GLASGOW, Oct 14 (SW) - Rangers fell further off the pace in Scotland after suffering a 1-0 defeat at home to Inverness, their first-ever loss to Caley Thistle.

Rangers nearly took the lead in the first half with a glancing Charlie Adam header, only to see the ball fly high of the goal, but Inverness were well in the game and Lionel Letizi was forced into action several times.

Phil Bardsley and Thomas Buffel both then had glorious chances to put the home side in front, but Caley Thistle goalkeeper Mark Brown was in inspired form to stop both efforts.

All the misses piled up for Rangers, and that gave Inverness the impetus to go in front in the 71st minute as Letizi spilled a shot from Craig Dargo, and then watched as Graham Bayne fired in the rebound for the match winner.