INVERNESS survived a huge scare to book their place in tomorrow's Co-operative Insurance Cup fourth-round draw. The side renowned for cup shocks could so easily have been on the receiving end against a determined Morton in a thrilling tie.
The visitors needed an extra-time winner from Dougie Imrie and had to come from behind against a team who belied their position at the foot of the First Division.
Home keeper Kevin Cuthbert had to make the first genuine save, scrambling to save
Don Cowie's snapshot following a slick Caley build-up.
However, Morton's Stevie Masterton went close in 25 minutes, the midfielder's powerfully struck free kick flashing across the face of goal with Iain Russell just inches from connecting.
The opener came after Erik Paartalu's 33rd minute throw-in. His delivery was nodded on by Brian Wake for Jim McAlister to ghost in and apply an unconventional finishing touch – apparently with his knee.
Morton twice had the chance to extend their lead before the break but on each occasion corner kicks from Masterton were headed over by Ryan Harding and Paartalu.
Richard Hastings headed home a scarcely deserved equaliser for Inverness ten minutes from time. Both sides went close to settling it, but extra time was required.
Cuthbert produced an excellent reflex save from Garry Wood's point-blank effort, and a penalty shootout was fast approaching when Adam Rooney volleyed Barry Wilson's cross narrowly wide.
The winner came eight minutes from time when Imrie crashed a 15-yard volley low into the left-hand corner.
Morton: Cuthbert; Walker, Smith, Shimmin, Paartalu, Harding, McGuffie, Masterton, Wake, Russell, McAlister. Subs: Jenkins, Weatherson, McManus, Finlayson, McWilliams.
Inverness CT: Esson; Tokely, Black, Imrie, Duncan, McAllister, Munro, Cowie, Hastings, Wood, Duff. Subs: Djebi-Zadi, Wilson, Rooney, Vigurs, Fraser.
The full article contains 308 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
