INVERNESS 2 - 0 DUNFERMLINE

Last updated : 29 January 2005 By Pars Mad
Inverness began to party after their 2-0 SPL win over Dunfermline sealed a historic day.

The three points takes them a lofty nine points away from bottom dogs Livingston, who as expected lost at Ibrox.

Some 47 days of work by building giants Tulloch and a week of checks and rechecks resulted in SPL football in a city thirsty for the team.

Fittingly, the sun shone and conditions were perfect for the visit of Dunfermline, who were sitting one point below them in the SPL.

Ross Tokely returned from suspension, forcing Stuart McCaffrey back on to the bench. Pars fans were delighted to see Barry Nicholson again in the side, finally believing he will be with them for some time to come.

The best chance in the opening exchanges came when Graham Bayne forced his way down the right flank and his cross was knocked over the top by Juanjo.

Caley Thistle carried menace every time they attacked and Barry Wilson flashed a 25-yard low drive beyond the right post. Nicholson and Noel Hunt were the Pars' danger men and had to be watched closely by Stuart Golabek's well-drilled defence.

Aaron Labonte was carded for taking out his frustrations on Golabek, and he was soon replaced by Greg Ross after picking up a knock.

Nicholson then forced a fine save from Mark Brown after clever midfield link-up play from the Pars.

However, the Inverness men grabbed the lead in sensational style on 35 minutes when Wilson picked up a long ball, cut inside the defence and sent a delightful shot into the roof of the net.

The visiting fans and players appealed for a 50th minute spot kick, claiming the ball hit an arm, but ref Steven Conroy ignored their pleas.

They came close again moments later when sub Ross skillfully weaved into the box, but Tokely cleared the danger.

On 73 minutes the killer goal came when Russell Duncan fed the ball in for Brewster and he knocked home a first-time shot from close range to send the bulk of the 5,500 fans wild.