Dundee came back down to Earth with a bump following last week’s dramatic Scottish Cup win over Aberdeen as they lost in the league to Inverness at Dens.
The result was harsh on the home side as on balance of play, a draw would have been a fairer result.
Dark Blues striker David Clarkson failed to score which meant he fell one goal short of equalling Johnny Bell’s 1920 club record of netting in nine consecutive games.
Dundee had a lucky escape in the 11th minute when a Josh Meekings header from a Greg Tansey corner crashed off home keeper Scott Bain’s crossbar and away to safety.
Seven minutes later, Inverness goalie Dean Brill’s heart was in his mouth when he raced off his line to make a clearance but the ball went straight to Martin Boyle who clipped a shot towards goal with an Inverness defender clearing off his line.
However, the home fans did not have to wait long for the opener in the 21st minute when Gary Harkins delivered a great deep, free-kick from the Dundee right with the ball making its way all the way to the back post and the unmarked Greg Stewart who stabbed home from close range.
The goal hero though then had to leave the field injured six minutes before the break to be replaced by Simon Ferry.
Dundee obviously hoped to extend their lead as the second half began but instead it was Caley who grabbed an equaliser in the 55th minute with poacher Billy McKay scrambling the ball home. The goal stood despite Dundee appeals for hand ball.
The Dark Blues then suffered a further blow when skipper Kevin Thomson had to go off injured with Kevin McBride taking his place in midfield.
In the 83rd minute, Inverness sub Aaron Doran raced in behind the Dundee defence but Bain did well to come out to clear the danger.
However, the keeper was helpless to prevent Caley taking the lead five minutes later when Marley Watkins sent a cross in from the left with sub Ryan Christie flicking the ball past Bain and into the far corner.
Unlike last week, there was to be no last-gasp heroics with Inverness taking all three points to move back into second place in the table.