that. I hold my hands up as well and say did I pick the right team tonight - I thought I did.
"Ultimately after the result you question yourself as a coach and manager as well.
"But after a disappointing result this season we've always managed to respond in the right manner and that's what we have to focus on for next week against Morton.
"We need to go out there and show the right levels of aggression or we'll be on the end of a similar result.
"Because tonight we go down the road really disappointed and I feel very sorry for the supporters who came up to witness that mediocre performance."
