Caley Thistle fell to defeat at the Caledonian Stadium as goals from George Stanger and Fraser Bryden gave Ayr United all three points.
Billy Mckay had levelled things with a penalty right on the half-time whistle.
Caley Thistle started well as Max Anderson saw an effort turned behind by Josh Clarke after just three minutes.
However, it was the visitors that took the lead after just 5 minutes as George Stanger got on the end of Harry McHugh’s cross in the box and finished from close range.
Caley Thistle responded well to going behind as both James Carragher and Alex Samuel saw efforts go over and wide in search of an equaliser.
It was a tight affair for the remainder of the first-half, Ayr went close again through Harry McHugh as he blasted a free-kick over the bar.
Caley Thistle were awarded a penalty kick in the last remaining moment of the first-half. Billy Mckay was fouled by Harry McHugh in the box and referee Iain Snedden pointed to the spot.
Mckay stepped up and converted the penalty to make the game level going into the break.
The second-half started in the same way as the first-half closed, with it being a tight affair. Ayr United were able to restore their lead after 61 minutes on the clock through Fraser Bryden as he met Anton Dowds cross in the box after a worked free-kick.
After 71 minutes, Cameron Harper’s corner made its way to Cammy Kerr just outside the box but his effort was well wide.
Jamie Murphy was close to making it 3-1 with just ten minutes on the clock, he was palyed clean through on goal via an Ayr United counter attack but his effort was superbly kept out by Mark Ridgers.
Caley Thistle now travel to Dundee United next weekend.