RAITH ROVERS 2

Connolly (13), Poplatnik (30)

INVERNESS CT 3

Sutherland (26), Chalmers (89, 90+4)

Inverness manager Billy Dodds praised the fighting spirit of his players as two late strikes from substitute Logan Chalmers produced what appeared at times to be an unlikely victory over nine-man Raith Rovers.

The result took the Highlanders into third place in the Championship table, although they still lag eight points behind second-placed Arbroath and 10 back from leaders Kilmarnock.

“I’m thrilled for the boys,” said Dodds at the end of an incident-packed 90 minutes.

“We won that game due to the determination which the players showed right to the end. We did have a wee bit of luck but that’s the first time this season we’ve had the rub of the green.

“Hopefully this can inspire us to get to the play-offs.”

With both sides having achieved league victories last weekend which had ended lengthy winless runs, their desire to achieve back-to-back successes was evident in a high-octane first half.

The drama began in the second minute when Caley’s Aaron Doran saw his shot rebound from Jamie Macdonald’s left-hand post.

However, Rovers responded by taking the lead 11 minutes later when an Ethan Ross corner fell to Aidan Connolly whose low shot squirmed under Cammy Mackay’s body and into the net.

The Stark’s Park men were dealt a blow when Macdonald was stretchered off shortly afterwards and his replacement, Robbie Thomson, quickly found himself retrieving the ball from the net.

A corner from Doran eluded the home defence and Shane Sutherland was on hand to turn the ball home at the far post.

Majet Poplatnik restored Raith’s lead on the half hour with a well-struck, close-range effort.

The drama of the first half continued after the break when, with 20 minutes remaining, Rovers skipper Kyle Benedictus received a straight red card for a wild lunge at Kirk Broadfoot.

Caley took full advantage of their numerical superiority and, in a sensational finish, two goals in the dying minutes from Chalmers, allied to Ben Williamson’s stoppage-time dismissal, ensured three vital points for the visitors.

“I’ve never been involved in a game where so many things can go against you,” lamented Raith boss John Mcglynn.

“I’m gutted that we came away with nothing – it was cruel on the players.”