Ayr pulled clear of fellow strugglers Inverness as they claimed a 2-1 win in the cinch Championship relegation battle.

The visitors got off to a flying start when George Stanger headed in a Harry McHugh cross in the fifth minute.

Inverness, who remain second from bottom, responded well and, after James Carragher had sent a header inches wide from a free-kick, they levelled in first-half stoppage time when Billy McKay scored from the penalty spot.

Ayr regained the lead just after the hour mark through Fraser Bryden’s close-range finish from Anton Dowds’ pass.

Cammy Kerr fired wide for Caley Thistle, while at the other end Mark Ridgers pulled off a decent save to prevent Jamie Murphy from sealing the points for Ayr.