Caley Thistle are guaranteed a place in the promotion play-offs despite going down 2-0 at home to Dundee United in the Championship.
A goal in each half from Pavol Safranko and Paul McMullan were enough for United to secure the three points, which delays confirmation of Ross County’s title triumph.
Despite Inverness’ loss, Dunfermline’s 2-0 defeat to Queen of the South means John Robertson’s men will finish in the top-four, where they will face Ayr United in the opening round of the play-offs.
Inverness made one change from the side which drew 2-2 with Morton at Cappielow on Tuesday, with Tom Walsh restored in place of teenager Anthony McDonald.
Both sides had chances in the opening stages, with United defender Mark Connolly seeing an effort deflected wide by Charlie Trafford, while at the other end Walsh saw an acrobatic strike held by Benjamin Siegrist.
Safranko was a lively presence up front for United, with a low strike from the edge of the box palmed around the post by Cammy Mackay, while Siegrist was once again called into action to divert Walsh’s long range strike over the bar.
United took the lead in spectacular fashion on 27 minutes however, with Peter Pawlett teeing up Safranko to unleash a half volley into Mackay’s right hand corner from just inside the box.
Inverness were close to a leveller just three minutes later when Jamie McCart nodded a Joe Chalmers free kick inches wide, however the visitors nearly doubled their advantage on 31 minutes when Paul Watson headed Ian Harkes’ corner off the crossbar.
United doubled their lead in controversial circumstances on 50 minutes, with McMullan driving through the Caley Jags defence amidst claims he handled the ball in the build up, before slotting past the onrushing Mackay.
Aaron Doran could have pulled one back within seconds, only to see his low shot cleared off the line by Connolly, while at the other end United were close to netting a third when Jamie Robson’s effort beat Mackay, but was met by a goalline clearance from Shaun Rooney.
Caley Jags closest to a consolation came on 82 minutes, when substitute McDonald ghosted past numerous United defenders before slotting a shot wide of target.
Defender Mckay was dismissed in the dying moments after being shown two yellow cards in quick succession, having initially looked to have been booked for simulation before protesting Greg Aitken’s decision.
White was twice denied by Siegrist in stoppage time but United held on for the points.
