INVERNESS CT 1
White (59)
ALLOA ATHLETIC 1
Flanagan (pen 30)
The Wasps made it three games unbeaten by holding out for a valuable point in the Highlands, and might even have boosted their survival fight with a victory.
Alloa’s endeavour was summed up by wing-back Jon Robertson’s appearance after finishing his overnight policeman’s shift at 7am yesterday morning.
Boss Peter Grant, whose side were knocked out of the cup by Caley Thistle a fortnight ago, said: “The work the boys have put in over the last few weeks, with midweek games and doing their own day jobs, has been phenomenal. The effort and commitment was fantastic.”
While the first half was dominated territorially by the hosts, Alloa were effective in absorbing the pressure and hitting hard and fast on the break.
Caley Thistle’s sustained spells of first-half pressure were punctuated with the odd chance but no killer touch.
Miles Storey fluffed a decent opportunity by firing over from a great position and the home side’s failures came home to roost after 30 minutes.
As Kevin O’Hara sprinted into the left side of the box, he was knocked down by Rooney’s arm across the body. Referee Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot and Iain
Flannigan powered the spot-kick low into the left corner of the net.
The Wasps might have doubled the lead but O’Hara’s cross from the left found Cawley in space, but he volleyed against Ridgers.
John Robertson made his first change before the hour, bringing on Sean Welsh.
It proved a masterstroke with Welsh’s chip forward into the penalty box feeding Jordan White, who slammed home from eight yards.
Both sides had chances to win it but the best came as White headed a Doran cross against the bar with the final touch of the game.
Caley Thistle assistant manager Barry Wilson said: “We didn’t play great, but the penalty looked soft to us – more of a shoulder charge.
“The big chance of the game came with the last header that hits the bar and it is one we feel – and he probably feels – he should score.”