Adams surprised by team line-up

ROSS County manager Derek Adams was shocked by Caley Thistle's defensive formation and felt his side would have been worthy winners in the third First Division Highland derby game of the season.

Inverness began the game with leading scorer Adam Rooney as their lone forward, using Russell Duncan, David Proctor and Lee Cox to shield their defence.

County controlled the opening period but Caley Jags forced their way back into the match when Terry Butcher replaced central defender Nauris Bulvitis with winger Robert Eagle after the break.

Adams deployed Michael Gardyne behind targetman Andy Barrowman up front and was taken aback at the way Inverness lined up.

He said: “I am disappointed we did not win the game with the amount of chances we created. It was similar to last week against Hibs and we are delighted with our performance.

“There was only one team that came to win the game, Caley Thistle went 4-5-1 with one attacker up front in Adam Rooney.

“Caley Thistle showed us a lot of respect by playing five players in midfield, I thought it was very surprising.

“When I saw their team-sheet and how they lined up with Lee Cox just in behind Rooney, he is not a striker and he was getting deeper and deeper.

“David Proctor and Russell Duncan were also in the middle of the park.

“We had the opportunities in the first half and if it was a boxing match you would stop it.

“We dominated the match, anybody can put another twist on it but there was only one team that wanted to win the game.

“We put attackers on near the end and it shows how much we have come on as a team."

County can join Dundee at the top of the First Division table if they win their two games in hand over the Dens Park club.