Inverness Caley Thistle beat Crusaders 3-2 to set up an IRN-BRU Cup final meeting with Championship rivals Dumbarton on March 24/25.
John Robertson's side got off to the best possible start when George Oakley scored in the first minute and Joe Chalmers then added to their lead.
Jake Mulraney struck just before the break to give Caley Thistle a commanding lead at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium but Paul Heatley pulled one back for the Northern Irish league leaders in 57 minutes.
The hosts had Brad McKay sent off shortly after the hour mark and Heatley scored again as Crusaders piled on the pressure in the closing stages but Caley Thistle held on and even missed a stoppage-time penalty when Iain Vigurs sent his kick wide.
