Rooney hat-trick as Caley Jags hit form

Caley Thistle 4, Morton 1

Published: 02 November, 2009

Adam Rooney

ADAM Rooney's hat-trick helped Caley Thistle fire an Irn Bru Division One title warning in Saturday's 4-1 home win against Morton.

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Despite this being only their first home league win since April, their excellent work on the road means they trail leaders Queen of the South by just four points.

It also means the Inverness side go into Saturday's derby against Ross County in Dingwall as the division's form side.

Rooney's starring role began on 19 minutes when he smashed a wonderful shot into the net from 16 yards after a superb cross from Dougie Imrie.

Nauris Bulvitis doubled the lead when he prodded the ball home on 31 minutes to cheer the home fans up in a game ICT controlled in large parts.

However, the 'Ton, who have announced James Grady as their player/boss for the rest of this season, pulled one back when Erik Paartalu cashed in on a defensive error.

Rooney added a third for the hosts just before the break when he latched on to a deft pass from Richie Foran and the fourth goal arrived when the Dubliner netted from the penalty spot.

No further scoring came, but it was a convincing show from Terry Butcher's team and they'll be looking to take that form to Dingwall this weekend.

Inverness CT: Esson, Tokely, Bulvitis, Munro, Golabek, Proctor, Sanchez, Duncan, Foran (Hayes 64), Rooney (Barrowman 87), Imrie.

Morton: Stewart, McGregor, Monti, McManus, Greacen, Paartaulu, Finlayson, McGuffie, Wake (Kane 66), Weatherson (Grady 81), McAllister.

Referee: Calum Murray.

Attendance: 3021.

sports@highland-news.co.uk

* See Thursday's Highland News for the big derby preview.