A PROPER DOWNER
Caley on the brink as Killie kids star
NOW there is more than a hint of helplessness. Inverness trooped off, many heads bowed, to learn that their top-flight fate could be sealed by relegation before they kick another ball.
If Hamilton win at Ross County on Tuesday night, then Richie Foran’s men will run out at Dens Park the following evening as Championship players in waiting.
Even in the event of their Highland rivals doing them a huge favour, Inverness would still have four points and a goal-difference disadvantage to make up on Accies by next Saturday afternoon.
That is looking a highly unlikely scenario as Caley Thistle have not won on their travels in the Premiership since stunning Motherwell 3-0 on October 26.
That remains their solitary away victory in a division they are rightly propping up. This defeat was no way to build on last week’s survival special at home to Accies.
They lost their way badly after a bright start. They rallied all too late. ‘No place for the weak,’ said manager Foran, as he assessed the eight-day countdown to the end of their dismal campaign.
That, sadly for Inverness, would be one description applicable for the finish offered by Alex Fisher after only two minutes. It was a chance which could have changed the course of their season.
Sent clear of the Killie defence, he tamely rippled the side-netting when he should at the very least have been testing the reactions of Jamie MacDonald on the keeper’s first game of 2017.
MacDonald, back in to for England Under-20 World Cup No 1 Freddie Woodman, was not required either as Billy Mckay fired a foot over the crossbar moments later.
Inverness were up for the fight and when Ross Draper was felled by a poor Iain Wilson challenge, Brad McKay raced in for a row. He and Stevie Smith were booked along with Wilson for a shoving match.
But, once again, the quality was sorely lacking and there is always a mistake just lurking around the corner with this team to destabilise an encouraging effort.
Clearing their lines adequately was a constant issue on the day and, from a deep corner that kept Inverness camped in their penalty box, Luke Hendrie pumped back in another delivery from the left.
Goalkeeper Ryan Esson twice failed to catch the ball, first letting a cross go from his grasp, then coughing it up on the ground as he scrambled at the second attempt.
Sean Longstaff took advantage of the disarray in defence. Brad McKay’s lunge on the line failed to keep out his 20-yard drive.
The visitors, the better side in the first quarter of an hour, had their insecurities brought to the surface by conceding such a bad goal and they struggled to regain their game plan as Kilmarnock took control.
Adam Frizzell, playing in midfield for his first start since December 6, belied his 19 years and lack of first-team opportunity this season with a terrier’s performance.
Jordan Jones — a frustrating figure for both Lees, Clark and McCulloch — was also impressive. With that young talent at the club, Kilmarnock might actually not be everyone’s pick for relegation in 2017-18.
Here, they confirmed a quarter of a century of top-flight football at Rugby Park next season. That is quite an advertisement for McCulloch being offered the managerial post on a permanent basis.
Survival is secure with a week to spare after another season of upheaval at Killie. Attitude and desire from Inverness could not be faulted as they tried to recover.
David Raven’s snapshot from 22 yards with a minute of the first half to play was their best attempt at an equaliser. However, the rug was pulled from underneath them by the Killie kids on the break.
Jones gave warning of his eye for goal with a shot that flashed across Esson’s six-yard area and, in 57 minutes, he was bang on target.
Frizzell sent Jones scampering down the left and this was all too much for visiting skipper Gary Warren. Jones’ pace took him clear and he coolly dispatched his third goal of the season. Along with fellow substitute Iain Vigurs, Larnell Cole was an effective change in keeping the Killie defence alert as Inverness carved out enough chances to merit snatching something from the game. They fell short.
But, in 71 minutes, Fisher, picked out by Vigurs, turned to drill a shot under MacDonald.
Raven then had his curling effort saved and Gary Dicker blocked well from Vigurs.
Kilmarnock grafted as if their Premiership lives depending on the outcome. All 11 were back in the penalty area as Inverness launched another air raid as three minutes of injury time was announced.
‘No place for the weak,’ said Foran. That place is now Dingwall and the Inverness players will need to be made of strong stuff just to sit and watch that one.