IT is all still to play for between Inverness and Arbroath ahead of Friday night’s Premiership play-off semi-final second leg after the first meeting between the two promotion hopefuls ended goalless in the Highlands.
Dick Campbell’s high-flying part-timers were the dominant side during the opening 45 minutes before the roles were reversed after the interval, with the home side pushing hard for a lead to take to Gayfield.
The visitors were quick out of the traps and were unfortunate not to gain the upper hand. Michael McKenna screwed an effort wide of goal when he really should have at least hit the target and Ricky Little was inches away from steering Nicky Low’s free-kick home but he couldn’t quite reach the ball.
Billy Dodds’ side were struggling to get out of their own half. Aside from a bright display from Austin Samuels, Inverness’ hero in the previous round, they found themselves pinned back and subjected to wave after wave of Arbroath assault.
Logan Chalmers rattled the crossbar from 20 yards towards the end of the first half as the hosts started to show signs of life before they started to control the contest as the second half kicked off.
A superb driving run from Robbie Deas resulted in the defender sliding the ball through to Chalmers just after the hour mark but the on-loan Dundee United midfielder’s shot curled agonisingly wide of the far post. A few minutes later, only a brilliant save from Derek Gaston denied Samuels the tie’s opening goal.
Inverness applied plenty of pressure in the game’s closing stages but Arbroath stood firm to keep things even ahead of the second leg.
