It ended their hopes of reaching the last eight and it was defensive errors that led to the ease of Killie's victory.

Both sides entered this fifth round tie with optimism. ICT were on the back of three wins which had seen them soar to third in Irn Bru Division One within a seven-game unbeaten run.

Kilmarnock, under new boss Jimmy Calderwood, were showing signs of improvement, boosted hugely by their stunning 1-0 SPL win against Celtic last midweek.

It was Inverness CT who ended Killie's run in this competition last season and they were determined to do it again, this time as a Division One club.

Wearing their black shirts, the visitors started well and Adam Rooney challenged the home defence and almost caught a sight at goal through sheer determination.

They continued to threaten and David Proctor forced a fine diving save from Cammy Bell after the midfielder won possession on the centre circle.

Killie soon settled and their first real chance arrived on 18 minutes when Scott Severin, on loan from Watford, saw his shot deflected off Grant Munro and dip over the crossbar with keeper Ryan Esson beaten.

Proctor then came to the rescue when he was on the goal-line to head clear a net-bound effort from Manuel Pascali, who got on the end of a Craig Bryson corner.

Inverness CT were competing well and frustrating the Rugby Parkers and Dani Sanchez went close on 27 minutes when he looped a shot over the top.

However, it was the Premier League side who grabbed the advantage when Conor Sammon latched on to a long through ball and delicately swept his shot over Esson's head into the net, with the ICT defence static.

The goal came out of the blue and at a time when the home supporters were becoming restless.

This gave the hosts a lift for a while, but ICT almost pulled level when Richie Foran stole free in the box and his cross for Sanchez was cleared desperately from the line.

Then, came the second sucker-punch as Kilmarnock added to their lead on 36 minutes when Liam Kelly finished off a swift move in style to give them breathing space.

Again, slack marking allowed Kilmarnock too much space to exploit and they needed no second invite.

Both sides knew the importance of a further goal and they started the second half full of purpose.

The killer third, however, came on 58 minutes when there was hesitation from Lionel Djebi-Zadi who failed to deal with a cross from the left and Kelly pounced for his second of the afternoon.

It was a cruel way to lose such a vital goal and Kilmarnock were enjoying this feast just a week after they shared eight goals with Dundee United at Rugby Park.

Two great diving saves from the excellent Bell halted Rooney and Foran in quick succession - just days after he thwarted Celtic's star Robbie Keane.

On 71 minutes, Bell continued to show his class with a powerful block to push away a drive from sub Eric Odhiambo.

The keeper's performance underlined how it was clearly Killie's day and Inverness CT will prepare now for the important Division One tussle away to Raith Rovers.

Kilmarnock: Bell, Clancy (Invincible 62), Hay, Kyle (Fernandez 83), Sammon, Ford, Bryson, Pascali, Kelly, Hamill, Severin (Fowler 76). Subs not used: Robinson (GK), Kieran.

Inverness CT: Esson, Tokely, Bulvitis (Duncan 64), Munro, Djebi-Zadi, Cox, Sanchez (Odhiambo 62), Proctor, Foran, Rooney, Hayes (Eagle 87). Subs not used: Allison (GK), Golabek.

Referee: Calum Murray.

Attendance: 4473.

sports@highland-news.co.uk

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