INVERNESS CT 1 Mccauley (77)
PARTICK THISTLE 2 Anderson (21), Fitzpatrick (25)
Gary Caldwell described Partick Thistle’s first away victory as “massive” after the Maryhill men took a stride towards safety.
A debut goal from on-loan St Johnstone veteran Steven Anderson and a second from teenager Aidan Fitzpatrick proved enough. Darren Mccauley, a signing from Coleraine, grabbed a late consolation for the Highlanders on his home debut, but defeat was deflating after Wednesday’s win at Ayr.
Partick remain unbeaten in 2019 and a delighted Caldwell said: “We hadn’t won a game away from home all season, so it’s a massive result.
“But I thought we deserved it. We were excellent in the first half and could have scored more.
“We spoke this morning about the characteristics we need as a team to win away – resilience, desire, togetherness. “We showed that in abundance.” Young Caley keeper Cammy Mackay, deputising for injured Mark Ridgers, made a tremendous 20th minute save, tipping over from a rocketed Blair Spittal attempt from 20 yards.
But from the corner, disarray descended on the home defence. Mackay and his defence were hesitant as Elliot Christie touched on a Craig Slater cross, leaving veteran Anderson with an easy tap-in.
The Maryhill men went 2-0 up after 25 minutes as Brad Mckay dawdled and lost possession, allowing 17-year-old Fitzpatrick to race through and tuck a shot under the home keeper.
John Robertson changed to three at the back and made a double switch at the break, removing Anthony Mcdonald and defender Shaun Rooney for Charlie Trafford and Coll Donaldson.
Partick dug in and made it difficult for the hosts, but substitute Mccauley changed all that with 13 minutes left.
An Anderson challenge saw the ball rattle against his own bar and the Northern Irishman reacted sharply on the rebound to net from six yards.
Inverness boss Robertson said: “Mistakes cost us and, suddenly, we’re 2-0 down. We put them under pressure in the second half but, if I’m being honest, I don’t think our performance merited much more.”