St Mirren 2-2 Inverness CT: McGregor’s faith rewarded with vital goal against Inverness

The home side had gone ahead in the first half when debutant Lewis Guy fired home in the 32nd minute, shooting past Ryan Esson from a narrow angle after Paul McGowan’s superb through ball, but  Inverness responded well after the break and looked set to take all three points through goals from Nick Ross and Billy McKay before McGregor’s late intervention.

Ross equalised when he prodded in a cross that went in off David Barron, then McKay steered the ball home through the legs of St Mirren keeper Craig Samson, before McGregor clinched that late point after Esson flapped at a Jon Robertson corner.

The defender was delighted to open his account for the season so early after enduring a difficult time last season with injuries.

“I scored against Inverness last season and before I went up I had a surge of energy and belief that I could score so I was delighted to get off the mark so early and get us a draw,” he said.

“Overall it was a frustrating game because in the first half I thought we dominated.

“We were good in possession and created lots of chances, but then in the second half they applied a bit more pressure and that changed the outlook on the game.

“I thought [Andrew] Shinnie was the difference for them. He dropped into the pockets between the midfield and defence and he was very hard to  play against, but we got our point  and Inverness seems to be our bogey team.

“We started with a point last year and went on to have a good season so hopefully it will be the same this year.”

McKay, meanwhile, was disappointed that Inverness could not see out the game when they seemed in control heading into stoppage time.

He said: “Obviously we’re disappointed not to win in the end after being  2-1 up with five minutes to go, but I think we played well and if we continue playing like that we’ll pick up a lot of points.

“I thought we were really good in  the second half, but we just need to learn from that the next time we’re ahead to make sure we hold on for the win.”

The 22-year-old was particularly impressed with the contributions of Inverness’s four debutants and believes that their arrival has helped to ensure the whole squad start the season in top form.

“We’re still a new team so the more we play together the better we’re going to play.

“We’re still learning about the new players, but it is a positive thing because it keeps us on our toes as there are new players on the bench, too, waiting for their opportunity.”