Inverness CT1–0Ayr United

These teams had already shared 25 goals this season so an open game and goals were expected. In the end only a single goal separated the sides, the scorer was only confirmed later from TV pictures. The first half was very even and neither keeper was really tested. Ayr seemed to score a legitimate goal in 36 minutes when Mark Campbell netted with a powerful 6 yard header after a Gary Teale corner. It was chalked off for pushing in the box but the decision seemed very harsh. Caley Thistle took control in the second half but Craig Nelson kept a clean sheet until late in the game with several good stops. In 50 minutes Dennis Wyness sent in a 20 yard shot but Nelson dived to save. Substitute Neil MacDonald tried to repeat last weeks wonder goal when he hit an angled ball from the right in 69 minutes, Nelson again saved well. Barry Robson was set up by Wyness in 72 minutes but he volleyed wide. With 10 minutes left Mann hit a 30 yard free kick goalwards but Nelson made an excellent diving save. The winning goal came seconds later after a Robson corner on the right. Mann sent it goalwards with his knee and it was flicked past Nelson by Wyness. It was first credited to Mann but Wyness was confirmed later as having made the last touch. In the 84th minute David Bagan sent a free kick into the goalmouth and in the resultant confusion an own goal was nearly scored but it was eventually scrambled for a corner. As time ran out Caley Thistle pressed hard for a second and in the last minute a Mann header was cleared off the line. Ayr had hoped for better with Livingston playing in the Scottish Cup semi-final but this defeat severely dented their championship hopes.