🏆 League1 Champions 🏆

The Caley Jags are off to the Championship after beating Hamilton Accies 2-1 in front of over 5000 raucous fans at the Caledonian Stadium. An early strike from Captain Danny Devine in the third minute settled the nerves and an absolute club legend Billy Mckay added a second before half an hour to up the volume in the stadium. I spoke to Billy at East Fife and he assured me they would get the job done this week. What a legend.

Accies scored a late goal through Kevin O'Hara and we had an extra late drama when they were awarded a penalty. However Ross Munro pulled off a tremendous diving save to deny Oli Shaw and that was the cue for an enthusiastic but premature pitch invasion. About fifteen minutes later the game resumed for a handful of seconds before referee Chris Graham called a halt and the real pitch invasion started.

Credit to Stenhousemuir for giving it a real go all season, good luck in the play-offs.

Full report and match reaction tomorrow.

We have some celebrating to do now.

🍺

 The Main Stand and the North Stand were packed out as the the teams took to the pitch for hopefully the final time this season. Would we take the game to Accies or would we play a cagey game like we did at East Fife the previous week? That question would be answered in the third minute when Captain Danny Devine crashed Paul Allan's corner kick high into the net in front of the Hamilton fans to set the scene for the afternoon with the home fans loving this early advantage. Inverness were in control of the early stages with the bulk of the game being played in the Accies third of the pitch with MacKinnon and Wotherspoon prominent and Billy Mckay rolling back the years as he buzzed around the front line. Alfie Bavidge was also running the channels and using his pace to good effect. Accies were restricted to shooting from range, not necessarily on target with Ross Munro idle for the most part. The pressure was mounting on the visitors with a number of blocked efforts keeping the score down, but nobody was on hand to stop club legend Billy Mckay scoring after great work on the left side through Wotherspoon and Mitchell Robertson whose cross into the box was finished by Billy, his 132nd goal for this club. That ramped up the volume in the stands, however we all held our breath when the ball got stuck under Devine's feet as he tried to get the ball back to Munro. Thankfully the keeper managed to get to the ball in the nick of time to dribble his way out of danger and keep us two ahead at the break. Alas Danny's game was over before the break as he was unable to continue after an earlier knock and he limped off to be replaced by Oscar MacIntyre with Robertson moving inside to centre back.

HALF TIME: 2-0

Accies looked sharper after a torrid first half and pressed Inverness higher up the park without really troubling Munro. We blocked a couple of attempts in the first few minutes of the second half as we seemed content to hold what we had and in truth, the game lost it's sparkle and deteriorated into a dire midfield battle. Ross Millen had an effort saved before the substitutes flowed from both sides. We did force four corners in quick succession but it ended with the ball holding up in the breeze and going behind. Millen hit a fierce shot just wide as we looked to kill off the game and the best chance of the second half saw Alfie Stewart head wide after a great ball in from the left. The game was untidy over the final fifteen minutes but there was late drama when Kevin O'Hara scored after we conceded one too many free kicks allowing Accies to get the ball into our box all too often for my liking. Ahh well, so be it. However, there was further drama when we were all waiting for the final whistle to blow. Millen was adjudged to have tripped Oli Shaw who took the spot kick himself. As befits champions, Ross Munro pulled off a great save to his right and that triggered a spontaneous pitch invasion from the over eager young team. It took a while to clear a thousand or so from the playing surface before the game restarted. It was barely worth restarting and the game was brought to a halt seconds later to start invasion number two, this time in earnest as jubilant fans celebrated on the park with players.

FULL TIME: 2-1

It's been a long season, coming from five points behind as we set out to win the title. Thirty-six League1 games later and add on four League Cup ties, two Scottish Cup ties and eleven KDM trophy games, it's been quite a journey. Not to mention seven pre-season encounters and a testimonial plus three North of Scotland Cup ties then it really has been a wonderful season after all the trauma we have come through under our previous failed regime.

Think that is 64 games negotiated and Previewed and Reported here on CTO.

Statue for Savage incoming.

Well done to everyone concerned at the club and to the fanbase for producing a brilliant atmosphere throughout our season, especially in the final game. The Supporters Bus organisers, the Wyness Shuffle podcasters, and a massive well done to George Moodie and Supporters Trust for the huge improvements in the matchday experience. No doubt I've missed some out, apologies for that, but a huge thanks on here to Scotty for keeping this site going and to IBM for keeping all the stats up to date. There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes on CTO and it really is much appreciated.

CHAMPIONS

🎥 Innes Mackay

Great wee double act 👏

ICTFC HIGHLIGHTS

Date:  02/04/2026  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 5029 Referee: Chris Graham 
 
Inverness CT: 2

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup: Munro; Millen, Devine (McIntyre 49), Savage, Robertson, Allan, MacKinnon (MacLeod 72),

• Stewart, Wotherspoon (Brannan 80), Bavidge, B Mckay (Zimba (80))

• Subs (not used): Ross; Chalmers, Alonge, Willox, Longstaff. 

• Scorers: Devine (3), B Mckay (26)

• Booked: Bavidge (58)

• Sent Off: none

Hamilton Accies: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup: Lane; Hutton, Smutek (Shiels 85), Kilday (Hendrie 84), Gallacher, McKinstry, Newbury,

• Simpson (Crookston 68), O'Hara, MacDonald, Shaw 

• Subs (not used): Cameron, Forrest, Morgan, Stafford

• Scorers: O'Hara (85)

• Booked: Hutton (77)

• Sent Off: none

Champagne on Ice

A sold out away crowd were on hand to see if the Caley Jags could secure promotion to the Championship at Bayview Stadium in the penultimate League fixture of the season. Hopes were high after last weeks results where Stenhousemuir lost at Cove Rangers and Inverness nervously scraped home against Kelty Hearts to open up a four point gap with just two games remaining. A few different permutations remain but it's going to the wire after a 1-1 draw at Bayview and Stenhousemuir beating Alloa 1-0.

It was a massive let down for the big away support who witnessed a disjointed scrappy performance by the Caley Jags against a team that were prepared to fight for the jerseys and deserved their point today whilst we fired high balls onto the head of Brian Easton as if he was a ball magnet. Michael MacKenna scored a simple knock in after our defence were easily opened up on the right side. We were second to every ball for 80 minutes, The introduction of some subs injected a bit more urgency but it took a superb strike from Billy Mckay to salvage an unlikely point in the final minute of the ninety after he chested the ball, spun round and shot early from the edge of the box to leave the keeper stranded as the ball rifled into the bottom corner. That was the solitary bit of quality on a day when we looked overawed and ordinary and the fans left the stadium shaking their heads.

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It started reasonably brightly for us in the opening minutes as Longstaff had an opportunity to cut into the box before Robbie Hemfrey saved from a tight angle. It was a bright afternoon with a hint of a stiff breeze on the park that often held long balls up long enough for defenders to get the easy pickings, and so it went on. Mamadou Bah headed over from a corner and the ever dangerous Michael McKenna saw Ross Munro save his header to the bottom corner. Chanka Zimba went down injured and to be honest might just as well have stayed on the ground for the rest of the half such was the impact he was having on procedings. Maybe the hosts saw this as an excuse to leave their players on the surface a la Fawlty Towers 'well you started it'. McKenna had another header saved by Munro ten minutes before the break and the 'injuries' continued to the interval in what had been a very poor half with chances at a premium.

HALF TIME: 0-1

The tempo upped at the start of the second half but it was the hosts that were looking livelier around the box with Munro the busier keeper, saving from Nathan Austin in the bottom corner. Oscar MacIntyre was blocked just as he offloaded a shot as he raced onto a ball on the edge of the box and minutes later East Fife went ahead. Good work or not so good defending, but the hosts did well to retain the ball on their left wing following a throw-in and Slattery's ball into the middle was knocked in by McKenna from ten yards to dent our ambitions. We could all see this coming thus far in the game and for the next twenty minutes it could have got worse. McKenna was denied by Munro as the Fifers broke forward, the keeper able to save comfortably in the end. The play was still being disrupted and more substitutes added to this but ultimately would throw us a get out of jail card right at the end. From this point onwards, we showed much more urgency with Wotherspoon and Billy Mckay now on the park although the bigger mystery was why was Zimba still on it (or was he? Maybe it was his destiny). Ross Munro pulled off a tremendous save to stop McKenna adding a second as he acrobatically tipped his effort over the bar. That was a crucial save by the keeper that kept us in the game. Hemfrey pulled off a TV save when substitute Adam MacKinnon's volley was bounced off the surface towards the top corner but the keeper had time to take the cigar out before diving and catching the ball with both hands, Thankfully for us, Zimba surfaced just in time to nod Paul Allan's lob towards the box onwards where the genius of Billy Mckay left the keeper rooted to the spot as his volley found the bottom corner from around twenty yards. Billy collected Chanka's backward head flick on his chest and his strikers instinct saw him swivel and volley as smooth as you like and for that we will be eternally grateful for Paul, Chanka and the predatory Billy Mckay. That goal alone might just be enough to save our season as a draw next week is another option to going straight up.

FULL TIME: 1-1

Make no bones about it, this was a dismal showing in a game that could have yielded the League1 title and with it promotion to the Championship. Instead of that we were dragged into a dogged battle against a team fighting for survival accompanied by some questionable tactical decisions to stay down injured at the drop of a hat. Nonetheless it worked as a disruptive influence on the game which killed any chance of a repeat of the flowing action we saw at Peterhead recently. Mind you, a lot of that was down to our own lack of tactical nous in launching numerous aimless balls forward to Brian Easton's head, a tactic that rightly saw him named man of the match.

East Fife are now set for a final day relegation play-off battle after Accies beat Peterhead but that point today for the Fifers gives them some hope going into the final games next week just one point ahead of Accies with Kelty Hearts now officially relegated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 How important could this goal be.

A strike that rooted the keeper to the spot.

Date:  25/04/2026  Venue: Bayview Stadium Attendance: 1348 Referee: Alastair Grieve
 
East Fife: 1

• Manager: Dick Campbell

• Lineup: Hemfrey; Wilson, Bah, Munro, Easton, Peggie, Slattery (Scally 61), McManus,

• Millar, McKenna, Austin (Oladipo 61), Culbert

• Subs (not used):  Rollo; Gaffney, Halliday, Halsey, Healy, Latona, Rowe,

• Scorers: McKenna (56)

• Booked: Bah (87)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup: Munro; Millen (Wotherspoon 73), Devine, Savage, McIntyre (Robertson 64),

• Longstaff (MacKinnon 58), MacLeod (Alonge 58), Allan, Stewart (B Mckay, 73), Bavidge, Zimba

• Subs (not used): Ross; Brannan, Chalmers, Willox

• Scorers: B Mckay (89)

• Booked: Longstaff (57)

• Sent Off: none

One step Closer

This was the ninth meeting between these two sides and the most crucial given what was at stake for both teams. For the Caley Jags, they are focussed on one thing, promotion, and the result at Cove v Stenhousemuir will be secondmost on their minds. Kelty will be fully committed to the task in hand whilst keeping an eye on events at Cove and Montrose v Accies where their closest relegation rivals will be battling for points.

It was a tight affair as we suspected and it took an own goal to separate the sides after a less than impressive first half in the swirling conditions. It happened at the far end and it took a while to decide but the goal has been credited to Alex Ferguson following a corner. (Bet he wishes he had stayed at Manchester United) Who knows, we never had binoculars. The goal followed on from the best effort of the game so far when Kyle Gourlay denied Adam MacKinnon with a great low save in the bottom corner, the result was a Paul Allan corner kick to Inverness. The rest is history. That's how it ended with little goalmouth action although Kelty came close with a shot from distance that curled just wide of the top corner. Phew! That was the closest they came and a big warning to us.

With Stenhousemuir losing at Cove and Accies winning at Montrose, promotion and relegation have become a little clearer but nothing finalised yet with only two games remaining.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A chilly afternoon on the Moray Firth greeted the teams with April showers and blustery winds forecast for the afternoon and Kelty meant business by changing ends before kick-off. Full report to follow but to be honest, the first half was tense and dull where virtually nothing happened. An early warning for us as we had to clear one away yards from goal and a similar effort for us at the other end. A Zimba effort held by Kyle Gourlay was the only moment of note in a terrible first forty-five. Maybe the swirling wind had something to do with it but it was a total non event. The pace improved after the break but like Talking Heads, it was still tense and nervous, we can't relax... The introduction of MacIntyre and Longstaff at the interval gave us more width and it seemed to inject a bit more life about proceedings but still not exactly a riot like we showed at Peterhead. Lewis Moore had an effort saved comfortably by Ross Munro before it took the introduction of MacKinnon to put the final piece of the jigsaw in place and he was instrumental in bringing about the only goal of the game. At last we saw some good build up play and MacKinnon's shot was well saved by Gourlay just inside the post at the expense of a corner. Not for the first time this season, Paul Allan's inswinging corner landed right on top of the goalline and it looked like the ball has come off Alex Ferguson before entering the net. Pin point accuracy from Allan and just the break we needed although Allan is still trying to clam the goal. Not a game for taking unnecessary risks and our defence limited Kelty to very few opportunities, one of those a shot that whistled close to the junction of crossbar and post. That was a timely reminder we still had work to do as Bavidge headed over and Longstaff skied one after good interplay outside the box. As they have done most of the season, our defence stood firm with Kelty not looking likely to get back on level terms and it was a massive three points combined with the news that Stenhousemuir had been beaten 2-0 at Cove.

FULL TIME: 1-0

It's not very clear but appears to be an og. Either way a massive 3points

Footage from Kelty Hearts

Date:  18/04/2026  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2405 Referee: Colin Steven 
 
Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; Millen, Devine, Savage, Robertson (MacIntyre 46), MacLeod, Allan,

• Stewart (MacKinnon 56), Alonge (Longstaff 46), Bavidge (B Mckay 89), Zimba (Wotherspoon 77)

• Subs (not used):  Ross; Brannan, Willox, Chalmers

• Scorers: Ferguson (61 og)

• Booked: MacKinnon (90+1)

• Sent Off: none

Kelty Hearts: 0

• Manager: Thomas O'Ware

• Lineup: Gourlay; Pettifer (Cunningham 76), Brydon, Corr (Wylie 65), Fisher, Ferguson,

• Moore, Arnott (Murray 64), Cooper (Graham 76), McCarvel, Davidson 

• Subs (not used): Adamson; Leitch, Snoddy, Thomas

• Scorers: none

• Booked: Ferguson (78)

• Sent Off: none

One down three to go

After the disappointment of Saturday's game at Ochilview, we had another opportunity to top the table going into the final three games in League1. After tonight, it's a three game sprint for the title. Could the Caley Jags keep their destiny within their own grasp?

Chanka Zimba was available after suspension and he led the line with Calum MacLeod retaining his starting place from the weekend and Billy Mckay missing out again. League1 Player of the Month for March, 17 goal Kieran Shanks will lead the line for Peterhead and Flynn Duffy was back in the starting XI.

Inverness were the more prominent around the opposition box with Newman making one tremendous save from an Alonge free kick but he had no chance when Alfie Stewart stepped up thirty yards from goal to whip his free kick right into the top corner to open the scoring. The next best effort was an Alfie Bavidge run into the right side of the box but Newman stood tall to block the ball away. In a great attacking display in the second half we hit the woodwork twice through Robertson and Alonge before Chanka Zimba swept home a Bavidge cross to secure the points. Magnificent result considering what was at stake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hosts got the game underway and Inverness went onto the front foot. In the third minute a twenty-five yard free kick from Jordan Alonge was spectacularly pushed out for a corner by Jack Newman. Nothing from the corner but moments later Alfie Bavidge headed goalwards but it lacked power and was easily gathered by Newman. Inverness were dictating the early pace of the game and after ten minutes Calum MacLeod looped a header over when Newman was caught in no mans land. Peterhead's first effort was a shot from Seb Ross that was dragged wide a minute later after some neat footwork around the box. Midway through the half the play had evened out and Munro saved comfortably on the angle from Kieran Shanks. Play was turning a bit scrappy on the fiery surface with the ball bouncing high making control awkward. Newman smothered a dangerous cross into the box in the twenty-fifth minute as it remained goalless and a stabbed passback to Newman went unpunished before Zimba clumsily tried to get a couple of shots away. Munro flopped on a snapshot from Jason Brown as the game moved back to the other end. Munro needlessly gave away a throw in. Why??? Lots of petty fouls littering the game now, but with half an hour gone Bavidge raced clear on a great ball forward by Stewart after he broke down an attack, but Bav went a step or two wide allowing Newman to block his effort from fifteen yards on the right side of the box. We were swarming all round the home box but nobody had the required skill to unlock the defence. Until now. Wow!!! A stunning thirty yard left footer curling free kick from Alfie Stewart opened the scoring five minutes before the break. Pawlett had been pulled back after a late lunging tackle missed his intended target. Wee Alfie only scores screamers, he couldn't have placed it in the net any better had he taken some step ladders and dropped the ball into the net from on the goalline. The visitors were now being flagged offside a few times as the interval approached and it remained the narrowest of advantages at the break thanks to Alfie Stewart's stunning free kick.

HALF TIME: 0-1

The Caley Jags should have gone two up in the first minute when Newman palmed the ball to Zimba and on the rebound Bavidge saw his shot blocked in the six yard box before being cleared. Moments later Calum MacLeod saw his shot grabbed by Newman after MacLeod's shot deflected over the keeper but was headed off the line by a defender. We had the ball in the net again but it was flagged by the linesman to deny a second. Fast start to this half from the Highlanders looking to increase their advantage. Jordan Alonge burrowed his way into the box past a number of players but his shot cracked back of the post to deny him a brilliant solo. Great pressure from the visitors and only eight minutes into the half. Bavidge could have scored after latching onto a ball into the box but his low shot rifled across the face of the goal from eight yards on the right. Mitchell Robertson curled a beauty onto the crossbar from twenty-five yards with Newman rooted to the spot and he followed up on his own rebound but his shot swerved a yard wide of the target. How we have not scored at least four goals this half is a mystery. Fear not, it paid off on sixty-seven minutes when Bavidge used his pace wide right to drill a low ball into the box for Zimba to sweep the ball into the net from inside the six yard box. It was another tremendous ball by MotM Alfie Stewart that had set Bavidge on his way. Five subs stemmed the flow of the game and we saw out the last fifteen comfortably in control to go back on top of the table with three games left.

FULL TIME: 0-2

Alfie Stewart was TV MotM and no complaints from me after that stunning free kick. He was also part of the assist for the second goal as we played out from the back.

Great all round performance that offered little for Peterhead to work with and a result that could have ended up at five or six to the visitors.

Top of the league with only three games left for everyone.

HAPPY DAYS

Goals from BBC ALBA

Date:  14/04/2026  Venue: Balmoor Stadium Attendance: 0780 Referee: Joel Kennedy
 
Peterhead: 0

• Manager: Jordon Brown & Ryan Strachan

• Lineup:  Newman, Steele, Jason Brown, Kerr (Jack Brown 65), Carnwath (D Strachan 60),

• Pawlett (M Ross 75), Forrest, Duffy, McGuffie (McGinn 75), Kerr, S Ross, Shanks

• Subs (not used):  McKelvie; Jordan Brown, R Strachan, Jones, James

• Scorers: none

• Booked: Steele (36), Jason Brown (70)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 2

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro: Millen, Devine, Savage, Robertson, Allan, MacLeod (Chalmers 83), Alonge (Sole 76),

• Stewart (MacKinnon 83), Bavidge (Longstaff 76), Zimba (McIntyre 87)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Brannan, Wotherspoon, Willox

• Scorers: Stewart (39), Zimba (67)

• Booked: Stewart (28), MacLeod (77), Zimba (80)

• Sent Off: none

Cheated out of three points

Down to the nitty gritty today in the late televised kick-off at Ochilview and there really was nowhere to hide now as the Caley Jags faced a relentless Warriors side who are unbeaten in their last fifteen home games ahead of this 'virtual' title decider. Not quite a winner takes all encounter, but it would hand a crucial advantage to the victor, although a draw keeps the title battle going to the wire. With the Warriors hitting the top of the table last week their confidence was high, and rightly so with the current Manager of the Month Gary Naysmith leading the squad. On the other hand, we were reeling after an error strewn performance in the KDM Trophy final last Sunday. Would Scott Kellacher be able to put the belief back into our beleaguered squad to resurrect our promotion bid? Would we have the balls to go for the win or will we be sitting in and hoping for a point? It's not worked out well so far this season with Stenny having two league wins and a draw. Our only success was in the KDM with a tight 1-0 win.

Well, the short answer, the status quo has been maintained after Stenhousemuir were awarded a 'penalty' lifeline when someone threw himself to the ground as he fell over Devine in the box. No contact, no penalty. WTAF. Calum MacLeod had given the visitors a first half lead pouncing on a loose ball at the back post. However, once again we paid the price for not putting the game to bed when well on top.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Danny Devine, David Wotherspoon, and Calum MacLeod all started with Liam Sole, Oscar MacIntyre and Joe Chalmers benched and Chanka Zimba suspended. The Warriors looked to have a full strength squad out today with a dangerous attacking handful on from the start.

Stenhousemuir had the wind behind them in the first half and the first effort fell to Ross Taylor in the opening moments but he smothered his shot and Ross Munro gathered easily Calum MacLeod had similar effort at the other end but his sclaffed shot was blocked. An Alfie Stewart free kick was a bit ambitious from thirty yards as the keeper collected with ease, but moments later Jordan Alonge should have opened the scoring off a long ball into the box but his glanced effort rolled wide. Inverness' early pressure paid off after fifteen minutes when a free kick swung in by Stewart was met by Mitchell Robertson. His header to the bottom corner was brilliantly saved by Jamieson but MacLeod was on hand to knock the loose ball in from close range. On a swift break forward Taylor brought out a good low save from Munro, who gathered at the second attempt. Ritchie-Hosler won a corner after the half hour as his shot was deflected wide as the hosts came more into the game. Brilliant work wide left by Wotherspoon to make space and get his cross in and a stooping Alfie Bavidge knocked the ball across the face of the goal but just wide of the target. Just on half time a couple of balls shelled into our box were mopped up by the defence and the Caley Jags went into the interval a goal to the good.

HALF TIME: 0-1

A snapshot from Wotherspoon had Darren Jamieson scampering across his goal to tip the ball behind for an early second half corner to no avail. Almost a superb goal for Alonge as his shot curled towards the top corner off the outside of his boot but Jamieson pulled off a tremendous fingertip save to tip it over for corner. From the corner the keeper had to look lively to snatch the ball away from danger. Bavidge cut in from the left side but Jamieson was alert to the danger to pull off a decent TV save. The visitors were on top as we passed the hour, but we needed to capitalise on our dominance. We've seen this scenario before. And it almost happened but for a superb block by Ross Munro in the box as Ross Taylor looked favourite to score, the keeper shutting him down rapidly. From the corner we had Devine to thank for hooking the ball away from the line as the hosts pushed for a leveller. Stenny had kept us at bay in the third quarter of the game and they gradually got to grips with the game again. A ball into the box from the right was bobbled about and Devine went to ground. Whilst lying face down on the ground the referee somehow awarded Stenny a penalty as Anderson possibly left his feet against Devine to theatrically hit the turf. In my book it's called cheating. Penalty given and Matty Aitken who had spent most of the game arm wrestling with Remi Savage slotted into the bottom corner. What an injustice and a familiar sight for Inverness fans to watch the team not put games to bed when on top. A Bavidge half volley was tipped over by Jamieson as the clock ticked down and a couple of scares at either end but despite a frantic finish, nobody could find a winner.

FULL TIME: 1-1

Date:  11/04/2026  Venue: Ochilview Park Attendance: 1096 Referee: Cameron Stirling
 
Stenhousemuir: 1

• Manager: Gary Naysmith

• Lineup: D Jamieson; Meechan, Buchanan, N Jamieson, Bilham (O'Reilly 46), Anderson,

• McGil (Grant 78), Whyte (Gray 78), Taylor, Aitken, Ritchie-Hosler (Carrick 66)

• Subs (not used):  Lyle; Ewen, Graham, Robson, Cameron

• Scorers: Aitken (81pen)

• Booked: Bilham (9)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; Millen, Devine, Savage, Robertson, Allan, MacLeod, Wotherspoon,

• Stewart (Brannan 96), Alonge, Bavidge (Sole 88)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Clark, MacIntyre, Chalmers, Longstaff, Willox, Mackinnon

• Scorers: MacLeod (16)

• Booked: Millen (8), Stewart (25), Allan (45+1), Devine (83), Bavidge (85)

• Sent Off: none

KDM TROPHY FINAL WOE

The KDM TROPHY Final would be played out at the Wyre Stadium, Firhill, with Championship side Raith Rovers facing League1 Inverness CT. Both sides had won the Challenge Cup three times. Both sides shared the win in season 2020/21 when it was the Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Trophy with Covid preventing the final from going ahead. So today it's the Harry Hill way to sort it out 'FIGHT'.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the 'FIGHT' it was a record fourth Challenge Cup win for Rovers. They'll be dancing in the streets of Raith tonight. Bless them!

A defensive error allowed Rovers to take the lead through Innes Cameron but that strike was cancelled out by a superb free kick from Alfie Stewart ten minutes before the break in a relatively even first forty-five. Ten minutes into the second half Cameron scored his second after a free kick was put into the six yard box. Raith were now on top and Dylan Easton hammered in a third on the hour following us giving the ball away in midfield. An exact replica goal from Easton again gifted Rovers a fourth and the game was beyond Inverness now.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alfie Stewart got the game underway in bright sunshine. It was ten minutes in before the first half chance appeared when a long ball forward fell for Innes Cameron but his attempted flick goalwards was wide of the mark. A good burst forward by Jordan Alonge ended with a wayward pass to Liam Sole who has yet to get into the game. First save of the game arrived when Mullin brought Ross Munro into action with a shot from inside the box. Minutes later he had to pluck a deflected shot out of the air and right on the goal line. First good attack from the Caley Jags saw Sole drift forward and an interchange with Paul Allan but it was cut out for a throw in opposite the Rovers box. Munro saved comfortably midway through the half but it was Raith that were looking the busier. A long range snapshot from Sole almost surprised Josh Rae in goal but he grasped it at the second attempt. Out of nothing we gifted Raith Rovers the opening goal when Mitchell Robertson's short pass to Alfie Stewart was miscontrolled by the midfielder and Innes Cameron stepped in to knock the ball past a stranded Munro. A massively avoidable goal to lose and hugely disappointing. Inverness responded and an attempt from Sole was deflected high into the air as Zimba and Rae clashed in the six yard box. Minutes later, Alonge was brought down on the edge of the box and Alfie Stewart atoned for his earlier mistake to curl a beauty round the four man wall and into the bottom corner from 25 yards, and boy did he like that one! Much better from the Highlanders since the equaliser and they were now forcing the play and the half ended with the Caley Jags on top.

HALF TIME: 1-1

First moment of the second half saw Zimba booked for catching Cameron late outside our box. From the free kick into the box Cameron knocked in from close range amongst a ruck of people. Not bad after almost looking for a stretcher two minutes earlier. It looks like game over minutes later when after giving the ball away on the left midfield, Rovers moved swiftly into the box where Easton lashed the ball high into the net from fifteen yards on the left side. Looking suspiciously like a foul for us, Easton added a fourth from the same spot after we gave the ball away for the third assist to Rovers. After that everything was flat with a number of subs disrupting play.

FULL TIME: 4-1

More Match Reaction to follow

Inverness were the architects of their own downfall with some slack passing and poor ball retention. However, it's congratulations to Raith Rovers on their fourth Challenge Cup win and back to concentrate solely on League1 business for us over the next Month.

Two goals each for the danger men Innes Cameron and Dylan Easton were the difference with Inverness getting three assists. Unfortunately the assists were for Raith Rovers. Take nothing away from the goal scorers, they finished with aplomb, but it's criminal to keep presenting them with the opportunities. Players of that quality don't need a helping hand.

One plus was a super free kick for Alfie Stewart.

Difficult to find an Inverness player to pick as our MotM with too many posted missing and making punished errors. We certainly missed Danny Devine at the back but errors were being made all over the park. Disappointing second half after we ended the first on the front foot.

 It's a massive week coming up for the manager who will have to lift the players for the six pointer away to Stenhousemuir next week and a difficult away fixture at Peterhead three days later.

It's in our own hands, but we need to believe in ourselves and stop showing so much respect for teams that have still to earn that respect.

Highlights from Raith TV. We are still searching for our highlights

Congratulations to Dougie in what has been a difficult year for him

Date:  05/04/2026  Venue: Firhill, Glasgow Attendance: 4812 Referee: Ryan Lee 
 
Raith Rovers: 4

• Manager: Dougie Imrie

• Lineup:  Rae; Rowe, Fordyce, O'Connor, Stevenson, Easton (Wilson 79), Montagu (Brown 59),

• Mathews, Mullin (Chin 71), Nsio (Vaughan 71), Cameron (Hamilton 79)

• Subs (not used):  Glavin;

• Scorers: Cameron (29, 54), Easton (60, 69)

• Booked: Rowe (77), Brown (90)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; Millen, Robertson, Savage, MacIntyre, Sole (Wotherspoon 77), Alonge (MacLeod 77),

• Chalmers (Bavidge 66), Stewart (MacKinnon 77), Allan, Zimba (Longstaff 66)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Clark, Brannan, Willox

• Scorers: Stewart (37)

• Booked: Zimba (53)

• Sent Off: none

Massive Disappointment

With games running out and every point a prisoner, the Caley Jags would be looking to take advantage of this game under the lights against Queen of the South to get ahead of the pack before the rest play on Saturday afternoon. The last time Queens were here under the lights and on the telly the Caley Jags were untroubled as they ran out 4-0 winners. The scene is the same tonight although lambing snows and a chill wind might play a part in events tonight. Danny Devine was out injured and Liam Sole and Chanka Zimba were suspended. Mitchell Robertson was at the heart of the defence with Ross Millen at right back and Billy Mckay up front. Queens had their own injury worries but they still had big players like Reece Lyon, Kai Kennedy and Kurtis Guthrie in their starting XI.

Oscar MacIntyre rattled the post and we had one or two close moments but Nicky Clark opened the scoring with a cute flick in the first half and the points were shared when Ross Millen bundled home following his spot kick being saved ten minutes after the break. A massive disappointment following a less than impressive performance where we went flat ten minutes after equalising. We have now opened the door for Stenhousemuir to step in tomorrow should they beat East Fife. As it turned out all our fears went unfounded as East Fife drew 2-2 with Stenny.

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Inverness got the game underway on a chilly night in the Highlands with maximum points the aim for both sides. Luis Longstaff almost broke the deadlock in the third minute when he got the break of the ball on the edge of the box but his chip just cleared the bar to land on the top of the net. Shortly after Billy Mckay was just inches away from connecting with a long free kick into the box as he headed wide. Queens were taking no prisoners early on dishing out some rough treatment. Alfie Stewart brought out a save from his namesake after driving forward from midfield following an interception. Following a swift break forward on the right, Alfie Bavidge dragged his parting shot across the keeper but just wide of the post after fifteen minutes. Oscar MacIntyre did brilliantly on a run into the box but his left footed shot smashed against the post and bounced out to safety with possibly a touch from the keeper. Ross Munro flopped onto a low shot from Hannah from the edge of the box but it lacked the power to trouble the keeper. Moments later Queens took the lead mostly against the run of play when a ball into the box was flicked into the net by the falling over Nicky Clark. Smart sucker punch goal and all to do now. A lot of petty fouls disrupting play ten minutes before the break but a good ball into the box from Millen was flicked just past the post by Billy Mckay. Jordan Alonge burst onto a pass on the left side of the box but the keeper pulled off a great save to deny him and we were unable to keep the follow up on target.

HALF TIME: 0-1

No changes at the break but five minutes into the half Billy Mckay was barged over as he chased a ball into the box. After deliberating with himself, the referee awarded a spot kick. Ross Millen took it but the keeper made a great save only for Millen to follow up and bundle the ball into the net, just. And breathe. Alonge headed in but a wee niaff of a linesman flagged him offside. Almost a blooper in our box as Savage slipped but he recovered sufficiently to see the ball out for a throw in. Joe Chalmers had a pot shot from range but it went harmlessly over. A bit of a lull ensued with some looking jaded as we opted for sideways soccer. In a rare moment, MacKenzie shot well over for Queens as Inverness looked tired as the game deteriorated over the final twenty minutes. Kai Kennedy shot across the face of the goal in the 90th minute. Looked like Peter Murphy was red carded in the next minute. A late corner for the visitors saw Kennedy swing in the ball as we nervously gave the ball away numerous times in the final moments. Horrendous frantic defending from us. The ref saved us all from crumbling into nervous wrecks by bringing the game to a conclusion with as poor a performance as we have seen at home all season.

FULL TIME: 1-1

Disgruntled much! ☹️

Stenhousemuir drew 2-2 with East Fife on Saturday @ 2:00pm

So it's as you were after a dramatic weekend.

Thank you Dick Campbell & Nathan Austin ⚽

Date:  27/03/2026  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2466 Referee: Gary Hanvidge
 
Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup: Munro; Millen, Robertson, Savage, MacIntyre, Longstaff (Willox ), Alonge, Chalmers,

• Bavidge, Stewart, Mckay (Wotherspoon 87)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Clark, Kerr, Brannan, MacLeod, Allan, MacKinnon

• Scorers: Millen (53)

• Booked: MacIntyre (31), B Mckay

• Sent Off: none

Queen of the South: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup: Stewart; Penman, Douglas, Hannah, Charters, Luissint, Lyon, McKenzie (Smith 88), 

• Kennedy, Clark (Johnstone 78), Guthrie (Mason )

• Subs (not used): Green; Allan, Rogerson, Ross, Charters, Hannah,

• Scorers: Clark (35)

• Booked: Charters (21), Luissint (78), Lyon (84)

• Sent Off: none