Hearts striker Gary Glen celebrated signing his new four-year contract by scoring for the second week in a row to sink Inverness at Tynecastle.
A lacklustre match devoid of clear-cut chances looked set to peter out into a tame goalless draw before the 18-year-old burst through to secure the three points on 79 minutes.
Glen, who marked his full debut in Scottish Premier League with a goal against St Mirren last weekend, enhanced his growing reputation to keep the Jambos firmly on course for a seventh-place finish.
Caley had their opportunities, especially before the interval, but the hosts, who also struck the bar through Christos Karipidis, edged a low-key contest.
Stevie Frail's side came within inches of opening the scoring on the 20-minute mark when Ruben Palazuelos' corner from the right found Karipdis but his firm header struck the top of the bar.
But a fine passing move 11 minutes from time brought the decisive winner from Glen.
A neat one-two with Palazuelos saw the youngster burst into the penalty area and tuck the ball emphatically past Michael Fraser.