Dennis: I'm Glad Boss Backed Me

Sep 30 2007 Alasdair Fraser At The Caledonian Stadium

INVERNESS CT 4

FALKIRK 2

DEADLY Dennis Wyness thanked Craig Brewster for sticking by him through lean times as the old swagger returned in devastating fashion.

The club record scorer grabbed a classy double in Caley Thistle's slickest performance of the season as they climbed off bottom spot.

Wyness, unable to recapture his best because of injury last season, had a horror miss at Celtic Park three weeks ago.

But the fans' favourite made it four goals in three games, with his second against Falkirk a particularly memorable moment.

Wyness said: "Confidence grows when you are winning. We said a week ago it would be massive to get three wins in seven days and that's what we've done.

"As for me, just getting one goal can be crucial as any striker will tell you. That's four in three games now.

"I've been in and out of the team but the manager has stuck by me, particularly after missing a great chance against Celtic.

"I didn't doubt goals would come again - every striker goes through it, although mine has been a bit longer than most."

Building on victories over Hearts and Gretna, the Highlanders bristled with confidence and produced some sparkling football.

They kept talismanic Russell Latapy subdued and refused to panic, despite the Bairns twice hauling themselves back to a goal behind.

Ross Tokely's cross in seven minutes set up Marius Niculae's drive from the edge of the box.

The Romanian's effort was charged down but Wyness reacted to crack a six-yard shot past helpless Tim Krul.

Russell Duncan, who seems only to score spectacularly, did it again in 17 minutes, lashing in a shot off Bairns' Kenny Milne.

Some of Caley Thistle's passing and movement was sublime but they suffered a setback in 27 minutes.

Thomas Scobbie's free-kick from outside the angle of the box fell to Milne who knocked it home clumsily.

Rather than signal a Bairns recovery, the retaliation was soon cancelled out.

Ian Black struck his first goal since November 2005 as he met Niculae's flick with a fine right-foot volley.

Bairns boss John Hughes must have torn into his men at the break because they were pumped up for the second half.

Within two minutes, Latapy's swirling corner was only partly cleared by Phil McGuire's header and 18-year-old Scott Arfield fired a dipping volley into the net.

Abreathless game produced another goal in 54 minutes as Caley Thistle restored their two-goal advantage. Wyness controlled a high ball and cut inside to roll the ball past Krul.

Caley Thistle pressed to the death and left manager Brewster beaming.

The injured player-boss said: "It was a great day from start to finish. We refused to panic when they scored.

"All round, from our goalkeeper's exceptional handling to a solid, aggressive back four, midfield's great use of the ball and energy and up front we were superb."

As for Wyness, Brewster said: "When I came back, I sensed he was really up for it.

"For me, the second goal capped it. He picked one out of the air and his first touch is to flick it past a defender. "He then just coolly slots it home - a tremendous goal."

REF WATCH

DAVID SOMERS handled a lively occasion with great authority and did not have to dip into his pockets for his cards. Rating: 7/10

WATCH STARS

SHOTS ON 11

SHOTS OFF 7

OFFSIDE 1

FOULS 12

CORNERS 3

BOOKINGS 0

SHOTS ON 9

SHOTS OFF 3

OFFSIDE 1

FOULS 21

CORNERS 4

BOOKINGS 1