A disputed and retaken penalty followed by a deflected goal shortly before the break gave us a hige task but a great Vigurs’ strike early in the second period left the esult beyond doubt. Moult’s goal after an hour turned out to be poor consolation.
The manager made one change to the previous week’s winning eleven as Robinson moved to the bench in favour of Moult but there was a sense on the first few minutes that we were going to struggle.
Inverness took control from the kick-off and it was soon apparent that we lacked the energy that served so well at Pittodrie and Rugby Park. Inverness pressed us high up the park and we seemed unable to find a solution. Christie and Pearson had early shots off target but the first goal followed an Inverness corner after ten minutes.
The danger appeared to have passed but referee Craig Thomson awarded a penalty believing that the ball had struck the arm of McManus. Ripley made a superb save low to his right and it seemed that we had survived but a retake was ordered for encroachment and Tansey scored at the second attempt.
The home crowd expected a spirited push for an equaliser but we remained staid and cautious. Ponderous attacks were brushed aside. With half time imminent McManus took the ball deep on our right flank and chose to keep the ball in play rather than concede a throw-in. Possession was lost and within seconds Storey let loose from 25 yards. With the help of a deflection our ‘keeper was beaten and the deficit doubled. Grimshaw let loose but the woodwork denied an immediate reply.
The second half start was much better. There was urgency in our attack that was long overdue but our hopes were dashed when Vigurs connected following a corner. His volley from outside the box flew into the net and effectively killed the contest.
Moult gave us a glimpse of a recovery when he squeezed Ainsworth’s cross into the net at the far post. Much of the last half hour was spent in front of the Cooper Stand but the visitors’ defence was strong. Williams had hardly a save to make despite all out pressure.
The final twist came as we entered the fourth minute of added time. McManus received a second yellow card to round off a horrible day for our number six. He conceded a penalty, set up their second and was then dismissed – not a good day!
Motherwell 1 Inverness 3
Attendance 3,569 (100)
Team: Ripley, Law, Kennedy, McManus, Chalmers, Ainsworth, Pearson Grimshaw, Johnson(Robinson 79), McDonald (Fletcher 67), Moult