Report: Killie -V- ICT

Kilmarnock 4-3 Inverness CT
Clydesdale Bank Premier League

Another high scoring game at Rugby Park as Inverness were beaten 4-3 in an end to end game in which Killie came from behind to take the three points.

Terry made four changes to the side beaten by Aberdeen last week with Ryan Esson returning to the side following a spell out injured and Greg Tansey, Ross Tokely and Graeme Shinnie all returned from suspension.

ICT started the game strongly and Jonny Hayes was unlucky to see his shot hit off the outside of the post following a surging run down the right hand side.

However it only took 14 minutes for Kilmarnock to take the lead, Danny Racchi given plenty of time and space to have a shot and Esson parried it straight into the path of James Fowler who slotted it in.

Inverness fought their way back into the game on the half hour mark. Greg Tansey was unlucky to see his volley crash off the bar and Killie failed to clear their lines and Richie Foran showed good vision to square the ball to Billy Mckay to lash in from close range.

Mckay added a second five minutes later, Hayes tormenting the Kilmarnock defence and his cross found the head of Mckay and with the help of the post ICT were in front.

Kilmarnock should of levelled the game before half time but James Dayton missed an absolute sitter from six yards when it looked easier to score. A let off for Caley but they went into the break leading 2-1.

HT: Kilmarnock 2-1 Inverness Caledonain Thistle

Both sides had chances early in the second half, Dean Shiels shooting wide for the home side and Greg Tansey forcing Cammy Bell into a save.

The return to fitness of Aaron Doran has been a welcomed boost for ICT and the winger was only denied making it 3-1 thanks to a goal-saving challenge by Liam Kelly.

Hayes then went close to getting the third, his dipping volley clipping the crossbar as it went over.

Then the turning point of the match, Hayes was shown a second yellow for a needless foul on Ben Gordon and with just over half an hour to play ICT were going to have to do this the hard way if they were going to come away with the three points.

They couldn't hold on though, Michael Nelson's towering header making it 2-2 five minutes after Hayes's dismissal.

Kilmarnock were now on the front foot and Kelly was unlucky to see his shot go wide from 30 yards.

The home side's pressure paid off and with only 10 minutes to go Shiels had put Kilmarnock in front. His weaving run was not stopped and his shot was turned into the net by Shinnie.

Killie then got Caley on the break, this time William Gros the provider for Shiels to sweep home his second and Kilmarnock's fourth.

There was still time for one last goal, Steve Williams popping up at the back post to apply the finish to Foran's pinpoint pass.

FT: Kilmarnock 4-3 Inverness Caledonian Thistle

The game itself pales into insignificance to the ICT fans who sadly witnessed the collapse of ICT fan John Macdonald from Milngavie.  Sadly, despite receiving immediate medical treatment and being rushed to hospital, John passed away. The news came as a devastating shock to everyone and our deepest condolences go out to his family....our thoughts are with you.

Dunfermline on Wednesday night and after their win on Saturday they will be right up for this one so it should be a good game in store as we're not out of the mire just yet. Hope to see you there.

Report By: Jack Davis

28th April 2012	Rugby Park, Kilmarnock
Clydesdale Bank Premier League
Kilmarnock	4 - Fowler (14), Nelson (66), Shiels (80, 85)
	TEAM: Bell, Toshney, Fowler, O'Leary (Winchester 79), Nelson, Gordon, Kelly, Dayton (Van Tornhout 58), Harkins (Gross 58), Shiels, Racchi
	SUBS: Letheren, Pursehouse, Barbour, Johnson
	Booked: Gordon (36)
	Sent Off: None
Inverness CT	3 - McKay (29, 34), Williams (89)
	TEAM: Esson, Tokely, G.Shinnie, Williams, Meekings, Tudur-Jones, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, McKay (Tade 85), Doran (Golobart 74)
	SUBS: Tuffey, Gillet, A.Shinnie, Ross, Sutherland
	Booked: Tokely (?), Hayes (41), Doran (64), Tansey (?)
	Sent Off: Hayes (58)
Referee	George Salmond
Attendance	3848