Lee Bullen admits his slow starting Ayr players must snap their habit on the big stage at Dunfermline tomorrow.
United have lost the first goal in a staggering 28 games in all competitions this season.
Head coach Bullen is fed up with his team having to prove themselves comeback kings, as they did against Inverness last week.
And he knows a fast start will be vital in the relegation crunch at East End Park.
He said: "Our boys have shown a lot of resilience lately and that will stand us in good stead.
"And I would rather be in our position than Dunfermline's.
"What angers me is we can produce the type of performance we did in the second half [against Inverness] and if we did that consistently we'd be pushing towards the top end of the league.
"We wouldn't be going into the final three games worrying about dropping out of the league.
"It's a whole different animal of a team during these comebacks and you can keep patting people on the back for that before you eventually have to take a stand.
"The players know what they can produce on their day as well."
Ayr head for Fife with a three point advantage over the Pars and know their season is on a knife-edge.
Bullen added: "It's an exciting fixture for both sets of players and fans.
"We're not going up there to play for a draw.
"These are the kind of games you want to be involved in as players - and you have to embrace it.
"Big games with big crowds bring a special type of pressure and you have to handle it.
"It's important we play with a calmness and approach it in the right manner.
"I watched Dunfermline against Raith and it was a magnificent atmosphere.
"We know it will be the same on Saturday and our fans, especially away from home, have been great.
"Every one of them will count on Saturday and they can make the difference.
"As players and coaching staff, we appreciate them so much.
"It's up to us to give them something to cheer about at East End."
Andy Murdoch is back in training with United hopeful he will win his fitness race to return to midfield.
Jordan Houston is also expected to make it after coming off early as a precaution against Caley.
Tomi Adeloye and Daire O'Connor are among those pushing for starts after big performances from the bench in the comeback against the Highlanders.
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