Scottish Premiership: Aaron Doran scores twice for Inverness in 3-1 win over Ross County

Aaron Doran scored twice for Inverness as they opened 2015 with a 3-1 win over Ross County at Victoria Park.

The 23-year-old broke the deadlock for Caley after 26 minutes before doubling their lead in the second half with a low drive from outside the box.

Highland rivals Ross County hit straight back two minutes later when Jackson Irvine sent Martin Woods’ cross goal-bound with a header.

But Inverness proved too strong for the home side and sealed all three points through Billy McKay's strike in the 73rd minute to secure their 11th win of the season.

The first chance of the game fell to Inverness inside three minutes when Carl Tremarco skipped past Antonio Reguero only to see his cross for Doran find the side-netting.

Nine minutes later the visitors nearly took the lead when McKay fired a looping volley from outside the box which missed by inches.

Inverness continued to press in the first half and scored through Doran, who took advantage of Marley Watkins’ air kick and fired a volley from 20 yards to send the visitors 1-0 ahead after 27 minutes.

After a quiet spell towards the end of the first half, Caley caught the home side on the counter through a long ball from Charlie Christie which Doran latched onto and sent through McKay who beat two players before seeing his effort saved by Reguero.

The visitors then doubled their lead through Doran, his deflected strike from the edge of the box was too much for Reguero to deal with.

County came close moments later when Irvine’s shot struck the inside of the post, the chance resulted in a corner which Irvine steered past Dean Brill with a well-timed header courtesy of Woods' corner.

But Inverness were able to find another goal, this time in the 73rd minute after Tansey’s free-kick was knocked back across goal by Warren who found McKay in space and the striker converted from close range.

The visitors saw out the match and left Victoria Park with all three points to remain fifth in the table.