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Kilmarnock -V- Inverness CT - Preview - S/C

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Scottish Cup redemption weekend

It's Scottish Cup weekend and Inverness visit an olde and familiar haunt at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock looking to get back on track after a couple of setbacks this week.

Our last cup game at Kilmarnock saw plenty of off-field activity. There was non-stop chanting about Jimmy and the Killie Pie and a Johndo led Conga to name but a couple.  The result was 3-0 to Killie, but this game could easily have ended six all and nobody would have batted an eyelid.

Capital Caley's previews are like buses.  None for long enough, then three come along at the same time..............read on. 
 
We’re on the road again for the third time in a week.
 
This time we head to to Kilmarnock. 
 
Caley Thistle head to Killie looking for a win after a heart breaking defeat to big spending Hearts in the League Cup Semi Final and a narrow defeat at the Midden.  The Caley Thistle faithful were confident of victory at Midden Park but despite an impressive second half performance by the players they just couldn’t find that final touch and the Midden snatched victory. 
 
We’ve had a mixed record at Rugby Park.  In the league we’ve had plenty of wins and draws but have suffered defeat twice in the Scottish Cup.  After earning a replay at the Caledonian Stadium we headed down to Killie confident of another famous cup shock in February 2001.  Barry Robson had put Inverness 1-0 up in stoppage time of the first game.  Unfortunately, Killie went up the other end and equalised.  (Think how County fans felt in our first Scottish Cup game with them this season!)  The replay was thrown into chaos when barely half an hour in the referee decided to abandon the match as freezing temperatures was causing havoc with Davide Xausas perm.  In the rescheduled match Davide Xausa put Caley Thistle 1-0 up but Killie finished 2-1 winners and our Scottish Cup dream was over for another year.  Steve Patersons lads were so close to going through but it was to be a step too far against SPL opposition. 
 
Caley Thistle entered the 5th round of the Scottish Cup this season with a 2-1 victory against the shadow dwellers across the bridge.  It was a bitter cold night and certainly not a classic but yet another victory over Uncle Roys big spending village team.  The first game was a classic however.  Caley Thistle equalised with the last kick of the ball doing what Killie had done to us 11 years ago.  The seethe coming from the County end was very clear.  Phil Roberts will be desperate to make up for his penalty miss last week and here's hoping he can influence the match as much as he did in Dingwall.
 
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The second time we drew Killie in the Cup it ended in another defeat.  This time it was during our promotion push in 2010 with Caley Thistle losing 3-0.  The win flattered Killie and the tango man got a bit of an ego bruising that day.
 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/NhRu-dCLqLs
 
Jimmy didn’t like the taste of the pies as much as was expected and he was away at the end of the season.  Mixu came and left and then entered Kenny Shiels.  Kenny is loved by the Kilmarnock fans but generally despised by everyone else in Scottish football.  I’m sure everyone is surprised he is even still at Kilmarnock as it is well documented he isn’t a fan of travelling.  Perhaps his next job will be with an Ayrshire Junior side.  http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/kilmarnock-boss-kenny-shiels-raging-1129786
 
The Caley Thistle faithful made their way to Easter Road last week in big numbers.  Numbers were naturally lower at the Midden and should return to its natural 100-200 on Saturday.  No trip to Killie would be complete without fans assembling at the Hunting Lodge pre match.  They even put food on for us earlier in the season.  They know how to look after their guests.  Another must see tourist attraction in Kilmarnock is Fannies, which we usually pop into after the match.  A word of warning though.  Don’t buy the 20p shots of chocolate vodka in the wee shop next door!
 
It’s been a tough week for the Caley Jags.  Still riding high in 2nd spot in the SPL but the players will be desperate for the win on Saturday to keep our cup hopes alive.  Danny Devine came in for injured David Raven at the Midden and impressed on his debut.  Raven should be available for selection tomorrow.  Personally I wouldn’t change the line up but Terry Butcher may want to change things for the cup competition.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ryan Esson back in goals.  He’s acting like Zebedee standing behind the goals warming up desperate for his chance to return to the starting XI.  Ross Draper is suspended for this game.
 
Our last trip to Rugby Park resulted in a 2-1 victory for Caley Thistle.  A repeat of that scoreline would do nicely.  Although a draw would see Kiliie travelling up to Inverness mid week.  Kenny Shiels seethe at this prospect would be most pleasing.
 
The Scottish Cup is a magical tournament.  This may not be a fairytale game but it really is a must win game.  The lads need a quick confidence boost to bounce back from 2 defeats.  A win on Saturday will help boost the confidence needed in our challenge for 2nd spot.  A win on Saturday takes us one game away from Hampden (or Edinburgh if we get drawn against Hibs!)  One step at a time though.  This can still be a special season.  Lets get back on track with a win on Saturday.  Caley Away with Terry and Mo!
 
CapitalCaleys prediction:  Last week I didn't want to tempt fate but we lost anyway.  Therefore i'm going for a reverse of the Jimmy says Aye score line.  Kilmarnock 0-3 Caley Thistle
By PaderbornCaley in Previews 2012-13 ·

St Mirren -V- ICT

Buddy Hell

Inverness suffered a league cup hangover in Paisley, going down 2-1 to St Mirren as danger men Esmael Goncalves and Steven Thompson scored the goals to keep the Buddies good form going.  Billy McKay converted a penalty but despite plenty of good possession, Inverness could not make the breakthrough and were caught by a late Thompson header which kept all three points in Paisley, 2-1 the final score.

It's not been the best week so far for Inverness, out of the league cup on Saturday, losing to St Mirren on Wednesday and this weekend another tough game with a cup visit to Kilmarnock to deal with.  The joys of challenging for trophies.

Terry Butcher once more bemoaned some missed chances for the second game in a row, but at least we are creating opportunities, we just have to start taking them again.

No full report, but here's the highlights...
 
30th Jan 2013 Scottish Premier League St Mirren Park, Paisley St Mirren 2 - Goncalves (26), Thompson (82) TEAM: Samson, van Zanten, McAusland (Mair 46), Goodwin, McGowan, Carey, Mclean (McGinn 69), Teale, Newton, Goncalves (Guy 66), Thompson SUBS:Adam, Barron, Imrie, Parkin Booked: none Sent Off: none Inverness CT 1 - Mckay (pen.45) TEAM: Reguero, G.Shinnie, Warren, Meekings, Devine, Tudur-Jones, Draper (Ross 86), Foran (Roberts 89), A.Shinnie, McKay, Doran (Gibbons 89) SUBS: Esson, Taylor, Polworth, Sutherland Booked: A.Shinnie (85) Sent Off: none Referee Alan Muir Attendance 3065
By Scotty in Reports 2012-13 ·

St Mirren -V- Inverness CT - Preview

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After the contrasting fortunes at the weekend, Inverness travel to fairytale land to take on shock League Cup finalists St Mirren on Wednesday night for a 19:45 kick off. Not even Wilsongate could help us follow them to Hampden.

Inverness will need to pick themselves up pretty sharply after the favourites hoodoo struck on Saturday when they were dumped out of the League Cup by ten man Hearts who will now contest the final with surprise, but welcome finalists St Mirren, who ousted Celtic.

It wasn't all doom and gloom for Inverness though as all three Spl games ended in draws so nobody made any inroads to our league position.

But it's onwards and upwards for us now and back to SPL business, and this encounter could go a long way to restoring our belief that this season could see us reap some rewards.  Judging by the way St Mirren performed up here on Boxing Day then we could be in for a hard time, the Buddies taking the game to us and striking the woodwork on three occasions as we clawed back their advantage twice to draw 2-2. The first game this campaign saw Inverness being pegged back by a late leveller to earn a draw in Paisley by the same score.

Inverness have added some new faces in their pursuit of a top four finish. We have signed 19 year old Queens Park Rangers midfielder Jordan Gibbons on loan until the end of the season. Earlier, we moved to land another nineteen year old player in full back Charlie Taylor, who is on loan from Leeds United for the rest of the season.  These two were additions to the squad after the signing of twenty year old Daniel Devine at the beginning of January.  Danny is a central defender, an area we were a bit threadbare in with Chris Hogg and Simon King still not fit.

Midfielder Gavin Morrison is off to Elgin on loan for the rest of the season.  Morrison has found it difficult to break into the squad with the engine room performing well recently, but he should have little problem getting a game at Elgin.  Good luck to Gavin at Elgin.
 
St Mirren have unearthed a real gem with the signing of striker Esmael Goncalves on loan from Portuguese club Rio Ave until the end of the season. The young striker played an integral role in their cup win over Celtic and looks like a handful for any defence, certainly one to watch.
Steven Thompson is another one to keep an eye on.  The big striker has always had an eye for goal and he is on a rich vein of form just now, scoring important goals for the Buddies.  Paul McGowan, has added some much needed pace and quality to the Buddies midfield and they will make life difficult for teams, and we should now see them ease away from the bottom of the table.

***Latest Team News***
 
Defenders Chris Hogg and Simon King are back training but won't be considered, although all three new signings could break into the squad after the strength sapping encounter at Easter Road.  Daniel Devine, Charlie Taylor and Jordan Gibbons will all be looking for at least a place on the bench, and Terry Butcher might feel the time is right to freshen the squad after the physical and mentally challenging league cup semi-final last Saturday.

St Mirren midfielder Kenny McLean has recovered from minor knee surgery and will be included in the squad.  Long-term absentees Darren McGregor and Thomas Reilly miss out.
 
tm4tj Prediction:- This could be a season defining week for Inverness.  Already dumped out of one cup, we face this difficult task at Paisley before trying our luck in the Scottish Cup at Kilmarnock at the weekend.  No time to dwell on what could have been, and maybe that's a good thing.  The Buddies can be a bit Jekyll and Hyde, getting crushed 4-1 at home by County, but beating Celtic with something to spare last weekend.  They are actually on a decent run of form in the SPL, last weeks reverse apart, only two defeats in their last nine games, which belies their lowly position.  Given their performance against us last time out, and the boost of beating Celtic in their last match, then I think we will do well to settle for a share of the points.  How about a scoring draw, another 2-2 with Billy McKay putting his nightmare hesitation behind him to get back on the goal trail.
 
:ictscarf:
By tm4tj in Previews 2012-13 ·

Inverness CT -V- Hearts L/C - Report

Heart Breaker

Inverness suffered a heart breaking defeat at the hands of the Jambo's after a dramatic penalty shoot-out favoured the Hearts team when young Phillip Roberts was entrusted with the vital tenth penalty.  The previous nine penalty's had unerringly found the back of the net with neither keeper getting near the ball when up stepped Roberts.  Unfortunately the substitute who had stepped up to the plate in a previous round at Ochilview blazed his penalty high over the bar right into the mass of Caley Jags fans gathered behind the goal and it was game set and match to the delirious Hearts team who had played the latter stages of the game with ten men after Scott Robinson was sent off for a rash tackle.

There were chances to win this game, none better than the Billy McKay one in extra time, but he inexplicably delayed his shot and the chance went abegging.   

Andy Shinnie and Mr Ngoo scored the goals to take this tie into extra time and penalties in front of an excellent and noisy crowd at Easter Road, but sadly for Inverness it will be Hearts that go to Hampden, good luck to them.
The only thing that can save us now is Danny Wilson

 Capital Caley will have a full report for us after the dust settles...........................
The dust has not settled yet.
Especially since the day has been preoccupied with Wilson Gate.  The Caley Jags fans descended to Edinburgh in good spirit for what would be a heart breaking game.  The Four in Hand was the pre match destination for many of the ICT faithful – until it got too busy and many of us went to the usual away day Hibs venue the Iona.  The atmosphere was electric in the ground.  The pre match anticipation was high……
Caley Thistle started with their strongest XI.  Antonio Reguero (who still hasn’t a clue where Tain is) was behind the back line of Raven, Meekings, Warren and Graeme Shinnie.  In midfield, Aaron Doran, Ross Draper, Owain Tudur-Jones, Andrew Shinnie and Richie Foran.  Billy Mckay (Who sometimes) scores when he wants led the charge. 
Hearts new signing Michael Ngoo started and proved a thorn in Caley Thistles side all afternoon.  Mr Magoo also fielded potentially ineligible defender Danny Wilson.  For Wilson Gate you can get more information on the Caley Thistle forum.  For now, we’ll stick to the match! 
The game started slowly with both teams looking sluggish.  Richie Foran picked up a soft yellow card just after 15 minutes.  A few long distance shots from both teams didn’t give Reguero and MacDonald too much of a test in the ICT and Hearts goal respectively.  Around the 20 minute mark, after persistent fouling by Ngoo he got involved in a tussle with Gary Warren and both received yellow cards. 
On 25 minutes Danny Wilson crossed in the box and Ngoo rose above the Caley Thistle defence and headed the ball off the post.  Most Caley Thistle chances at this point were very much long distance and crosses that didn’t trouble Jamie MacDonald at all. 
Half Time 1-0
Two minutes after the restart Caley Thistle took the lead.  Billy McKays cross found Andy SHINNIE who drilled the ball low into the corner of the net.  There wasn’t much between the two teams and Hearts levelled on 64 minutes.  Josh Meekings had fouled Jamie Walker and received a caution.  Fraser Mullens cross found Michael NGOO who’s powerful shot was hit first time and gave Reguero no chance.  Caley Thistle nearly took the lead 4 minutes later.  Another clumsy challenge by Ngoo on Meekings resulted in a long free kick finding McKay who was immediately brought down by Zaliukas.  Graeme Shinnies swinging cross found Richie Foran who’s header went just wide. 
With 14 minutes left Caley Thistle were given an advantage when Scott Robinsons reckless 2 footed lunge at Owain Tudur-Jones resulted in a straight red card.  Luckily OTJ came out of the challenge unharmed.  With this 1 man advantage the Caley Thistle fans urged the players on.  With ten minutes to go McKay was booked for a late challenge as the game started to get very edgy.  Just before full time Philip Roberts replaced Aaron Doran who had an unusually quiet game.  ICT were not to find a winner and the game headed to extra time.
A few minutes into the first half of extra time Captain Richie Foran was replaced with the fresh Shane Sutherland.  With the game going from end to end ICT should have gone 2-1 up just before the end of extra time 1st half.  A great through ball by Philip Roberts found Billy McKay who looking flat footed delayed for a spilt second whilst the Hearts defence crowded round him.  He really should have hit it first time.  He then passed to Andy Shinnie but his shot was brilliant saved by MacDonald and Shinnies overhead kick from the rebound went agonisingly over the bar. 
Here's the moment the game slipped away.  Andy Shinnie's face says what we were all thinking...........
Into the second half of extra time and both teams still pushed for the winner.  Despite the 1 man advantage to Caley Thistle, Hearts were playing better football.  But again, Inverness came close to winning the game.  Graeme Shinnies swinging cross found McKay who hit the ball over the bar from a few yards out.  Penalties beckoned.
Full Time 1-1 (120mins)
Antonio Reguero was booked before Hearts first penalty for apparently ‘time wasting’.  Zaliukas stepped up for Hearts first, before Graeme Shinnie equalised for Inverness.  Ngoo put Hearts 2-1 up with Andy Shinnie responding.  Andy Webster restored the Jambos lead and finally McKay chose to score to make the score line 3-3.  OTJ equalised for Caley Thistle after Novikovas had scored.  Taouil restored Hearts advantage making it 5-4 before Philip Roberts stepped up.  We all know what happened next.  Here’s hoping young Roberts bounces back with a goal soon. 
There was severe disappointment within the Caley Thistle ranks.  It had been a below par performance but with the chances that came our way we should have won.  Credit to the players for getting to the Semi Final and we share their disappointment that we could not get to Hampden.  Lets look forward to the rest of the season.  The management and players are still doing a magnificent job but we need to bounce back quickly.  In the mean time, lets listen out for what happens with Wilson Gate….................
 
26th Jan 2013 Scottish Communities League Cup Semi-Final Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh Hearts win 5-4 on penalties Inverness C.T. 1 - A.Shinnie (49) TEAM: Reguero, Raven, G.Shinnie, Warren, Meekings, Doran (Roberts 87), Draper, Tudur Jones, Foran (Sutherland 97), A.Shinnie, McKay SUBS: Esson, Ross, Devine
Booked: Foran (18), Warren (22), Meekings (65), Mckay (85), Raven (120), Reguero (120) Sent Off: none Hearts 1 - Ngoo (66) TEAM: MacDonald, Mullen, Webster, Zaliukas, Wilson, Tapping (Taouil 97), Holt, Robinson, Walker (McGowan 112), Ngoo, Driver (Novikovas 67)
SUBS: Ridgers, Sutton Booked: Ngoo (22), Zaliukas (99), Taouil (110) Sent Off: Robinson (77) Referee Euan Norris Attendance 16,336
By Scotty in Reports 2012-13 ·

Inverness CT -V- Hearts - L/C - Preview

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Jamboree in Leith

Inverness fans are heading down to Leith looking for a party.  It's our first crack at the Scottish League Cup semi-finals after eighteen years as a football club.  It maybe does not have the fascination and romance of the Scottish Cup, but nonetheless it is one of the major domestic competitions in Scotland although the fans don't seem to get quite so enthusiastic about the occasion.

Inverness will hope to have over 2,000 fans in attendance at the neutral venue of Easter Road, a mere stones throw away from our opposition's headquarters of Tynecastle.  The Jambo's were looking to fill the rest of the stadium, but unless there is a massive surge of ticket sales in the last few days, there will be plenty of seats left for casual visitors on Saturday.  

But let's not worry about those that won't turn up and concentrate on those that will make the effort and the players who will be taking part in this penultimate round of the competition, once more named Scottish Communities League Cup sponsored by the Scottish Government.

Inverness have seen off Arbroath, Stenhousemuir and The Rangers, all away from home so this visit to Edinburgh should hold no fears for the high flying Caley Jags. The Warriors proved to be the most difficult of our opponents on a difficult night for football, but Inverness went through 6-5 on penalties after the ninety minutes and extra time had ended 1-1.  Ryan Esson was the hero that night, saving Darren Smith's spot-kick to send the Highlanders into the next round. He can't get back into the starting eleven now as Antonio Reguero has kept him out since being thrust into action at the end of September, ironically due to an injury to Esson.

Hearts ended the hopes of Livingston in the third round and they also needed the help of a penalty shoot-out to progress, ousting Dundee United in the quarter final by five penalties to four, the game ending 1-1 after ninety.

Caley Jags warmed up for this game by trouncing Aberdeen 3-0 last weekend with a devastating second half performance where Billy (he scores when he wants) McKay netting a superb double and Andy Shinnie scoring an equally impressive opener as the Dons wilted under a barrage of slick attacking play and showboating skills akin to Messi or Ronaldo.  The Jambo's, meanwhile were suffering at the hands of Celtic, going down heavily by 4-1, their lack of firepower evident at Parkhead and indeed throughout this current campaign.

We probably go into this one as favourites given the relative league positions, and on current form, you can't argue with that. It's not normally our most productive scenario, but this is a one off game for the chance to get to a national final' and our post winter break form has maintained the standard set before New Year so let's give it a go.
 
Capital Caley has eventually bought a new laptop and he will tell us more in the build up to the big game.................
 
Caley Thistles first ever League Cup Semi Final on Saturday comes one day before the fourth anniversary of Terry and Mo’s appointment as management team.  The feel good factor at the Caledonian Stadium is at an all time high.  Terry and Mo have the team flying high in 2nd spot in the league with a Scottish Cup game against Kilmarnock still to come after our League Cup Semi Final.
 

Many people are considering Caley Thistle to be favourites for this game.  Hearts have plenty of troubles on and off the park but they will be boosted by their fans numbers supporting them in their home city.  Invernessian Hearts supporter Ewan Murray has been busy tweeting away this week asking why the Caley Thistle support is so low.  But with now over 2,000 tickets sold for a January match in the Lowlands many Caley Thistle fans consider this a success.  
Caley Jags fans are delighted with Scottish football hall of famer Terry Butcher.  Turning down the Barnsley position even though he was offered an estimated £10,000,000 per week has brought a breathe of fresh air into Scottish football as a whole.  Hearts fans however are far from happy with Mr Magoo.  John also has the dubious award of being the most bizarrely dressed manager in the SPL.  Who wears a shirt and tie with track suit bottoms?!
 
There is hope for Hearts however.  With the lifting of their transfer embargo, late on Thursday night Magoo signed Ngoo.  The main story of course is whether it’s a silent N.  Hearts have Ngoo, and we have McKay.  Billy has scored 20 goals this season and has attracted the interest from who ever journalists from tabloids choose.  Billy who scores when he wants is a contender for the Golden Boot so here’s hoping he chooses to score at least 3 against the Jam Tarts on Saturday
 
I’m sure we all wish for as successful a day as we had on Saturday 26th January 2002.  Caley Thistle headed to Edinburgh to play Hearts in the Scottish Cup.  Out numbered but not out sung Caley Thistle stormed to a 3-1 win with goals from Ross Tokely, Dennis Wyness and David Bagan.  A repeat of that score line for Caley Thistle will send us to our first ever major final. The victors will play against either Celtic or the Midden.
 
The likely team line up will be the same as the Aberdeen game.  Reguero, Dave the Rave, Meekings, Warren, G. Shinnie, Doran, Draper, OTJ, Foran, A. Shinnie  and the Nessie Messi.  (Are we actually calling him that?!).  Towards the end of last weeks emphatic victory over the Fit Likers saw Nick Ross making an appearance.  He looked sharp and as we go into an important part of the season it is great to have him back in the squad. 
 

Terry Butcher stated in the press this week that reaching the League Cup final means everything to the club.  He’s right.  We’ve come far in our 19 years existence but we can reach even further.  Some fans are dreaming of Europe but we need to take one game at a time.  Saturdays game is the biggest game of our season so far.  What a great time to be a Caley Thistle supporter.  No matter the result, I’m sure we’ll all have a great day out.  Many of the Caley Thistle faithful will be meeting in the Four in Hand pub (owned by Paul Kane) pre match.  It’s exclusively for Caley Thistle fans on Saturday so see you all there!  
It’s been 4 years of Terry and Mo!  We’re all behind Butcher.  We’re all behind the team.  Lets make some noise for the Caley Thistle boys!
 
CapitalCaleys prediction:
Nope.  Sorry to disappoint.  Sitting on the fence and not jinxing it this time!!!
 

***Latest Team News*** 
Inverness have remained relatively injury free this season and I would expect an unchanged lineup from the side that beat Aberdeen at the weekend. Only Chris Hogg and Simon King remain out.  Inverness have also added 19 year old Charlie Taylor from Leeds United for the rest of the season.  Charlie is a full back and will add some competition for the back line in the push for Europe.
 
He Scores When He Wants:- Congratulations to Billy McKay who has been called up to the Northern Irish squad for the forthcoming international against Malta on 6th February, his second calling.  Rumour has it that Lionel Messi has an image of Billy McKay printed on his T-shirt and he reveals it everytime he scores as a tribute to the wee man.  It's true I tell you, true, see here.................
 
Hearts will have striker Michael Ngoo available as he has completed his loan move from Liverpool. Callum Paterson will miss out through injury.  Dale Carrick is a doubt but Ryan Stevenson and Darren Barr are both banned although captain Marius Zaliukas returns from suspension.  Granny Dainger will not be offered a new contract at the end of the season, this comes on top of Hearts Defender Ryan McGowan leaving the club to sign a two-year deal with Shandong Luneng Taishan. (that's number 24 on the menu)
 
The Highlands are ours, and soon we hope to conquer the capital, lets leave it to these guys...................from the excellent caleyjags.com page.
 

By tm4tj in Previews 2012-13 ·

CTO Player of the Month - December

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December was a hugely busy month for ICT, with seven matches - and an undefeated month too which saw plenty of drama as the side crushed Hibs and Dundee at home, produced a Lazarus-like comeback at Dundee United (from 3-0 down in 9 minutes) and decent draws with St. Mirren and St. Johnstone.  It also saw two clashes with our local rivals, with a last-gasp equalizer in Dingwall earning us a replay where, ten days later, Caley Thistle eeked out another victory.
 
And it's no surprise that, after an incredible spell of goalscoring form, that Billy McKay was CTO's Player of the month.
 
The first 5 games of the month saw the diminutive Northern Irishman bag an incredible 9 goals, including a prized hat-trick at Tannadice. McKay was voted man of the match twice (against Ross County at home, and against Dundee Utd), as were Richie Foran (against Hibs and against Ross County away) and Owain Tudur Jones (against Dundee and St. Johnstone). Andy Shinnie was deemed the best player against St. Mirren.
 
McKay's 143 votes, however put him 27 clear of Jones, with David Raven, player of the month for November, coming in third.
McKay also takes over the lead in the overall standings...by a whisker from Andy Shinnie and Richie Foran. There's still a long way to go, but it seems likely the winner of this season's award will come from those three.
 
Overall quantity of votes cast for each player in December: (Used to decide Player of the Month) Player 01/12 08/12 11/12 15/12 22/12 26/12 29/12 TOTAL Billy McKay 35 14 32 12 44 2 4 143 Owain Tudur-Jones 8 4 4 4 46 28 22 116 David Raven 8 20 7 8 12 30 12 97 Richie Foran 38 33 4 4 8 8   95 Andrew Shinnie 3 5     38 46 3 95 Gary Warren 2 4 18 6 10 5 21 66 Ross Draper 9 13 4   1 17 4 48 Antonio Reguero 2 6 25 1 2   11 47 Aaron Doran 6 15 4 1 3 6   36 Josh Meekings 10 4 9   3     26 Graeme Shinnie 5 5 4   1 1 4 20 Matthew Cooper           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 Billy McKay 1   8 8   16           33 Andrew Shinnie 11   10  5  6           32 Richie Foran   21      10           31 Ross Draper 11 6 3   1            21 Gary Warren 5 3 1 4  7            20 Owain Tudur-Jones 3   3  2  12           20 Aaron Doran 3 1 6 9              19 David Raven       9 10           19 Antonio Ruguero     1 8 3            12 Ryan Esson 8 3                 11 Graeme Shinnie 3   3               6 Andre Blackman   5                 5 Conor Pepper   3                 3 Philip Roberts   3                 3 Josh Meekings   1 1               3
By hislopsoffsideagain in News 2012-13 ·

CTO Player of the Month - November

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Editorial note: First of all, we must apologise for the lateness of this article. Our resident vote collator  Hislopsoffsideagain did submit it in plenty of time, but we dropped the ball editorially. So without further ado, here is the article for our Player of the Month award for November (which will be followed closely by the December article).

Aside from a 5-1 shellacking at home to Motherwell, November was a successful month indeed for ICT, producing wins at Kilmarnock, Celtic and Aberdeen as well as a draw with Hearts in Inverness.  In fact, the team did so well that they managed a clean sweep of SPL awards - manager of the month for Terry Butcher, Player of the month for on-form striker Billy McKay, and young player of the month for Aaron Doran.
 
So it may come as a surprise that CaleyThistleOnline's Player of the month for November was not McKay (who was only sixth), or Doran (who came third) but...
 
DAVID RAVEN!!!!
 
After a somewhat shaky start to the campaign, the English right back has been the epitome of consistency in recent weeks - and clearly supporters have been noticing.  Raven picked up 44 votes in November, and was man of the match in the Hearts game.  He comfortably beat fellow defender Gary Warren (30 votes) into second.
 
No player won more than one man of the match vote this month - Andrew Shinnie (vs Kilmarnock), Antonio Reguero (vs Motherwell), Aaron Doran (vs Celtic) and Billy McKay (vs Aberdeen), so the overall standings remain close.  The elder Shinnie is now the outright leader, five points ahead of Richie Foran, with Ross Draper third.  It is very, very close though...
 
Overall quantity of votes cast for each player in November: (Used to decide Player of the Month) Player 03/11 10/11 18/11 24/11 27/11 TOTAL David Raven 2 21 12 2 7 44 Gary Warren 3 16 1 7 3 30 Aaron Doran   1 14 7 4 26 Antonio Reguero 4   13 7 2 26 Owain Tudur-Jones 5 14 3 1 1 24 Billy McKay 8 1 1 3 10 23 Josh Meekings   15 1 3 2 21 Richie Foran   5 6 5 3 19 Andrew Shinnie 11 1 3 1 2 18 Conor Pepper     4     4 Graeme Shinnie   1 1   2 4 Ross Draper 3         3 Shane Sutherland     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             26 Richie Foran   21                 21 Ross Draper 11 6 3               20 Aaron Doran 3 1 6 9              19 Billy McKay 1   8 8              17 Gary Warren 5 3 1 4              13 Ryan Esson 8 3                 11 David Raven       9             9 Antonio Ruguero     1 8             9 Owain Tudur-Jones 3   3  2             8 Graeme Shinnie 3   3               6 Andre Blackman   5                 5 Conor Pepper   3                 3 Philip Roberts   3                 3 Josh Meekings   1 1               2  
By hislopsoffsideagain in News 2012-13 ·

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