Harper is the hero as Caley Thistle stun Ayr

CAMERON HARPER made it three away victories on the trot for Inverness Caley Thistle to leave Ayr stunned after the home team had dominated for long spells.

United forced 20 corners but were rocked two minutes after the break when Harper headed a shock winner to give the Highlanders the spoils.

Ayr head coach Lee Bullen claimed: ‘If ever there was a game that summed up the Championship and how ruthless it is, that was it today.

‘We were so far ahead but this is a game of concentration — but then one slip left us chasing the game.’

Ayr’s best chance fell to Mark McKenzie only three yards out but the striker failed to hit the target.

It was a costly miss as Caley punished Ayr by taking the lead on 47 minutes. Steven Boyd’s clever ball was perfect for Harper, who glanced a header beyond the reach of the diving Charlie Albinson.

Goal hero Harper was a lastminute saviour when he cleared an effort off the line.

Caley boss Billy Dodds admitted: ‘We weren’t at our best but we ground out a win.’