The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
New boys double trouble
Keatings and Todorov brace themselves for Inverness campaign ahead
Caley Thistle manager John Robertson is encouraged his forward players are already finding the path to goal after Inverness cruised to a 6-1 victory over Forres Mechanics.
Newly-signed forwards James Keatings and Nikolay Todorov both netted doubles at Mosset Park after opening their accounts against Clachnacuddin on Saturday, while Tom Walsh was also on target. Moray Taylor netted a late consolation for Forres, however youngster Shane Harkness made it six in the dying moments.
Robertson was pleased with his side’s sharpness against a Can-Cans side who faced another testing night against full time opposition after their 11-0 defeat to Ross County in Ross MacPherson’s testimonial on Saturday.
Robertson said: “There was a wee bit of doubt about the fixture as Forres were short of players, and after the result on Saturday they were feeling a bit down.
“We told Charlie Rowley we would bring a few of our younger players as we wanted to get an hour for most of the senior players, which we got.
“I thought we were a wee bit sharper and got a really good shift. The front men all got on the scoresheet.
The people we are wanting to get goals are scoring goals, and that is what we are after.”
Todorov and Keatings were both withdrawn early in the second half however Robertson confirmed both were precautionary, adding: “Nikolay had a bit of cramp. He has put in a shift and he has not played a lot of 90 minutes over the year or so – and it’s the same with James Keatings.”
Inverness took the lead on 19 minutes when Todorov bulleted a header home from Walsh’s cross, with the visitors doubling their advantage within two minutes in superb style, as Keatings swivelled on to his right foot before unleashing a strike high into goalkeeper Adam Crighton’s far corner from 16 yards.
Inverness’ front pair combined to make it three on 37 minutes, with Todorov cutting the ball back for Keatings to sidefoot home.
Robertson made a change between the sticks at half time, with Martin MacKinnon replacing Mackay. The fourth goal arrived on 50 minutes, with Walsh tucking home at the far post after Crighton failed to cut out Chalmers’ cross.
Todorov was well-placed to head home his second goal from a Walsh delivery on 54 minutes, moments after he had seen another header thwarted by Crighton.
Caley Jags substitute goalkeeper MacKinnon still had to be alert to keep Forres out however, making a fine reflex save to tip Taylor’s strike over the crossbar.
Although Forres pulled a goal back on 78 minutes through Taylor’s composed low finish, Harkness restored the five-goal cushion with a late header.