Nearly

Inverness almost got off to a flying start in Paisley as the 2012-13 season got underway after all the legal wrangling during the close season. Unfortunately, St Mirren equalised with a goal in time added on which meant a share of the points on day one; not the worst start we have ever had.

The once mighty Glasgow Rangers have fallen foul of the rules and regulations and find themselves plying their trade in the third division under a new name, The Rangers, with Dundee pipping Dunfemline to fill the gap left by the death of an institution.

But, that is another story with plenty of mileage left in it and I will let that one run it's course as the new season has taken over the thoughts of the rest of us, and with Ross County added to the mix then there will be plenty of interest to keep us occupied.

Terry Butcher had once more wielded the axe with the last of the local hero's leaving the club in Ross Tokely. So, a new era begins for Inverness Caledonian Thistle and a much changed side took to the park on Greenhill Road in their first competitive match of the season.

Ryan Esson is one constant in the side but the rest was anyones guess as they faced a changed St Mirren at a stadium Inverness had never been beaten. Richie Foran was missing as he sat out a one match ban.

Lewis Guy was Saint and sinner for the Buddies, scoring the opener, but getting sent off in the aftermath of the injury time leveller as Inverness newbie Ross Draper was left on the turf after McGregor scored.

In between these two goals, Nick Ross had flicked home an equaliser and Billy McKay had put the visitors in front, a lead they could not build on, despite some bright work from McKay, with Andrew Shinnie warming to the task as well.

Guy had been the prominent St Mirren player trying his luck a few times and Dougie Imrie was always a threat. Big Sam Parkin was not far away with a couple of headers and got even closer as injury time loomed. His rasping shot saw a diving Ryan Esson turn the ball round the post for a corner. It was from the resultant corner that Inverness eventually lost the lead. Graeme Shinnie made a hash of trying to clear the ball and when it was fired into the box, Esson missed it at the front post and McGregor rose to guide the ball home.

Overall a few positives for Inverness. Billy McKay looked lively and has started the season with a goal and Andy Shinnie is on the way back after last seasons injury woes. Aaron Doran could be the new Jonny Hayes and Ross Draper may well be the muscle required at the back of the midfield.

A point apiece and a good day out for the Caley Away fans, the Alamo providing the shouting juice and the meeting place for the newly formed group.

Full-Time: St Mirren 2-2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle

St Mirren: Samson, van Zanten, McGregor, Mair, Barron, Imrie (Reilly 87), McLean, Teale (Robertson 80), McGowan, Parkin, Guy.

Subs Not Used: Kelly, McGinn, Smith, Adam (GK).

Inverness Caledonian Thistle: Esson, Raven (Meekings 64), G. Shinnie, Warren, King, Tudur-Jones, Draper, A. Shinnie (Polworth 87), McKay, Doran, Sutherland (Ross 67).

Subs Not Used: Morrison, Laing, Oswell, Mathieson (GK).

Referee: Steven McLean.

Assistant Referee: Stuart Stevenson.

Assistant Referee: Ross Haswell.

4th Official: Kevin Graham.

Attendance: 4,104

Shorter than usual match report due to increased workload, but we hope to catch up starting with Killie at home next Saturday.