Sean Risk Sport

Inverness Caley Thistle maintained their perfect start to move off bottom and into positive points with a 2-0 win over Peterhead at the Sarens PSG Stadium thanks to goals from David Wotherspoon and Liam Sole.

Preview

Both teams came into today’s fixture off the back of convincing opening day victories, the Caley Jags took a 3-0 win over Kelty Hearts at New Central Park with goals from Billy Mckay, Luis Longstaff and David Wotherspoon. Caley Thistle started on -5 points due to administration and are on track to overturn that as quickly as they can and get themselves in the title mix.

Peterhead also started with a win, defeating fellow promoted side East Fife 4-1 at Balmoor Stadium. The Blue Toon responded to Lewis Latona putting East Fife ahead with goals from David Wilson, a penalty from Kieran Shanks, plus 2 goals from Jason Brown which sees them sit top of the table after the first game week. A promising start for a side many have tipped to struggle this season.

Slow Start

Caley Thistle named an unchanged side from the team that beat Kelty on the opening day of the season, meanwhile the Blue Toon made 2 changes as Jack Brown and a trialist (Flynn Duffy) came in for Pawlett and McGuffie.

The game took a while to get going, Alfie Stewart and Luis Longstaff had good chances each but to no avail. Peterhead could’ve had the lead as miscommunication between Luis Longstaff and Danny Devine saw Kieran Shanks through on goal but it was dealt with by Remi Savage before it could threaten Ross Munro.

Caley Thistle did eventually take the lead 5 minutes before the break as Oscar Macintyre’s low cross was thundered home by David Wotherspoon. The former Canadian international almost got another 2 minutes later but his volley was well saved by Jack Newman.

The second came 9 minutes into the second half after Luis Longstaff’s shot was parried by Jack Newman into the path of Liam Sole who tucked it home to score his first goal in Caley Thistle colours. However, he would be subbed off with an injury a few minutes later.

“Could’ve given a better account of ourselves”, says Strachan

Peterhead boss Ryan Strachan feels his side are better than what they showed today but acknowledged the difference between full time Caley Thistle and his part time squad, describing it as “different ends of the spectrum”.

Strachan however insists that this result won’t define his side’s season and is aiming to be more competitive with the part time sides in League 1 rather than the full time sides.

Familiar face on trial

Former Caley Thistle full back Flynn Duffy returned to the Sarens PSG Stadium as a trialist for Peterhead, the defender had his contract terminated at Caley Thistle in October last year when the club went into administration.

Strachan revealed that Duffy had been on trial with the Blue Toon for a few weeks now and that they are really close to securing his services. He also stated his side are also looking to bring in another defender before the window closes.

Game was ‘well managed’, says Kellacher

Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher feels his side managed the game really well, despite a slow start. Kellacher felt that his side ‘kicked on’ once they took the lead and managed the game well after going 2 ahead.

Kellacher did mention that his side could be a bit more clinical when it comes to the final pass but was really pleased overall with another win and another clean sheet.

This was the second biggest crowd since relegation to League 1 for Caley Thistle at 2,078, which Kellacher praised the fans for and is hoping that they realise how much of an impact it is having on the team.

Kellacher also revealed that Liam Sole’s injury isn’t serious and was a precautionary measure.

High praise for Oscar Macintyre

Kellacher was full of praise for new Caley Jags signing Oscar Macintyre, who joined from Premiership side Hibernian on a 1 year deal. Kellacher praised his impact at both ends of the pitch and also his attitude, stating he always gives it his absolute best in every training session.

Looking ahead

Up next for both sides is the first games of the new KDM Evolution Trophy on Tuesday night, the Caley Jags travel to Borough Briggs to face Elgin City, who they beat 2-0 in the Premier Sports Cup. Elgin were defeated 1-0 by East Kilbride at Borough Briggs today.

The Blue Toon host Aberdeen B at Balmoor Stadium, who defeated Fraserburgh 2-0 at Bellslea Park last week with goals from Zak To and Alfie Dorrington. However it is unclear whether there will be any first team Dons players playing in this game.