Points from Pars as Carson strikes

A fortunate goal line clearance after Sutherland hit a defender standing on the line was the best opportunity of a close first half that Inverness just edged, but there was no scoring at the break. The visitors opened the scoring ten minutes from time when MotM David Carson cut in from the right, jinked inside and smashed a right footer off the post and into the net. That was Carson's first goal for the club in his 47th appearance and a vital one it was too. Inverness held on comfortably thereafter to take all three points North and move up to fifth in the table.

After an encouraging win at Stark's Park in midweek the Neil McCann entourage were looking for their second win in a week, but it was a tough ask to go to East End Park with the Pars sitting second in the table and try to take all three points back up the A9. This would be McCann's seventh game at the wheel as he tries to steer us clear of the relegation zone whilst still maintaining an interest in the top four play-off places.

He would have to do it without the injured Aron Doran, Cameron Harper, Lewis Toshney, Anthony MacDonald, James Keatings and James Vincent who is on compassionate leave after a family bereavement. Condolences to James. Stevie Crawford has an extensive squad with a strong bench so no hassle for him to make his team selections. An ominously strong looking bench for the Pars with O'Hara and McManus lying in wait. Craig Wighton started up front with Scott Banks in midfield.

So, both teams unchanged from last time out and it was game on.

It was a cagey opening and fully ten minutes before Ridgers had anything to deal with as he pulled a mishit shot from Murray out of the air.

An Inverness free kick off the training ground produced a corner and from that a close range shot from Sutherland hit a defender on the line in the nether region (Comrie) before Fon Williams grabbed the loose ball.

Craig Wighton slipped the ball into the net from a tight angle soon after but was adjudged to be offside. Moments later Sean Welsh fed MacGregor on the edge of the box but he smothered his shot and the keeper saved comfortably.

Half an hour gone and neither side were able to impose themselves on the proceedings as Scott Allardice skied a shot from a corner as Toddy got in his way.

A Welsh free kick from thirty yards was straight down the keepers throat with five minutes left to the interval, but it ended goalless at the break.

Half Time: 0-0

The visitors got the second half going as the Skids faded out.

A great defensive tackle saw Dan Mackay burst forward on the left before cutting in, alas his shot was wayward. Some good pressure from the visitors saw opportunities for offloading shots and Roddy Macgregor's effort had Fon Williams scrambling across his line as the ball slipped past the post. Toddy then saw a shot hit the roof of the net as the hosts were pressed back. Another scramble ensued after MacGregor drilled a ball into the box, the defence eventually blocking and clearing.

Poor defending allowed Whittaker an opportunity but Mark Ridgers made a tremendous save low down at full stretch.

The game had opened up now as The Pars were getting to grips with the second half and both keepers were called into routine action.

Welsh brought out another save from the keeper with another free kick.

The visitors opened the scoring ten minutes from time when MotM David Carson cut in from the right, jinked inside and smashed a right footer off the post and into the net. We held on comfortably thereafter to take all three points North and move up to fifth in the table.

Full Time: 0-1

That was a solid performance from the Caley Jags to give temporary boss Neil McCann his second win in four days against the second and third placed sides.

Brilliant first goal for David Carson who excelled again and a second clean sheet in four days away from home at difficult locations.

What a difference a week makes!

Match reaction from Neil McCann:  Read full story at ICTFC

“I don’t think anyone can say we didn’t deserve that today. We got the three points from an unbelievable goal from David Carson, who I though was magnificent today.”

“I thought all round we looked a proper unit and a team that was prepared to do everything for each other. I’m delighted today.”

“The boys have turned it around. We’ve changed our shape because I looked at them and thought they needed something a little different. It’s just one that makes them feel secure out of possession.”

David Carson after his first goal for the club

Full highlights from Pars TV

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