Inverness CT 1 Kilmarnock 0 Welsh on target as Highlanders take top spot

INVERNESS claimed top spot in the cinch Championship after a battling victory over title rivals Kilmarnock in the Highlands.

Billy Dodds’ side went into the match in third spot with Killie topping the table but the sides swapped spots in the table after the closely-contested fixture.

After a first half with little goalmouth action Inverness skipper Sean Welsh provided the vital spark for his side as he fired a shot into the top corner with just over 20 minutes left.

From then on it only looked like it’d go one way with Kilmarnock unable to offer any real threat before the final whistle.

In fact, even from the off it was the hosts who looked to dictate play and take control of the top of the table clash.

Inverness first went close with just 13 minutes played as Billy McKay had his first sighter after excellent build-up play from Roddy MacGregor. The striker latched onto a through ball to fire low at goal but was denied by Killie keeper Zach Hemming’s diving save.

Kilmarnock had possibly their best effort of the entire match just six minutes later when Rory McKenzie found space around 25 yards out to drive at goal only for Mark Ridgers to be equal to it and parry round the post.

Shane Sutherland was next to come close again for the host but watched his curling effort bend just wide on the half-hour.

Kilmarnock might’ve snatched a lead against the run of play in the second-half with Oli Shaw afforded time in the box, but he sliced wide from close range.

And Tommy Wright’s side were punished. Inverness captain Welsh took a touch around 20-yards out before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner to win the match.

Just seconds later the hosts could’ve had another to kill the match but Tom Walsh was denied by the sprawling Hemmings.