Inverness Caley Thistle hit back to hold Raith Rovers

Ethan Ross (left) scored a screamer for Raith Rovers but the Fifers could not hold on for the win

Inverness Caley Thistle found a late equaliser to remain second in the Championship, preventing visitors Raith Rovers from leapfrogging them.

The Kirkcaldy side were on course for a first league win at the Caledonian Stadium for 22 years when Ethan Ross found the top corner from 25 yards.

But substitute Reece McAlear levelled four minutes from time with a low strike from the edge of the box.

The Highlanders move to within two points of league leaders Arbroath.

Rovers drop to fourth, but are only one points adrift of Caley Thistle and Kilmarnock in a congested top half of the table.

Billy Mackay looked to have responded just three minutes after Ross' rocket when he rattled the ball in off the crossbar but the striker's effort was ruled offside.

Ross Mathews went close to doubling the visitors' lead with a fierce strike from 20 yards, with Mark Ridgers making a fine save.

Following McAlear's late goal, Aaron Arnott for Raith and McKay for Inverness were denied by more good goalkeeping.

Inverness CT head coach Billy Dodds: "We didn't have our best day in the first half. The subs that came on did really well, not just because Reece scored. They just had an impact and that's what I needed.

"I thought we deserved a draw in the end but I would have loved three points. We worked hard, created a few chances and could have stolen it."

Raith Rovers manager, John McGlynn: "We are a bit gutted for the players who put so much effort into the game. We attacked really well, much better than we have been doing recently. Great goal by Ethan Ross and I've got to say their strike was a great goal as well.

"It's never an easy place to come. We've not got a great record here. Although we are disappointed we take the point - we take the positives and dust ourselves down for next week."