Inverness CT 3 United 0

The loss of three second half goals ensured a miserable afternoon for United who now must rely on favours if they want to claim a fourth place finish next week. By Graeme Webster The weather conditions that greeted the United squad on their second visit to the Caledonian Stadium in May were only marginally improved compared to the torrential rain and low temperatures experienced two weeks previous. The penultimate game of the season had a great deal of importance attached to it with a fourth place and potential European spot still up for grabs. Manager Jackie McNamara made just one change from team that drew in Perth with Telfer replacing Morris. Souttar dropped back into central defence as part of the re-shuffle. New signing Justin Johnson was rewarded with a place on the bench. Inverness Manager John Hughes, made two changes to his side, with Vincent and Doran replacing Watkins and Williams. In gusting wind and driving rain, United started brightly but had little more than a couple of scintillating Ciftci runs to show for it. Caley were first to threaten when a neat run and left foot cross by Christie was headed over by Ofere. Rankin was first on target for United when he tried his luck with a long range drive, but against the strong wind it was never going to beat Esson. It was Inverness forward Ofere who was causing United most problems and he put another header just over midway through the first half following a fine cross from Meekings. On the half hour mark, Shinnie found himself in space in the box after a poor clearance by Fojut was intercepted. However, the left back could only slam the ball into the side netting. Minutes later a vicious Erskine drive was blocked by the arm of Warren on the edge of the area but Ciftci could not capitalise from the resultant free-kick. Caley countered immediately and when Souttar missed a long through ball, Doran sneaked in but squirmed his shot back across the 'keeper and past the post. By this point the game had opened up and Telfer was next to get a chance. A neat ball by Muirhead released Telfer and with just Esson to beat, his left foot shot was touched past. Esson came to the rescue again for Caley soon after when he blocked a first time effort on the turn by Rankin. There were no further chances and the teams went in at the interval all square. Half Time: Inverness 0 - 0 United United started off on the front foot in the second half with two great chances in the opening two minutes. First Souttar released Dixon on the left but his inviting cross was missed by the in-rushing Muirhead. Seconds after, Ciftci worked his way into the box and with Muirhead screaming for the pass inside, he struck it himself but Esson saved. With United looking lively, Fojut was next to come close. The defender saw his powerful header shave the wrong side of the post. United's positive start to the second half was undone in the 55th minute. Warren nodded a cross back into the danger area and Meekings was on hand to stab the ball towards goal. Dixon used a hand to palm the ball out of the net but the referee adjudged the ball to have crossed the line and booked the left back for his trouble. Telfer tried to pull United level with a great solo run from the half way line. The midfielder danced past three Caley players before unleashing a powerful effort just over the bar. Midway through the second half United made a double substitution. Justin Johnson came on for his debut and Connolly also entered the play. Butcher and Erskine made way for the pair and United moved to a conventional 4-4-2 formation with both substitutes providing the width in the middle. With more attacking flair on the park, United almost levelled. Muirhead made progress on the left side and his cross found Ciftci in space on the penalty spot. But with time to control it, the striker tried a first time effort and it flew into the United fans behind the goal. United were made to pay for that miss as with just ten minutes left, Inverness doubled their lead. Substitute Nick Ross thumped home after what looked like a game of ping pong in the United box. It was all over just a minute later when a great Tansey cross was headed home by Warren. The big defender rose above Cierzniak to crash the ball into the back of the net. United's woes were confounded when their 'keeper had to leave the field of play clutching his ribs. Szromnik came on to play out the last five minutes in the United goal but like Esson, had nothing to do before the referee sounded full-time. Full Time: Inverness 3 - 0 United Man of the match: Charlie Telfer showed some sparkling skill and touches throughout. Teams: United: Cierzniak (Szromnik), Dillon, Fojut, Dixon, Souttar, Rankin, Telfer, Ciftci, Butcher (Connolly), Erskine (Johnson), Muirhead. Subs not used: Smith, Spittal, Anier, Coote. Inverness: Esson, Draper, Warren, Meekings, Shinnie, Devine, Tansey, Doran (Kink), Christie (Ross), Ofere (Watkins), Vincent. Subs not used: Tremarco, Mackay, Polworth, Williams. Referee: Craig Thomson Attendance: 3508 Sent from my iPad