A Steven Thomson double gave St Mirren victory over high-flying Inverness at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
An early goal by Lee Cox, tapping the ball home after it rebounded off the bar, put the home side in front.
The visitors came back into the match however, and Thomson levelled the match with a fine strike from distance.
Inverness striker Adam Rooney passed up two good second-half chances, before Thomson struck late on to give the visitors all three points.
Inverness failed to take the opportunity of the postponement of Hearts' match to move within three points of the Edinburgh side while victory meant St Mirren moved up to ninth place in the league.
Goalkeeper Paul Gallacher returned for the visitors, replacing Craig Samson, with former Inverness man Craig Dargo and defender David Barron taking the places of David van Zanten and Gareth Wardlaw.
The hosts made one change with young striker Shane Sutherland replacing influential midfielder Jonny Hayes, who had been sidelined by an ankle injury.
The home side were looking the sharper of the two sides early on, and took an early lead through midfielder Cox.
The ball deflected off unfortunate St Mirren defender Marc McAusland, rebounded off the bar and Cox was on hand to put the ball into the net.
However, the visitors almost levelled when Dargo forced an acrobatic diving save from Inverness keeper Ryan Esson when his rasping shot from 20 yards almost found the top corner.
St Mirren were reduced to efforts from distance, but could still be a danger from them and Paul McGowan forced an acrobatic save from Esson with a piledriver from the edge of the box.
Dargo's pace and movement were beginning to cause Inverness problems and he set up Thomson 25 yards from goal, and the midfielder blasted the ball past Esson with a thunderous left-footed strike to claim his second goal of the season.
St Mirren began the second period in the same vein they ended the first, with Michael Higdon rifling a 20-yard free-kick over the bar.
The game was finely poised but Inverness passed up a chance to go back in front when the St Mirren defence struggled to clear a corner, but, when the ball broke to Nick Ross, the young midfielder was off balance and put his shot over the bar.
The home side went close again when Richie Foran volleyed the ball across the face of goal, but, only three yards out, Rooney couldn't stretch far enough to make proper contact and the ball went wide.
Inverness were beginning to turn the screw and Rooney should perhaps have done better when he connected with the rebound when Shane Sutherland's cross hit the post, but the striker's close-range shot was blocked by the Paisley defence.
However, the game was turned on its head when Thomson's low, long-range effort wrong-footed Esson and handed St Mirren a vital win.
Live text and stats
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Scottish Premier
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Time
Inverness CT
1-2
St Mirren
FT
(HT 1-1)
Cox 8
Thomson 44
Thomson 85
Inverness CT
01 Esson
03 Tokely
14 Munro
21 Shinnie
04 Duff
06 Cox yellow card (Blumanshtein 89)
08 Duncan
19 Ross
09 Foran (Odhiambo 83)
10 Rooney
20 Sutherland
Substitutes
12 Tuffey,
05 Golabek,
15 Innes,
16 McBain,
18 Blumanshtein,
07 Odhiambo,
23 Sanchez
St Mirren
01 Gallacher
03 Barron (van Zanten 79)
06 Potter
14 McGregor yellow card
16 Travner
17 McAusland
08 Thomson yellow card
27 Cregg yellow card
09 Dargo (Lynch 76)
10 Higdon
19 McGowan
Substitutes
12 Samson,
02 van Zanten,
20 Lynch,
33 Mooy ,
45 Mclean,
15 McQuade,
40 Lamont
Ref: ThomsonAtt: 3,819
INVERNESS CT
ST MIRREN
Possession
Inverness CT50%
St Mirren50%
Attempts on target
Inverness CT2
St Mirren7
Attempts off target
Inverness CT8
St Mirren3
Corners
Inverness CT7
St Mirren5
Fouls
Inverness CT9
St Mirren8
Final Result
92:07 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
Full Time
90:00+1:36 Attacking throw-in by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT).
90:00+0:46 Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
90:00+0:17 Grant Munro (Inverness CT) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren) from own half, resulting in open play.
89:54 Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Eric Odhiambo (Inverness CT).
89:29 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
88:58 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
88:37 Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT). Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
88:01 Substitution Inverness CT substitution: Lee Cox replaced by Gil Blumenshtein (tactical).
87:17 Foul by Ross Tokely (Inverness CT) on Michael Higdon (St Mirren). Free kick crossed right-footed by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) from left channel, resulting in open play.
86:38 Attacking throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
86:06 Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
85:56 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
84:15 Booking Steven Thomson (St Mirren) booked for unsporting behaviour.
84:13 GOAL - Steven Thomson:Inverness CT 1 - 2 St Mirren Goal by Steven Thomson (St Mirren) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Inverness CT 1-2 St Mirren.
83:58 Attacking throw-in by Marc McAusland (St Mirren).
83:34 Attacking throw-in by Marc McAusland (St Mirren).
82:53 Attacking throw-in by Shane Sutherland (Inverness CT).
82:51 Substitution Inverness CT substitution: Richie Foran replaced by Eric Odhiambo (tactical).
80:24 Defending throw-in by Marc McAusland (St Mirren).
79:40 Shot by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (punched) by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
79:12 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
78:50 Defending throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
78:05 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
78:05 Substitution St Mirren substitution: David Barron replaced by David van Zanten (tactical).
76:42 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
Correction - 75:44 Ross Tokely concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Higdon. Free kick taken by John Potter.
75:44 Foul by Ross Tokely (Inverness CT) on Michael Higdon (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by John Potter (St Mirren) from left channel, resulting in open play.
75:10 Substitution St Mirren substitution: Craig Dargo replaced by Sean Lynch (tactical).
74:46 Shot by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar.
73:49 Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
73:19 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
71:51 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
71:45 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
71:18 Cross by Shane Sutherland (Inverness CT), resulting in open play.
69:59 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
68:51 Attacking throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
68:24 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
68:14 Shot by Lee Cox (Inverness CT) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), over the bar.
67:43 Foul by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) on Paul McGowan (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) from own half, passed.
67:10 Attacking throw-in by Richie Foran (Inverness CT).
66:31 Foul by Shane Sutherland (Inverness CT) on Steven Thomson (St Mirren). Free kick taken left-footed by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) from right channel, passed.
65:48 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
65:31 Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
65:25 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
64:55 Shot by Adam Rooney (Inverness CT) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed left.
64:26 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
63:22 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) to far post, clearance by Michael Higdon (St Mirren).
63:06 Shot by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
61:44 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) to centre, resulting in ball out of play.
61:38 Goal kick taken short by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
61:09 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jure Travner (St Mirren) to out of play, resulting in ball out of play.
60:53 Attacking throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
60:42 Attacking throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
60:37 Attacking throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
60:13 Attacking throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
59:47 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
59:13 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) to near post, clearance by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren).
58:48 Foul by Adam Rooney (Inverness CT) on John Potter (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) from own half, passed.
58:10 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
57:09 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) to centre, save (caught) by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
56:29 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
55:56 Foul by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) on Stuart Duff (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) from right wing, passed.
55:39 Attacking throw-in by Nick Ross (Inverness CT).
54:42 Michael Higdon (St Mirren) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.
53:57 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) to near post, clearance by Adam Rooney (Inverness CT).
53:39 Foul by Lee Cox (Inverness CT) on Steven Thomson (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) from right channel, passed.
52:57 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
51:38 Foul by David Barron (St Mirren) on Richie Foran (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) from left channel, shot by Lee Cox (Inverness CT) volleyed left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
50:42 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
49:39 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
48:49 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
47:25 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
46:33 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
45:48 Handball by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Michael Higdon (St Mirren) from left channel (35 yards), over the bar.
45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
45:00+1:08 The half-time whistle blows.
Half Time
45:00+0:44 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
43:45 Assist (pass) by Craig Dargo (St Mirren) from right channel.
43:45 GOAL - Steven Thomson:Inverness CT 1 - 1 St Mirren Goal by Steven Thomson (St Mirren) left-footed (top-left of goal) from left channel (25 yards).Inverness CT 1-1 St Mirren.
43:00 Foul by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) on Lee Cox (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) from left wing, passed.
42:10 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
40:41 Foul by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT) on Craig Dargo (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Michael Higdon (St Mirren) from left wing (12 yards), hit wall.
39:50 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) to centre, comfortable save (caught) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
38:47 Defending throw-in by Marc McAusland (St Mirren).
38:16 Attacking throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
37:29 Foul by Jure Travner (St Mirren) on Shane Sutherland (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) from right channel, resulting in open play.
36:47 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
36:06 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
35:55 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
35:36 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
35:02 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) to centre, resulting in open play.
34:17 Foul by Lee Cox (Inverness CT) on Patrick Cregg (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by John Potter (St Mirren) from own half, passed.
33:40 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
33:14 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
32:47 Shot by Craig Dargo (St Mirren) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.
32:05 Shot by Craig Dargo (St Mirren) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Ross Tokely (Inverness CT).
31:40 Foul by Lee Cox (Inverness CT) on Jure Travner (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Darren McGregor (St Mirren) from left channel, resulting in open play.
31:21 Booking Lee Cox (Inverness CT) booked for unsporting behaviour.
30:47 Adam Rooney (Inverness CT) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by John Potter (St Mirren) from own half, resulting in open play.
30:19 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
30:02 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
Correction - 29:47 Darren McGregor takes a shot from 35 yards and went wide of the right-hand post.
29:47 Shot by Darren McGregor (St Mirren) right-footed from right channel (35 yards), missed right.
29:28 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
29:12 Defending throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
28:38 Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
27:42 Shot by Michael Higdon (St Mirren) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (punched) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
26:32 Foul by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) on Adam Rooney (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.
26:32 Booking Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) booked for unsporting behaviour.
24:56 Defending throw-in by Marc McAusland (St Mirren).
24:26 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
23:57 Defending throw-in by Marc McAusland (St Mirren).
23:40 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
23:27 Shot by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) right-footed from right channel (35+ yards), over the bar.
22:42 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) to near post, clearance by Michael Higdon (St Mirren).
22:04 Foul by Darren McGregor (St Mirren) on Shane Sutherland (Inverness CT). Free kick taken right-footed by Russell Duncan (Inverness CT) from right channel, resulting in open play.
22:04 Booking Darren McGregor (St Mirren) booked for unsporting behaviour.
21:15 Attacking throw-in by Nick Ross (Inverness CT).
20:55 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
20:33 Goal kick taken long by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT).
19:14 Shot by Craig Dargo (St Mirren) volleyed left-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (tipped round post) by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) to near post, clearance by Richie Foran (Inverness CT).
17:00 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
16:35 Defending throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
16:10 Foul by Patrick Cregg (St Mirren) on Nick Ross (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Grant Munro (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.
15:18 Attacking throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
15:03 Attacking throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
13:50 Defending throw-in by Marc McAusland (St Mirren).
12:10 Craig Dargo (St Mirren) caught offside. Free kick taken left-footed by Ryan Esson (Inverness CT) from own half, resulting in open play.
11:03 Defending throw-in by Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT).
10:42 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
10:13 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
9:31 Attacking throw-in by Jure Travner (St Mirren).
7:56 Assist by Richie Foran (Inverness CT) from left side of penalty area.
7:56 GOAL - Lee Cox:Inverness CT 1 - 0 St Mirren Goal by Lee Cox (Inverness CT) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Inverness CT 1-0 St Mirren.
7:17 Attacking throw-in by David Barron (St Mirren).
6:24 Defending throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
5:55 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
5:39 Shot by Nick Ross (Inverness CT) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
5:08 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Lee Cox (Inverness CT) to near post, clearance by John Potter (St Mirren).
4:48 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
4:12 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
3:58 Shot by Shane Sutherland (Inverness CT) left-footed from right channel (30 yards), over the bar.
3:21 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
2:35 Goal kick taken long by Paul Gallacher (St Mirren).
2:17 Attacking throw-in by Stuart Duff (Inverness CT).
1:56 Defending throw-in by Steven Thomson (St Mirren).
1:35 Defending throw-in by Steven Thomson (St Mirren).
0:11 Foul by Michael Higdon (St Mirren) on Lee Cox (Inverness CT). Free kick taken left-footed by Grant Munro (Inverness CT) from left channel, resulting in open play.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to start the match.
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