Inverness CT 1 Hearts 0

Jan 22 2012 By Scott McDermott, Sunday Mail

SHANE SUTHERLAND bagged the winner with his first goal of the season – then begged Inverness boss Terry Butcher for the chance to score more.

The 21-year-old made a rare start against Hearts but sealed the points with a header in 49 minutes.

It was the Highlanders’ third victory in a week and they fully deserved the points against the lacklustre Jambos.

Sutherland now hopes to convince his gaffer he’s worthy of a regular slot up front for Caley.

He said: “It’s a brilliant feeling to get my first goal.

“I felt pleased enough just to get a chance to play from the start.

“It’s not about who scores – we’re just delighted to win – but I hope I’ve shown the gaffer what I can do.

“As the years go on, I just want more starts in the side.”

Sutherland also praised the contribution of flying winger Jonny Hayes who provided the cross for him to power a header beyond Hearts keeper Marian Kello.

He said: “Kello got a touch but I was never worried about missing. I always knew it would go in!

“Jonny was different class and it was a great cross. Defenders don’t know how to deal with him and he was superb again.”

Hearts boss Paulo Sergio is learning to play the guitar – but his side were off key yesterday as Caley halted their six-game unbeaten run.

The Gorgie men weren’t at the races and – despite having a legitimate penalty claim late on – just didn’t fancy it on a day when conditions in Inverness were awful.

The game survived a 2pm pitch inspection and the home side adapted better to the wind and rain.

Hearts’ only real chance of the first half came when Jamie Hamill hit the bar with a 30-yarder.

From then on, the home side were dominant.

Richie Foran and Gregory Tade both had efforts saved by Kello then Kenny Gillet had a goal chalked off when Nick Ross was flagged offside.

Ross was unlucky with a shot that curled inches wide just before the break.

Caley were left wondering at half-time how they weren’t ahead. But a home goal looked inevitable and it came shortly after the interval.

Hayes skinned Andy Webster on the left and his cross was met by the head of Sutherland.

Kello almost kept out his effort but it squirmed beyond the reach of the Slovakian and crept over the line.

Inverness claimed a penalty when Hamill appeared to play the ball against his own hand – but ref George Salmond waved play on.

Next Sutherland’s cross looped over Kello and cracked the post.

Hayes should have put the game to bed when Greg Tansey played him in but the Hearts No.1 denied him with a point-blank save.

Sergio’s men pushed for an equaliser towards the end and felt they deserved a spot-kick when Josh Meekings tripped sub David Templeton.

It looked like a penalty but Salmond waved away the Jambos protests.

John Sutton had a last chance to level at the death but his right-foot shot fizzed wide.

Caley boss Butcher praised his reshuffled side and said: “You dream about three wins in a week so it’s incredible. Only one team wanted to win and had the right attitude – us.

“A lot of people worked hard to get the game on and were rewarded with a heart-warming performance.”

Taken from the Daily Record