Elgin City 0-2 Inverness CT - Pre-Season

This was one of 2 matches being played by Inverness Caley Thistle on Wednesday evening, so if your favourite player doesn't appear in the squad, no need to panic, they were likely off stretching the legs in the 3-1 victory over another old-time rival, Huntly, at Christie Park. A regular forum user, RiG, took time out from squirrel spotting to provide the match report from this game.

Both sides started well with Elgin creating the first chance of the game. A corner from the left was well won by an Elgin defender who rose above Munro but only succeeded in flashing his header over the bar with Brown stranded.

Wilson was getting into space on the right flank on a few occasions and proved to be a valuable outlet for ICT and it was from his cross that saw ICT spurn the first in what would be a long line of chances in the first half. Bazza skipped along the wing and sent a ball into Wyness who got to the ball ahead of an opposition challenge but failed to make good contact and sent the ball trickling wide of Renton's goal.

Ian Black was next to threaten for the SPL side as he looked to test the Home keeper from distance. Lurking at the edge of the box he picked up on a loose ball and sent a shot in but like Wyness before him, only succeeded in tugging his shot wide of the target.

Inverness went in front thanks to a goal from prolific marksmen Craig Dargo. Alan Morgan sent a ball in from the right which was palmed away by the Elgin keeper. Inverness kept the ball alive and Dods quickly sent another cross back into the box which found the onrushing Dargo arriving at the back post to smash the ball high into the net from close range.

Wilson again was causing Elgin problems on the right and he sent in a wonderful ball that saw Wyness rise high above his man to get a header in but Renton collected comfortably. The next chance fell to Wilson himself who forced a fantastic save from Renton. Collecting the ball at the edge of the box the veteran midfielder sent in a thunderous volley that looked destined for the back of the net but for another superb save from Renton.

However it was not long before ICT doubled their advantage. Renton was finally beaten by Ian Black who didn’t appear too affected by the transfer speculation surrounding him recently. From the edge of the box Black shielded the ball from the opposing defender before turning him inside out and clipping the ball over Renton to put Inverness two up.

At half time ICT replaced Black, Keogh and Munro with McBain, Duncan and Hastings respectively. With Black and Keogh going off Inverness began to look a little less dominant in the middle of the park as Elgin began to threaten but a defensive lapse nearly saw Inverness add a third goal. The Elgin right back came under pressure and played a dangerous ball across goal which was intercepted by Dargo who moved in on goal before shooting over.

The final clear cut chance for Inverness came from skipper Wilson who saw his header held well by the impressive Renton.

The performance was typical of ICT. Not particularly fancy for the large part but effective. Black and Keogh looked a solid pairing in the midfield which was not as effective at controlling Elgin’s attacks after the two went off at half time.

Up front Wyness looked to be lacking in confidence but Dargo seemed sharp and well capable of carrying on last seasons form.

Below are a few comments from the Caley Jags faithfull who turned up to cheer on ICT versus Elgin.

'RossP' "First half we could've been about 4/5 up if it wasn't for the heroics of the elgin keeper. 2nd half we were under the cosh due to some lapses in conversation, and our entire midfield disappearing up front when it wasn't necessary trying to glory hunt for a goal; Elgin then countering. Hopefully we'll improve in the next 2weeks, and by the looks of things Elgin could be pushing for the 2nd division!!"

'Mee' "Blackies goal was very well taken, lovely to watch, the boy's a star and that better not be the last goal I see him score for us" 'Caley100' "Overall, a quiet performance, nothing to get excited about bar Blacks superb goal, and Barrys volleys which were saved by the best player in Elgins team, No sign of any new faces though!"

'TheMann4TheJob' "Lets just hope it was preseason warm ups, because this was pretty hapless stuff. Dargo netted from close range lifting the ball into the roof of the net with a poachers goal middle of first half. Bazza had two tremendous volleys within ten seconds of each other stopped with equally tremendous saves from the pink keeper, and Wyness had a header well saved as well, with the rebound dropping behind him. Black curled a neat shot into the roof of the net from 18 yards before half time and thus endeth the scoring. Lots of subs in second half with Hart adding a bit of thrust to the midfield but no further goals. Elgin had a couple of opportunities to score but Brown blocked them. Lets just hope that the weary Italian legs get re-charged before the season starts and Denzil shows a bit more effort than on display tonight. However, it was only a kick about on a breezy summers evening, maybe when the real thing starts, we are firing on all cylinders. Started the game with much and such our best eleven, Caff playing in Tokeleys position. Dods Munro and Golly made up the defence, Wilson Keogh, Black and Morgan, with Dargo and Wyness up front. Second half plenty of subs saw Hastings, Duncan, Macallister, Russeldhino, and probably some others, but we lacked ideas all round. Still, a wee workout for the few who turned up, maybe three hundred or so."