Inverness Caledonian Thistle surged into the top six of the Bank of Scotland Premier League courtesy of second-half goals from Darren Dods and Barry Wilson at Hibernian.

Caley's win leaves them just six points behind the Easter Road club, whose chances of qualifying for Europe received another blow.

The home side dominated much of the first half but lacked penetration in attack giving Inverness hope after the break to collect all three points.

After a dull start, Hibs conjured up a great chance in 29th minute after Michael Stewart's sliced shot on the edge of the box fell to the feet of the lurking Derek Riordan.

But his effort from 12 yards was brilliantly blocked by Stuart McCaffrey with a last-ditch challenge.

The Hibs supporters became restless at the inability to break down a resolute Inverness rearguard with the groans growing louder every time another attack was broken up.

Seven minutes before the interval, however, Ivan Sproule had the home fans on their feet after he wriggled clear at the corner of the box before unleashing a shot that was blocked by Mark Brown.

Seconds later, Brown was called into action again to tip Chris Killen's header over the bar.

Dennis Wyness then broke clear at the other end after a long Alan Morgan pass, but shot straight at Zbigniew Malkowski from 18 yards.

The visitors began the second period with extra belief after keeping Hibs at bay during the first 45 minutes and Charlie Christie's more adventurous game-plan gave an edge to the match.

Hibs manager Tony Mowbray was clearly not happy with proceedings and replaced Killen with Steven Fletcher.

The striker had barely been on the park a minute when Dods struck for the visitors in the 58th minute.

Grant Munro's long throw from the left was not properly dealt with and the former Hibs defender pounced on the loose ball to find the net from 10 yards.

Riordan tried his best to get Hibs level and his free-kick from 30 yards drifted inches past the post.

Inverness continued to press Hibs after taking the lead as the hosts looked completely disorganised.

And Caley then doubled their advantage 11 minutes from time courtesy of Wilson from the penalty spot.

The former Livingston striker was felled by Gary Caldwell in the box and he brushed himself down before calmly slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

Hibs then thought they should have been awarded a penalty after Gary Smith tumbled in the box but referee Mike Ritchie was unmoved by the shouts from the home fans.

Teams:

Hibernian Malkowski, Whittaker, Caldwell, Gary Smith, Murphy,Sproule, Stewart (Dalglish 59), Thomson, Glass,Killen (Fletcher 56), Riordan.

Subs Not Used: Simon Brown, Hogg, McCluskey, Shields,

Darren Smith.

Booked: Sproule.

Inverness CT Brown, McCaffrey, Dods, Munro (Golabek 69),Hastings, Wilson, Black, Duncan, Morgan (Bayne 72), Hart,Wyness (Keogh 86).

Subs Not Used: Fraser, Parratt, Fox, McAllister.

Booked: Wilson, Munro, Duncan.

Goals: Dods 58, Wilson 79 pen.

Att: 12,745

Ref: M Ritchie (Scotland).