Inverness CT 1-2 Ayr United: Lee Bullen's side finish second with 88th-minute winner

Mark McKenzie's late strike sparked jubilant scenes as Ayr clinched a play-off spot

Mark McKenzie's 88th-minute strike propelled Ayr United from fifth to second and into the Scottish Championship play-offs as Scottish Cup finalists Inverness Caledonian Thistle missed out.

Josh Mullin's fine first-half finish had Ayr in control and on course for second, only for Nathan Shaw to score for Inverness on 81 minutes and put both teams out of the top four.

But McKenzie finished from Daire O'Connor's cross to propel Ayr back up the table.

That sparked wild scenes from the travelling fans and their side held on to ensure they go straight to the semi-finals of the play-offs, where they will face either Queen's Park or Partick Thistle.

Inverness had made a late charge for the play-offs, but finish sixth and are left to rue an injury-hit season, though they have the consolation of the Scottish Cup final against Celtic on 3 June.

• Reaction & as it happened

Lee Bullen, Ayr United manager: "I think both teams played a massive part in that game, [it was] an emotional rollercoaster. I do feel for [Inverness manager] Billy [Dodds], yes obviously we are absolutely delighted to get there.

"But his team in that second half, I thought we controlled the first half, but his team in that second half deserve a lot credit."