It was not a classic match but, despite the lack of clear shots, both sets of supporters were vocal in their encouragement and seemed to enjoy the spectacle. With Ian Black still suspended Russell Duncan continued in midfield for ICT and Gary McSwegan made his first squad appearance. Aberdeen’s Jamie Smith came back from injury to replace Zander Diamond.

There was little to report in the opening period but there was some fun when the far side assistant referee dropped his flag while awarding Caley Thistle a 13th minute corner. Two successive corners were cleared after some panic in the Aberdeen defence then Darren Dods had a header blocked and a follow-up shot saved. Aberdeen’s first real effort was a 19th minute snap shot from Gary Dempsey but it went wide.

A minute later Craig Dargo sent a long range shot goalwards at the other end and it spun just wide left with Jamie Langfield struggling. The visitors were awarded a free kick 22 yards out in 27 minutes but Jamie Smith’s chip came off the wall for a corner. Close to the break Langfield held a low John Rankin shot but otherwise there was little on target.

Half Time: 0-0

Chris Clark hit well wide in 56 minutes and an off-balance Dargo shot was saved by Langfield in 63 minutes. The home side were creating more than Aberdeen but the pressure was not translating into shots on target.

In 72 minutes Richard Hastings did well to rob Darren Mackie in the home box and three minutes later Michael Hart chipped over. The long-awaited opening goal came in some style in 79 minutes. A clever Dargo pass from just outside the box found Roy McBain racing down the left and his inch-perfect cross was headed home by the diving Graham Bayne from seven yards.

A minute later Barry Wilson was through into the Aberdeen box when he went down as Michael Hart slid in  – the home camp claimed a penalty but there was no award.

Hopes of sealing the victory diminished as Aberdeen pushed upfield and two minutes from time a Chris Maguire acrobatic kick came off the bar. Andrew Considine was following up but he could only head over.

The Dons continued to press and a minute later a Hart cross from the right reached Lovell via Lee Miller and the substitute hit it home with his knee from a yard out.

Full Time 1-1

The three added minutes produced nothing and it ended 1-1 with Caley Thistle remaining fifth.