Last updated on .From the section Scottish Championship

Andrew Boyle heads Ross County's winner

Ross County stretched their lead at the top of the Scottish Championship to five points with a derby victory over 10-man Inverness Caley Thistle.

Josh Mullin had the visitors ahead early on before County keeper Scott Fox saved Jordan White's penalty.

Carl Tremarco headed the equaliser but Andrew Boyle soon restored County's lead.

Charlie Trafford received a second yellow to cap a frenetic first half.

The sixth Highland derby of the season burst into life when Mullin's 20-yard strike found the bottom corner just eight minutes in.

Fox handed the hosts an immediate chance to equalise when he pulled down White in the box, but the keeper redeemed himself by saving the spot-kick.

Inverness captain Carl Tremarco did find a leveller with a close-range header following an assist from White.

But Boyle's header proved decisive for the visitors, who came close to extending their lead after the break when Jamie Lindsay hit the crossbar.

County have a game in hand on closest challengers Dundee United, who they face on Friday night, while Inverness remain fourth.

Inverness Caley Thistle manger John Robertson: "The sending off - they both bookable offences. However, our boys are convinced Ross Draper caught Liam Polworth in the build-up and it could easily have been a red the other way. That was a big game-changer."

Ross County co-boss Stuart Kettlewell: "We could have done better in the second half and managed the ball a lot better. But ultimately it's about getting three points. We've got a big fixture on Friday and that set us up well for it."