Source: PA
Hearts held by Caley
Inverness extended their unbeaten away run into another year and ended Hearts' six-match winning streak and hopes of moving into second place as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash t Tynecastle.
Caley Thistle, unbeaten away from home since November 2009, went in front on their final road trip of the year through Grant Munro's 17th-minute header.
Kevin Kyle equalised from the penalty spot after 25 minutes, but the hosts missed the chance to move level with Celtic in the table as Caley Thistle's determined rearguard frustrated Hearts, extending the visitors' run to six games without defeat.
With Celtic's match at Hamilton postponed, manager Jim Jefferies knew victory would take his Hearts side level in second place in the table, although the Bhoys now have two games in hand.
The visitors went in front after Russell Duncan's inswinging free-kick from the left found Munro at the far post. The defender's header towards goal created havoc in the Hearts defence - a rearguard temporarily without Ismael Bouzid - and evaded everyone to bounce beyond the line.
But Hearts were awarded a spot-kick when Stephen Elliott was brought down by goalkeeper Ryan Esson as he attempted to latch on to Kyle's knock down. Esson was booked by referee Brian Winter for the challenge before Kyle sent him the wrong way with a successful spot-kick. David Templeton struck a post for the home side but they were made to settle for a point.
