While the Tangerines promised so much at the outset they fell away as the game progressed, allowing their visitors to gradually take control of the match and in truth Caley were unlucky not to leave with all three points.
A bright opening saw a strong penalty claim from United turned down when James Grady appeared to be clipped by Stuart Golabek. Caley then had two corners in quick succession without really threatening United's goal.
As the game opened up United captain Billy Dodds had an excellent chance in the sixth minute when a header from Stevie Crawford drifted just wide.
Then as the Tangerines continued to have the edge, Alan Archibald's 20-yard free-kick was well blocked by Darren Dods.
Caley's first real chance of the game came in the 24th minute when player- manager Craig Brewster latched onto a deflection but blasted the ball over from 12 yards.
The game came to life in the 29th minute courtesy of an own goal by Grant Munro following a period of pressure from the hosts. Stuart Duff swung in a ball from the left which the midfielder, in a challenge with Jim McIntyre, could only succeed in heading in to the top corner from 12 yards giving his keeper no chance.
But the precious lead lasted only six minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty. Dods tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the box following a clearance but the ball flew off the arms of Dodds.
Barry Wilson confidently sent Tony Bullock the wrong way from the spot. Mark Kerr's immediate response almost brought a goal, but his volley flashed wide. Then, approaching the break, James Grady's header was superbly stopped by Mark Brown as the little striker's flick zipped through the legs of Brewster.
The second half was a non-event although Caley were the better side. Wilson opened the second period with a 22-yard strike for the visitors that had Bullock struggling. Then Richard Hart's free-kick flew off his own player and brushed past the stranded keeper.
Caley continued to inflict pain on McCall's side. Hart's low curling cross was flicked down by Graham Bayne as the striker got in front of the slow keeper. Fortunately Wilson spared his keeper's blushes when he raced back to clear off the line.
But despite all this, it was United who missed two sitters in the 71st minute. Grant Brebner gave Lee Mair an easy header, but Brown not only saved it but wonderfully stopped Jim McIntyre's follow up, much to the disgust of the under-pressure McCall.