Rovers travelled to the Highlands fresh from a midweek 1-0 win at struggling Arbroath, which left them just five points away from their hosts at kick-off.

Rovers’ manager Ian Murray made just one change to his starting 11, with Kyle Connell replacing the injured John Frederiksen.

Raith began with a real sense of purpose, forcing a couple of early corners before Billy Mckay earned one at the opposite end.

Sam Stanton opened the scoring when he prodded the ball home from close range after Dylan Easton hit the post and the midfielder reacted quickest to beat the keeper. This was Stanton’s fourth goal in six outings.

Rovers celebrate Sam Stanton’s goal

Rovers tails were up and Easton came close a few minutes later, but Ridgers in the Caley goal was equal to the task.

Caley were soon asking questions though and Shaw fired a swerving shot over the top after half an hour.

With half-time approaching, Inverness drew level when, Deas swooped to head home a Delaney cross from 10 yards.

Five minutes into the second half, a fine diving save from Ridgers prevented Kieran Ngwenya from regaining the lead.

In the closing stages, Inverness centre-half Deas, who was by far Caley’s best player on the day, was replaced after receiving treatment on the park following a tackle by Scott Brown.

As full time approached, Rovers had an excellent chance to take all three points but a block from Strachan prevented Stanton from snatching a last-gasp winner.