Caley Thistle moved joint-top of the Premiership table with a hard-fought 1-0 win against a poor Dundee United side.
Marley Watkins’ strike after 10 minutes was the difference between the two sides, with United failing to put their hosts under enough pressure to suggest a response was likely.
The Caley Jags were thoroughly deserving of the three points that move them level with Hamilton on goal difference following Accies’ defeat against Dundee.
Inverness made one change from the side that defeated St Mirren last weekend, with the suspended Ryan Christie replaced by James Vincent.
United travelled without Mark Wilson and Paul Paton due to the pair being at the centre of a club investigation into their conduct, with the latter dropping out for Ryan Dow in Jackie McNamara’s only change.
The Tangerines began the better of the two sides, with Chris Erskine at the heart of their early attacking threat. The midfielder firstly scooped over from the left angle of the box, before hitting the post with a low drive.
However Caley Thistle responded well to the early threat, and took the lead after 10 minutes. Greg Tansey swung an inch-perfect cross into the run of Marley Watkins, who stroked home from close-range.
The hosts took control of the remainder of the first-half, with Danny Williams’ powerful shot being blocked by Sean Dillon, before Josh Meekings’ header came back off the post.
Inverness had to be wary of the threat of their visitors, with Callum Morris nodding over when unmarked at a corner, shortly after Ross Draper had done likewise at the other end.
Billy Mckay hasn’t scored since the opening day of the season, but was presented with a great chance to end that hoodoo when put through by Graeme Shinnie’s pass.
However, the Northern Irishman’s weak effort was comfortably gathered by Radoslaw Cierzniak.
Mckay was again thwarted by the keeper when his low drive from the left angle of the box was turned behind.
However, the second-half lacked the same punch as the previous 45 minutes, with the Caley Jags holding their lead relatively comfortably.