Inverness 0 – 4 Ross County
International Club Friendly | 4 July 2026, 20:00

Ross County delivered an emphatic pre‑season statement by thrashing Highland neighbours Inverness 4‑0. The emphatic scoreline reflected County’s superior fitness and sharpness, despite the match being only the second friendly of the summer for both sides.

Dominant Away Performance

From the first whistle, Ross County dominated possession and territory. They opened the scoring after just 11 minutes when forward Simon Murray latched onto a through ball and slotted past the Inverness goalkeeper. The visitors doubled their lead on the half‑hour mark through a well‑struck free‑kick by Josh Sims that bent over the wall and into the top corner.

Second‑Half Sealing

Inverness tried to rally after the break, but County remained composed. A quick double blow between the 65th and 72nd minutes finished the contest. Substitute Jordan White nodded in a cross from the right, and Victor Loturi capped the move of the match with a sweeping team goal that ended with a low finish inside the far post.

Tactical Story

• High press: Ross County’s aggressive pressing forced multiple Inverness errors, particularly in the first half.
• Set‑piece efficiency: Two of County’s four goals came from dead‑ball situations, indicating a clear tactical plan.
• Defensive solidity: Inverness rarely threatened; County’s back four, marshalled by Jack Baldwin, stayed compact and disciplined.

Standout Player

Simon Murray was a constant threat with his movement and finishing. His opening goal and his role in the build‑up to the third goal underlined his importance. He looks fully ready for the competitive season ahead.

Impact on the Season

For Ross County, this result underlines their ambition. Manager Malky Mackay will be pleased with the sharpness shown after only a few weeks of pre‑season. Inverness, meanwhile, will need to address their defensive frailties before their league campaign begins.

The match drew a crowd of around 1,800 at the Caledonian Stadium, with the travelling County supporters enjoying a dominant away display.