Cameron Harper’s stunning free-kick after 25 minutes was enough for all three points at Hampden Park, as Caley Thistle beat Queen’s Park 1-0.
The result means Caley Thistle leapfrog Queen’s Park out of the relegation play-off position, with three matches left.
Manager Duncan Ferguson made three changes to the side which beat Arbroath last weekend as Danny Devine, Luis Longstaff and Aaron Doran came into the side as Remi Savage and James Carragher missed out through injury while Samson Lawal was dropped to the bench.
Caley Thistle started the match well as Cammy Kerr saw his free-kick go over the bar after 11 minutes on the clock.
Cameron Harper then had a free-kick of his own after 25 minutes and his effort from about 20 yards was straight into the top left corner to open the scoring.
Billy Mckay had a chance after 37 minutes, but his chance was over and behind.
Queen’s Park started the second-half quickly as Mark Ridgers held an effort from Cillian Sheridan. Ridgers was called into action after 52 minutes as he kept out Jack Turner’s shot while the rebound from Stuart McKinstry was wide.
After 76 minutes, Wallace Duffy produced a great block to deny Ruari Paton getting a shot on Mark Ridgers goal.
With ten minutes remaining, Billy Mckay had a big chance to make it 2-0 to the Caley Jags but his effort was saved by Calum Ferrie after the striker was played clean through on goal by Alex Samuel.
There was some late pressure from the hosts but Caley Thistle saw out the match for a vital 1-0 win to go 8th in the table. Up next, Friday night football against Raith Rovers at the Caledonian Stadium.