The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Highland rivals will meet again after Mullin’s injurytime leveller ensures replay
Ross County struck in stoppage time to deny Caley Thistle a first Highland derby victory in nearly three years and ensure the two sides will meet again next Tuesday for a Scottish Cup last eight place.
Inverness looked to be on course for their first triumph against their rivals since a 3-0 victory in March 2016, as former St Johnstone defender Brad Mckay had put John Robertson’s men back in front after Aaron Doran’s opener had been cancelled out by Staggies substitute Ross Stewart.
County had the final say though, with Josh Mullin rifling past Mark Ridgers in the dying minutes to set up another meeting with Inverness at Caledonian Stadium next week, with an away tie against Championship rivals Dundee United awaiting the winner.
It was the Staggies who threatened first after five minutes when the ball fell to their leading talisman Billy Mckay following Gardyne’s freekick, but he was unable to keep the effort down.
Gardyne was provider for an even better opportunity for Jamie Lindsay three minutes later, with a corner picking out the midfielder completely unmarked but he dragged his shot wide from 12 yards.
Inverness also enjoyed some promising play, with their first attempt coming on 13 minutes when Scott Fox was forced to make a fine save to beat away Joe Chalmers’ freekick.
Fox was unable to prevent Doran’s stunning opener just 60 seconds later however, when the Irishman swivelled to bring down Tremarco’s header before lashing home a 20-yard strike which beat the Staggies goalkeeper at his near post.
The goal was a major boost for the visitors, who looked thoroughly comfortable in their play, however Gardyne continued to be a source of danger for the Staggies and he saw an effort deflected wide on 26 minutes at the end of a driving run which followed a neat exchange with Ross Draper.
The hosts’ best chance of a first half leveller fell to the impressive Gardyne on the half-hour mark, however his low shot from close range was thwarted by a fine low save from Ridgers after he had been played in by Brian Graham’s header.
County goalkeeper Fox twice had to do well to deny Walsh doubling Caley Jags’ lead however, firstly producing a fine save to beat away the winger’s long range effort, before diving bravely at Walsh’s feet as he looked to latch on to Doran’s through ball.
Impressive flashes from both sides in the first period, but it was Inverness who had managed to display the cutting edge.
That changed 10 minutes into the second half as the Staggies drew level.
Attacker Stewart claimed the goal which settled the last meeting between the sides in December, and the former St Mirren player had another strong impact just 60 seconds after replacing Graham.
It was no surprise Gardyne was heavily involved, as he swung in an inch perfect cross for Stewart to guide high past Ridgers from six yards.
The goal initially gave County a fresh spring in their step, but it was Inverness who regained their lead 10 minutes later.
Liam Polworth’s corner picked out McKay completely untracked at the far post, with the defender able to take a touch before lashing high past Fox.
A mix-up between Marcus Fraser and Lindsay nearly allowed in Walsh for a clinching third goal with 10 minutes remaining, but his rasping effort was tipped over by Fox.
County looked to have spurned the opportunity to salvage a replay when sub McManus drilled straight at Ridgers when clean through,
There was, however, time yet for them to strike back as Mullin beat the offside trap to rifle low past Ridgers and set up a replay at Caledonian Stadium.