Photographs from Andrew Croll

Inverness Thistle co-manager Andrew Martin is looking on the bright side after his team were beaten 4-0 by Invergordon at Ferry Brae Park. The reigning champions were initially frustrated by a steely performance from the hosts but second half goals from Jordan Knight, Kenneth Morrison (2) and John Macleod kept Invergordon’s 100% winning record in the North Caledonian League and moved them to the top of the table.

Martin said: “We competed well in the early stages; they were frustrated and didn’t manage many chances whilst we looked sharp going forward.

“We were poor in the second half if I’m honest. We lose a scrappy goal and whilst that shouldn’t be the end of the game it’s taken the wind from our sails and Invergordon take full advantage of that.

“Invergordon are a quality side that could be competing at a higher level very soon so we take the positives and learn from today.”

Thistle have surpassed the halfway mark in their maiden North Caledonian League campaign and Martin is pleased with the progress his side have made.

He said: “We’re getting a good feel for the league now; a lot of our players are stepping up from under-18s football and are getting used to the demands of adult football.

“It’s been a learning curve for everyone, on and off the park. There’s a lot of optimism around the club and we believe we’ll be in a position to achieve our goals soon.

“It was never to be a quick fix; we are building something that can be sustainable for the future and we’re enjoying the process.”

It was a slow start to proceedings in North Kessock, with either side threatening in the early stages.

A first clear-cut chance fell to Morrison in the 23rd minute after he was played through by Invergordon captain Cameron Mackintosh, but his effort rebounded off the Thistle post and into the hands of Adam Crichton in the home goal.

Thistle had a glimpse of goal at the half-hour mark, when Craig Mainland cut in from the left to shoot straight at Invergordon goalkeeper Jayden Reid.

The home side attempted to capitalise on a sloppy Invergordon who squandered several chances towards the break, and came closest in the 42nd minute. A quick break saw Shane Harkness play through Charles Fonweban, but his rushed effort soared over the bar.

Gary Campbell’s half time talk must’ve resonated with his players with Invergordon taking the lead seconds after the restart. Knight received the ball in the Thistle box and his effort took a heavy deflection to send Crichton the wrong way.

The opener seemed to settle the champions and a second arrived on the hour mark. A deep free kick was kept alive for Morrison to acrobatically score from close range.

Morrison’s second close range strike killed the game in the 82nd minute, which was set up by Blair Morrison who kept the ball alive in the Thistle box after a set piece situation.

The best was saved for last, when substitute Macleod unleashed a powerful strike from 30 yards which nestled in the far corner four minutes from time.