Substitute James Nolan’s first professional goal earned Caley Thistle a point against Cove Rangers.

Aberdeen loanee Adam Emslie had given Cove the lead after 21 minutes on the clock after he finished fellow Aberdeen loanee Finlay Marshall.

Manager Duncan Ferguson made one change to the side which drew with Alloa last weekend, with Charlie Gilmour coming into the side for James Nolan.

Adam Brooks had a couple of early chance as he saw his effort saved by Cove goalkeeper Nick Suman.

Cove then had the lead after 21 minutes after a good move, Finlay Marshall’s low cross was met by Adam Emslie in the box after the Aberdeen loanee combined.

Caley Thistle pressed for an equaliser and had a big chance through Adam Brooks after 40 minutes as he met Luis Longstaff’s cross in the box but the striker headed over the bar.

Duncan Ferguson made a half-time switch as Wallace Duffy made way for James Nolan and the substitute made an instant impact equalising after 51 minutes.

Playing at left-back, Nolan saw his initial shot saved and the rebound came back out to him as he produced a fine finish past Nick Suman.

Cove were forced into a change in the goal, Nick Suman was forced off with injury and replaced Balint Demus.

With around 20 minutes remaining, the match was stopped due to an injury to the referee. A tannoy announcement was made a qualified official to make themselves known to staff from the crowd. Qualified Referee Jamie MacKinnon emerged for the crowd and after a quick change into his referee kit, the game resumed.

Cove went close through Adam Emslie as he was denied by a great save from Musa Dibaga.

The draw keeps Caley Thistle in 6th place, and looking ahead to another home match this Saturday against Stenhousemuir.