ANGRY Ayr United skipper Ross Docherty and caretaker boss Sandy Stewart hit out at a key refereeing decision which cost their side as they went down 2-0 at home to Inverness Caley Thistle.

But they admitted wasted chances cost the team dear as they missed an opportunity to leapfrog Dundee United into top spot in the Ladbrokes Championship.

Docherty said: “For the first goal there was a foul on me in the build-up, but it wasn’t picked up.”

Added Stewart: “We should have had a free-kick for a foul on Danny Harvie in the build up to the first goal.

“Jordan Wright put his knee into Danny’s back.

“But the referee has his opinion and I have my opinion.”

The captain said: “It’s frustrating getting beaten 2-0 when you can’t say they were miles better than us.

“If we had taken our chances early in the game we could have gone on to win or it’s more comfortable.

“They are physical but didn’t outmuscle us.

“Fair play to Inverness for taking their chances.

“To say we’re gutted that we’re not top of the league shows how far we have come.”

Stewart admitted the defeat was hard to take.

He added: “After the vein of form we’re in, it’s disappointing to lose 2-0 at home.

“Goals change games - we had two excellent opportunities early on and we should have scored from them.

“We had a couple of chances in the second half before they scored again.

“The second goal was an eight-yard punt up the pitch which we should have dealt with.

“We were chasing the game and made good chances but were so slack in possession.

“Luke McCowan missed a great opportunity in the second half, he’s a young lad but knows himself.

“You must bury your chances.”

Asked if he was still hopeful he would land the job, Stewart, who has one more game in temporary charge away to Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday, said: “I’m in exactly the same place, my remit hasn’t changed.”