The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Caley Jags claw out a point and stay in mix
Eight players are injured – but Caley Thistle remain just three points off the top of the Championship. Nathan Shaw and goalkeeper Cammy MacKay were given starts on the back of last week’s 4-0 flop away to Morton.
Shaw delivered with an opening goal early in the second half. A misjudged header by David Carson let in ex-Inverurie Locos ace Kieran Shanks for the leveller.
The result nudged Inverness down to fifth but they remain one win away from leaders Ayr United, who drew 1-1 with Morton.
Arbroath, whose manager Dick Campbell confirmed they had six players unavailable, pressed for a winner but a point moved them off the bottom above Hamilton on goal difference.
Dodds felt his players deserved maximum points.
He said: “We’ve just not been clinical enough this season. We had plenty of great chances on Saturday.
“We could have been out of sight but we gifted them a goal and Arbroath take a point, which they didn’t deserve.
“We were the better team and had we got a second goal (to go 2-0 up) we’d have taken three points. But we’re still up there fighting.”
Dodds was thrilled for
Shaw to get his third goal of the season.
He added: “Nathan was the best player on the park and not just because of his goal.
“His work-rate was good, he looked dangerous and positive when he got the ball. He was mixing his game up and crosses good balls in and beating players.
“That’s all I want from Nathan – there’s a player in there. He will take confidence from that goal.”
Most of the positive play early on was coming from the Highlanders, with Shaw and striker George Oakley in the thick of it.
Every time they thought they would have an opening, Arbroath keeper Derek Gaston was on hand to keep them out.
First, he saved from a low Cammy Harper drive, then denied Billy Mckay after a neat move with several swift passes.
Last season’s runners-up reminded people of their threats when Michael McKenna crashed a fine shot off the left post.
Caley Jags’ Aaron Doran was then picked out by George Oakley but shot over the top. Then Gaston saved a Mckay header after the striker met a cross from Carson.
Cammy MacKay ensured it remained goalless at halftime when he dealt smartly with a long-range Tait shot.
Just after the break, Shaw clipped the ball into the box for Mckay but his header was matched by Gaston’s save.
The home fans, however, were on their feet on 52 minutes when Shaw guided home an effort from Mckay.
It was almost 2-0 when Harper placed a header on target but again Gaston was there.
Arbroath equalised on the hour when Carson’s header presented an opening for Shanks and he tucked the ball past MacKay.
Billy Mckay would want to replay his next chance when he rounded Gaston, but opted to go for goal, with George Oakley better placed and waiting in the box. His effort crashed into the side-netting.
Gaston had one more save from Mckay before the Angus side enjoyed a strong finish with Dylan Tait going closest.
ICT are at Ochilview on Saturday against Queen’s Park (5.30pm).