Nairn County 1–3 Inverness
International Club Friendly – June 24, 2026, 02:30

Scottish League One side Inverness Caledonian Thistle confirmed their superiority over Highland League hosts Nairn County with a composed 3-1 victory in a pre-season friendly played on Wednesday night. The match at Station Park gave Inverness manager Scott Kellacher a welcome chance to run the rule over a mix of first-team regulars and trialists, while Nairn County tested themselves against full-time opposition.

Match Overview

Inverness started brightly and took an early lead, but Nairn County responded with determination and equalised before half-time. The second half belonged entirely to the visitors, however, as they raised their tempo and scored twice to seal the win. Despite the scoreline, Nairn can take heart from a spirited display that troubled the Championship outfit for long periods.

First Half: An Even Contest

Inverness opened the scoring inside the first fifteen minutes when a deflected cross fell to an attacker who stabbed the ball home from close range. The Caley Jags looked comfortable in possession, but Nairn County refused to drop their heads. The hosts grew into the game, using direct runs and set-pieces to unsettle the Inverness defence.

Their reward came just before the half-hour mark. A well‑worked free‑kick was swung into the box, and a Nairn forward rose highest to power a header past the Inverness goalkeeper. The equaliser lifted the home crowd, and the remainder of the first half was tightly contested, with both sides creating half‑chances but unable to break the deadlock before the interval.

Second Half: Inverness Show Class

Manager Kellacher made several changes at half-time, introducing greater pace and experience. The shift in momentum was almost immediate. Within ten minutes of the restart, Inverness regained the lead through a swift counter‑attack, finished with a precise shot into the bottom corner. The added quality in midfield allowed Inverness to dominate possession and stretch the Nairn defence.

The clinching third goal arrived midway through the half. A patient build‑up ended with a low cross from the right that was turned in at the far post. Nairn County tried to mount a late response but found the Inverness backline well‑organised. The visitors saw out the remaining minutes comfortably, recording a solid 3-1 victory.

Standout Performers

Inverness’s midfield pivot was excellent in the second half, breaking up play and distributing quickly to the attackers. The two substitute forwards made a significant impact, providing the energy and invention that had been missing in the first period. For Nairn County, the central defender who scored the equaliser stood out with a commanding aerial display.

Pre‑Season Implications

Inverness will be pleased with the clean performance in the second half and the ability to adapt after a slightly sloppy first 45 minutes. The friendly provides a useful foundation as they continue their preparations for the upcoming League One season. Nairn County, while ultimately beaten, showed they can compete at a higher level for stretches and will take confidence from the early equaliser into their own Highland League campaign.