Jordan White’s header gave Caley Thistle all three points against Ayr United at Caledonian Stadium.
Inverness were worth their win against the injury-ravaged Honest Men who lacked a cutting edge in the blustery conditions in the Highlands.
Caley Thistle made one change with Brad McKay missing out due to suspension. His place was taken by Kevin McHattie who made his first start.
Ayr United were without six players including the division’s leading goalscorer, former Don Lawrence Shankland. Ian McCall made three changes with David Ferguson, Ross Docherty and Andy Geggan coming in for the injured Liam Smith and Mark Kerr and the suspended Andy Murdoch.
Inverness started brightly but it was the visitors who came close to breaking the deadlock when Michael Moffat ran clear but, under pressure from Carl Tremarco, his shot was saved by Mark Ridgers.
Caley Jags shrugged off the early chance for the visitors by striking the post through Aaron Doran but for all their pressure around the Honest Men’s box they failed trouble Ross Doohan in the visitors’ goal.
The second half was a more open game with both sides committed to pushing men forward and visiting goalkeeper Ross Doohan denied Jordan White before tipping a Tom Walsh curling effort past the post.
The home side was not to be denied, however, and the Inverness players’ perseverance paid off in the 65th minute when Sean Welsh crossed for Jordan White to beat Doohan with a glancing header.
