By David Buick
Inverness won a competitive tussle at East End Park to strengthen their grip on second, beating Dunfermline 2-1.
The Pars started the brighter of the two teams with early chances for Kevin Nisbet, Dom Thomas and Jonathan Afolabi. But it was Inverness who took the lead in spectacular but bizarre fashion.
Doran scored an interesting one. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
An Aaron Doran free kick which the referee judged to have crossed the line after it had cannoned off the crossbar was enough to put Inverness ahead at half time.
The Pars found the equaliser in the second half through a brilliant goal from Kilmarnock loanee Thomas who cut inside and found the top corner from range. However, it wasn’t long until Caley took the lead again.
Substitute Tom Walsh made it 2-1 to John Robertson’s men. A shot from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection to wrong-foot Pars keeper Owain Fon Williams, sealing three points for Inverness.
The former Rangers kid got a goal. (Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images)
They now sit three points clear in third whilst Dunfermline slip to seventh, four points clear of safety and four off promotion play-off places. Here are three things we learned.
Crucial win gets a big week for Caley off to a good start
Inverness sealed an important three points in their push to secure second spot in the Championship. Goals from Doran and Walsh were enough to earn a hard fought win on the road.
The three points will be made even sweeter by play-off rivals Ayr falling to defeat at Somerset Park against Morton after a 2-1 loss.
A good night for Caley. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
John Robertson’s men will hope they can take this momentum into Friday’s Scottish Cup quarter final against Hibs.
Substitute Walsh the difference
Walsh came off the bench to make a massive impact for the Highlanders as his strike helped win the game for Caley. Walsh hit the post with a shot from distance moments after coming on and that was a sign of things to come as later on in the match he sealed the victory.
It’s a big win for Caley and a good showing from Walsh will now have him pushing for a start in Friday’s cup tie.
Afolabi and Nisbet’s link up a positive for Pars
Nisbet returned to the Pars starting line-up to partner Celtic loanee Afolabi and it looks to have the makings of a promising partnership.
Afolabi has looked promising. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Afolabi looked really bright in the first half and on a number of occasions the Pars front two linked up well. Both had big chances and on another day could have both ended up with a couple of goals each.
The Pars support will be hoping that this partnership can flourish throughout the remainder of the season.