INVERNESS CALEY THISTLE 1

QUEEN Of THE SOUTH 2

Stephen Dobbie sealed a dramatic comeback with his 30th goal of the campaign as Caley Thistle collapsed in two late second-half minutes. Heading for only their second home league win of the season, it all went pear-shaped for the Highlanders with seven minutes left.

Scott Mercer levelled and a Brad Mckay mistake paved the way for Dobbie’s decisive moment in only his second game back from injury.

The Doonhamers showed adventure and had a strong first-half penalty claim turned down, although the attackminded hosts passed up chances galore and hit the woodwork twice. Home skipper Carl Tremarco started his first game since hobbling off with a thigh injury at Alloa in late October. Queens handed former Aberdeen and Dundee midfielder Nicky Low his debut after returning to Scotland from Derry City.

Caley Thistle pressure almost told after 19 minutes when a Tom Walsh cross was met by the head of Jordan White, only for Scott Mercer to block the goal-bound attempt on the line.

Three minutes later, Queens had a penalty claim waved away.

Low’s pass sent Todd tearing into the penalty area, but while there seemed to be contact from Jamie Mccart, ref Barry Cook wasn’t interested.

Caley Thistle finally made the breakthrough after 69 minutes.

Tremarco’s ball from the left was headed back across by striker White.

Tom Walsh, from close to the penalty spot, was lethal with a first-time left foot volley low past keeper Martin. But an incredible collapse was coming. With seven minutes remaining, the two Queens full-backs combined to level the scoreline with Jordan Marshall’s ball across goal bundled in from a couple of yards by Scott Mercer.

To the horror of the home contingent, from the very next attack, home defender Brad Mckay lost the ball and slipped to allow Stephen Dobbie to tear forward on he left.

The evergreen striker cut inside and struck low from eight yards.

Home manager John Robertson kept his players locked in the dressing room long after the final whistle.