Falkirk netted in stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win against Caley Thistle which ends the Highlanders’ 25-match unbeaten run in the Championship.
Caley Jags had seen their early lead through Tom Walsh turned on its head through Zak Rudden’s double before the break, however George Oakley restored parity.
With the match destined for a draw, Bairns defender Scott Harrison bundled home from close range to secure the victory which takes Ray McKinnon’s men off the foot of the table.
The goal spells the end for Inverness’ undefeated league run, which stretches back to March, although John Robertson’s men remain fourth in the table.
Inverness made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Edinburgh City in the Scottish Cup the previous week, with George Oakley and Aaron Doran replacing Jordan White and the injured Nathan Austin.
Caley Jags made the perfect start, taking just five minutes to break the deadlock when Liam Polworth slotted the ball through to Walsh, who angled a low shot into Leo Fasan’s far corner from 14 yards.
Inverness looked comfortable in possession, however poor defending allowed the Bairns to draw level on 22 minutes. Deimantas Petravicius swung the ball in from the right flank, with Rudden left totally unmarked to steer a header past Mark Ridgers.
The goal was a blow to Caley Jags following their bright start, but they came close to regaining the lead when Doran saw a low strike blocked by the feet of Fasan following a lay-off from Walsh.
The Bairns turned the match on its head on 36 minutes however, with Rudden cutting inside Shaun Rooney before curling a shot into the far corner, which snuck in off Ridgers’ left-hand post despite the goalkeeper getting a strong hand to the ball.
Caley Jags looked to restore parity after the interval, with Oakley knocking an effort over from Rooney’s driven delivery, while substitute White nodded over from Walsh’s cross.
Falkirk forced Ridgers into action again when Paul Paton’s low strike was turned behind by the goalkeeper, denying the Bairns a vital third.
Inverness drew level on 61 minutes however, when Polworth’s corner was nodded goalwards by Rooney, with Oakley on hand to guide it home from point-blank range.
Caley Jags pushed for a winner, with Walsh seeing a shot fumbled by Fasan and White unable to turn home the rebound.
Falkirk won the game deep into stoppage time, when Harrison bundled home Paton’s free kick to seal the victory.
