ANNAN’S manager, assistant and first team coach all played pivotal roles on the pitch as the Black and Golds claimed a 1-0 victory away to Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium.
It was an astute defensive display from Athletic in the Highlands. And it puts them right back in the mix with those directly above in the battle to avoid the League One relegation play-off spot.
The visitors struck what proved to be the winner just three minutes into the contest.
Paul Smith’s corner was initially punched away by Caley keeper Musa Dibaga but Paul McGowan kept it alive. The ball fell to first team coach Peter Watson – playing as a trialist – and he delicately set it into the path of Paul Smith who fired a low and hard half volley into the bottom corner of the net.
After this the home side launched a barrage on the Annan goal.
Alfie Stewart forced Jamie Smith into a save after he let loose from the edge of the area; Keith Bray’s close range effort was blocked; and Paul Allan’s volley rattled the upright following a good cross from Adam McKinnon.
In the second half Caley Thistle threatened straight from the restart and Jamie Smith produced a fine save to deny James Nolan’s curling effort.
Inverness must have thought they were about to level when Billy Mckay took the ball round Jamie Smith. He hit a clean strike but Max Kilsby was well positioned to clear off the line.
Minutes later Bray headed wide as the hosts chucked everything at it.
But, this left them exposed. And when Luca Ross flicked the ball over the top Josh Todd was in behind. Caley recovered well and Todd’s eventual effort flew wide.
Annan manager Wullie Gibson said: “It was a massive massive three points, but we’ve not achieved anything yet. We need to go again on Saturday (against Montrose).
“We’ll do our preparations in training and hopefully the Inverness performance and result gives the boys that confidence and belief to go and get another result.”
