Ayr United 0-0 Dundee United: Championship lead cut to 16 points

Lawrence Shankland (centre) could not add to his 29 goals this season against his former club

Dundee United's imposing lead at the top of the Scottish Championship has been cut to 16 points after a goalless draw away to third-top Ayr United.

A late winner over Greenock Morton means Inverness Caledonian Thistle chip away at the Tannadice side's advantage and go three clear of Ayr.

Ayr's Stephen Kelly fired the best first-half chance wide from an angle.

Visiting midfielder Ian Harkes blew a great chance after the break from a mishit back pass from Ross Doohan.

Sam Roscoe's spectacular overhead flew over for the hosts, while Aaron Drinan fired wide and Jordan Houston could not direct a header home as Ayr went three home games without a win.

United have also not now won in four away games but still retain an ominous advantage at the top.

Ayr United manager Mark Kerr: "I thought we were on top for the last part of the second half. We pushed and tried to put pressure on Dundee United.

"I thought we fought well. We didn't deserve to get beat and stayed solid and did our job. We dealt with the threat of Lawrence Shankland and came away with a clean sheet which is positive."

Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson: "It's a very, very tough place to come. We have to accept the point, it's another one on the board, another game down.

"Everyone is dropping points. That's the nature of being in a 10-team league. We managed a sustained period earlier in the season and if we get back to that we'll be comfortable.'"