Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1 Aberdeen 1

Last updated : 06 November 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Two late goals ensured the derby clash between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Aberdeen ended 1-1 at the Caledonian Stadium.

The Setanta cameras rolled into the Highland capital for the broadcasters' third instalment of live top-flight Scottish football for its subscribers.

Both teams went into the game in a positive frame of mind, knowing that a win would see them go joint second alongside Hearts, thanks to the weekend's results.

History was not on the side of the hosts, with Inverness never having beaten the Dons in a competitive match, although this was written off by the players who knew that they have come close to beating their rivals on more than one occasion.

It was the second Monday match in a row for Jimmy Calderwood's Reds, and they were on a high after turning on the style to beat Hibs with a last-gasp winner the previous week.

The first chance of the match fell to Barry Wilson from a free-kick but he flashed his drive past the left post. After 20 minutes, Gary Dempsey cracked a low 25-yard shot past Mark Brown's right post from in Aberdeen's first real goal threat.

This was immediately followed by a long-range tester from Craig Dargo which flew just wide to get the home fans on their feet.

The Dons whipped in a couple of tricky crosses as they searched for the advantage, but could not add a killer touch. On 37 minutes, the first save was made when James Langfield got down well to deal with a John Rankin shot after the midfielder had cut inside.

Just after the break, Chris Clark drove a shot across the face of the goal as Aberdeen began brightly in the opening moments.

On 64 minutes, Dargo forced a decent save from Langfield after an intelligent cut-back from Wilson.

As both teams went for it, Caley Thistle sensationally stole into the lead with 12 minutes to go. Roy McBain found space on the left and his cross was headed home by Graham Bayne.

But then a period of real drama followed as both sides went for the next goal. The Aberdeen leveller came in the final minute when Michael Hart's delivery was finished by Steve Lovell at close range after Lee Miller had got the initial touch.