Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

City fans may be forgiven for thinking the first league win was on the horizon after fighting back from a goal down to lead at half time yesterday. It wasn’t to be, however, as 10 man Caley struck twice in the second half to take all three points back up the A9.

Manager Darren Dods rung the changes from the side that lost narrowly against Dunfermline at East End Park last weekend. Skipper Paul McLean, who came off at half time in that game, wasn’t fit enough to start whilst Liam Watt and Kalvin Orsi dropped out the side. Coming in to the starting eleven was James Dale, Finn Graham and Connor McLennan.

The game got off to a nightmare start for City as they conceded after just 4 minutes. Graeme Smith did well to palm away an effort from Liam Polworth but disaster struck from the resulting corner. The ball flighted into the box was punched by ‘Buzz’ onto the back of the unfortunate CONNOR MCLENNAN, the ball bounced off the striker and bobbled into the net.

City had their first real chance of the game after 14 minutes. A long ball upfield from Graeme Smith sent Isaac Layne through on goal, he raced away from the defence but his effort was saved comfortably by Ridgers. Immediately up at the other end, Polworth played a clever ball through for ex-City striker John Baird but his effort was saved down low by Smith.

With 18 minutes on the clock, City were awarded a penalty after Carl Tremarco had blocked Sinclair’s goalbound shot with his arm. JORDAN SINCLAIR stepped up to take the penalty himself and he made no mistake from the spot – dispatching the ball powerfully into the corner, sending Ridgers the wrong way.

Just a few minutes later Caley had a penalty shout of their own when Connor Bell went down under the challenge of Sean Crighton, however the young striker was booked for simulation.

A deep cross from Collin Seedorf on 26 minutes found a completely unmarked Connor Bell at the back post however his downwards header was kept out by Smith.

Just after the half hour mark, the impressive Finn Graham made a good run down the left before playing the ball inside for Layne who in turn set up McLennan but his shot was straight at Ridgers in the Inverness goal.

The visitors were next to threaten as the end to end nature of the game continued. A corner flighted in from Polworth was headed onto the top of the bar by Tremarco.

Jake Mulraney was causing problems for the City defence down the right hand side with his direct style of play, he danced past a couple of challenges in the box before stinging the hands of Smith with his resultant effort before being cleared to safety.

The home side got their noses in front six minutes before the break with a spectacular goal. Connor McLennan floated in an inch perfect cross for JORDAN SINCLAIR who connected with a superb full volley which arrowed into the top corner of the net. It was a splendid display of technique from the midfielder for his 5th goal of the season.

City were hungry for more and could have extended their lead on the stroke of half time. Sinclair was at the heart of things again as Isaac Layne latched onto his long ball, the striker cut inside his marker however his shot flew just wide of the target.

It was a fairly uneventful start to the second half with both sides struggling to create any openings, however the Caley Jags were back level after 64 minutes. Baird flicked a pass into the path of substitute GEORGE OAKLEY who prodded the ball past the on-rushing Smith.

Just two minutes later however, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Carl Tremarco was given his marching orders for holding back Connor McLennan as he raced forward.

City looked to make the numerical advantage count as they searched for a third goal. Finn Graham continued to cause problems, he cut the ball inside for McLennan but his shot was deflected wide. The resulting corner was only cleared as far as Watt but his cross but flicked over the bar by Euan Smith. Three minutes later Euan Spark supplied a pass for Liam Watt but he could only drag his shot wide of the target.

With just twelve minutes remaining, Inverness grabbed the winner against the run of play. It was a neatly worked goal which resulted in Baird squaring the ball for GEORGE OAKLEY who had the simple task of passing the ball into the empty net.

This was a real hammer blow to City but they continued to battle in search of an equaliser. Isaac Layne came close on a couple of occasions and as the game entered stoppage time, Layne headed the ball down for Spark but his shot was blocked superbly by Coll Donaldson.

The referee called time on an ultimately disappointing result for a City side who would have fancied their chances after leading at half time and following the dismissal of Tremarco – but it wasn’t to be.

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