Tremarco is Caley Jags hero as Inverness seal victory in Perth

Carl Tremarco is already regarded as a cult hero at Caley Thistle but the left back cemented his place in club folklore with a late winner in the Irn-bru Cup final at Mcdiarmid Park.

Extra time and penalties loomed between John Robertson’s Highland outfit and fellow Championship side Dumbarton and, given Iain Vigurs had already missed from the spot in a turgid affair, little hope would have been held out for goals in the shootout either.

But a bit of ingenuity from 16-yearold Daniel Mackay – who scored for Scotland schools in a 2-0 win over England the night before – teed up Tremarco to play the role of the hero.

Caley Thistle had earlier been content to dominate possession while Dumbarton were taking their chances on the counter.

As the second half wore on Caley Thistle grew more lethargic but when sub Aaron Doran’s cross was handled by former Forfar loan star Chris Mclaughlin under pressure from Mackay, referee Andrew Dallas pointed to the spot.

The omens were not good with Vigurs stepping up, given that he missed against Rangers from the spot last season and again in the semi-final against Crusaders. Sure enough, he dragged the penalty low to the right and Scott Gallacher saved.

The game appeared destined for another 30 minutes but Tremarco made amends for his 2015 Scottish Cup final error – his red card almost cost Caley Thistle victory against Falkirk – by becoming the hero on this occasion.

Mackay fired across goal where Tremarco was waiting unmarked to crash the ball into the roof of the net.

A jubilant ICT boss Robertson said: “The penalty looked like being the opportunity we were waiting on.

“To be fair if it had gone to extra time no-one could have complained.”

A disappointed Sons manager Steven Aitken said: “It was heartbreaking, and I didn’t see it coming at all. We coped with what they had thrown at us, so I was ready for extra time.”

Carl Tremarco grabbed late winner for Inverness.