Skip to content

Articles

Our website articles
Show all categories

Inverness CT -V- Motherwell - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
It's in our own hands
 
 
No points from our post split games have seen St Johnstone and Ross County close the gap on ourselves and the possibility of European football is now hanging by a thread, a very thin thread at that.

Motherwell visit Inverness this weekend and they have been our Nemesis this season with three crushing wins so far, averaging four goals per game. The Steelmen have cemented their position in European football with a convincing win last week over champions Celtic and will finish the season in second place, and deservedly so.

We have found it difficult to cope with Motherwell's pace this season and the finishing power of Michael Higdon accompanied by the direct approach of Henrik Ojamaa has given us a torrid time in all three matches. Higdon has scored six times himself and on their last trip to Inverness we suffered our heaviest defeat of the season, a 5-1 trouncing with goals coming from all over the park from Motherwell.

Inverness have been licking their wounds since the split, going down heavily to Celtic and losing to St Johnstone last weekend with David Raven going for an early bath in the 12th minute, a decision that Terry Butcher did not think was worth contesting having reviewed the footage, although many fans believed that a yellow card may have been nearer the truth. It did us no favours however as St Johnstone went on the win by virtue of a solitary second half goal to pull the Perth side to within one point of third placed Inverness.

All is not lost though in the sprint for Europe with Inverness leading the race but struggling to stay ahead as Perth and Dingwall gather momentum. Both clubs still have to play Celtic, but Neil Lennon has already indicated that he will not be fielding his strongest available line up with the League title already wrapped up and the Scottish Cup Final still to come, opting to rest some of his stars which is a tad unfair on some clubs, especially us as we were first to play them after the split in a game which meant something. Ach well, that's life. It might of course do us a favour and rather than rely on results elsewhere, we can do this ourselves by going out and winning games instead of holding out for draws. Difficult one this Saturday and not many fans can see anything other than a convincing win for Motherwell given their performances against us already this season.

Inverness have started the team building for next season already and have all but signed left sided flyer Danny Williams from Kendal Town. Still waiting for for Aaron Doran and Owain Tudur-Jones to put pen to paper.



***Latest Team News***

Inverness will be without the red carded David Raven, banned for one game, which leaves us thin on the ground for experienced central defenders with Gary Warren and Simon King also out through injury. Chris Hogg was sent off in an u20 game during the week where the youngsters defeated their Dundee United counterparts 2-1, our goals coming from Kyle Whyte and Shane Sutherland, who must be knocking on the door for a first team game given his scoring exploits for the youths. Ryan Esson is still injured and Antonio Reguero will continue in goal. Jaggies squad:- Reguero, Taylor, Meekings, Devine, Draper, Tudur-Jones, Doran, Foran, A Shinnie, McKay, Ross, Sutherland, Polworth, Roberts, Hogg, Gibbons, Laing, Pepper, Mathieson.

Motherwell are expected to field an unchanged side from the one that trounced champions Celtic last weekend and Dundee United before that and their squad looks like this, Randolph, Hateley, Hammell, Hutchinson, Ramsden, Law, Lasley, McFadden, Humphrey, Higdon, Ojamaa, Francis-Angol, Kerr, Cummins, Carswell, Higginbotham, McHugh, Hollis.

tm4tj prediction:- It's difficult to see past a convincing win for stuart McCall's men given the results of the previous meetings this season, but something in the back of my mind tells me that we can get something from this game. It might only be a point, but that could prove crucial come the end of the season. James McFadden has been added to the Motherwell squads that ran riot over us earlier this year although that can be countered by the fact that Jamie Murphy has departed; one less tormentor to worry about.
 
:ictscarf:
By tm4tj in Previews 2012-13 ·

St Johnstone -V- Inverness CT - Report

Raven Mad
Inverness are slowly but surely losing their grip on the Euro spot after losing 1-0 to St Johnstone who move to within one point of Butcher's side. It was another tense game which saw Inverness reduced to ten men when defender David Raven was sent off for bringing down Rowan Vine after Antonio Reguero choked a kick-out to the Perth man who sprinted forward. Raven came across him and Vine collapsed, the referee in no doubt that Raven had caused the fall and he was red carded after only twelve minutes. Inverness held out until the 77th minute when sub Nigel Hasselbaink crossed for Steve MacLean to nod home the winner.
Not the result Inverness were looking for but despite playing with ten men for most of the game we were still well in the mix until MacLean popped up with the winner. Full credit to Inverness for coping well with the Perth onslaught for so long but in truth it was an untidy game on a pitch akin to the field at Dingwall which saw the ball bobble around and slick passing was at a premium. Andy Shinnie was a late substitute, missing out on a start because of a hamstring niggle which saw Charlie Taylor start.
With County and St Johnstone now breathing down our necks, the last three games are going to be just as tense. It's no use waiting for it to happen as seems to be our approach lately. He who dares wins and draws look unlikely to be enough to keep us ahead.
 
27th Apr 2013 Scottish Premier League McDiarmid Park, Perth St Johnstone 1 - MacLean (76) TEAM: Mannus, MacKay, Anderson, Wright, Scobbie, Tade (Hasselbaink 57), Millar, Craig, Vine (Cregg 87), Abeid (Edwards 42), MacLean SUBS: Tuffey, Doughty, McCracken, Miller
Booked: Millar (59) Sent Off: none Inverness C.T. 0 - TEAM: Reguero, Raven, Devine, Meekings, G.Shinnie, Doran, Tudur Jones (A.Shinnie 80), Foran, Draper, Taylor, McKay (Ross 65)
SUBS: Mathieson, Hogg, Sutherland, Polworth, Pepper Booked: Devine (7), Taylor (27), G.Shinnie (69) Sent Off: Raven (12) Referee Craig Thomson Attendance 2368
By Scotty in Reports 2012-13 ·

St Johnstone -V- Inverness CT - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
Oscar for Shinnie
 
 
After the disappointment of last weeks visit to Glasgow, we now have to get back to business with a trip to Perth in the first of our vital last four games, and every one a six-pointer. This one is a high noon kick off with the lure of European football the main attraction.

Last week, Celtic dominated the second half after Gary Warren went off injured and it was no surprise that they ran out comfortable winners in the end although the manner of the defeat frustrated the Caley Thistle manager.

We are now at a stage in the season where it is crucial not to drop points to your rivals and every game will be keenly contested. The team with the biggest balls looks like the ones that will fill the last Euro spot available, assuming Motherwell don't go into meltdown and throw away their hard earned position, but that would appear to be unlikely as the Steelmen march onwards and upwards. We do hold a four point gap over St Johnstone; defeat would take that down to a precarious one point so a draw would not be the worst score on this occasion

Inverness and St Johnstone have played each other three times this season and there has been nothing between the sides. Goals have been at a premium, with both sides scoring only one goal, the last two encounters producing a dour stalemate where neither side looked likely to produce a winner. Given what's at stake, I don't see this game any different and the team willing to take the bull by the horns could be the one checking their passports depending on results elsewhere, it's that tight.

Gary Warren was thrust into action at Parkhead but his season is over after suffering a second half injury and that could not have come at a worse time for Inverness. Danny Devine will replace him and Chris Hogg will come into contention after making a few appearances with the u20 side since his comeback started in earnest.

The big debate however is surrounding Andy Shinnie. Some are doubting his commitment lately, especially since his move to Birmingham was outed. Andy is one player you can rely on to come out with the ball in a tight space and in my opinion he is a must to start every game, hopefully he has taken the weight off his shoulders after talking to the press about his move. He has at last spoken about his departure for Birmingham City, a route opted for by Adam Rooney who is now on loan at Swindon Town. For Andy, it's all about the challenge ahead, proving himself to a new fanbase and manager although his brother Graeme has already replaced him with a dog. Family ehh. Andy gained his first Scotland cap this season in a friendly against Luxembourg and it appears that more than Birmingham have noticed his form, for he has been shortlisted for Player of the Year, a fine accolade for the 23 year old who has been instrumental in putting Inverness where they are now. Clinching a European spot is Andy's priority now and he has four games left with us to achieve that. Good luck in the future and thanks for your time with us.
 
Brother Graeme talks about Oscar.............
 


Offers have been tabled to Aaron Doran and Owain Tudur-Jones and both players have responded positively so far with discussions pleasing Terry Butcher although neither have committed themselves to another season with Inverness yet. The lure of Europa football could be key to securing deals for these players and it would be great to head in the right direction sooner rather than later starting at Perth on Saturday lunchtime.

***Latest Team News***

Inverness will have to do without Gary Warren for the last four games of the season.  He retired early from the Celtic game, his first after coming back from a month out, and his season is now over. Ryan Esson is still out and Simon King is long term injured (is he still here?).

St Johnstone have midfielder Liam Craig available for selection after suspension. Murray Davidson  might not make it due to an ankle injury while long-term absentees David Robertson and Jamie Adams remain sidelined.
 
Butcher looks ahead............
 
 
And the view from Perth.



tm4tj prediction:- Difficult to see past another draw, which would suit us better than Saints although he who dares wins, but with so much at stake I don't see Butcher going gung-ho for a victory. Mehdi Abeid caused us problems in Inverness with his deep powerful runs towards our box and looks to be one to watch. Aaron Doran got a wee lift with a goal last week and I hope that gives him the taste for more. I hope I'm totally wrong here, but I see another draw, scoreless or 1-1, however, St Johnstone need this or their season all but ends here and they will fancy their chances.


With County winning at Dingwall on Friday night it makes our job much clearer. A win is the only way to maintain the cushion with the Dingwall club moving to two points behind us and United's chances of making Europe now hanging by a thread. The advert for top-six football took a nosedive as County and United bludgeoned out a grim game on the sand pit with United looking hapless and County using their beach volleyball park to good advantage with Sproule scoring the only goal.

By tm4tj in Previews 2012-13 ·

Celtic -V- Inverness CT - Report

Inverness not in the mood to spoil the party
Celtic strolled to an easy victory as Inverness wilted under pressure in the second half. Goals from Gary Hooper, Joe Ledley, Hooper again and substitute Georgios Samaras had Celtic cruising and their fans dancing before Aaron Doran at last scored a goal, but it was only a consolation as Celtic swept to their 44th League title.
Inverness had only offered token resistance to the Celtic juggernaut as they brushed past us with ease and quite frankly the scoreline flattered us as the Hoops went into party mode. The only thing to brighten up this thumping was the score from Perth later in the day as St Johnstone and County served up a 2-2 draw which means that neither club gained more than one point on our tally.
The second half was a far cry from the first half as we mopped up Celtic's advances fairly comfortably before the break. Once Hooper started the goal spree, Inverness were cut open time and time again and the withdrawal of Gary Warren left gaps at the back which Celtic exploited with pace and precision. This game was always likely to be a tough assignment, and so it proved as Celtic's greater resources gradually took control of the game and the result is no surprise, although Butcher may be a tad annoyed at the manner in which we handed the initiative to the Hoops. However you can't take anything away from Celtic who were always on course to win the SPL, just a matter of when and Inverness need to knuckle down and get on with the next four games which will be more of a level playing field.
 
 
21st Apr 2013 Scottish Premier League Celtic Park, Glasgow Celtic 4 - Hooper (61, 73), Ledley (66), Samaras (88) TEAM: Forster, Lustig (McCourt 84), Ambrose, Wilson, Mulgrew, Forrest (Izaguirre 46), Wanyama, Ledley, Commons, Hooper, Stokes (Samaras 68) SUBS: Zaluska, Rogic, Watt, Kayal
Booked: Wanyama (79) Sent Off: none Inverness C.T. 1 - Doran (90) TEAM: Reguero, Raven, Warren (Devine 50), Meekings, G.Shinnie, Tudur-Jones, Draper, Doran, Foran, A.Shinnie (Taylor 63), McKay
SUBS:Mathieson, Hogg, Ross, Sutherland, Polworth Booked: Devine (80) Sent Off: none Referee Kevin Clancy Attendance 55000
By Scotty in Reports 2012-13 ·

Celtic -V- Inverness CT - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
The Sprint For Europe


The race for Europe begins in earnest post-split with a visit to Parkhead which could double as Celtic's SPL title celebration party should results go their way after a week which saw league reconstruction scuppered by Stewart Gilmour and Roy MacGregor, with Carlie Green resigning at Ibrox and Maggie Thatcher laid to rest...........not all bad then.  That was the week that was!

Inverness will be hoping to be the proverbial party poopers as they seek points towards a possible first ever crack at European football, which is within their own grasp with only five games left to play.  Celtic, Motherwell, St Johnstone, Ross County and Dundee United make up the rest of the top-six.

On our last visit to Celtic we came away with an unexpected three points as Billy McKay turned in a Phillip Roberts cross for Inverness to record their first ever SPL win at Parkhead.  However, Celtic had dominated the other two meetings up in Inverness scoring seven times in the process whilst conceding three.  We have played eleven SPL games at Celtic Park with one win one draw and nine defeats, the worst of which was a 5-0 drubbing in 2007.  We have found goals hard to come by at Parkhead, with only six SPL goals, however, we can of course point to a certain Feb 8th, a day the underdogs came out on top and a repeat of that would be pleasant.

Inverness are unbeaten in their last seven games, four of which were draws. Celtic were last beaten four games ago, and that was at Dingwall, where County came from behind to win 3-2. Celtic have lost only thirteen goals in seventeen home games, that's just over 0.75 goals per game and Inverness are scoring at the rate of 1.75 goals per away game. Celtic have two home defeats and we have three away defeats. But statistics don't win games, it's all about what happens on the day.

Inverness disappointed somewhat in their last outing, a game which could have gone a long way to securing a Euro spot, but instead left the door ajar with a tentative performance against the dour Perth men, the third draw between the sides this year. Fortunately, results elsewhere were kind to us and no great damage was done and the status quo remained, a healthy five point cushion to our nearest rivals St Johnstone.  Ross County are a further point behind and the last game of the season in Dingwall could yet be an all or nothing game.  Dundee United scraped into the top-six at the eleventh hour and I suspect that they could be the ones to upset the apple cart.  They appear to have carried more threat than Aberdeen, Hibs and Kilmarnock and it only needs a couple of wins on the trot by any of the chasing pack for our lead to become fragile.  Anything that can be taken from Parkhead will be a bonus and it would come as no surprise to anyone if Butcher were to adopt a cautious approach, where hitting on the break will be the chosen ploy and defending in depth the default setting.

If that would be the tactics for the Celtic game, then I would hope that we can get over the finishing line under our own steam, and not rely on results elsewhere serving us well.  It could very well be a nervy end to the season and the sooner we rack up the points the better it will be without having to go to Dingwall for a nail biting finale.

David Raven is the latest player to put pen to paper.  A two year extension keeps the former Liverpool reserves captain here for the next couple of seasons and Aaron Doran is close to agreeing terms as well.  This means that of the regular first team players, only Reguero, Shinnie and Jones have yet to commit themselves to more SPL football with Inverness.  Jones looks to be the most likely to stay with Reguero off to Kilmarnock and Shinnie likely to opt for a job in England.  Butcher is also keen to retain Charlie Taylor at Inverness for next season and is hoping to persuade incoming Leeds United manager Brian McDermott that it would be a good idea.  It's now up to the fringe players to show the gaffer if they have what it takes to remain at Inverness.  The likes of Shane Sutherland and Nick Ross will be hoping to impress should they get the chance to display their wares.
 
Our own Josh Meekings has been named SPL young player of the month on the back of some tremendous performances in some tough encounters, especially considering he has been without defensive partner Gary Warren recently.  Josh has matured nicely and his power and pace have seen him a match for many an SPL striker.  Congratulations Josh.





***Latest Team News***

Chris Hogg continues his comeback with more game time for the u20's but Simon King, Ryan Esson remain sidelined. Gary Warren could be a surprise inclusion on the team sheet after his recent knee injury

Neil Lennon will serve a three-match touchline suspension after being found guilty of misconduct at a Scottish FA tribunal for swearing at Jim Goodwin the St Mirren captain during a match on 30th March. Who would have thought that, Lennon in trouble with the beaks, naughty bhoy.  Scott Brown, Lassad Nouioui and Adam Matthews remain on the sidelines, but Thomas Rogne has recovered from a leg injury and should make the squad.
 
tm4tj prediction:- They don't come much tougher and I just want to see this game out of the way with as little collateral damage as possible. We could of course upset the odds and sneak another win but that looks unlikely to happen given our nervy performance against St Johnstone.  We look as though we don't believe in ourselves once more and confidence is not as high as it was before Xmas when we were scoring for fun.  It's all become a bit tense and the loss of Gary Warren at a crucial stage of the season does us no favours, although Daniel Devine stuck to his task well against Perth after a shaky start.  One man who has been a revelation this season is Josh Meekings who looks better and better every game he plays and he will be a key figure this weekend. Richie Foran is also vital in these games and our midfield need to be a bit more creative than of late.  If Aaron Doran can convert some of his great play then that would be a bonus and I believe our best bet on Sunday is to frustrate Celtic for as long as possible and see what happens.  I'll go for a cheeky but important no scoring draw.

  Friday nights game saw Motherwell put a huge dent in the Arabs run in with an excellent 3-1 victory at Tannadice and will now be odds on to retain second place with third spot the one the rest of the teams will be targeting and that is ours to throw away at the moment. Hold on to your seats, it's going to be a bumpy ride.


By tm4tj in Previews 2012-13 ·

CTO Player of the Month - March

Teaser Paragraph:
After a difficult February, ICT bounced back with an unbeaten month of March to consolidate a top six place, picking up two wins - including a precious derby victory over Ross County - and two draws.
 
The battle for the much coveted (we think!) CTO Player of the Year award is still wide open, but Andrew Shinnie remains the outright leader despite adding only 1 point to his total this month.  A man of the match performance at Dens Park allowed Billy McKay to close the gap, with four different players - Gary Warren, Charlie Taylor and Graeme Shinnie were the others - earning man of the match honours in March.
 
Warren might have taken his first Player of the Month award but for a knee injury that kept him out of the Hibernian game - instead David Raven picks up his second monthly award of the campaign as a reward for his consistency, finishing 6 votes ahead of Warren and 9 clear of newcomer Taylor.
 
As we entered April, there were still 30 points up for grabs - who will finish the season strongly and pick up the overall crown?
 
Overall quantity of votes cast for each player in March: (Used to decide Player of the Month) Player 02/03 09/03 16/03 30/03 TOTAL David Raven 16 5 30 1 52 Gary Warren 28 2 16   46 Charlie Taylor   2 41   43 Richie Foran 3 2 32 3 40 Graeme Shinnie 17 2   15 34 Aaron Doran 3 6 17   26 Andrew Shinnie 12 2 4 8 26 Ross Draper 3 5 3 13 24 Josh Meekings 13 3 4 3 23 Billy McKay   8 12 2 22 Owain Tudur-Jones 7 3 3 2 15 Ryan Esson 9 4     13 Danny Devine       4 4 Nick Ross   1     1  
Player of the Year Points ~ Current Standings : 2012/13 (Player of Month also highlighted in monthly column) Player AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY TOTAL Andrew Shinnie 11   10  5  6 6  3 1     42 Billy McKay 1   8 8   16 1   5     39 Aaron Doran 3 1 6 9    1 16       36 Richie Foran   21      10     3     34 Owain Tudur-Jones 3   3  2  12 5  6       31 Gary Warren 5 3 1 4  7     6 5     31 Ross Draper 11 6 3   1    4  4     29 David Raven       9 10   5  5     29 Josh Meekings   1 1     13  1       17 Graeme Shinnie 3   3     1  1 8     16 Ryan Esson 8 3          1       12 Antonio Ruguero     1 8 3            12 Danny Devine              8       8 Charlie Taylor               5     5 Andre Blackman   5                 5 Conor Pepper   3                 3 Philip Roberts   3                 3 Nick Ross             3       3
By hislopsoffsideagain in News 2012-13 ·

Inverness CT -V- St Johnstone - Report

Stalemate..................As predictable as bears going for a number two in the forest, this game ended in a no scoring draw. Neither side looked capable of taking control of the game and a draw was a fair reflection of the evening fare. St Johnstone had the majority of possession but we carved out the better opportunities and were denied the winner by a superb save by Mannus from a close range Draper header near the end.
A warm evening in Inverness gave way to cold, crisp skies – and sharp movement to match on the field.
Mehdi Abeid, on-loan from Newcastle United, had an early pop at goal for Saints which whistled dangerously close to Antonio Reguero’s upright.
The young midfielder looked sharp in a bright opening few minutes for Saints before the hosts settled.
Owain Tudur Jones produced Caley Thistle’s first attempt at goal and the big Welshman went even closer with a powerful stab from outside the box, tipped wide by Mannus, after 12 minutes. Andrew Shinnie also nodded just over from six yards from Ross Draper’s delivery as the home side began to look dangerous.
Saints held enough menace, themselves, though.
Steven MacLean won the ball easily from young Inverness defender Danny Devine after a poor touch and slid a pass to Rowan Vine on the left side of the box.
Clear chances were thin on the ground but Hibs-bound Liam Craig, earlier booked, made a tremendous surge past Graeme Shinnie into the right of the home box after 25 minutes.
As the Saints midfielder – who grabbed the equaliser against Untied – dug in a low cross, Reguero was again sharp down to save.
Josh Meekings did a tremendous mopping-up job on Vine as the Perth striker honed in on goal after 38 minutes.
It was finely-balanced but Abeid wriggled into space and whipped a tremendous long-range effort only just wide with half-time approaching.
Half Time 0-0
Early in the second half, the young French-born Algerian was set up after Vine’s grit and perseverance on the left.
Teed up square on goal, Abeid’s low-strike swerved through a ruck of players but was stopped by the one-handed reaction of Reguero.
A poor spell for the hosts ended with Tudur Jones’ attempt parried by Mannus and Shinnie then stabbing just over the bar from Billy McKay’s supply after the hour. Soon after, Aaron Doran broke at pace free behind the Saints defence and was about to pull the trigger as Mannus shut him down superbly.
The pendulum was swinging in Caley Thistle’s favour as Shinnie swept a shot just over from distance.
Saints thought they had opened after 71 minutes but Vine’s finish was in vain with play called back for a foul on Meekings. With ten minutes left, St Johnstoine retained slightly the upper hand and a strike by substitute Nigel Hasselbaink looked net-bound in a crowded box before striking the legs of team-mate Frazer Wright. There was another chance soon afterwards when Hasselbaink was floored by David Raven sharp left of the home box. The otherwise excellent Abeid swung his free-kick far too long.
Caley Thistle, though, went agonisingly close with a header from Ross Draper parried by the firm fists of Mannus close-in from a Nick Ross cross.
A draw is not the worst result by far as it keeps the Saints at bay, but I doubt many fans or Mr Butcher will be overly impressed by the performance. Highlight for many was the helicopter circling the stadium during the game, it certainly looked more interesting than the game itself and the rousing drumbeat chanting in the second half got many a foot tapping.
 
 
5th Apr 2013 Scottish Premier League Tulloch Caledonian Stadium Inverness C.T. 0 - TEAM: Reguero, Raven, G.Shinnie, Devine, Meekings, Doran, Foran, Draper, Tudur-Jones, A.Shinnie (Ross 80), McKay SUBS: Mathieson, Polworth, Taylor, Christie
Booked: none Sent Off: none St Johnstone 0 - TEAM: Mannus, MacKay, Davidson (Scobbie 24), Wright, Anderson, Tade (Edwards 66), Abeid, Millar, Craig, Vine (Hasselbaink 77), MacLean
SUBS: Tuffey, Cregg, McCracken, Caddis Booked: Craig (17), Abeid (56) Sent Off: none Referee Kevin Clancy Attendance 3744
By Scotty in Reports 2012-13 ·

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. : Terms of Use : Guidelines : Privacy Policy

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.