Gretna Toilers Run On Empty

Oct 28 2007 Rob Fairburn At Fir Park

GRETNA 0

INVERNESS CT 4

IT was billed as an autumn relegation decider and on this evidence there is no doubt who is heading back to the First Division next season.

In front of the lowest crowd in the history of the SPL - just 1092 paid in to Fir Park - Gretna were given a four-goal mauling by Inverness who were sitting second bottom at the start of the day.

There was a huge gulf between the teams as Craig Brewster's side cruised to their biggest top-flight win to open up a six-point gap over their rivals.

Inverness boss Brewster refused to accept the relegation issue was over but Gretna fans know they are doomed and one punter unleashed his wrath on a player before being escorted from the stadium by a steward.

Brewster said: "There are still another 20-odd games to go and a lot of points to play for. "Gretna have done a fantastic job to get here and they have played everybody nowso they know what is required.

"It takes time to adapt to the SPL.

They've got to remain positive but Iamonly concerned with Inverness.

"I was delighted we got four goals and a clean sheet. I think we have played better but it is a great result and we scored some great goals."

Gretna gifted ICT the lead with just a minute on the clock.

The home side couldn't clear their lines from a long throw-in by Grant Munro and David Cowan was caught of the wrong side of Ross Tokely and barged him in the back.

Dennis Wyness sent debutant keeper Tony Caig the wrong way from the spot.

Brewster's side were in control and a strong run from the halfway line by Marius Niculae ended with the Romanian drilling his shot just wide.

Gretna's only effort of note in the first half was along - range free-kick from Uruguayan Fabian Yantorno that landed on the roof of the net.

Inverness almost doubled their lead in 25 minutes when Gavin Skelton was short with a headed passback. Wyness lobbed the ball over Caig and Niculae's volley was hooked away by Danny Grainger.

Five minutes later Grainger fouled Wyness and from 25 yards Don Cowie found the bottom corner with a drive through the wall.

Cowan was hooked at the break and replaced by David Graham but ICT continued to create chances.

Niculae headed wide from close range then Wyness was sent through only for his lob to drift off target.

Gretna had a chance to reduce the gap in the 54th minute when Yantorno burst clear only to shoot wide of target.

2/3 Skelton warmed keeper Michael Fraser's fingers with a long-range drive as the home side tried to get back into the game.

Davie Irons sent on James Grady for Steven Hogg in the 66th minute but Inverness simply stepped up a gear. Sub Barry Wilson played a couple of slick one-twos in the box as he carved through the defence before steering the ball past Caig.

And the home fans were heading for the exits in the 74th minute when Roy McBain unleashed a stunning 25-yard shot that cannoned off the underside of the bar and in.

REF WATCH

MICHAEL McCURRY gave a controlled performance throughout. He took the heat out of any potential flashpoints with a quiet word in the ear and that a made a pleasant change from some of his colleagues in black and white. Rating: 7/10.

MATCH STATS

SHOUTS ON 3

SHOTS OFF 7

OFFSIDE 6

FOULS 14

CORNERS 4

BOOKINGS 1

SHOUTS ON 5

SHOTS OFF 5

OFFSIDE 3

FOULS 9

CORNERS 9

BOOKINGS 1