Caley Thistle climbed back into the play-off places thanks to a 2-1 win over Morton.
Tom Walsh put the Caley Jags in front with his fifth goal in four games and despite Sean Welsh missing a penalty, they went 2-0 up through Aaron Doran after the break.
Scott Tiffoney gave ‘Ton a lifeline with 17 minutes to go and even though they were down to 10 men after Kerr Waddell was sent off, it took numerous key saves from Mark Ridgers to hold them at bay.
Caley Thistle were unchanged from the side that drew 1-1 with Dundee United last weekend, while Morton included former Inverness striker Connor Bell on the bench.
A promising start from the home side was nearly rewarded with the opener five minutes in, as Michael Tidser found space for a shot that Mark Ridgers got down to parry.
But it was Caley Thistle who took the lead on 17 minutes with a well-worked goal from Tom Walsh. Jamie McCart’s pass was chested on by George Oakley to Liam Polworth, with his first-time pass picking out Walsh in behind to slot home.
They should have had a second on 20 minutes as Brad Mckay was picked out from Polworth’s corner but the centre-back failed to connect cleanly from five yards.
Another smart save from Ridgers preserved the visitors’ lead soon after as Bob McHugh was able to get a goal-bound shot away, which the goalkeeper did well to claw away.
Morton were reduced to 10 men on 34 minutes when Waddell lost track of George Oakley and he was able to get round the centre-half, only to be dragged down. Waddell was dismissed and Inverness had the chance to go two up from the spot, but Welsh hit the post with his penalty.
The lead was eventually doubled on 49 minutes as a short-corner routine involving Polworth and Walsh saw the latter’s near-post cross headed in by Doran.
The Irish winger missed an opportunity for a second six minutes later as he chipped on to the roof of the net, after Jordan White had played him in.
Walsh wasted a glorious chance to get his second when Polworth played him to the right side of goal. Instead of aiming either side of Gaston, he blazed high over the top.
Caley Thistle remained sharp at the back to keep their clean sheet as Ridgers blocked McHugh’s initial effort then Mckay threw himself in the way of Tiffoney’s rebound.
Tiffoney got his goal with 17 minutes to go with a wonderful solo run, skipping past several defenders before beating Ridgers from the edge of the box.
Inverness threatened to throw away their advantage in the 82nd minute as Reece Lyon climbed highest to direct a header towards the bottom corner. However, Ridgers somehow clawed it away to bail out his side again and preserve the three points.
