In what wasn’t the prettiest of games at Starks Park on Saturday, Inverness picked up a valuable point on the road against a tenacious ten-man Rovers.
It was a cagey start to the game, with no side posing any real threat to the opposition ‘keeper. Both teams very fluid in their play which led to an open rest of the half, but still with no real chances as Inverness failed to take advantage of the hosts’ high defensive line.
Just before half time however, things took a turn for the worst. Midfielder Ross Matthews was shown a straight red card for a brutal challenge on Billy McKay, and the home fans were making their anger and frustration clear to referee Colin Steven.
Second half
The dismissal for Matthews made for an interesting second half as both teams realised they now had to do everything they could to ensure they came away with maximum points. The tempo improved, and so did the attacking play. Both sides had chances to take the lead, but it was an individual piece of real quality from Dario Zanatta that helped Raith Rovers take the lead. Bombing down the wing beating his opponents with ease, he reached the by-line and cut it back to Aidan Connolly who clipped it into the top corner. The Rovers had the lead, and their fans in their element.
Inverness responded well though, and had a fantastic header turned over the bar by an even better save from Jamie McDonald. It was then Manny Duku who forced McDonald into a similar save, his free kick saved well by the ‘keeper.
It was with only eleven minutes to go that the visitors got their goal, with a well struck effort from midfielder Sean Welsh. A good point for both teams.
Speaking to Inverness manager Billy Dodds after the game, he said he was disappointed with just a point, but cannot be angry with his players after going behind.
The three key factors
The red card changed the game
It changed both teams’ approaches to the second half, but I think Rovers would’ve held on and won that if they had all 11 men on the park. They definitely missed Matthews in the middle of the park, they didn’t look as solid and the defence didn’t have as much protection as they did when he was on the bench.
It wasn’t as noticeable when they were pushing for the breakthrough, but when they had something to sit on and defended more, it was clear to see that Matthews could’ve made a difference in the middle of the pitch when it came to Inverness’ goal.
Without him, it’ll definitely make a difference in the midfield battle against Dunfermline on Tuesday, and if I was Peter Grant, I’d be making the most of his absence.
Dario Zanatta’s individual quality
Yet again was impressive. I can’t remember when I last saw him have a bad game! Strong on the ball, good dribbler, goal threat, everything you look for in a forward at this level.
He had a huge part in the goal too. Some run down that wing and a great ball in, he was pulling the strings the whole game and is probably their biggest source of creativity. Missed a sitter at the end though, I’d have expected him to bury that!
Inverness showed why they’re top of the league
Not many clear-cut chances, Rovers on top, the home crowd behind them the whole game, a lot of aspects made it difficult for Caley when they were one nil down, but as usual they took their chance and scored with a fantastic finish.
They were never really on top of the game at any point, but despite visiting one of the hardest grounds in the league, they got their point and they stay top of the league. Nothing fancy, but each player knows his job and does it well. Love it.
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