Motherwell 1-4 ICT

Barry wilson has a great day as he sets up all 4 of Caley Thistle's goals against Motherwell.

Ross Tokely opened the scoring in a tight first half but second half goals from Craig Dargo, Grant Munro and Rory McAllister's first league goal - which was also ICT's 100th goal in the SPL -  sealed the match in style. 

The Hearts’ result at Tynecastle equalled ICT’s worst defeat in the SPL but a fortnight is a long time in football – this fine win at Motherwell equalled the club’s best SPL score.

Motherwell manager Maurice Malpas may not have been happy with his strikers or his defence but Charlie Christie was delighted to gain the first SPL victory of the season. With Dennis Wyness still sidelined Craig Dargo came back from injury to partner Graham Bayne up front. Otherwise the team from Tynecastle remained intact.

Ian Black, fresh from signing an extended contract, made his 50th appearance. His name may not have appeared on the score sheet but the Highland hero of the day was Barry Wilson who set up all four goals and was always a threat with his pinpoint crosses.

After exchanges at both ends Motherwell should have taken the lead in 20 minutes when Kevin McBride failed to connect with a Scott MacDonald cross in a good position.

The first goal came five minutes later at the other end when a Wilson free kick was punched away by Graeme Smith but only as far as Ross Tokely. The big defender scored with a looping header to open his account for the season. In 36 minutes the Steelmen came close when a Brian Kerr 20 yard free kick rebounded off the bar. With the break looming Smith parried a Wilson drive and Bayne was robbed of the ball by Brian McLean as he seemed certain to score.

Half Time: 0-1

The second goal came just three minutes into the second half when Wilson robbed Paul Quinn and squared the ball to give Dargo a close-range chance which he did not turn down. The Motherwell camp began to realise this was not their day when in 54 minutes Richie Foran missed the easiest of chances from just two yards out.

They did pull one back in 71 minutes when Scott McDonald headed home a Keith Lasley free kick. Smith made an excellent save from Dargo in 78 minutes but the resultant corner from Wilson proved fatal. Bayne flicked it on and Grant Munro was in the right place to hammer home his second goal of the season. It was now all over for Motherwell and their fans started to head for home. Youngster Rory McAllister finished the scoring two minutes from time when he headed in another Wilson corner.

Full Time: 1-4

A good day’s work, three valuable points and a small but significant climb from tenth to ninth.