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Inverness CT move back into the top six with first-half goals from Miles Storey and Greg Tansey downing Ross County in the 50th Highland derby.

The opener came from a corner when James Vincent's shot was diverted beyond Scott Fox by Storey.

Tansey's floated free-kick doubled the hosts' advantage just before half-time.

Fox denied Storey superbly when he tipped a fierce drive on to the bar as John Hughes' side stretched their unbeaten run to five games.

The question most people considered pre-match was how County would cope without stricken striker Liam Boyce, who was ruled out with a hand injury.

Alex Schalk came in and was soon joined in attack by Brian Graham, after Craig Curran also succumbed to injury.

That duo's lack of match action seemed to take its toll on their ability to be cutting in the final third.

It was highly competitive in the early stages with the visitors giving the impression that they would take the initiative, Rocco Quinn blasting an effort over.

The two full-backs then combined when Jamie Reckord found Richard Foster racing towards the box, but his drive flew narrowly wide.

It was the home side who provided the first decisive act when a corner was cleared to Vincent. He struck from the edge of the box with Storey alert enough to deflect in his eighth goal of the season.

The visitors began to hem Inverness in a little and an equaliser almost arrived when Andrew Davies headed a corner powerfully towards goal. But Owain Fon Williams was in the right place to save.

County manager Jim McIntyre's half-time team talk might have changed significantly after Tansey doubled the lead immediately before the break.

He looked to curl a free-kick from the angle of the box into a dangerous area and the flight of the ball was perfect, finding the far corner after a number of bodies tried in vain to connect.

It was the midfielder's seventh goal of the season, and his third set-piece strike in two matches.

As County tried to find a route through a stout defence, Storey almost put the result beyond doubt with a lovely effort which Fox superbly tipped on to the bar.

County responded and David Raven had to react to clear near the goal-line before Martin Woods tested Fon Williams from close range.

Some bizarre defending gave Reckord a late opportunity but he completely lacked composure and thumped the ball high and wide.

The home side might have extended their lead when Liam Polworth and Iain Vigurs both had opportunities.

But Inverness looked comfortable for the most part and suggested they're capable of a positive second half of the season given recent form.