Caley Thistle coach Barry Wilson wanted his side to be sharper in front of goal in their 1-1 draw with Highland League opponents Nairn County.
George Oakley’s first-half finish was cancelled out by Max Ewan and Nairn goalkeepers James Kendall and Dylan Maclean denied visiting players on numerous occasions to keep the scores level.
Wilson, who took the team at Station Park last night, took the positives out of the draw despite an impressive showing from Ronnie Sharp’s men.
He said: “We should have been four or five up at half-time. Their keeper was producing worldies and the right-back Donald made a wee mistake with Daniel (Hoban) out of position, which gives them an easy goal. The second half was tougher. But in pre-season you have to take the positives. It was probably the first time George and Jordan have played together and I liked some of the stuff I saw from them.”
The Caley Jags threatened first through new signing Jordan White, who guided a header towards the top corner seven minutes in that Kendall, a summer addition from junior neighbours Nairn St Ninian, clawed away.
Oakley gave the visitors the lead on 14 minutes with a near-post run to meet Zach Elbouzedi’s corner.
Elbouzedi was quickly proving to be Inverness’ biggest threat from dead-ball situations and drew another fingertip save out of Kendall with a free kick.
Ronnie Sharp’s side drew level after half-an-hour when Ewan got to the ball before Daniel Hoban.
It was a tale of the two goalkeepers in the first half as Kendall stood up superbly to keep out White in a one-on-one situation.
Sharp shuffled his pack for the second period and Nairn started better, with Hoban twice required to come to his team’s aid.
Jordan Macrae had the beating of Donald Morrison and forced the goalkeeper to block with his feet, then he was out quick to block from Jack Maclean.
Oakley came close to getting his second just after the hour with a header that smacked the crossbar and replacement goalkeeper Dylan Maclean repelled a rasping shot from White. Further impressive saves from Maclean to keep out Oakley and Elbouzedi ensured the scores remained level.
The Caley Jags are back in action this afternoon at Grant Street Park against Clach, with the remaining first-team players to be taken by assistant manager Scott Kellacher.
