Noel Whelan's third goal in as many games gave Aberdeen a valuable three points in the Highlands and kept the heat on Hibernian in the race for the Bank of Scotland Premier League's coveted third-place.

The former Leeds, Coventry and Middlesbrough forward has been in magnificent form since shrugging off a persistent groin problem and, with this recent scoring record behind him, will be in an excellent position when negotiating an extension to the one-year contract he signed last summer.

Aberdeen were workmanlike at best throughout this encounter but their performance showed the kind of mettle which has transformed them from regular relegation candidates to UEFA Cup hopefuls in the space of only eight months.

Proceedings were held up by a 10-minute delay, caused by the volume of traffic on the road from Aberdeen which made it impossible for the 2,400-strong Dons support to file into the sun-kissed Tulloch Caledonian Stadium in time for the scheduled 3pm start.

Caley enjoyed the better of a sprightly beginning and created the first chance after only two minutes.

Richie Hart, who agreed a new three-year contract last week, threaded a pass in behind the Aberdeen defence for Juanjo but the former Hearts player, despite showing an impressive turn of pace, could not catch the ball before it ran through to Ryan Esson.

The home side's commitment and tenacity have been major features of their play this season and their spirit was epitomised by Grant Munro's brave diving block to deny Chris Clark in the 16th minute.

The Dons midfielder hit a rasping effort from 20-yards out, after some impressive harrying work from Mackie and, latterly, Noel Whelan robbed Darren Dods inside his own penalty area.

But Munro threw his body in front of the shot to send it back away from goal.

Finnish midfielder Markus Heikkinen has been one of the major success stories of the Dons' season, but his contribution in terms of goals must be considered his main weakness.

He had a great sight of the target in the 27th minute but leant back too far and sent the ball spinning wide from 20 yards.

Although there had been plenty of goalmouth action, neither keeper was seriously tested until the 30th minute, when Esson pulled off a great save to deny Brewster.

The veteran striker swivelled to volley McBain's excellent ball with his left foot and picked a spot in the far corner but the Pittodrie number one threw himself at full stretch to palm the ball to safety.

The Dons did not get off completely unscathed, however, as captain Russell Anderson - who had gamely tried to block the shot - was left writhing on the floor and had to be replaced by Phil McGuire.

Caley went close and once again McBain was the architect but Juanjo was unable to redirect his shot into the net from six yards out. They were punished for their profligacy six minutes before the break by Whelan.

The normally resolute home defence belied their mean reputation when Munro uncharacteristically sliced Michael Hart's cross beyond Darren Dods and into the path of the Englishman.

Whelan, whose reputation in Scotland has been enhanced by three goals in his last five games, made it four in six by sliding a shot under Brown's body into the far corner of the net.

Richard Foster replaced ex-Leeds youngster Jamie Winter at the interval. Clark was the first player cautioned, for a reckless elbow-led challenge on Ross Tokely and he was soon joined in the notebook by Whelan, who raised the official's ire by booting the ball away after being penalised for a shove on Dods.

That was to be his final act in the game, as Calderwood handed recent signing Lubomir Blaha the chance to endear himself to the visiting fans. The six-foot-plus Czech striker immediately took his place alongside Mackie and used his height to flick Foster's cross onto the woodwork.

Caley had a wonderful chance to equalise in the 79th minute but Bajram Fetai, a second half substitute, hooked a shot wide from 12 yards out after a neat flick from Brewster presented him with a view of goal.

Ex-Aberdeen man Bryan Prunty, who replaced Juanjo in the 70th minute, thought he had equalised in the dying seconds but Esson tipped his header onto the crossbar. And it was not to be for the Caley Jags, as Aberdeen again defied those who claimed their bubble had burst by keeping afloat behind Hibs.

Teams

Inverness CT Brown, Tokely, Dods, Munro, Golabek, Hart (Fatai 58), Duncan, McBain (Bayne 84), Wilson, Brewster, Juanjo (Prunty 71).

Subs Not Used: Fraser, McCaffrey, Hastings, Proctor.

Booked: Golabek, Brewster.

Aberdeen Esson, Hart, Anderson (McGuire 35), Diamond, Byrne, Winter (Foster 45), Severin, Heikkinen, Clark, Mackie, Whelan (Blaha 73).

Subs Not Used: Preece, Morrison, Muirhead, Stewart.

Booked: Clark, Whelan.

Goals: Whelan 39.

Att: 7,026

Ref: Alan Freeland (Scotland).