Caley Thistle started their Championship campaign on a winning note after George Oakley’s early goal secured a 1-0 victory over Falkirk.
Oakley struck after 10 minutes with the strike proving decisive in Inverness’ first league game of the season, against a much-changed Bairns side who fielded nine of their 15 summer signings.
Paul Hartley’s men had the ball in the net midway through the second half when Scott Harrison headed home, however referee Steven MacLean disallowed the goal.
John Robertson made two changes from the side that was defeated 5-0 by Hearts at Tynecastle the previous weekend, with Nathan Austin and George Oakley replacing Jordan White and Aaron Doran.
Falkirk began brightly and nearly got a shot away within the opening minute, with Carl Tremarco doing well to prevent Deimantas Petravicius from pulling the trigger.
Inverness settled into their stride however, and Inverness settled, and made an ideal start by taking the lead after 10 minutes. Tom Walsh supplied a low cross from the left hand side, with Oakley on hand to meet it with a composed 10-yard finish past Leo Fasan.
The visitors took command, with Liam Polworth seeing a long-range shot drift well over the bar on 25 minutes, before another Walsh cross was nodded wide of the target by Oakley.
Caley Jags spurned a fine chance to double their lead on 54 minutes when a mix-up between defenders Tom Dallison and Harrison allowed Austin through on goal, however the former Bairns striker was denied by Fasan who was out sharply to block his effort.
The save looked to be all the more crucial when Falkirk had the ball in the net on 58 minutes, with Harrison getting on the end of Andrew Irving’s free kick, but despite Inverness being just about ready to restart play, referee Steven MacLean pulled it back for a foul.
Inverness came close again on 76 minutes when Shaun Rooney headed Polworth’s corner just past the post, while at the other end Jordan McGhee nodded wide.
Caley Jags nearly added a second goal in stoppage time when substitute Sean Welsh teed up Polworth for a strike which flew narrowly wide, however one goal proved enough for Robertson’s men.
