The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Keatings eyes quick shot at redemption
The hosts thought they had doubled their advantage just 30 seconds later as Reece Lyon bundled home a mis-hit Cameron Salkeld shot, but he was penalised by referee Euan Anderson for fouling James Vincent.
Inverness responded strongly, creating three fine chances to draw level. Carl Tremarco struck the post with a header which followed Shaun Rooney’s knock-down from a Keatings corner.
Keatings was thwarted by a save from Sam Ramsbottom after being played in by Miles Storey, who then blasted a strike over after a Keatings free kick had been partially cleared.
Inverness’ leveller on 27 minutes was well merited, with Keatings teeing up Curry to rifle into the far corner beyond the dive of Ramsbottom from 12 yards.
The goal gave Caley Jags impetus, with White sending a header over after being picked out by a pinpoint Shaun Rooney delivery shortly before half time.
Inverness continued to look the likelier after the break, with Rooney’s effort palmed away by Ramsbottom, while Storey was unable to connect with a Curry delivery.
Morton’s winner was their first clear chance of the second half, with Donaldson’s failure to clear his lines on the edge of the box allowing McHugh in on goal, and he tucked the ball through the legs of Ridgers.
Robertson will be looking for a reaction when his side make the long trip to Queen of the South tomorrow.
He added: “It’s very important we get on the road and start winning again. There are going to be ups and downs, wins and losses all over the place, but it’s annoying because I thought we took control of the game.”
James Keatings is determined to grasp the quick chance to make amends when Caley Thistle make the trip to Queen of the South tomorrow.
Inverness were defeated 2-1 by Greenock Morton at Cappielow on Saturday, having been held to a 2-2 draw against Alloa Athletic courtesy of a late goal the previous weekend.
Caley Jags remain third despite the dropped points, but have slipped four points behind leaders Dundee United.
Forward Keatings says the trip to Palmerston offers a swift chance to return to winning ways,
He said: “We have to keep pushing ourselves to get back on track.
“We have a chance to put it right on Tuesday night, and then another big one against Dundee United on Saturday.
“Consistency is the key in this league. It would be great if we could go on a run.
“It’s something to look forward to. As a footballer you have always got an opportunity coming up, another game to make it right or even do better.
“We know the standards we have set this season, it’s now all about getting back to that.”
Former Hamilton Accies and Dundee United attacker Keatings was frustrated by the manner of the defeat against Ton, with double goalscorer Bob McHugh capitalising on a late Coll Donaldson mistake to net the winner.
Keatings added: “We knew it was going to be difficult.
“We didn’t start well in the first 10 minutes, they had two chances and took one of them.
“After the 10 minutes I felt we got a foothold on the game. We created the better chances, but we have been telling ourselves that on another day we have to take these chances and punish teams.
“We have to be ruthless at both ends of the pitch.
“Come the second half they scored with their second shot on goal from a mistake we have made.
“It’s a tough place to go. It’s disappointing, but we have to learn from it.”
Keatings made his first start since netting twice in a 5-0 win against Ton in September after suffering ankle ligament damage in training, with the 27-yearold insisting he will gain sharpness in the coming weeks, adding: “I came off a high after scoring two against Morton last time, before getting injured the week after then missing five weeks.
“It’s one of these things that’s part of the game.
“This was my first 90 minutes and I need a few more of them.
“With more training sessions I will get sharper.
“I had a few chances and if I was playing weekin, week-out I would back myself to take them.”