Brad McKay’s first-half own goal proved the difference as Caley Thistle fell to an unfortunate 1-0 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox.
Inverness responded well to the 13th minute setback and created several chances to equalise in their Christmas Eve encounter, but Richie Foran’s men could not find a way past Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, meaning they remain bottom of the Premiership on goal difference.
Inverness made one enforced change from the side that drew 1-1 against Kilmarnock last weekend, with Lewis Horner out with knee ligament damage and replaced by the returning Liam Polworth.
Caley Thistle had a superb chance to take the lead on 12 minutes when Greg Tansey swung the ball in for Lonsana Doumbouya, but the Guinea international saw his headed effort well thwarted by goalkeeper Foderingham.
The Gers took full advantage by taking the lead less than 60 seconds later, as Martyn Waghorn burst past the visitors’ defence before cutting the ball back, with the unfortunate McKay seeing it cannon off his body and into the net.
Caley Jags had a chance to level soon after the setback, with Larnell Cole again calling Foderinhgam into action with a low strike from the edge of the box which was gathered at the second attempt by the goalkeeper.
Inverness had Owain Fon Williams to thank for keeping the scoreline down to 1-0 on 25 minutes, as he made a crucial fingertip save to deny Andy Halliday from long-range.
It was the Highlanders who finished the first-half on top however, with Tansey unfortunate to see his drilled low effort tipped wide by hand of Foderingham, before Liam Polworth lashed the ball wide, with Foderingham all at sea after being beaten to the ball by Cole, on the stroke of half-time.
There were precious few openings in the early part of the second-half, with Rangers attacker Joe Garner nodding wide on 67 minutes, before Caley Jags skipper Gary Warren flashed a header over from Iain Vigurs’ free-kick moments later.
Fon Williams made another smart save to thwart Jason Holt, while Inverness substitute Alex Fisher saw his late strike palmed over by Foderingham as the visitors probed for an equaliser, however their efforts were in vain.
