St Mirren manager Danny Lennon was full of praise for his team after they came close to putting a dent in Inverness' remarkable run of success.
Caley Thistle had suffered only one defeat in their previous 18 matches in all competitions, but they twice had to come from behind to draw 2-2 in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League as third bottom St Mirren rolled up their sleeves and produced a battling performance.
The Buddies were missing five players through suspensions and injuries, but they twice hit the woodwork in the closing stages after former Inverness player Doug Imrie had given them the lead after just 76 seconds at Caledonian Stadium.
Lennon said: "First and foremost it was a terrific performance full of commitment, effort and desire.
"We were forced to make a lot of changes with two players suspended and three others injured but the players who came in deserve praise.
"They are a terrific group to work with, although after getting off to a very good start perhaps we didn't show our true qualities in terms of our ball retention in the first half. But we were always dangerous on the break.
"Then in the second half we dictated the game and it's a very valuable point against a team who are flying high and that's pleasing, although it could just as easily have been three in terms of the opportunities we had."
Inverness manager Terry Butcher was also thrilled with his team's performance.
He said: "I thought it was a hell of a game for the fans and terrific value in terms of entertainment.
"We should charge any neutrals coming to our games more money because we provide marvellous entertainment.
"We were terrific going forward and on chances we could have won. Every time we went forward we looked as if we could score.
"Mind you, they were the same and right at the end we could have lost when they hit the post and the bar, so a point apiece is probably a fair result after what was a very open game against a team who played some lovely football and passed the ball well."
Butcher praised teenager Matthew Cooper, making his first start in place of injured central defender Josh Meekings, who was sidelined by a groin strain.
The 18-year-old looked impressive and Butcher said: "It was good that we were able to bring in another young player, and I thought we showed great character to twice come from behind.
"That shows the spirit among the players and it's another good point for us.
"I thought Andy Shinnie was terrific they way he led us forward all the time and he deserved the man-of-the-match award."
Butcher added: "The run carries on but we are looking to get better all the time and keep on improving.
"Now we have two away games before the break which I think suits us very well. Apart from Meekings, everyone else is fine."
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