Inverness CT 4-2 St Johnstone

Jul 20 2008 Alasdair Fraser At Caledonian Stadium

INVERNESS produced a fine display of attacking football to give their fans hope of a season packed full of goals. But the Caley faithful will surely see their side ship as many as they score in the SPL if their heroes show similar slackness at the back as they did against Derek McInnes' First Division outfit.

Craig Brewster gave former Aberdeen keeper Ryan Esson a first outing for Inverness while Saints had summer capture Gavin Swankie in action as fellow newcomers Collin Samuel and Derek Holmes started on the bench.

Saints began brightly and had a chance in 10 minutes but Martin Hardie sent a meek free-kick on to the roof of the net. The home side soon began to find their tempo and took the lead in some style in 18 minutes.

There looked little danger when defender Richard Hastings swept a long, low cross from a deep position towards Don Cowie.

The midfielder was lurking at the far corner of the box and opted to have a crack with his marvellous first-time strike flying into the net.

There was more disarray in the Saints defence five minutes later as the home side grabbed a second goal.

Dougie Imrie crossed into the box with full-back Ross Tokely chesting the ball down and Ian Black following up to fire home from close range.

Saints were under the cosh although they still had chances at the other end and Esson had to produce a brilliant parry in 37 minutes to deny former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris who had let fly from 25 yards.

And the away side did find the net on the hour as they capitalised on Caley's poor defending.

Former Aberdeen and Dunfermline defender Phil McGuire ended up in a pile on the deck as striker Stevie Milne muscled on to a long ball before prodding past Esson.

But Caley were still in charge and re-established their lead in 72 minutes. Barry Wilson's searching cross from the right found Imrie at the back post and his knock-back was tucked away by Andy Barrowman.

More slackness in defencejust four minutes later allowed Saints back into it with Milne given too much time as he smashed in a 25-yard volley.

But Caley again showed their attacking flair in injury time to seal the win with Wilson beating two men before Zander Sutherland's ball found Rory McAllister who finished in style.

Caley boss Brewster said: "I was pleased with the performance as we produced some excellent football and scored some terrific goals. Cowie's strike in particular was fabulous.

"Obviously the goals we lost were disappointing but there is plenty of scope to improve on that."

Saints gaffer McInnes said: "Paul Sheerin did well as a makeshift left back but it's clear where we need to strengthen the team."