Inverness Caley Thistle began their competitive season with a victory over Elgin City in Group F of the Premier Sports Cup. Goals from Billy Mckay and Luis Longstaff in quick succession were enough to give the Highlanders all three points.
Inverness came off of a 3-1 victory over Highland League side Banks O’Dee in friendly action last Wednesday with a brace from Paul Allan and the returning David Wotherspoon also getting on the scoresheet.
The starting lineup for the Caley Jags saw new signings Ross Munro, Ross Millen, David Wotherspoon and Joe Chalmers being named in the starting lineup, with the latter two names returing for a second stint in the Highlands. The returning Alfie Stewart, who has joined on loan from Aberdeen until January was named on the bench.
Elgin came into this game looking to turn things around after their Group F campaign kicked off with a 5-1 loss to Championship side Raith Rovers at Borough Briggs last Saturday.
Elgin also announced a new partnership with Aberdeen FC which sees Dylan Ross, Jamie Mercer and Noah McDonnell joining on loan from the Dons.
Elgin had Josh O’Connor and Dylan Ross making their first starts for the club with the other Dons loanees Mercer and McDonnell being named as substitutes
One way traffic
Caley Thistle dominated the first half and were on the front foot for a lot of the time however Elgin did look threatening on the break as they looked to catch the Caley Jags defence napping and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring on 32 minutes as Jack Maciver’s shot hit the frame of the goal after Josh O’Connor made a fast break.
Caley Thistle opened the scoring in the 35th minute as David Wotherspoon went down with 2 defenders in front of him after making a great run into the box and Billy Mckay was there to sneak the loose ball past Thomas McHale.
They wouldn’t have to wait long for their second as just three minutes later as Matthew Strachan played a great ball in for Luis Longstaff to fire in and double the Highland side’s lead.
Inverness moved the ball around incredibly well and Wotherspoon in particular was causing Elgin a lot of problems playing on the left side of the midfield.
Liam Sole, Alfie Stewart, Jordan Alonge, and Robbie Thompson came on as substitutes for Caley Thistle with Sole and Alonge linking well as Sole played a great ball in but Alonge, who has just joined from Highland League side Forres Mechanics and scored 14 goals last season, headed just wide.
Kellacher in good spirits after Tuesday
Myself, Callum Law from the Press and Journal, and Will Clark from the Inverness Courier sat down with Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher after the game.
Kellacher was pleased with the performance and speaking about the goals told us: “two really good goals, Billy looking sharp in front of goal, and Luis Longstaff great finish in round the back.” He also told how this is exactly what he is looking for out of his players, “more crosses in the box, getting more shots on goal”, however he did feel that his side should have taken more chances in the first half and credited the opposition, stating “Elgin are a good side, they broke a couple times and caused us problems”. But overall the Caley Jags boss was very pleased.
Perseverance pays off with new signing
Kellacher is ‘delighted’ to see Alfie Stewart return to the Highland Capital after a successful loan spell in the second half of last season which saw him become a pivotal player in helping Caley Thistle stay up despite a 15 point deduction
Caley Thistle aren’t done in the market yet however as Kellacher believes his squad is 2 or 3 signings from being where he wants it to be and that a striker is the biggest priority at the moment.
One game at a time
In the other Group F clash, East Kilbride, who are new to the SPFL after winning the Lowland League then beating Brora Rangers and Bonnyrigg Rose in the playoffs, stunned Raith Rovers with a 4-2 win at Starks Park, which leaves 4 of the 5 teams in Group F all on 3 points. However, Kellacher insists his side won’t get carried away and will take each game as it comes as it is all to play for at this stage.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Inverness welcome St Johnstone who have made a lot of changes to their squad since relegation from the Premiership at the end of last season. The Saints kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 win away at East Kilbride with Gullan, Sidibeh and Kirk scoring for the Perth side.
Elgin welcome divisional rivals East Kilbride to Borough Briggs as Elgin look to put a win on the board however East Kilbride will be full of confidence after their win at Starks Park.
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