Match Report - By Steven Mew

Having run Dundee United so close at Tannadice last week, there was an undoubted air of confidence around Glebe Park with many supporters believing that City could follow it up with a positive result against a struggling Inverness side.

City of course were looking to gain revenge after a 3-0 league cup defeat against the Caley Jags in the first competitive match of the season – a game in which many City regulars missed out.

Manager Darren Dods unsurprisingly went with largely the same team as last week at Tannadice in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He was however forced into one change, with Isaac Layne coming in for the injured Andy Jackson.

The opening stages of the game was fairly uneventful with City more than matching their opponents. Liam Polworth had the first meaningful effort of the match after nine minutes when his shot flew well over the bar, whilst at the other end Isaac Layne had his goal bound effort blocked.

City were hit by a sucker punch when Inverness took the lead after 27 minutes. A throw in from the right hand side was flicked into the path of IAIN VIGURS on the edge of the box, his shot took a wicked deflection off the sliding Paul McLean and into the back of the net.

This was a real hammer blow to a City side who had competed well prior to this and all of a sudden were now chasing the game.

The visitors came close to doubling their advantage just a couple of minutes later when Graeme Smith made a fine save at his near post from Connor Bell, but they were not to be denied for much longer when they got their second after 31 minutes. A corner from the right was met by BRAD MCKAY who towered above Paul McLean, guiding his header into the far corner despite the efforts of Willie Dyer on the post.

This sprung City into life as they looked to pull a goal back before the break. Jordan Sinclair’s delivery from set pieces was causing problems for the Inverness rearguard and it was his corner that was met by Kalvin Orsi at the near post, but keeper Mark Ridgers was on hand to gather.

Isaac Layne, who had a frustrating 90 minutes upfront for City was next to threaten when his powerful shot from the edge of the box was blocked. Just a minute later the ex-Alloa hitman had another effort which flew harmlessly over the bar.

City started the second half brightly as they looked to get themselves back into the game. Just a minute after the restart Euan Spark swung in an inviting cross from the right which just evaded Finn Graham at the back post.

Shortly after, City won a free kick 25 yards out which was taken by Jordan Sinclair, his effort bobbled awkwardly in front of Mark Ridgers but the ex Scotland U21 keeper managed to gather at the second attempt. The home side continued to push forward and Finn Graham was unlucky to see his shot blocked after a surging run.

The visitors started to get into their stride again around the hour mark when Connor Bell was sent clean through on goal but ‘Buzz’ was quickly off his line to save at the feet of the attacker.

Just a couple of minutes later the Caley Jags put the game beyond doubt when they added a third goal. Ex-City loanee John Baird picked the ball up on the left side of the box - he delayed before supplying a pass for ALEXANDER COOPER who neatly sidestepped Willie Dyer before firing a crisp low finish into the far corner.

Jordan Sinclair, who deservedly picked up the sponsors man of the match award following the game, was at the heart of just about everything positive for City and it was his free kick that was met by Paul McLean at the near post, but his effort was deflected wide for a corner.

The Caley Jags rounded off the scoring after 73 minutes and it was a goal Darren Dods and his coaching staff will not want to watch again - a corner from the left was met by the unmarked IAIN VIGURS who gratefully guided his header into the back of the net at the near post.

Inverness continued in search of more goals with Charlie Trafford coming close – his shot zipping narrowly past the upright. At the other end another excellent delivery from Sinclair was met by Paul McLean with the City skipper heading just past the post.

It really should have been five just 8 minutes from time – John Baird’s powerful shot was palmed by Smith into the path of path of substitute Riccardo Calder, however the ball bobbled off his foot and dribbled wide of the goal.

Overall, a bitterly disappointing result for City after such an encouraging performance against the league favourites at Tannadice last weekend. Some may feel the scoreline was a little harsh on City but there is no doubting that they were well beaten on the day. It’s a break from league action next weekend as City take on local junior side Brechin Vics in their Centenary match at Victoria Park.

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