Aberdeen picked up a point but lost third place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League after a goalless draw with tenants Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Jimmy Calderwood's side slipped down a position because in-form Hibs, who have stalked them for weeks, recorded an impressive 4-1 win over struggling Dundee United.

The Dons had ample chances to win the game. Richard Foster, Markus Heikkinen, John Stewart and Scott Severin all passed up great opportunities as Aberdeen's lack of cutting edge, which has threatened to undermine them all season, came to the fore.

The expected arrival of Scotland international Steve Crawford in January should alleviate some of Calderwood's problems, but his adventurous tactical moves could not compensate for his players' profligacy on this occasion as they extended their winless run to three games.

Aberdeen enjoyed the better of a frenetic start and were only denied the opening goal by a matter of inches on Mark Brown's left-hand post.

Chris Clark whipped a vicious corner onto Alexander Diamond's head, but the youngster's effort, although it eluded Brown's hand, rebounded off the woodwork.

Caley, who have visibly grown in confidence by the week, were unlucky not to capitalise when Roy McBain burst past Richard Hart and sent a low cross through the six-yard box.

Juanjo lurked with intent at the back post, but could not meet the ball with his outstretched leg.

That spurred the Dons into action and they went on to launch a barrage towards the visitors' goal.

Mackie did well to hang in the air and beat Brown to Foster's swirling cross, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Heikkinen was next to have a go, redirecting Severin's shot with his knee, but Stuart Golabek managed to boot off the line.

Despite their near monopoly on possession, Aberdeen could not find a way through in the first half and the frustration of the bumper 18,250 crowd began to show.

Foster, who was asked to pull in from out wide to support the inexperienced front pair, appeared nervous and blazed over from only six yards out in the dying minutes of the first half.

Calderwood, who no doubt had some harsh words for his players in the confines of the dressing room at the interval, was apoplectic on the touchline as his players continued to plod along.

Set pieces looked like their best opportunity to score and they came within inches in the 54th minute when Severin blasted a 20-yard free-kick agonisingly wide.

Referee John Underhill incensed the home fans three minutes later by refusing to give a foul for Hart's tackle on Stewart right on the edge of the penalty area.

They were on their feet again almost immediately, this time celebrating Esson's wonderful stop at Juanjo's feet after an uncharacteristically sloppy back pass by Diamond sent the Spaniard through on goal.

Juanjo burst through again, but was stopped in his tracks by Heikkinen, who threw himself at full stretch to stop the former Hearts winger from shooting.

Stewart, who looked out of his depth at the top level, passed up another great opportunity after being picked out by Foster's pinpoint free-kick from the right.

Caley were clearly buoyed by Aberdeen's lack of cutting edge and the more chances they missed the more you sensed the Highlanders were growing in belief.

They were desperately unlucky not to have scored in the 74th minute when Bayne intelligently took the ball past Anderson and homed in on goal.

Esson beat his shot away and followed it up with an unbelievable block to deny Juanjo, who tried to capitalise on the rebound.

Aberdeen tried to push on and get a late winner, but could not break through and steal the points.

Teams

Aberdeen Esson, Hart, Anderson, Diamond, McNaughton, Clark (Muirhead 72), Heikkinen, Severin, Foster, Mackie, Stewart (McGuire 79).

Subs Not Used: Blanchard, Morrison, Considine, O'Leary.

Inverness CT Brown, Tokely, Dods, Munro, Golabek, Hart, Duncan, Keogh, McBain, Juanjo (Prunty 90), Bayne.

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

Booked: Dods, Munro.

Att: 18,250

Ref: J Underhill (Scotland).