Caley Thistle may not have spoiled Ross County’s League Cup celebrations but they certainly took the shine off as they stunned the Staggies with a 3-0 win in the Highland derby at Victoria Park.
Goals from Liam Polworth and Ross Draper gave Inverness a 2-0 half-time lead before Miles Storey’s spectacular strike ended County’s hopes of getting back into the game in Dingwall.
County made four changes from the side which drew 1-1 with St Johnstone in midweek.
Liam Boyce, Alex Schalk, Stewart Murdoch and Richard Foster replaced Jonathan Franks and David Goodwillie, who both dropped to the bench while Martin Woods and Brian Graham missed out altogether.
Inverness manager John Hughes made three changes to the side which exited the Scottish Cup in midweek with Greg Tansey returning from suspension. He replaced Richie Foran in midfield. Lewis Horner and Nat Wedderburn also dropped out with Miles Storey and Liam Polworth restored to the starting line-up.
On the day of County’s party parade through Dingwall to celebrate their League Cup win, the home side were determined to board the open top bus with a win under their belts and they almost opened the scoring after just 20 seconds with Owain Fon Williams making a fine one handed save to keep out Schalk’s diving header.
County looked lively but Inverness served notice of their intent when Carl Tremarco diverted Polworth’s shot off the crossbar.
County responded immediately when Jackson Irvine outstripped Gary Warren to put himself one one on with Fon Williams but he struck the post.
County continued to press, however, but they were caught on the break as the visitors struck twice in the space of five minutes to take control of the game.
Polworth got the crucial breakthrough goal, firing past Gary Woods after being sent clear by Storey and with County pushing for an equaliser Inverness broke away again with Polworth’s ball dropping for Ross Draper and he fired a low shot past Woods to double his side’s advantage.
McIntyre made a double substitution at the break in the hope of getting back into the game but it was Inverness who put the game beyond the home side in spectacular fashion at the start of the second half when Storey chested the ball down with his back to goal before turning and firing a super 25 yard dipping shot high past Woods to make it 3-0.
Polworth almost made it four when he struck the crossbar from 20 yards but it did not matter. Caley Thistle were worthy winners.
