Rovers dealt blow as Mackay fires home late Caley Jags winner

It took until the second half for this game to spark into life – but when it did, fans were treated to two of the best goals they will see this season.

Firstly former East Fife star Nathan Austin curled in a quite sublime effort from the edge of the box to open the scoring for the hosts.

But his effort was quickly cancelled out by a stunning Grant Gillespie volley for Rovers.

They were goals worthy to win any game but in the end it was sub Daniel Mackay who settled things in the closing stages just when it looked like penalties would be required.

Raith arrived in the Highlands with a spring in their step after having held Premiership side Hearts to a 1-1 draw it the weekend.

Boss Barry Smith had to do without summer signings Chris Duggan and Nathan Flanagan and could list just four subs.

The Raith defence had to be at their best early on when Brad McKay tried to slice them open with a fine pass.

But Kyle Benedictus was back in time and snuffed out the danger.

Raith managed to press out though and had chances of their own.

Lewis Milne broke into the Caley box and tried to pick out one of his team-mates only for Coll Donaldson to intercept.

Raith were proving more than a match for the Championship hosts and guided by the experienced Iain Davidson at the back kept Caley at arm’s reach.

The game needed a cutting edge and it was the hosts who started the second half brighter, Donaldson again proving a nuisance with a header which drifted wide.

Inverness grabbed the opening goal when the ball broke kindly on the edge of the box for Austin and he curled a delightful effort out of Robbie Thomson’s reach.

Raith were soon level in terrific style. The Stark’s Park side were awarded a corner kick which Lewis Milne floated into the box.

It was met by Gillespie, who had timed his run perfectly, and he lashed an unstoppable volley beyond Mark Ridgers.

One last final surge from Caley, however, saw them race up the park and pick out Mackay eight yards from goal. The sub sent a composed finish beyond Thomson.

Attendance – 1,295

Inverness – Ridgers, Rooney, Tremarco, Chambers, Donaldson, Polworth, Austin (Calder 81), Doran (White 75), Walsh, Oakley (Mackay 68), McKay. Subs: Hoban, McCart, Elbouzedi, Trafford.

Raith Rovers – Thomson, Watson, Valentine, Davidson (Wedderburn 46), Murray, Benedictus, Gillespie, Milne (Stevenson 81), Matthews, Nisbet, McKay. Subs: McGuff, Berry.

Referee: Colin Steven.

Daniel Mackay scores the winner for Inverness.