Iain Vigurs’ double helped Caley Thistle return to winning ways, with a deserved 2-1 win against Kilmarnock.
The Highlanders looked the better side throughout, with Vigurs’ two first-half goals putting them in command.
Although Killie captain Mark Connolly netted a late consolation, Inverness held on for the win that moves them up to seventh in the Premiership.
Inverness were dealt a huge blow, with influential midfielder Ross Draper ruled out through an ankle injury. He was replaced by Nat Wedderburn, in for his first start since the opening day loss against Motherwell.
Kilmarnock were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Dundee United, in a match that saw on-loan defender Stuart Findlay red carded. He was replaced by Kevin McHattie in manager Gary Locke’s only change.
Kilmarnock created the first chance of the game when Kris Boyd was sent through on goal, but chipped well wide from 20 yards.
Inverness were gifted the lead on 15 minutes though, thanks to a woeful defensive error by the visitors. McHattie and Conrad Balatoni dithered over the ball on the byline, with Liam Polworth stepping in to dispossess them before squaring for Vigurs to tap in from close-range.
The goal came as a boost for the home side, with the closest Killie came to levelling came when Boyd flashed a free-kick over the bar.
Caley Thistle added a second goal on 32 minutes, when Miles Storey cut the ball back from the wide right, with James Vincent dummying for Vigurs to sidefoot in off the post from 12 yards.
Chances were few and far between after the break, with Gary Warren forced to make a last gasp block to thwart Jamie Hamill’s thundering effort.
Caley Jags’ best opportunity to add a third came when Polworth ran in on goal, but could only strike it into the side-netting.
Killie netted a late consolation when Steven Smith’s corner made its way through to the far post, where Connolly was on hand to steer the ball home.