Ross County 1-3 Inverness CT

Aaron Doran's double helped Inverness Caledonian Thistle to victory in the Highland derby against Ross County.

The visitors dominated the majority of the match and perhaps should also have had a penalty when Billy McKay was held in the box by Jamie Reckord.

County rarely threatened but did score from Jackson Irvine's header.

However, McKay's close-range finish allowed John Hughes' side to coast to the win which keeps them in touch with the leading pack.

Winger Doran broke the deadlock with a superb drilled effort low past Antonio Reguero after fine build-up play from Marley Watkins.

Earlier, McKay was denied what appeared a stonewall penalty after his touch allowed him to outfox Reckord, only for the defender to manhandle the striker and prevent him getting a shot away.

The visitors would not be denied, though, and Doran struck again with a deflected effort which entirely wrong-footed the frustrated Reguero.

County offered very little as an attacking force but immediately pulled themselves back into the match.

Irvine hit the inside of the post but won a corner from which he stooped to power a header past Dean Brill.

It seemed a comeback was on, but Inverness quickly re-asserted their authority.

Gary Warren headed a free-kick back across goal and McKay stole in to knock home.

That ended the game as a contest and earned a thoroughly deserved three points for Inverness CT.

County will require a big improvement if they are to remain in the Scottish Premiership.