Many changes for Montrose with not many from the starting line-up from last week. In goal was Matthews then Freeman, Quinn, Williamson and Bertie as the back line. In midfield were Webster, Watson, Gardyne, Machado and Pollard with Stirton up front.

Referee Jordan Curran played his part well and spoke to players rather than issuing cards and that was a credit to him. On a dry sunny day but with a very strong wind Montrose were first to attack but Stirton was outnumbered yet won a corner which the keeper collected easily. At the other end Inverness attacked at pace but too much and it went out of play. Then a chance at each end – a shot by Inverness on the turn went just wide then Montrose had a shot hacked off the line following a free kick.

Not a lot happened in the next 15 minutes as Inverness took over possession with more pace but were caught offside. Then they had several free kicks and corners which came to nothing before Freeman for the Mo broke away and his shot from 20 yards went just wide. A long ball from Quinn found Webster and his cross was blocked for a corner which the wind took the ball well over the bar.

Leading up to half-time Montrose should have taken the lead as a Watson free kick from 20 yards central was parried by by keeper Marcus Gill, Machado was first to react, but he sent his second ball shot over the top from close range. Machado had been yellow carded just before that but on the stroke of half-time Inverness took the lead as Paul Allan was unmarked in the centre of the Montrose area and found the net from close range.

No changes for the second half with the wind even stronger. Stirton was largely on his own up top and Inverness played into that by putting more pressure on Montrose. They used pace and wingers and 3 successive corners were wasted before Montrose made changes on 57 minutes as another goal looked inevitable. On came Dillon for Quinn and Sandilands replaced Gardyne as Watson moved further forward to partner Stirton up top – but still no wing play as Lyons was still on the bench.

On 61 minutes it became 2-0 to Inverness as Billy McKay shot home from 18 yards into the bottom corner. Changes by Inverness on 64 minutes with McKay and Bray being replaced by Cairns and Longstaff. A Montrose corner was wasted then Masson replaced Paul Watson who received a rousing cheer as he stepped off the Links Park pitch for the last time. Another change for Inverness then for Montrose on came Wighton and Brown for Willianson and Pollard on 75 minutes.

Into the last 10 minutes with more changes for Inverness and a yellow card for one of their players. Montrose had a couple of corners to end the game but it was the good attendance form Inverness in the crowd of 1,018 who had most to cheer about.

There were some positive things about an otherwise poor display by Montrose. Youngsters Pollard and Machado did well and should do well next season provided Montrose support them and more of our youngsters with some experienced players especially up front. The season ended not on a winning note but Manager and fans all know what the problems are and will be hopeful of starting on a positive note for next season again in League 1.

Report by Steve Doyle

Post Match Reaction https://youtu.be/qAIkf7ZSM6o