Caley Thistle strengthened their grip on the Championship promotion play-off spots with a 1-0 victory against Ayr United at Somerset Park.
Substitute Brad Mckay netted the decisive goal midway through the first half, which moved John Robertson’s men above Ayr into third – and crucially eight points clear of Dunfermline in their bid to seal a top four place.
With four league matches remaining, Inverness’ focus will now turn to next Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi final against Hearts at Hampden Park.
Caley Jags made three changes from the side which went down 2-1 against Ross County in midweek, with Shaun Rooney, Kevin McHattie and Nathan Austin drafted in for Jamie McCart, Mckay and the suspended Charlie Trafford.
Inverness were gifted an excellent early chance to take the lead when Austin was felled by Ross Doohan as he latched on to Liam Polworth’s pass, however on-form Doran saw his spot-kick thwarted by the legs of the on-loan Celtic goalkeeper.
Ayr were lifted by Doohan’s save, with Calvin Miller’s strike headed off the line by Austin, however Caley Jags continued to threaten, with Doran seeing a strike from the edge of the box drift just over before nodding Tom Walsh’s cross wide.
Ayr had a fine chance on the half hour mark when Miller nodded wide from Nicky Cadden’s delivery which broke to him just six yards from goal, while at the other end Doohan made another fine save to thwart Walsh’s low strike.
Ayr threatened early in the second half when Miller ran through on goal, but could not keep his effort on target from an acute angle, before Coll Donaldson needed to be alert to block Ross Docherty’s powerful effort after Mark Ridgers had punched clear a corner. Ayr kept up the pressure, with Steven Bell seeing an effort hacked off the line by Rooney.
Inverness were dealt a blow just after the hour mark when Coll Donaldson – already suspended for next weekend’s semi final – limped off with a leg injury following a set piece, with Mckay brought on in his place.
The Honest Men came within inches of an opener moments later, with the lively Miller cutting back for Andy Geggan, with his first time shot whistling inches over the bar.
Mckay made the breakthrough for the visitors just four minutes after entering the field, with Michael Rose failing to clear Joe Chalmers’ free kick, which allowed the defender to rifle home from point-blank range.
Jordan White saw an effort comfortably held by Doohan, while Ridgers saved well from Declan McDaid, however Inverness held on for an important three points.
