Red cards and penalties as Caley Thistle crash to Rangers
TWO penalties and a red card apiece caused plenty of drama on Saturday as Inverness CT went down 2-0 at home to Rangers in the Clydesdale Bank SPL.
A Nikica Jelavic spot kick and a goal from Maurice Edu after Ryan Esson saved another penalty gave the visitors all three points at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
Caley Thistle, who have shown no fear against either side of the Old Firm in recent years, were sure to relish this occasion in front of the live Sky cameras.
Just a few months ago, a 3-2 home win against Celtic turned last season’s championship chase in favour of Gers when the Hoops were in pole position.
The hosts had five players missing, David Proctor and Kenny Gillet joining Lee Cox, Josh Meekings and Billy McKay on the sidelines.
With injuries biting mostly in defence, in came Graeme Shinnie to the back line.
Rangers had the ball in the net in less than three minutes when he knocked home a cross from Kyle Bartley, but he was flagged for offside. Austrian full-back Thomas Piermayr went in referee Euan Norris’ book after just four minutes for a stout challenge on Palazon Juanma Ortiz.
Caley Thistle’s real chance arrived 21 minutes when Jonny Hayes went on a darting run from a cleared Rangers corner, passed the ball to Aaron Doran and his low shot was held by keeper Allan McGregor.
It was a real physical tussle and Bartley was booked as tackles with flying and pace intensified all over the pitch.
On 33 minutes, Bartley had to be subbed after sustaining a knock. He was replaced by Ross Perry.
Moments before the break, ICT opened Rangers up and Doran’s delivery just missed the boot of the in-rushing Richie Foran.
Maurice Edu was next to be yellow carded after his wholehearted challenge on Ross Tokely.
Two long-range shots early in the second half showed the Highlanders’ intent, but it was the Glasgow who were given a golden chance on 59 minutes in controversial circumstances.
A through ball into the box was gathered by Steve Naismith and he went down under a challenge from Tokely.
Ref Norris pointed to the spot and Tokely was sent off, much to the fury of the home support and the player himself.
Up stepped Nikica Jelavic and he steered the ball past Esson to give Ally McCoist’s team the lead.
This was a real blow to the Caley Jags, who were firmly in the contest, but luck was soon further to go against the hosts.
An injury to Owain Tudur Jones on 65 minutes saw him replaced by Nick Ross, giving ICT boss Terry Butcher another selection headache to deal with.
Matters then worsened for Inverness CT when sub Tom Aldred, who had just come on for Gregory Tade, was judged to felled Dorin Goian and another penalty was awarded.
Jelavic’s penalty was superbly saved by Esson, but Edu was perfectly placed to finish it for a 2-0 scoreline.
Naismith came close to adding a third on 72 minutes but he steered a low shot wide after being teed up by Davis.
Another red card followed moments later when Edu picked up his second yellow after a challenge on sub Nick Ross.
So, at 10 men apiece, could ICT find a way back in the final 15 minutes?
They did push forward when they could, but the task to overturn two goals, in such stirring atmosphere, proved too much.
Next up for ICT is a trip to Aberdeen where they will be looking to score their first SPL win of the season.
Inverness CT: Esson, Piermayr, Tokely, Tudor Jones, Hogg, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, Tade (Aldred 61), Graeme Shinnie, Doran (Sutherland 73). Subs not used: Tuffey (GK), Andrew Shinnie, Ross, Morrison, Laing.
Rangers: McGregor, Goian, Broadfoot, Edu, Davis, Jelavic, Wallace, Naismith, Juanma Ortiz (Wylde 74), Bartley (Perry 33), Ness. Subs not used: Alexander (GK), Fleck, Healy, Hutton, Hemmings.
Referee: Euan Norris.
Attendance: 6,623.
