Inverness CT2–1Arbroath

The scoreline does not reflect Caley Thistle's superiority in this game. Arbroath played a defensive game and rarely threatened the home goal. In two minutes Duncan Shearer headed over after a Barry Wilson cross from the right. In 19 minutes Arbroath keeper Craig Wight did well to hold a 14 yard Scott McLean drive. In 42 minutes a fierce 25 yard Mike Teasdale shot came off the outside of the left-hand post. Just before half time Caley Thistle were rewarded with a bizarre own-goal. A Sheerin angled drive was heading past the far post when it struck John Crawford and went into the net. After the break Paul Cherry sent a powerful header over the bar just before Arbroath had a rare chance. Jerry O'Driscoll gathered a loose ball and headed for goal. He was stopped by a brilliant Mark McCulloch tackle. Victory was sealed in 56 minutes when Paul Sheerin sent Richard Hastings clear down the left wing and his pin-point cross was headed home by Duncan Shearer. Caley Thistle should have had a penalty in 74 minutes when Crawford clearly handled in the box. Arbroath scored an undeserved consolation in the final minute when John Gallagher weaved past three defenders and lifted the ball into the net from 10 yards.