Attacker says Inverness were guilty of giving Ayr too many chances
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
LOGAN Chalmers says Inverness Caledonian Thistle can’t afford to take their foot off the pedal like they did against Ayr United if they are to stand a chance of promotion this season.
After a dominant first-half performance where Inverness were leading 2–0 at Ayr United, they had their backs to the wall in the second half to hold on to a 2–2 draw at Somerset Park.
The result keeps them in third place, one point ahead of Partick Thistle in fourth with a game in hand and look almost certain to finish in the play-off zone.
But Chalmers says Saturday’s result at Ayr was a reminder for Inverness they must stay on top for 90 minutes, as their three game winning streak came to an end.
“We were in complete control in the first half, we were relaxed on the ball, and played it really well,” said Chalmers.
“For some reason, we ended up under the cosh and they piled lots of stuff on to us.
“If we ended up riding the first 10 to 15-minute spell in the second half, we could have seen it out and hung on for the win.
“But we gave them chance after chance.
“It could still be a vital point, but we will pick up where we went wrong and try to make it right for 90 minutes instead of 45.”
Chalmers says at half time, head coach Billy Dodds urged his team to grab a few more goals, but could not explain why they were so reserved and allowed Ayr back into the game.
“We knew Ayr had to come out better in the second half, all the boys thought how we played in the first half we could have got another goal.
“The gaffer said go and get another couple of goals, the game wasn’t done and we have not managed to do that and it has come back to bite us.”
He added: “We are leaving here disappointed and that shows where we are at just now.”
Chalmers scored a screamer in the 13th minute from 20 yards out to make it 2–0. But the fact they did not hold on for the win means the goal meant nothing to him at full time.
“It was obviously a good goal but it counts for nothing in the end.
“They are always nice to score, but three points would have been better.
“From now until the end of the season it doesn’t matter who scores, I would rather get the three points.”
Chalmers says Caley Thistle will still aim for second place while it is mathematically possible.
But he admits third is probably the best they can hope for.
“We are still looking to get as high as we can, second would have been the goal, we have four games now, so there are a lot of points to play for. We have to play a couple of teams in our end and take it a game at a time.”
Preparing to face Kilmarnock on Friday, “ he said.
“We stand a chance and can be better than anyone in this league when we are on it.
“But we have to be on it for 90 minutes rather than 45.”
