Caley Thistle scored three late goals to see off the challenge of a resilient Nairn County at Station Park last night.
Scott Boden broke the deadlock with an excellent goal 13 minutes from time, before County defender Paul Macleod’s own goal and a close-range effort from Ali Sutherland sealed victory against the Highland League side.
Caley Jags were denied an opener on 12 minutes when young Nairn goalkeeper Dylan Maclean made an excellent diving save to turn Iain Vigurs’ low shot around the post, while Ross Draper shot over from the edge of the box eight minutes later.
Maclean came to Nairn’s rescue again on 26 minutes when he palmed away Vigurs’ side-footed effort, before clutching the ball at the second attempt.
Inverness continued to create chances with forward Alex Fisher directing a header inches wide of Maclean’s right-hand post, and Draper again shooting over the bar following good work down the right flank by youngster Sam Robertson.
As they did in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Brora Rangers at Dudgeon Park, Caley Thistle again changed their team at the start of the second half, with trialist Kevin McNaughton among those introduced along with new signings Jake Mulraney and Boden.
Inverness once again carried the early threat, with Greg Tansey and David Raven both having low shots saved by Maclean.
County were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area on 66 minutes when midfielder Kenny McKenzie was brought down by McNaughton inches outside the area, however Ross Naismith’s effort was blocked.
Boden nearly caught out Maclean with a deft lob moments later after being put through on goal, however his effort drifted past the post.
There was to be no denying Boden on 77 minutes, however, with the former Newport attacker scoring an exquisite goal. Inverness doubled the advantage six minutes later when Tansey’s header across goal was inadvertently diverted into his own net by Macleod and victory was sealed two minutes later when Sutherland scored.
