Goals by Duncan and Iacovitti seals a massive victory in the relegation battle as the Staggies survival hopes strengthen.

Ayr were quickly in the attacking phase as a strike by Dempsey was deflected off a County defender which rattled the post to deny Ayr an early lead.

Ross County fired ahead after 3 minutes, Ryan Duncan who smashed it following a deflection into the bottom right hand corner following a corner as relegation worried County took a vital advantage.

A scrappy opening half hour with just the one goal, apart from that there hasn’t been many clear-cut chances as County still lead.

Ayr were nearly level, a scrappy moment in the box which was regained which landed to Liam Dick with his effort heading wide of goal which went out for a corner which was whipped in as Kevin Holt headed one off the bar to deny the equaliser.

It looked almost certain a second was coming as a free kick into the box and Iacovitti headed the ball into Wright with his effort somehow smashing wide of target.

Ayr were level after 40 minutes after a ball was crossed into the back post where Anton Dowds struck it in to damper County’s relegation hopes.

Into the second period, Ross county nearly restored their lead as a ball into the box found Randall but his tame effort was caught safely.

A dull second half as neither said have came close to creating any clear cut chances as both sides try and push to go ahead with the Staggies battling to keep their Championship status alive.

Ross County restored their lead after 69 minutes as Duncan worked his way onto the edge of the box, crossed the ball in and Iacovitti headed one home to keep their Championship dreams for next season alive.

Jamie Lindsay had a chance in the dying stages from distance but fired his effort a bit too high of target as they look to seal the victory in a fascinating relegation battle.

A massive win in the relegation fight for the hosts although they still remain bottom with Aidrie drawing with Partick Thistle. A massive game for County next week with Morton if they are to avoid the drop.

Ross County: Carson (6), Wright (6), Gallagher (6), Iacovitti (7), Randall (6), Docherty (6), Chilvers (7), Duncan (8), O’Sullivan (6), Carbon (6), Phillips (6).

Substitutes: Foster (6), Smith (7), White (6), Lindsay (6).

Ayr United: Mitchell (5), Dick (6), King (5), Holt (6), McMann (6), Dempsey (6), Bannigan (6), Rus (7), Summers (6), Murphy (6), Dowds (7).

Substitutes: Watret (5), McRoberts (5), Hislop (5).