Gardyne haunts old club Killie and puts Caley Thistle on top

MICHAEL GARDYNE was no friend of former club Kilmarnock after playing his part in their relegation from the top flight.

And a few minutes into renewing the rivalry in the Championship, his popularity at Rugby Park plummeted further.

The veteran’s early goal secured a statement victory in the early jostling for title-challenger status.

And, as manager Billy Dodds said afterwards, Gardyne was superb throughout as Inverness maintained a perfect streak of 1-0 wins to open the league campaign.

It was a sight that made Kilmarnock eyes sore when the 35-year-old was in Ross County colours last season.

He struck only twice for the Dingwall club in 2020-21 — at Rugby Park in a 2-2 draw then on the last day of the season at Motherwell to keep County up as Killie finished 11th.

Tommy Wright’s team had not lost a goal in three successes to start their attempt to justify the title favourites tag.

But Gardyne, who was on loan at Kilmarnock from Dundee United in 2013-14, put them on the back foot straight away here in front of a 5,000 crowd.

He sparked a super exchange with Shane Sutherland then lashed a lethal left-foot shot high past keeper Zach Hemming.

Dodds was ‘absolutely delighted’ at how his men established a three-point lead at the top over Killie and Partick Thistle.

He said: ‘That was all about our team shape — from strikers, wide men, the lot.

‘I don’t like to pick out individuals but that’s the best game Michael Gardyne has played for us. I think you saw him at his best there.

‘He’s a top player and was magnificent — whether it was defensively or going right at them. The rest of the team were great... he was brilliant.’

Mark Ridgers produced three key saves to extend his clean-sheet run behind a defence, marshalled by ex-Killie man Kirk Broadfoot, that were physical and well organised.

Liam Polworth did make it easy for him when trying to side-foot a pass into the net.

But when scrambling to deny Blair Alston from 18 yards then repelling Innes Cameron from close range, Ridgers excelled.

Inverness remained a threat on the break. David Carson’s powerful low drive extended Hemming full stretch at his near post and Sutherland was inches away from doubling the advantage.

The visitors stayed streetwise, with midfielder Roddy MacGregor a treat to watch, to see out what could prove a significant win.

Tommy Wright will hope for positive news on the injury that forced Scott Robinson off after 30 minutes as he seeks to improve his squad with ‘at least’ two new signings.

He said: ‘It was a frustrating afternoon, not the performance I wanted and certainly not the result.

‘It wasn’t the standard we’ve been at in recent weeks and we only have ourselves to blame.’