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Noel Whelan thanked his lucky stars by scoring the only goal in Aberdeen's SPL win over Caley Thistle on Saturday. And it was just one defensive blunder that allowed him to net in a sluggish encounter.
This was the Dons' first ever league match in Inverness, just a few months after they left their temporary home at Pittodrie, Aberdeen. The PA announcer appropriately played the Madness hit "Our House" the highlight the irony.
The co-operation between the two north rivals has lead to a friendly link between the clubs, but there was plenty at stake in this clash.
Caley Thistle, this year's shock troopers, are within touching distance of the top six, while the Dons are on Hibs' coat-tails for third spot and that final UEFA Cup berth.
Home skipper Stuart Golabek made his 200th appearance for the Highlanders, in his usual left-back role, while on the other side, Ross Tokely equalled Charlie Christie's 314 appearances.
Aberdeen's Kevin MacNaughton missed out through suspension, while Zander Diamond, returned from a spell on the sidelines.
Kick off was delayed by 10 minutes to allow the close to sell-out crowd take their seats.
On a gloriously sunny day, Caley Thistle's Juanjo carved open the Aberdeen defence and his cross for Craig Brewster was deflected over the top.
Aberdeen's first chance was a long-range Chris Clark effort that didn't trouble Mark Brown. After 29 minutes only a great Ryan Esson save for Aberdeen denied Brewster when he volleyed a Roy McBain cutback as Inverness pushed hard.
Moments after Anderson went off injured, Michael Hart saved Aberdeen with a goal-line clearance from Juanjo.
You could not have seen the Reds take the lead, but an uncharacteristic slip-up gave them the chance just before the break. A sliced error from Grant Munro allowed Whelan in and the big striker hit the net for his fourth goal in six games.
Then Brewster almost leveled it when he shot with power, but the impressive Esson blocked it. The visitors led by one goal at half-time, totally against the run of play.
In a poor second half, Brewster went close with a header after 65 minutes, but Esson held it with ease. Then the Dons' Czech debutant Lubomir Blaha's looping header after 74 minutes beat Brown but bounced off the top of the bar and went over. At the other end, Bajram Fetai went close from 12 yards when his drive flashed wide.
Caley Thistle finished strongly but could not find that killer touch.