Barry Nicholson struck from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute, after Ross Tokely had fouled Lee Miller.

The 1-0 victory allowed Aberdeen to remain level on points with Dundee United, who stayed fourth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League thanks to their comprehensive victory over Hearts.

Despite his team failing to produce an eye-catching performance in the swirling wind, Calderwood was delighted to win.

He said: "I thought we started the game quite well, getting in behind them, but that petered out and then it became a battle.

"It was very difficult and the game had nil-nil written all over it.

"But we got the break and it is a massive three points for us.

"Obviously we would love to be firing on all cylinders, but winning is the biggest thing."

Aberdeen achieved the victory without six key players, as Jackie McNamara, Zander Diamond, Andrew Considine, Michael Hart and Darren Mackie were all still injured from Saturday's 1-0 victory over St Mirren, and Chris Maguire was ruled out after sustaining a knock in training.

Richie Byrne played even though Calderwood put the defender's fitness level at just 80%.

With Aberdeen having played six games since December 15, Calderwood hopes his injured players will start to return now the festive period is over.

He said: "It will be nice to get back to just playing on Saturdays as that will give the players a little break.

"This Saturday will be their seventh game in 20 days, so it says a lot about the players that they keep going.

"Hopefully we will now get a few of the injured players back in a few weeks."

Aberdeen were the better side during the opening period, with Jamie Smith having a shot from 35 yards tipped wide by Michael Fraser, before an aerial assault saw Lee Miller twice head wide and Lee Mair threaten.

Inverness grew in stature following the interval though and Jamie Langfield was forced into producing a series of fine stops.

The Aberdeen goalkeeper tipped a powerful drive from Ian Black over the bar, while Richard Hastings came even closer through a low shot which was pushed round the post.

But it was the Dons who went on to win the game via Nicholson's penalty, leaving Inverness manager Craig Brewster bitterly disappointed at his side's continued inability to beat Aberdeen.

He said: "This was another decent performance and I couldn't see us losing because we were solid in every department.

"Then Lee Miller did well and got a penalty, but apart from that I thought we were excellent in difficult conditions, so I am disappointed to lose the game.

"We created chances and Jamie Langfield had a couple of great saves, but although Aberdeen are always dangerous on the break I think we restricted them.

"Once again it just didn't fall for us."