The first two chances of the game fell to Killie, with Michael Fraser
called into action after a minute to tip a speculative drive from James
Fowler over the bar.
Danny Invincibile then turned a low shot across goal that was smartly
pushed wide by the Inverness keeper.
However, it was Inverness that opened the scoring after 10 minutes with
a left-footed free-kick by Imrie on the edge of the penalty box that
fooled Kilmarnock's defensive wall and gave him his first-ever goal for
the Highlanders.
Killie responded well, holding good possession, and a diving header
from Gary Wales on 19 minutes just fizzed into side netting.
Inverness' tried to hit back with Niculae missing a connecting header
from 12 yards out after a fine Barry Wilson cross.
Kilmarnock were growing more resolute in defence but struggled to make
much of an impact up front.
Craig Flannigan tried his luck from long range just before the
half-time interval, firing a shot wide, leaving the visitors looking for
more of an attacking threat in the second period.
Both teams started the second half with the same vigour as in the
first, but the football was scrappier, with the bumpy pitch playing a
part.
Inverness were growing into their lead, however, and Combe was forced
to make a good save after great play from Dennis Wyness.
Paul Dalglish came on for Wales after 60 minutes as Kilmarnock toiled
to match Inverness, with Cowie driving over the crossbar minutes later.
The easterly wind seemed to disturb David Proctor, whose header went
well wide and a superb free-kick from Wilson looked to have extended
Inverness' lead on 70 minutes, but his 25-yard effort skimmed wide.
Only a minute later, as Kilmarnock looked increasingly anxious to
improve on their poor away record of only two wins this season, McBain
capitalised on a breakaway to force an own goal from Lilley.
It was just reward for Inverness, who had dominated the second half and
on 79 minutes they sealed their victory, when Niculae produced a moment of
magic to fire into the top corner.
