MICHAEL Moffat hit a second-half double as Ayr United avoided a potential cup shock after trailing at the interval to Inverness Clachnacuddin.
The Highlanders silenced Somerset Park after Scott Graham's 14th-minute strike broke the deadlock. Ayr's problems increased when skipper John Robertson lasted only 22 minutes before taking a knock and being replaced by namesake Ross. The home side stepped up the pressure, but Mark Shankland and player-manager Mark Roberts both squandered chances to level the match before the break.
The equaliser eventually came in the 49th minute when Moffat headed home Robertson's cross from close range.
Ayr then nosed in front 10 minutes later when substitute David Winters was brought down by keeper John Campbell and Moffat fired home the penalty.
Ayr manager Roberts said: "Rangers away in the next round would be great from both the financial and playing side."
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