BODES WELL
Richie Foran challenged his stars to start burying their chances – then he’ll be convinced Inverness are on the up.
The Irishman’s first bow at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium ended in a defeat on penalties by Group C rivals United.
But Foran insists Thistle were unlucky – and there were lots of positive signs for the future.
Ex-Newport County striker Scott Boden claimed his first goal for Inverness on his home debut.
But Stewart Murdoch’ s fine reply just after the restart gave United a chance to take the tie to spot-kicks.
United went on to triumph 4-1 on penalties to take the bonus point, leaving Inverness with no room for slip-ups in two remaining group matches away to Dunfermline and at home to Arbroath.
But Foran said: “On chances alone we controlled it.
“Both teams had wee spells of possession but we had enough chances to win.
“Going into penalties is a flip of a coin. Obviously, I’d have loved to win but I’m proud of the guys that put their hand up to take one.
“But I see lots of positives – in set-pieces, crossing, work rate. We’ve still a bit to improve on but there’s loads of positives.”
With veteran keeper Ryan Esson failing to recover from a groin injury, young Cammy Ma ck ay ea rned a f irst competitive start for the hosts.
The minor emergency had Wales international Owain Fon Williams jetting back two days early from extended leave after Euro 2016 action.
New Tannadice manager Ray McKinnon fielded five of his summer signings and while United settled well enough in the opening 10 minutes , Inverness were soon dictating with some positive, fast-paced attacking play.
After 11 minutes, Hearts loan signing Billy King picked out Liam Polworth in clear space in the box but the midfielder speared a volley off target.
Caley showed plenty of appetite, intent and intelligent movement.
United threatened rarely, although Lewis Toshney smacked a header against the bar from an offside position and Nick van der Velden was denied by a Greg Tansey tackle.
But Inverness struck in the 35th minute through Boden. A long Carl Tremarco throw was flicked on by Gary Warren and the alert Boden was on hand to nod home from close range.
Mackay, in the home goal, had not had a save to make in the first half.
But he was picking the ball out of his net 32 seconds after the restart. Simon Murray fed the ball to Murdoch and he executed a lovely, curled first-time finish.
For a spell, the Tannadice team seemed more switched on but Caley resumed control.
Polworth set up Boden who sliced wide. Moments later, Boden’s acrobatic volley was held by United’s Cammy Bell.
For all their efforts Inverness couldn’t crack the away defence again and Bell pulled off two more saves, from a Tansey and then a Polworth drive, to force the penalty shoot-out.
United gained their bonus point with sub Tope Obadeyi, Coll Donaldson, Murdoch and Murray all netting from the spot.
Tremarco tucked his kick away for the hosts, but Tansey and Ross Draper’s efforts were both saved by keeper Bell to snatch the bonus point.