Billy Mckay helped Caley Thistle to a superb 2-1 win against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, despite playing most of the second half with only 10 men.
David Raven was sent off for Inverness within two minutes of the restart for a last man challenge on Josh Magennis and Alexei Eremenko converted from the spot.
But Mckay restored parity after 54 minutes before winning the match with an excellent finish eight minutes from time.
Inverness made one change to the team that had defeated St Mirren 1-0 with Ross Draper reinstated at the expense of Ryan Christie, while James Vincent and Marley Watkins were notable absentees.
After netting in both of Caley Thistle’s previous two victories, Billy Mckay looked eager to continue his goalscoring run and only a last-ditch block from Killie’s stand-in captain Mark Connolly prevented the Northern Ireland international from adding another to his tally.
A rash challenge from David Raven on Killie midfielder Craig Slater incensed the home support, although referee Don Robertson deemed the tackle to merit only a yellow card rather than red.
The driving wind and rain was making life difficult for both sets of players but Alexei Eremenko produced a rare moment of excitement in the 34th minute with a blistering long range shot that was deflected narrowly over Dean Brill’s crossbar.
But after 45 dire first half minutes, the game sparked into life within 90 seconds of the second half when Raven brought down Josh Magennis as the former Aberdeen forward advanced on goal.
Referee Robertson pointed to the spot and Raven was already walking towards the tunnel before the red card had been shown.
Magennis wanted to take the penalty but was ordered to step aside with Eremenko entrusted with the responsibility of giving Killie the lead and he duly obliged.
But Caley Thistle didn’t take long to restore parity in spite of their numerical disadvantage.
Nick Ross sent the in-form Mckay through on goal and the Inverness forward showed fantastic composure to chip the ball over Chris Chantler before coolly slotting the ball past Craig Samson.
And Ross provided the ammunition again in the 82nd minute as the Caley Thistle forward won the game with a superb strike.