WATCH: Inverness Caledonian Thistle Women manager Karen Mason pleased to pick up thrilling three points against Rossvale on opening day of SWF Championship season
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle's women have got their season up and running with a victory over Rossvale.
It was a back-and-forth encounter at Millburn Academy where both sides had the lead at different times, but after nine goals and a red card it was the Caley Jags celebrating at the full time whistle.
Rossvale raced into an early lead through Jemma McQuillan, whose pace would pose a constant threat to the Inverness defence.
However, before five minutes had elapsed ICT were back on level terms thanks to a thunderbolt from Kayleigh Mackenzie.
Natasha Donaghy restored the visitors' advantage, which lasted for most of the first half before Caley Thistle forward Lorna MacRae rounded the goalkeeper to send the sides into half time with the scores at 2–2.
After such a noteworthy opening to the match, there was another early goal after the restart as Inverness went ahead for the first time thanks to an own goal.
It was by no means plain-sailing for them after that, though, as McQuillan claimed a second to level the scores once again.
Alex Andrews put the Caley Jags back in front with an excellent strike from distance, and they seemed to be in the driving seat when Rossvale were reduced to 10 players amid protests in the aftermath of Andrews' goal.
However, Rossvale continued to threaten on the counter attack, and with legs tiring and nerves jangling as the clock ticked down they got another equaliser with five minutes left through Kirsten Treanor.
Both teams tried to push for a winner, and there would be one for Inverness as MacRae did well to dance past challenges and tee up Natalie Bodiam to finish, with ICT winning 5–4.
