Ross County0–1Inverness CT

A derby match to forget with wind and rain spoiling any chance of a spectacle. The visitors had wind advantage in the first half and were well on top. Paul Sheerin tried a long range effort in 10 minutes but it swerved past the post. Nicky Walker saved a low Charlie Christie shot in 22 minutes then a minute later David Bagan hit it over the bar after good solo work. Roy McBain's winning goal came in 39 minutes after a short Sheerin corner and Martin Bavidge cross set up a goalmouth scramble. The ball came out to McBain on the 18 yard line and he fired into the roof of the net. In 42 minutes Bobby Mann tried a wind-assisted lob from the half-way line but Walker held it high. In the second half it was County's turn to press but the Caley Thistle defence held up well, Mann was in particularly good form. Personal feuds began to simmer but luckily they did not boil over. In 54 minutes Alex Bone turned and shot in the box but Richard Hastings deflected it for a corner. Jim Calder had to stretch to reach a low Bone ball in 76 minutes. A late County flurry of pressure nearly paid off and Calder did well to block a Darren Henderson close range shot with his legs. Brian Irvine sent two late headers over the bar but Caley Thistle held out to take the points.