Charlie Trafford’s first goal for Caley Thistle ensured they took a scrappy three points in a 2-1 win over Alloa Athletic.
Inverness had not looked like scoring for large swathes of this encounter and Alan Trouten’s first-half penalty gave the home side a merited lead.
However, two quick-fire goals in the second 45 from Shaun Rooney and then Trafford turned the game on its head to give John Robertson’s side the points.
The Caley Jags made three changes from the 2-0 defeat to Dundee United last weekend. Brad Mckay was suspended while Kevin McHattie and Tom Walsh dropped to the bench, with Shaun Rooney, Carl Tremarco and Anthony McDonald brought in.
Alloa shone brightly early on through Dario Zanatta, who had a cross deflected goalwards by Coll Donaldson that Cammy Mackay had to beat away at his near post. Skipper Andy Graham flicked a corner over at the near post soon after as Jim Goodwin’s side pressed for an early advantage.
Further positive work by the on-loan Hearts man, getting the better of both Rooney and Donaldson, teed up Jack Aitchison unselfishly, however Mackay repelled the low strike with his legs.
Zanatta was central to Alloa taking the lead as he skipped into area and was bundled over by Donaldson, with referee Mike Roncone awarding a penalty. Trouten rolled the spot-kick down the middle to give the Wasps a deserved lead.
The Caley Jags were playing like a team who had very little riding on the game whereas Alloa, who were not mathematically safe from the drop, had the urgency to be proactive.
Liam Polworth and McDonald were replaced at half-time for Darren McCauley and Nathan Austin and Inverness did have the first chance of the second period, with Steven Hetherington heading off the line from Rooney.
It was Rooney who got the Caley Jags level with 21 minutes to go as he lashed home just inside the box, after Alloa only half-cleared Joe Chalmers’ cross.
Neil Parry was called into action for the first time moments later as he did well to repel Jordan White’s strike, which appeared destined for the bottom corner.
Four minutes after getting back onto level terms the away side were in front, as Trafford headed in at the near post from Chalmers’ corner.
The home side could have levelled with five minutes to go after Mackay spilled Jordan Kirkpatrick’s shot but moved quickly to block the rebound from Jack Hamilton, sparing his blushes.
Mackay was required once more in the closing stages to preserve the points, denying Connor Shields from point-blank range and sending Inverness up the road with the win.
