We lined up in the bright spring sunshine with just the one change from last week’s triumph over Celtic. Jeffers came on to partner Sutton and Humphrey moved to the bench. We kicked off (five minutes late) with backs to the sparse Motherwell support that was boosted by a dozen or so in Liverpool strips, curly wigs and moustaches!
The game started slowly with none of the urgency that was apparent last week. Inverness took control and most of the opening fifteen minutes were spent in our half. Duncan had a low effort from twenty yards well saved while Esson remained a spectator.
A rare 'Well attack
Inverness took the lead in 18 minutes when Sutherland collected the ball at the angle of the box. Without much in the way of a tackle from Hammell, he cut inside and lashed the ball high into the net. We could hardly complain that the home team had the advantage.
A further warning that all was not well came after half an hour when Sutherland’s glancing header came close. As the half closed we produced a few half hearted attacks but in truth we did not look like drawing level. Lasley slipped a nice ball through for Sutton but Esson was on it in a flash. Our first corner arrived in 41 minutes!
Jeffers had hardly had a touch and Hateley showed that he was no replacement for Humphrey on the wing. We had no width and a change was needed.
We waited ten minutes for the change to be made and it was Forbes who made way for Humphrey. Minutes later Saunders replaced Hateley. At least there was some potential for a threat on the wing.
Unfortunately there was no change in the pattern of play. Inverness were more direct and they doubled their advantage when Foran took advantage of space in the box to score. Our new centre back pairing should be forced to watch reruns! Thoughts of a come-back faded when both of Humphrey's shots from close range were blocked. Minutes later we were three behind when Foran passed to give Macdonald a goal with his first touch. He had been on the park for seconds.
It was as poor a performance as Stuart McCall has seen since he arrived and if there's no improvement next week then we'll be out of the cup.