Austin at the double as ICT see off Cove
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2 (Austin x2)
Cove Rangers 0
Inverness Caledonian Thistle got their season off to a winning start against Cove Rangers – but didn’t have it all their own way at the Caledonian Stadium.
The home side started on the front foot, with Cove team content to soak up pressure. However, the visitors threatened at times and were only denied a breakthrough when Brad McKay made a terrific last-ditch tackle to halt Daniel Park’s charge into the box.
George Oakley was linking up well with Aaron Doran and Austin for Caley Thistle and had another good chance to open the scoring, but was again denied by a good save from McKenzie.
However, the trio’s great understanding would eventually lead to the opener. Doran flicked the ball through for Oakley, who had the presence of mind to lift it over the onrushing goalkeeper and into the path of Austin to tap home from close range.
Austin’s second arrived shortly before the break. Polworth broke clear and raced towards the box, unselfishly squaring for the former Falkirk striker who once again could not miss as he rolled home from a few yards out.
In the game's dying moments Jordan White should have marked his competitive debut in the perfect fashion but could only head against the crossbar after a goalmouth scramble. But in the end, Austin’s double was enough for Caley Thistle to get their season off to a winning start.
