Inverness bounced back from their Boxing Day loss at Falkirk as they convincingly defeated Kilmarnock to make it six wins out of seven in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Highlanders broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Grant Munro's long throw found John Rankin and, after his drive was blocked by Alan Combe, Marius Niculae pounced to score from close range.

A cool finish from Don Cowie and a second goal from Niculae confirmed a thoroughly-deserved victory for Inverness, with the only blemish coming via a late penalty from Colin Nish following a handball by Munro.

Caley started promisingly, although their first effort was abysmal, with Ross Tokely's wayward drive clearing the stand behind Combe's goal.

Phil McGuire then showed up his team-mate with a well-improvised overhead kick that had to be turned past his near post by the ever-alert Combe.

The next chance again came the way of the hosts and after Graham Bayne determinedly won the ball he passed it to Rankin, who in turn fed Cowie on the right wing.

The former Ross County player immediately picked out Bayne with a fine delivery and the forward rose purposefully to direct a firm header wide.

Kilmarnock finally threatened in the 25th minute, but when Gary Wales found David Fernandez with a perfectly-weighted through-ball, Michael Fraser was in the right place to make a crucial stop with his right foot from the Spaniard's shot.

Colin Nish then made his considerable presence felt for the first time in latching onto a cross from Garry Hay, but Fraser dived low to his left-hand side to stop the ball from going in.

Despite those chances the game needed a spark and Niculae came close to providing it seven minutes before the interval when his 25-yard shot was beaten away by Combe.

But the Romanian was not to be denied the opening goal and turned the ball into the net after Rankin's expertly controlled shot was too hot to handle for the Kilmarnock keeper.

Inverness immediately took control of the game following the restart and it did not take them long to double their advantage.

Richard Hastings turned a neat cross into the path of Cowie, who showed a touch of class in dispatching his shot past Combe.

A flowing move almost presented Inverness with another goal as Niculae touched the ball inside to Black and he pushed a pass towards the advancing Hastings.

An initial shot from the Canadian was saved by Combe and when the ball came back to Hastings he carelessly stabbed over.

Niculae was clearly in the mood to add to his earlier goal and after clipping a 25-yard drive just wide, he slalomed through a ragged Kilmarnock defence to crack a shot off Combe.

In the 72nd minute Cowie's cross was not cut out by a bedraggled Kilmarnock backline and Black had ample time to set up Niculae for a shot which was marginally off target.

But Niculae's persistence paid off when he finally got a second goal, taking full advantage after a save from Combe once again fell into his path.

The visiting keeper did well to stop Bayne's well-struck effort, only for the ball to land at the feet of Cowie.

An eager Niculae nicked the ball from the midfielder's toes and blasted a shot into the net that Combe could not keep out despite managing to get a hand to the ball.

With four minutes remaining Nish scored a consolation from the penalty spot following a handball by Munro - but it was too little too late for the Rugby Park club.

Teams

Inverness CT Fraser, Tokely, McGuire (Proctor 88), Munro,Hastings, Cowie, Black, Duncan, Rankin, Bayne (Wyness 83),Niculae.

Subs Not Used: Malkowski, Duff, Wilson, Vigurs, McAllister.

Goals: Niculae 42, Cowie 52, Niculae 76.

Kilmarnock Combe, Hamill, Ford, O'Leary, Hay,Fernandez (Johnston 79), Fowler, Bryson (Koudou 72), Taouil,Nish, Wales.

Subs Not Used: Harpur, Clancy, Noble, Locke, Flannigan.

Goals: Nish 87 pen.

Att: 4,169

Ref: C MacKay (Scotland).