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EGM & Chairman resignation

Time for change?
 
The club has today announced that the Chairman of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, Mr Graham Rae, has stepped down with immediate effect. Director Alan McPhee has also left the Board............
Full statement can be read HERE
 
This comes hot on the heels of an Extraordinary General Meeting having been called by the club seven days earlier to be held on 3rd October.
EGM full statement can be read HERE.
These are worrying times for Inverness Caledonian Thistle and it's generating lots of speculation regarding the sustainability of the club. Hopefully the EGM will be able to provide some answers.
It is also the clubs intention to host at least one public meeting shortly after the EGM to allow fans who are not currently Shareholders to come along and be furnished with the same information and opportunities. 
 
By tm4tj in News 2019-20 ·

Inverness CT 2-V-0 Queen or South - Report

W for Welsh, Walsh and Win.
 
Sean Welsh made his first start of the season and with James Keatings unavailable,  Miles Storey was up front with Jordan White.
Unsurprisingly, Queens went with the same side that beat Morton last week.
There was a minutes applause in memory of Fernando Ricksen and Henrik Madej ahead of kick off.
Sean Welsh opened the scoring fifteen minutes in after Jordan White laid a ball off to him 25 yards out and he rifled home with his left peg. Tom Walsh volleyed in a second for Inverness after great work by Shaun Rooney down the right. Keeper McCrorie denied Walsh and Welsh second goals with a couple of tremendous saves to keep the score 2-0 at the break. At the start of the second half Jamie McCart headed onto the bar as Inverness continued to dominate with McCrorie keeping the score down and it ended at 2-0.
Here's the goals.................... Full highlights to follow when available.
 
RIG saw it like this:
In control from basically the first few minutes of the game. Good cross from Walsh and nice lay off by White to tee up Welsh for the opener and a well taken second from Walsh lashing in a loose ball killed the game off as a contest after only 20 odd minutes.

Really impressive from Welsh and Vincent each taking turns to push forward and support the attack with the other sitting to protect the defence. Not that it needs much protecting at the minute. That was or 4th clean sheet in the league in a row. The front three behind White were interesting to watch. At times they all seemed to move around and appear on different flanks or play through the centre. Storey and Walsh especially seemed to move between the right flank and central role at will. Queens seemed to struggle to pick them up and when Welsh or Vincent did drive forward they often found themselves in acres of space to move into.

Excellent showings from the aforementioned Vincent, Doran, Walsh and Rooney but MotM for me was Welsh. Dictates play beautifully for us and seldom panics when under pressure. He's great at carrying the ball forward from the back and moving it from one side to the other when we're probing for a way through. Defensively he (and Vincent) worked well to snuff out Queens for most of the game before he went off.

Little disappointed with Robbo not bringing on Harper or MacGregor for some game time towards the end and obviously the crowd was seriously disappointing as well. As has been said before Robbo has done well to build a really good side with minimal backing but with every passing week it seems our fans just continue to lose interest in the side.
 
Highlights from Caley Jags TV
 
Robbo post match.............
Scorer of the second goal, Tom Walsh............
And Mark Ridgers was a  happy chappy on twitter with his clean sheet as well................
"Sunny day?, 3 points and another clean sheet topped of with a few  not a bad Saturday #ICTFC
 
 
Date:  21/09/2019 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1960 Referee: Alan Newlands
 
Inverness CT: 2
Lineup:  Ridgers; Rooney, Donaldson, McCart, Tremarco, Doran, Welsh (Carson 82),  Vincent, Walsh, Storey (Todorov 66), White. Subs (not used):  C Mackay; Harper, McHattie, Trafford, MacGregor. Scorers: Welsh (15), Walsh (19) Booked:  Sent Off: none Queen ot South: 0
Lineup:  McCrorie; Mercer, Kilday, Brownlie, Holt, Pybus (McCarthy 79), Murray (Hamilton 65),  Kidd, Oliver (Paton 55), Dobbie, El Bakhtaoui. Subs (not used): Burns; Lyon, Irving. Scorers: none Booked: Holt (87), Bakhtaoui (89) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2019-20 ·

Inverness CT v Queen of the South - Preview

Extraordinary Movement
 
It's a home game this Saturday at the Caledonian Stadium as Queen of the South visit on Matchday 6 of the Scottish Championship with the prospect of an upcoming EGM looming large.
MrCaleyJag is your previewer this week and here is what he has to say on the visit of the Queens.
As the song goes it has a bridge and a castle and given ICT's recent run of results you'd be forgiven as a home fan in hoping that the Caledonian Stadium can be made a fortress as well. That's certainly the hope of the locals as they welcome Queen of the South on Saturday 21st September.
In a fairly drab match last week away to Dunfermline, the visitors managed a plucky 1-0 win through a Sean Welsh penalty in the 87th minute, signs possibly that the team have that extra bit of persistence which they lacked last season that resulted in so many draws. Whatever the reason it was a much welcomed three points especially away from home to keep ICT in touch with Dundee Utd and Ayr at the top of the table. Even at this early stage of the season momentum is key and something that has lacked in recent seasons for the home side. Here's Sean tucking away the penalty last week.
Queens make the long trek north to the home of football in the highlands on the back of their first league win of the season last week. A Faissal El Bakhtauoi goal saw the score line finish 1-0 in their favour against a Morton side who had showed indifferent form also. The Queens fans will be buoyed by the result and will be hopeful the win can be built upon. With the prolific Stephen Dobbie in your side, anything is possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RIP Fernando Ricksen who is at peace now after suffering at the hands of MND. He carried this wretched disease with great dignity and courage and is now free from his living hell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's in store at the EGM will be revealed to all shareholders on the 3rd October and this is the worrying first sentence that will set the tongues wagging; and a following paragraph: "The Board of Directors of Inverness Thistle and Caledonian FC trading as Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (ICTFC) is committed a sustainable future for the Club." 

"The Board of Directors is convening an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) as an open and transparent forum for all shareholders to be briefed on our current issues and challenges, as well as consider some new proposals and other possible options.  This open forum will also permit other Shareholders and potential benefactors to demonstrate their support for the Club.  As there have been talks with a number of individuals and businesses over the last few months, it is the Club’s position that in the interest of transparency, the Shareholders should be updated about these talks, (where confidentiality allows) and therefore, an EGM is seen to be the reasonable platform for this." 
 
The full Club Statement can be read here https://ictfc.com/club-statement-on-3rd-october-2019-egm
So, a rather ominous statement from the club, and despite our apparent run of form on the pitch, it's behind the scenes where issues are ongoing. I don't know what the public of Inverness expect or want, but if they would like to see a relatively successful club on the field of play then they need to get off their arses and get down to the Caledonian Stadium to help fund this. Unfortunately full-time clubs don't prosper with the meagre attendances alone that blight our Stadium.
It's the same as any other facility/business 'Use it or Lose it'.
Some pleasant news for a change and it's that John Robertson will be inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. There's an article on the OFFICIAL SITE regarding this so it's congratulations to John.
Robbo insists it's business as usual on the park and after a steady start to the season we are looking to build on that and keep the pressure on the top two, Dundee United and Ayr United. Inverness sit third in the table on 10 points, just two points adrift of the top pair.
We suffered a blow last week ahead of kick off when James Keatings was injured in a training incident with Charlie Trafford the day before the game at East End Park. James has since undergone tests and it appears he has suffered ankle ligament damage and will be out for a few weeks. That's disappointing for James as he was beginning to show his value on the park with goals and assists.
Inverness will be without Brad Mckay and James Keatings, both out longer term. Mitch Curry is getting close to being ready to resume playing. I expect the team will be along similar lines to the past couple of Championship games. Sean Welsh could start and the only other alteration that is a possibility would be the inclusion of Nikolay Todorov. Roddy MacGregor is also doing his prospects no harm with his lively introductions.
The MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
Here's Johnny.................. OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Allan Johnston has no fresh injuries to deal with and is confident of taking something from this game. In the first game last season up here Queens came from behind to snatch all three points and he will be looking for more of that determination again. Last season there were two draws and a win apiece.
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Other Championship fixtures today, all 3:00pm kick off
Alloa Athletic v Ayr United
Dundee Uited v Arbroath
Inverness CT v Queen ot South
Morton v Dundee
Partick Thistle v Dunfermline Athletic
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By MrCaleyjag in Previews 2019-20 ·

Dunfermline 0-V-1 Inverness CT - Report

Devine intervention.
 
It almost literally was a Devine intervention as the former Inverness player was adjudged to have handled the ball late on in what had been a difficult watch in difficult conditions. Penalty it was and returning hero Sean Welsh scored from the spot to win all three points in a game that really neither side deserved anything from. We'll take it though on a day where Ayr United gave everyone else hope after beating Dundee United 2-0.
Inverness kept it quiet, but James Keatings was nowhere to be seen as they reverted to the squad that thumped Morton in the Championship, with Miles Storey starting up front with Jordan White. Apparently James had picked up an injury in training late in the week and will undergo tests to see the extent of his injury.
Dunfermline had new signing Greg Kiltie starting his first Championship game for them and Cammy Gill was in the sticks in preference to Ryan Scully. Loan signing Harry Cochrane from Hearts was on the bench but Anthony McDonald missed out with an ongoing back problem. Former ICT defender Danny Devine was on the bench for the Pars.
It was a very windy East End Park that greeted fans and players alike as they took to the park for this Championship encounter in front of around 3,500 hardy souls. Miles Storey set the ball rolling as we kicked off at 3:00pm. Never mind, the steak bridies will keep you going til the end.
Kevin Nisbet had the first attempt in the second minute but shot well wide. Greg Kiltie then saw a shot blocked for a corner and Carl Tremarco managed to scramble it clear as the Pars opened the game on the front foot.
Inverness responded and Tom Walsh had an effort blocked by Paul Paton. Tremarco then got a header on target but Cammy Gill was well placed to stop it.
Midway through the half and it's the hosts that are controlling possession but there's no clear cut opportunities of note in the difficult windy conditions. Play continued this way up to the interval with neither side able to take the initiative and at the orange slices the wind was the only winner as many were struggling to recall a worse forty-five minutes of football.
Half Time 0-0
No changes at the break, here's hoping there's something to cheer in the second period.
Nisbet went through the middle but he shot wide as was befitting a game of this lack of quality. Lewis McCann had an effort blocked and then shot over the bar as Inverness seemed content to afford the Pars plenty of possession, dangerous ploy if you ask me. Turner and McCann tried to get shots away and won another corner.
On the hour and Robbo had seen enough of this rubbish and replaced David Carson with Sean Welsh in a bid to get to grips with the midfield and Jordan White was removed in favour of Nikolay Todorov.
Almost immediately we responded to the threat of someone else being subbed and Miles Storey realised he was on the park but shot wide from inside the box after Tremarco got a ball through to him. 
The final sub for Inverness saw the lively Roddy MacGregor replace Tom Walsh, and a minute later Dunfermline shuffled their pack in a bid to win all three points. Danny Devine was the final sub of the day and that's when we knew the points were safe.......
A bit more action in the final ten minutes and Aaron Dorran had a twenty yard shot parried away by Gill.
With five minutes to go Inverness were awarded a penalty when Danny Devine was penalised for hand ball as James Vincent burst into the box. Up stepped Sean Welsh to score from the spot as he smashed it straight down the middle.
Cheers Danny, we owe you one...........
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From BBC Sport
Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford: "It was a game we certainly didn't deserve to lose. In terms of effort and commitment I can't fault them today and it's bitterly disappointing that we've lost to a penalty kick late on."
Inverness Caley Thistle manager John Robertson: "From 20 minutes in you could have had your money on a 0-0 draw. We turned a draw into a win and it sums up Dunfermline's luck at the moment because they didn't deserve to lose."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caley Jags TV have these highlights up................(using the word highlights generously)
Our own RIG was less than impressed with the game but pleased with the outcome
An absolutely awful game of football. Aimless hurried balls forward for the most part coupled with poor balls in from the wide areas meant there was nothing to get excited about for the first hour or so. 
Todorov offered surprisingly little when he came on but MacGregor really helped drive us forward and Welsh showed Carson and to a lesser extent Vincent how to properly keep the ball moving through midfield recycling it well and ensuring continual movement across the pitch as we probed for a way through. 
Doran had our best chance when a wild swerving effort was stopped by Gill before Devine was punished for a handball in the box and Welsh dispatched the spot kick with confidence. 
Dunfermline were howling but we were far from impressive ourselves. Still, win when you're playing badly is the sign of champions right...? 
Barry Wilson talking to the media after the game...........
 
 
Date: 14/09/2019  Venue: East End Park, Dunfermline Attendance: 3426 Referee: Nick Walsh 
 
Dunfermline Ath: 0
Lineup:  Gill; Comrie, Martin, Ashcroft, Edwards (Devine 78), Turner (Cochrane 72), Paton, Beadling, Kiltie, Nisbet, McCann (Coley 72) Subs (not used):  Scully; Todd, Ryan, McGill. Scorers: none Booked: Turner (31) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1
Lineup:  Ridgers; Rooney, Donaldson, McCart, Tremarco, Doran, Carson (Welsh 61), Vincent, Walsh (MacGregor 71), Storey, White (Todorov 62) Subs (not used): C Mackay; McHattie, Harper, Trafford. Scorers: Welsh (87 pen) Booked: MacGregor (89) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2019-20 ·

Dunfermline -V- Inverness CT - Preview

Long Ball Incoming?
 
The Kingdom of Fife is the destination this Saturday, 3:00pm is the time and more specifically walking down the Halbeath Road at East End Park is the venue as Inverness Caledonian Thistle return to Championship action after the Chocolate Cup games last Saturday. 
The past weekend saw the less glamorous disruption of international football which reared it's ugly head over the weekend. Thankfully that embarrassment has now passed and we can get on with life without shouting and swearing at the TV for a wee while. What a shambles, at least the Chocolate cup brought about some joy for a handful of supporters around the country. Scotland could learn a thing or two from Kosovo about their application during a game. Great commitment from them and no shortage of quality and control. Sadly, Scotland possess none of the required attributes at the moment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tickets are available at East End Park on the day of the match
Adult: £20
Concessions – (Over 65s, Under 18s, FT Students, Disabled and Unemployed) : £14
Under 12s: £6
The ICT Supporters Travel Club are running a bus to East End Park
The Bus leaves the Social Club at 10.15am and the Stadium 10.30am
Fares: £20 or under 16s £15
Book through their Facebook page HERE or on 07462218717
On DAFC site
Legends and Charlie D's will be open on Saturday for home and away fans from 11.30am.
OFFICIAL PREVIEW
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over last weekend, Dunfermline were dumped out of the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer cup by fellow Championship contenders Alloa Athletic. Despite taking a first half lead through debut signing Greg Kiltie, the Wasps stung the Pars with goals from Thomson and Trouten to progress to the last sixteen. After giving Celtic a tough time in the League Cup, the pars have failed to kick on and subsequent championship defeats by Dundee United and Arbroath were not received well by the fans, exacerbated by Alloa knocking them out of the Challenge Cup last week. That poor form has the Pars second bottom with just one point. However, it's early days yet.
Whilst Dunfermline were losing out, Inverness were beating Morton once more. Fresh from the 5-0 thrashing of the Cappielow crew the previous week at the same venue, a much changed side dished out another lesson to the Greenock guys in a comfortable 3-1 win. A superb goal from Nikolay Todorov was added to by Aaron Doran and Miles Storey. Todorov also had a penalty well saved before John Sutton stabbed in a consolation for the Ton.
Here's Toddy's cracker......
The Cup draw sees Inverness at home to Dunfermline's conquerors Alloa in the next round. That tie will be played on 12th or 13th October. Incidentally, one week after this game, we play Alloa at home in the Championship. Sounds familiar.
Unfortunately, the Chocolate Cup games give little away in terms of possible team selections for the bread and butter of the Championship. Dunfermline handed debuts to Greg Kiltie and Tom Lang with a  starting debut for Gabby McGill. Inverness made eight changes from the side that won 5-0 the week before. It was great to see Sean Welsh back at his best as he strolled through this game and a rare start for the big Bulgar, Nikolay Todorov, who took his goal brilliantly. We also had keeper Cammy Mackay along with Roddy MacGregor, Cameron Harper, Kevin McHattie Charlie Trafford and Miles Storey starting. Matheus Machado and Lewis Hyde also came off the bench and showed some great touches. Changes off the park as well as Barry Wilson and Scott Kellacher were in charge of the squad for the day and did a great job of overseeing the occasion. What these games do provide is a challenge for fringe players to show what they can do and it generates competition for starting places. All of the players who played looked as though they had every right to be there and they played with a slickness that is sometimes missing. However, I suspect we will revert to type for the visit to Fife. Long ball incoming!
Lot's of activity in the summer sales for the Pars after finishing 7th last season. That was their downfall last year, will it hinder them again this campaign? Here's their list of incomers: Aaron Comrie, defender (St Johnstone); Thomas Bragg, defender (Southampton); Gabriel McGill, forward (Middlesbrough, undisclosed); Paul Paton, midfielder (Falkirk); Euan Murray, defender (Raith Rovers, undisclosed); Josh Edwards, defender (Airdrieonians, undisclosed); Kevin Nisbet, forward (Raith Rovers); Kyle Turner, midfielder (Stranraer); Ryan Dow, forward (Peterhead); Tom Lang, defender (Clyde); Lucas Berry, forward (Fife Elite); Ben Swinton, goalkeeper (AM Soccer Club); Matthew Bowman, defender (unattached).
It appears that the loan arranger is pretty shrewd at his job and some talented lads came in on loan: Harry Cochrane, midfielder (Heart of Midlothian); Anthony McDonald, midfielder (Heart of Midlothian); Greg Kiltie, midfielder (Kilmarnock); Josh Coley, midfielder (Norwich City).
Out went: Kallum Higginbotham, forward (Real Kashmir); Jackson Longridge, defender (Bradford City, undisclosed); Robbie Muirhead, forward (Greenock Morton); Ryan Williamson, defender (Partick Thistle); Mark Durnan, defender (Falkirk); Aidan Connolly, midfielder (Falkirk); Louis Longridge, forward (Falkirk); Brandon Luke, midfielder (Stenhousemuir); Myles Hippolyte, forward; James Craigen, midfielder; Lee Robinson, goalkeeper; Sean Murdoch, goalkeeper (retired).
Loan ended: James Vincent, midfielder (Dundee and now at Inverness); Faissal El Bakhtaoui, forward (Dundee); Ryan Blair, midfielder (Swansea City); Bruce Anderson, forward (Aberdeen).
 
John Robertson has the almost unprecedented luxury of a mostly injury free squad although Brad McKay and Mitch Curry are still absent. However, Sean Welsh played in the Challenge Cup game against Morton and put in a MotM performance and will be knocking on the door. Nikolay Todorov stated his case for a start but Robertson is likely to start with Jordan White ahead of the big Bulgar. I expect the starting XI will be nearer the one that beat Morton 5-0 in the league game although all those that played last week did their prospects no harm at all. That will mean our back five will consist of the new Tokely, (Shaun Rooney), the back on form Coll the wall Donaldson and the man with the laser guided left foot Jamie McCart who has turned into a quality defender. Carl Tremarco should make up the back line and that's a great base to build your team from.
Stevie Crawford will have at least one of his loan signings from Hearts available this week. Harry Cochrane is ready to go, but Anthony McDonald could miss out with a back injury. Another loanee Greg Kiltie will no doubt be a shoe-in after his debut goal last week. Crawford is looking for a reaction after last weekends dismal performance against Alloa and will no doubt be making a few changes.
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Championship fixtures this weekend
Friday 19:05
Arbroath v Partick Thistle
Saturday 15:00
Ayr United v Dundee United
Dundee v Alloa Athletic
Dunfermline v Inverness CT
Queen ot South v Morton
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Episide 3 from the Shufflers is online and and can be found on their Wyness Shuffle podcast page.
No stone is left unturned as the guys check out everything to do with the Caley Jags, and more.
Rubber bumpers and all that, have a listen to these podcasts, it will set you up for the weekend and always remember, any similarities to real life are purely coincidental.....?
 
 

If you like a wee flutter, our partnership with FansBet can offer you something. Just click on FansBet to get started.  "Remember to select CaleyThistleOnline when you register and you’ll be helping us support ICT fan causes."
FansBet are partners with Supporters Direct Scotland and already have many impressive stories of giving back to and empowering fans, ranging from funding away travel, share purchases, backing safe standing projects and many more. You can read some of FansBet’s Giving Back stories on their blog at https://blog.fansbet.com/fansbet-giving-back/partners/fan/
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By tm4tj in Previews 2019-20 ·

Inverness CT 3 -V- 1 Morton - C/Cup - Report

CZECH MATES
 
Just over a thousand fans at the Caledonian Stadium were shown how to make a noise for the Caley Thistle boys by our Czech mates as they watched Inverness knock Morton out of the Chocolate Cup by 3-1. They certainly showed the locals how to generate some nose and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Cheers for the visit and I'm glad we could get some goals for you.
Dekuji přátelé
Inverness made eight changes to the starting line-up from the team that beat Morton 5-0 the week before in the Championship. With Barry and Scott in charge the fringe players got their chance to show their talent. One of those made his mark with a stunning curler into the top corner in the 25th minute as Nikolay Todorov put Inverness ahead. Aaron Doran added a second goal six minutes later and Miles Storey benefited from every keepers nightmare as his shot from a very tight angle went through his legs into the net. I don't know about Ramsbottom, but he certainly made a horses arse of trying to stop the ball! We were afforded the luxury of a missed penalty when keeper Ramsbottom atoned for his earlier blooper by making a brilliant save to deny Toddy a second goal. Trafford had won the penalty after being brought down by McLean, but Toddy grabbed the ball. Morton got a late consolation but in all honesty were outplayed on the day and can have no complaints at the scoreline.
To add to the starting paragraphs, despite the massive changes made by both sides, Inverness looked slick on the immaculate surface at the Caledonian Stadium. The pitch has never looked better for many a year after this summers upgrade and re-lay. Morton on the other hand seemed intent on not losing a goal. Some of our interplay was a joy to behold given that many have not been involved in the first XI most weeks. 
Morton's keeper looked nervy early on flapping at crosses and with a bit of fortune we could have been three or four up at the interval. Todorov took his goal well, a superb curler from just inside the angle of the box across the top of the keeper. Doran took advantage of the ball bouncing in front of the defender and ran in behind to slip the ball home for the second and well, Storey squeezed the ball in from a very tight angle when the keeper should really be looking to block. The penalty was not so much missed as superbly saved, Ramsbottom guessed right and got down low to his right to keep the ball out. 
The visitors got a wee lift from that and we experienced some forays into our box thereafter from whence they managed to grab a consolation through Sutton who stabbed home from six yards.
Sean Welsh was MotM and he is running away with the votes on CTO for this game. Nothing to complain about to be honest so that's a good thing all round.
Here's a great shot of our Czech Mates in action from Caleyjags.com
Great backing from our foreign fans who contributed immensely to the atmosphere in a sparsely populated North Stand but managed to get the locals involved in making some noise. Brilliant
Match reaction................
One of our Wyness Shufflers liked what he saw
Really impressive outing for the young lads. Harper looked like he had been playing LB for years and whilst I suspect Tremarco will regain his place it's good to know that we have a capable deputy there to come in. Hopefully Robbo starts to give Harper some more game time as this could well be Tremarco's last season as a player with us.

MacGregor was excellent. Seemed to be playing right midfield for a period in the first half but looked like he came in towards the centre in the second and Machado was a real live wire. Some of his crossing wasn't great but his movement off the ball is excellent. Both MacGregor and Machado were unlucky not to score. I think we've got some real players for the future in those three.
Great to see Welsh back as well. He and Trafford both performed well in central midfield and Storey looked lively on the right flank. Worth praising Donaldson and McHattie also. Donaldson had the cigars out for most of the game and McHattie again showed he's a capable back up at this level for us. Yes he's not the greatest defender but we're going to struggle to sell a back up slot to anyone of any real talent so he works well for us based on this.
Jaggernaut summed it up perfectly for me:
All in all, there were some really good performances. Welsh, Doran, Storey and Todorov stood out for me, and keeper MacKay's distribution was first class. Mchatttie and Donaldson were solid at the back and both full backs put in good shifts up and down the wing and some good crosses. I thought Trafford had a far better second half and MacGregor had some nice touches to link the play. Machado has great feet, and just needs to know when to lay the ball off to a player in a better position,  but I love his directness. 
As I said in a previous post, I think we now have the strongest squad we have had in quite a few seasons. In past seasons we have had a good first eleven and a bench that wasn't as strong, but now we have competition for all areas on the pitch. Good results can breed confidence, so lets hope we can take it into our next game at Dunfermline. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Here's the action from Caley Jags TV.............
 
Hot Toddy...............
And Scott was pleased.................
Dunfermline away next week, Saturday @3:00pm, East End Park.
 
Date: 07/09/2019  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1021 Referee: Willie Collum 
 
Inverness CT: 3
Lineup:  C Mackay; Rooney, Donaldson, McHattie, Harper, Doran (Machado 65), Trafford, Welsh, MacGregor Todorov (White 80), Storey (Hyde 90) Subs (not used):  Ridgers; McCart, Vincent, Keatings. Scorers: Todorov (25), Doran (31), Storey (56). Booked: none Sent Off: none Morton: 1
Lineup:  Ramsbottom; McLean (C), Grant, Muirhead, Orsi, Salkeld (Sutton 65), Lyon (Jacobs 62), Blues, Livingstone (Easdale 88), Colville, Baird. Subs (not used): Rodgers; Strapp, Hynes, Garrity Scorers: Sutton (78) Booked: Colville (82) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2019-20 ·

Inverness CT -V- Morton - C/Cup - Preview

Chocolate Biscuit Cup
 
Morton come back up the A9 this weekend no doubt looking for some revenge after last Friday nights heavy defeat. The Challenge Cup game kicks off at 3:00pm at the Caledonian Stadium with chocolate bars replacing tins of fizzy juice as the sponsors this season.
We have had the DIY cup, the whisky, Alba, Ramsdens, Petrofac, and the fizzy pop cup. It's now called the chocolate biscuit cup, and this weekend we entertain Morton once more. I'm sure they will be delighted to be returning North so soon after Friday nights TV drubbing in the Championship. This time it's the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Cup. I kid you not, that's the new name for the Challenge Cup. Who knew!
Last week saw us rack up our biggest win in the Championship with a 5-0 thrashing of Morton, although a dour first half gave little indication of what was about to unfold. Jame Keatings opened the scoring just before the break and scored a second one minute into the second half. Jordan White, Coll Donaldson and Nikolay Todorov added some extra polish to the turd as we ran out convincing winners in the end, and with Morton unable to convert a penalty, Mark Ridgers saved to maintain a clean sheet. Overall it was a dominant performance, although the first half was a bit of a non event.
A word of caution however. I don't imagine David Hopkin will let this one slip and I'm sure he will have tightened up all the loose nuts and bolts. Morton were a shambles in the second half but let's not get carried away after one big result. How often have we seen players running in on goal only to see their effort saved or slip by the post. Last Friday all the stars were aligned and every time we went through on goal we scored. 80% of the time that doesn't happen, however, we will take it but I won't be expecting that every week.
Robbo has hinted that there may be some subtle changes on the cards as he rotates his squad to give fringe players an outing. That's all good and well, but I hope that's not to detract from the competition and take the opponents too lightly after the previous encounter. I doubt Morton will be feeling the same way and they will probably be looking to exact some revenge for that heavy defeat.
In the North of Scotland Cup semi-final in midweek, an Inverness CT XI moved into the final after beating Clach. They will play Brora Rangers in the final on 5th or 6th October. There was game time for some players needing to boost their fitness ................
Given the squad that played in the 4-1 win over Clach in midweek, it looks as though Nikolay Todorov may well start with Miles Storey up front and possibly the exciting young talent of Roddy MacGregor. Matheus Machado could also be worth a shout. Jamie McCart took a bash on his fizzog on Wednesday night but hopefully he is fit if needed. Cameron Harper is scheduled to start this one. Sean Welsh played against Clach and is nearing match sharpness and Kevin McHattie played 45 minutes. So plenty of choice for Robbo, although according to Robbo it's Barry Wilson and Scott Kellacher who will be calling the shots.
David Hopkin has brought in two loan signings since last Friday. It's no surprise that both are defenders. Adam Livingstone comes in from Motherwell as a left back for the season. Jack Baird has plenty Premiership experience with St Mirren and will be at Morton up to the January window at least.
 

26 DREAM RINGS AND 104 FREDOS
 
There's the latest podcast from the Wyness Shufflers.
Have a listen to the guys, it's another great effort from them and will Paul McGowan's barber sue........?
 
 
 
 

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By tm4tj in Previews 2019-20 ·

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