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Inverness CT -V- Hibernian - Preview

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They think it's all over.....

.........It is now! It's all over in the SPL bar the shouting. Hibernian relegated Dunfermline on monday night with three goals in a four nil win, (don't ask). That could be good news for Inverness on the park this weekend as I doubt they will be wanting any of their star players injured ahead of the landmark Scottish Cup final against Edinburgh rivals Heart of Midlothian.

So, let's quickly run through who did what. Surprise surprise, Celtic won the SPL, Dunfermline were relegated. Motherwell finished third with Dundee United grabbing the other European spot in fourth. Govan FC are in yoyo administration and our own Inverness are safe for another season. Kilmarnock won the League Cup and cheered up everybody, well most people, and that's about it. Next season will see Ross County participate in the SPL for the first time and local interest will be intensified as the much anticipated derby rivalries resume.

But we are here to discuss this weekends game, and Cup Finalist's Hibernian will provide the opposition. This season has seen Hibs overcome their Highland Hoodoo and start winning games in Inverness. Prior to this season, Hibs had gone nine games in Inverness without winning, and into the bargain they had only scored 3 goals in that period. Inverness had racked up 19 goals in those games. Lately they have bucked the trend and fashioned out two wins at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, so coming here for a third visit will hold no fears for them.

This season Hibs fortunes changed, and a late Garry O'Connor goal saw Hibs take all three points south at the end of July. Ryan Esson will feel disappointed not to have stopped his mishit trundler that rolled wide of his outstretched arms to find the net. Inverness spurned numerous chances to win the match comfortably but were caught on the break with Hayes being upended and Hibs transferred the ball forward swiftly, O'Connor doing the needful. The last fixture in Inverness was on April Fools day. A rare occurrence saw Greg Tansey ably smash a penalty home, but the joy was short lived as Hanlon stooped to head home an equaliser. That man O'Connor put Hibs ahead before Jonny Hayes swerved a cross behind Stack for a deserved late leveller. Inverness though still managed to shoot themselves in the foot and Leigh Griffiths restored Hibs advantage two minutes later. Defensive lapses have cost us dear this season and losing goals so soon after scoring leans towards a lack of concentration being our downfall in this game. We did, however, secure a draw at Easter Road in late December, going behind to once again, a Garry O'Connor strike, this time a spanking free kick. Jonny Hayes scored a spectacular solo goal to earn a point, which was also Pat Fenlon's first point as Hibs manager.

How has the season fared for both clubs? Well for Inverness it has been a total write off. Injuries, suspensions, referee's, managerial decisons, sending off's, we've seen it all this year. Report card will say, "must try harder". Thank you St Mirren for providing us with ten points, that's more than a quarter of our total for the season, and for Dunfermline being utterly gash and being bigger favourites than us for the drop, and so it proved.

If our season has been rubbish, then Hibs season has been a total disaster. For a club with the pedigree of Hibernian to have struggled for so long this season then something was awry. Colin Calderwood was relieved of his duties mid-season and it has taken Pat Fenlon until the penultimate game of the season to mold his undoubtedly talented squad into a team. He must have thought the omens were against him, when his managerial debut for Hibs was disrupted with the game at Motherwell being abandoned after the floodlights failed. He only managed one point in his first five games, but last Monday saw his side safe from relegation and he now has a cup final to look forward to. Not any old cup final of course. The first all Edinburgh one for over a century. These don't come along too often, like trams on Princess Street I suppose.

So, it's the last game of the season, and some will be moving on. Jonny Tuffey has indicated that he will be leaving at the end of the season as he needs first team football to further his international career. He has served this club well when called upon but the lure of first team football will see him leave Inverness, with Ryan Esson poised to remain as number one choice. The biggest mystery will surround star player Jonny Hayes. He will undoubtedly be able to command a higher wage elsewhere, especially if he were to move to the English Championship. Aberdeen have shown their cards early in an attempt to procure Jonny from the Highlands, and rumours abound about St Mirren having a sniff as well. Gregory Tade has already been offered a contract, and Butcher has stated his case for keeping Greg Tansey and Billy McKay for another season. Golobart and Williams are both on loan and will require to be prised from their parent clubs for another season.

That leaves superman, AKA Ross Tokely. A club legend, but could he be the last link to the past to be removed from this club. Last season saw a surprise when Grant Munro and Russell Duncan were released, could this be the last remaining 'supercaley' hero to be shown the exit door. I firmly believe that Rossco still has plenty left in the tank and he has been one of our more consistant performers in an error strewn season. We have unfortunately become less parochial in our efforts to sustain SPL football and more cosmopolitan in recent times. A couple of weeks ago we had no Scottish players in our starting eleven. A sign of the times I'm afraid and possibly one of the reasons the passion has ebbed from the club. I sincerely hope that Mr Butcher has learned from his mistakes and views Rossco as an integral part of a well oiled Caley Thistle machine.

tm4tj Prediction:- I don't see Hibernian exerting themselves too much this weekend with a big day out at Hampden looming. Inverness will be saying goodbye to one or two that will not be returning for next season and the term 'end of season game' springs to mind. Unless Hibs win by three clear goals, then they will remain in eleventh place and we will stay above them, therefore with all that in mind, I will sit on the fence and go for a 1-1 draw, but will be hoping for a finish with a flourish.

The last game of the season will see special offers for under 12's as they will get free entry with a paying adult. See the official website for details http://ictfc.com/new...s-go-free-offer

Saturday will also see the end of the Highland March #10. The guys set off from Paisley last Saturday and have walked back to Inverness, as you do. Give them a huge cheer as they enter the stadium as they put a lot of effort into this. You can read all about it at http://www.highlandmarch.co.uk/ See you all on Saturday.

Latest Team News

Inverness could be bolstered by the return of Tokely and Willams to the squad. Both suffered knocks and missed the win at Paisley last week. That put's paid to rumours that Rossco had mysteriously returned to the planet Krypton. Chris Hogg is out, hopefully, I won't be printing that next season, good luck with the rehab. Aaron Doran was subbed at St Mirren, and this was a precautionary move, but will be assessed before risking him in an end of season encounter.

Hibernian will unsurprisingly field an understrength side in view of next weeks occasion at Hampden. James McPake (groin), Tom Soares (Achilles), Pa Kujabi (hamstring) and Jorge Claros (foot) will no doubt be 'rested' along with the injured Danny Galbraith (groin) and Graham Stack (thigh). Leigh Griffiths and David Wotherspoon are available again following suspension, I wonder if they will be risked? Club captain Ian Murray is on his way after the summer and this could be his last appearance for Hibs.
By tm4tj in Previews 2011-12 ·

CTO Player of the Month - April

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April 2012 will not go down as a vintage month in the history of Inverness Caley Thistle - only one point from four matches, with two defeats from winning positions and an utterly demoralising reverse to Aberdeen thanks to two own goals.

But a few players will be able to take some positives away from those games.

Winger Jonny Hayes, the website's player of the year during our 2009/10 promotion campaign, won his first player of the month award since October 2010. Hayes was voted man of the match during the defeat to Hibs, where he scored a somewhat fluky goal, and came second in the polling for the draw at St. Johnstone. He also managed third place in the loss to Kilmarnock despite being sent off! Considering all the rumours surrounding his future, this fan hopes that this will not be the Irishman's last player of the month award from CaleyThistleOnline.

Hayes' 45 votes over the four matches were ten ahead of Roman Golobart and twenty-two clear of Aaron Doran, his nearest challengers. Golobart was the other winner this month, even though the Spaniard didn't play in the Kilmarnock match; he was the star performer in Perth and has extended his lead at the top of the overall standings to 13 points over Graeme Shinnie. Barring an incredible turnaround, Golobart will be the first on-loan player to win CaleyThistleOnline's Player of the year award.

Though it tells you something about our season when our likely player of the year started only half the games, and scored a shedload of own goals...!

Overall quantity of votes cast for each player in April: (Used to decide Player of the Month) Player 01/04 07/04 21/04 28/04 TOTAL Jonny Hayes 29 11 2 3 45 Roman Golobart 22 8 5 35 Aaron Doran 17 6 23 Greg Tansey 14 2 1 17 Billy McKay 8 1 7 16 Graeme Shinnie 5 3 3 11 Ross Tokely 6 4 1 11 Jonny Tuffey 2 4 5 11 Owain Tudur-Jones 6 5 11 Gregory Tade 3 6 9 Steve Williams 5 3 8 Shane Sutherland 7 7 Kenny Gillet 3 2 1 6 Josh Meekings 3 3 Richie Foran 1 1 2 Nick Ross 1 1
Player of the Year Points ~ Current Standings : 2011/12 (Player of Month also highlighted in monthly column) Player JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR TOTAL Roman Golobart 0 1 0 0 0 12 15 0 16 8 52 Graeme Shinnie 0 18 13 1 0 3 1 0 3 0 39 Richie Foran 3 5 0 0 0 8 6 9 0 0 31 Ross Tokely 0 6 0 4 8 3 0 0 8 0 29 Gregory Tade 0 8 8 4 1 1 1 0 3 0 26 Greg Tansey 5 5 0 5 0 0 6 3 1 1 26 Jonny Hayes 0 0 0 0 1 14 1 1 0 9 26 Ryan Esson 6 1 3 6 0 0 3 1 0 0 20 Kenny Gillet 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 10
1 0 20 David Davis 0 0 2 3 9 3 - - - - 17 Andrew Shinnie 0 0 0 10 5 0 1 0 0 0 16 Billy McKay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 15 Aaron Doran 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 9 Steve Williams - - - - - - - 3 0 3 6 Nick Ross 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 5 Jonny Tuffey 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 Josh Meekings 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 4 Owain Tudur-Jones 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 Shane Sutherland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 4 Gavin Morrison 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Thomas Piermayr 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Chris Hogg 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

By hislopsoffsideagain in News 2011-12 ·

St Mirren -V- Inverness CT - Report

Saint's are on Inverness' side.
 
Inverness took their 10th point off St Mirren this season as captain Richie Foran scored his first goal since August 20th to clinch victory in the 85th minute. He nodded home a delightful Greg Tansey free kick to ensure the Highland Marchers had plenty to discuss on the walk home, all 160 miles of it.

Ross Tokely and Steve Williams were missing from the squad with Roman Golobart and Gregory Tade starting along with the returning Jonny Hayes, back from suspension. Billy Mckay was on the bench.

Ajsict92 enjoyed his day out in Paisley and his report is ready for your perusal.

More of the same please…

ICT’s away day trips ended on a high yesterday as they maintained their unbeaten record at St Mirren park with a well earned victory. Given that it had been nearly a month since ICT’s last win you could excuse fans for not feeling so confident, especially those that were subjected to the goalless draw against Dunfermline, yet despite the poor performance it was a match that cemented ICT’s place in the SPL for next season and with St Mirren having already confirmed safety it was a game that had little influence on the rest of the season.

What was a pleasing sight was the starting 11 that Terry Butcher had selected. With Hayes, Doran, Andrew Shinnie and Tade making the attack backed by a defence that saw Roman Golobart return to the starting line up, and the positive thinkers would have had every reason for feeling confident of gaining a result and rightly so.

It was a game that was of great sentimental value to the Saints as well as it was the final home appearance of club stalwart Hugh Murray. Murray has amassed over 400 appearances for the Saints in a career spanning over 16 years with the club who gave him his debut at the age of 17. One of the few remaining players around in this country that could be referred to as a “one club man”.

It was clear from kick off that without the pressure of relegation ICT were playing with a real freedom we hadn’t seen this season. The likes of Hayes and Tansey trying audacious passes and Andrew Shinnie displaying that energy and determination that has been badly missed over the last few months. St Mirren provided their own danger men though in the likes of Stephen Thompson, Paul McGowan and Nigel Hasselbaink, players who have shown their quality throughout the season and have been the key men in seeing St Mirren just miss out on a top 6 spot.

With both sides looking evenly matched Gregory Tade had ICT’s first opening when he headed over from Shinnie’s corner but the first real chance fell to Aaron Doran. Following some neat build up play from Andrew Shinnie, he laid it back for the young Irishman who saw his powerful drive parried wide by Craig Samson for a corner.

St Mirren then responded with Nigel Hasselbaink who turned Meekings and charged at ICT’s defence before laying the ball out wide for fellow Dutchman Jereon Tesselaar who blasted across the box but saw it fail to connect with anyone.

The game remained in a fairly open nature with Doran again providing a goal threat, he picked the ball up and opened fire about 25 yards from goal, Samson was able to parry it as Tade kept the attack alive, and Tansey’s neat pass was flicked on to Andrew Shinnie who swivelled and managed to get his shot away but it was tame and easily gathered by Samson.

As half time drew closer Aaron Doran suffered a knock to his ankle and was taken off for Nick Ross as St Mirren began to up the tempo to their game. Paul McGowan tried to twist Golobart inside out with some neat footwork before unleashing a dangerous strike that Foran managed to block though he knew little about it.

Just before half time though Ryan Esson showed why he was the difference between ICT winning and losing this game as he pulled off 2 magnificent saves in a matter of moments. First from Tesselaar as his curling effort required a finger tip save from ICT’s number one and then a great block from Stephen Thompson’s header from the resulting corner.

Half time – St Mirren 0-0 ICT

The opening stages of the second half saw my eyes distracted by a blow up beach ball and banana that were, pushed, punched, headed and by some ambitious people kicked around the away end much to the amusement and enjoyment of all our travelling support so if there were any notable moments straight after half time that I missed I do apologise, but it was too good not to get involved.

If memory does serve me right Jonny Hayes was the next to come closest to breaking the deadlock, he capitalised on a lazy pass from Van Zanten before weaving his way past a couple of challenges and testing Samson’s gloves with a swerving shot, Samson’s save saw him locked in a race for the ball with Gregory Tade for the rebound but fortunately for the Saints keeper he managed to claw it away.

St Mirren then introduced Gary Teale to the fold and he added a bit more pace down the flanks as St Mirren also looked to claim the lead but Stephen Thompson seemed to be struggling to get a good finish away as he saw multiple efforts either drift wide or easily gathered by Esson as both sides were beginning to get frustrated in their attempts to find the opening goal.

With time ticking away ICT caught St Mirren on the break and Nick Ross was hacked down in his pursuit by Gary Teale and from the resulting free kick Foran was found at the back post and his prod at goal was magnificently thwarted by Samson though the linesman had raised his flag for offside.

However Tade was then barged off the ball in a similar area by McAusland and Tansey found Foran in exactly the same area only this time Foran was able to nod the ball home at the back post to send the away fans behind the goal into raptures and give ICT the advantage with just 5 minutes remaining.

Time was running out for the home fans who I’m sure had experienced a frustrating afternoon watching their side fall short but they were nearly treated to a stunning volley from Paul McGowan. I remember him scoring a stunning volley against ICT last season and he nearly replicated it but sadly for him his effort fell just wide of the top corner. ICT held on for the remaining moments to grab the three points.

Full time – St Mirren 0-1 ICT

To summarise:– It was a game that had little to no effect to the completion of the league and it was played in such a manner. Both sides showed that they contained quality players but a combination of end of season attitude and certainly for some of our players lack of match practice saw both sides struggle to really unlock one another in the final third. Having seen Terry Butcher scrimp and scrape just to put together a fully fit starting 11 it was nice to see him have the freedom of picking and choosing a side that contained arguably every match winner within our current squad and I must admit there were times when they looked like a side of great potential and I can only imagine what would’ve been had they got more game time together, I really hope most of them can be kept together because I have no doubt that if we can add 3 or 4 quality players this team there is no doubt we can progress.

ajsict92’s motm:– Ryan Esson:- Nobody was really at their best given the type of game it was but for his 2 saves from Tesselaar and Thompson it definitely goes to our number 1 stopper. How we haven’t lost him to a bigger club I will never know.
 
5th May 2012 Scottish Premier League St Mirren Park, Paisley St Mirren 0 - /media/images/club_badges/stmirren.png TEAM: Samson, van Zanten, McGregor, McAusland, Tesselaar, Goodwin, Imrie (Murray 33), McGowan, McLean (Reilly 73), Hasselbaink (Teale 52), Thompson SUBS: Smith, Mooy, Carey, Thomson Booked: Teale (66) Sent Off: none Inverness C.T. 1 - Foran (85) /media/images/club_badges/inverness.png TEAM: Esson, Meekings (Piermayr 58), Golobart, Gillet, G.Shinnie, Hayes, Foran, Tansey, Doran (Ross 36), A.Shinnie (McKay 69), Tade SUBS: Tuffey, Tudur-Jones, Winnall, Sutherland Booked: none Sent Off: none Referee Calum Murray Attendance 3540  
By tm4tj in Reports 2011-12 ·

St Mirren -V- Inverness CT - Preview

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Paisley man to play at Olympics

This game needs little introduction from me. The season is all but over, SPL status retained, and virtually nothing but pride and contracts to play for.

We play our last away game of the season in Paisley, home of the Rossco haters and Scotlands representative at the Olympics, Paolo Nutini. Correct, we are playing St Mirren at New Love Street as they try to become the best of the rest and we struggle to keep above Hibs.

It has been a troubled season for Inverness with old players leaving, new players arriving, injuries, suspensions and poor performances all making it one of our worst seasons in the SPL. I think I can speak for everyone on CTO when I say that we will be glad to see the back of this season. A clean slate next season, with Highland derbies to look forward to once again will add a bit of spice to get your teeth into.

There will however be some putting plenty of effort in this weekend. The Highland March will begin after full time at Paisley and the marchers will be off for a 160 mile stroll back to Inverness; nutters if you ask me. Capital Caley will tell us more about it in his preview, as he will be walking from end to end; as I said, nutters.





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Happy Clapping pills - check

Every river I try to cross, every hill I try to climb, every road I try to find, all the rest of the march, I’ll know we’re SPL.

The point against the Pars, no matter how bad the game was will make the Highland March even more enjoyable! Safety has been reached and we hope that it is onwards and upwards for Caley Thistle from here. The Highland March returns to Paisley for its tenth year. This year, the HM troops will be walking 160 miles from Paisley to Sneck for the final game of the season against Hibernian. Well done to everyone that’s taken part in this event over the years. It is truly a pleasure to be involved in such an event. Thanks in advance has to be given to St Mirren as well who have again shown that clubs can help support ‘opposition’ fans and ‘opposition’ events as well.

With the season effectively over there may be a very low turnout on Saturday. Quite a few Caley Thistle fans (and regular posters on CTO) will be taking a break from the football on Saturday to watch the rugby 7’s tournament. I must say, I don’t blame them but Caley Thistle seem to play at their best when the pressure is off. Even Pie and Bovrils infamous Captain Sensible hasn’t had anything to say about the game or Ross Tokely yet. Caley Thistle travel to Paisley on Saturday for what most supporters would describe as a meaningless game. However with the goal now to hang on to 10th place and a final day showdown with Hibs, the 3 points are vital. The higher up the league a team can finish, the more prize money they receive from the SPL. With Hibs one game away from a European space and the likely financial rewards of reaching the Scottish Cup Final, Pat Fenlon will be financially boosted for their relegation battle next season.

With many Caley Thistle players out of contract at the end of the season, they should be playing at the top of their game. However, pardon the cliché but the poor performances as we edge closer to the summer are the story of the season. Lets look at the positives though. This summer will see the management team preparing for another season in the SPL. We have the Highland Derby to look forward to. We do have quality in our team, despite the dreadful season. Some players will go but some players will stay. Hopefully Terry Butcher can keep the top players and add to the squad in the summer with equally top players. Another positive to take into consideration right now is with Hibs winning on Wednesday night, it’s likely we won’t need to go to Dumbfarmlife for at least another season! Even better, it’s only around 2 and a half months until the annual Caley thistle pre-season tour. Bristol Rovers and Aldershot away again please! Yes, I have got my summer holiday hat on again!

With Ross Tokely out of contract at the end of the season, there’s a chance that this may be his last game against St Mirren. Although I hope he stays for one more season. I’m sure the Buddies fans will do their usual to try and put him off if he starts. So lets give all the encouragement we can to Rossco and the rest of the team. After all, it’s the last CaleyAway of the season! Our previous trips to Paisley have been overall very successful. Last season, we defeated St Mirren 2-1 and drew 3-3 in an entertaining end of season game. In December we beat the Buddies 2-1, moving off the bottom of the table. Andrew Shinnie had put the Caley Jags ahead on the 11th minute before Steven Thompson headed in an equaliser with the last touch of the first half. Jonny Hayes grabbed the winner with a spectacular goal from the edge of the box. It was an important turning point in the season. It took Caley thistle off the bottom of the table and also saw the introduction of Billy McKay to the starting XI. McKay has impressed in his performances and has shown the commitment level that is required when wearing a Caley Thistle shirt.

There’s even more good news from the Caley Thistle camp. With Aaron Doran and Andrew Shinnie back in the team and impressing in their come back performances, they can show us (hopefully) what to expect. They are the future of the team and it is now their time to step up. If they are starting on Saturday, they will have to be at the top of their game. St Mirren are on course for their highest ever SPL finish. They are now just one point behind 7th placed Kilmarnock after beating them 2-0 on Wednesday night. With the Saints having dangerous forwards such as Nigel Hasselbaink and Steven Thomson, they are a much improved side from last season.

CapitalCaleys prediction:– Most seasons, Caley Thistle seem to perform well post split. However, defeat to Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and the midweek 0-0 draw at home to Dunfermline continued our recent poor run of form. But maybe Caley Thistles post split success in previous years has something to do with the pressure being off. I would prefer the great performances to occur when we really need them. It makes the match day experience more exciting! But even though we are mathematically safe now, there’s no reason why the team can’t carry on their excellent Paisley form. So c’mon! Those playing for contracts, show us what your worth! Those leaving the club in the summer, give us one more great CaleyAway day for the season! St Mirren 1-3 ICT

Latest Team News

Inverness will have Jonny Hayes back after his one game ban. Chris Hogg is still out, but Andrew Shinnie made a welcome return against the Pars and showed no ill effects, and Aaron Doran is gaining match fitness after a couple of starts. No other injury problems known at time of press.

St Mirren defender David Barron has a knee injury and will sit this one out. Marc McAusland is back after suspension and will be included in the squad. Could be a farewell day for Shuggie Murray, and he may get a chance to say bye bye to the Buddies fans.
By tm4tj in Previews 2011-12 ·

Inverness CT -V- Dunfermline - Report

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Safety First

Oh well, that's relegation out of the equation after a no scoring draw saw Inverness retain SPL status for next season. Dunfermline still look favourites for the drop although they could still pip Hibernian should results swing their way, but it does look like a long shot for them.

A minutes silence was impeccably observed before the match started to pay respect for Inverness fan John McDonald who passed away in the stand at Kilmarnock last Saturday.

Without Jonny Hayes, Inverness relied on Aaron Doran for the spark to ignite their fire, but it was a difficult task with Dunfermline defending in depth and neither side able to fashion many clear scoring opportunities.

Esson retained the No 1 jersey ahead of Jonny Tuffey and Roman Golobart was on the bench, with Steve Williams partnering Ross Tokely in central defence. Nick Ross made a rare start but Welsh international Owain Tudur-Jones was rested with Andy Shinnie, Gregory Tade and Shane Sutherland named as substitutes.

The Pars looked to former Hearts man Andy Kirk to get them out of the mire with the experienced Martin Hardie on the bench, full-backs Austin McCann and Jordan McMillan returning to the starting line up. The dangerous David Graham was providing the width in the Pars late throw of the dice to stave off relegation, and hopes were raised after their thumping 3-0 nwin over the Dons at the weekend.

A bright evening was the setting for this 19:45 kick off and hands were raised to the eyes in the main stand as the game kicked off with the sun shining directly into the away support as it dropped slowly behind the Black Isle. A perfect evening for football, with a delicate breeze cooling the late spring air, pity only 3036 bothered to turn up for what was an important game for both clubs and referee O'Reilly started the proceedings with a sharp puff into his whistle as the noisy 300 or so Dunfermline fans took on the reserved Highland crowd.

So, the scene is set and ajsict92 will take up the story..........



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Safety achieved…but not without minds being frazzled

Well safety has now been achieved with 2 games to spare but it wasn’t by digging out a hard fought win and it wasn’t by tearing apart the opposition with the new style of football we were promised. It was achieved by dragging out arguably the most mind numbing and tedious 0-0 draw I have ever witnessed during my young life as an ICT follower.

ICT went into this game with arguably the strongest squad they’ve had available but it was minus the suspended Jonny Hayes and long term injury victim Chris Hogg, but otherwise Terry Butcher had plenty options at his disposal including Aaron Doran and Andrew Shinnie, both of whom have missed large chunks of the season through injury but have been dreadfully missed through out the campaign.

The match itself was put aside for a moment before kick off in order for everyone to observe a minutes silence in the memory of John McDonald who passed away suddenly at our away match against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The game began slowly. Both sides seemed to be rather cagey with the importance of the game. ICT seemed to be showing a bit more quality though, Aaron Doran in particularly looking very lively and it was he who had the first real chance of the game. He weaved his way around a couple of defenders before unleashing a low drive which he dragged across goal and wide. Inverness continued to threaten and from a Doran corner the ball bounced around very close to Chris Smith's box with Williams and Foran attempting to connect with it but it was eventually cleared.

Billy McKay was next to come close as he picked up the ball and made a run across the box before squeezing off a deflected shot that was easily gathered by Smith. News was beginning to filter through that Hibs were leading Aberdeen which had a direct influence on Dunfermline’s position come full time. Kyle Hutton had the Pars main chance when he let fly from the edge of the box but his effort was straight at Esson. Dunfermline were beginning to threaten though with a dangerous run from McMillan thwarted by Gillet who made a wonderful slide tackle to prevent any danger.

The first half was beginning to drag on with both sides beginning to grind out the remainder of it, the last chance of note being a long range effort from Aaron Doran which flew harmlessly wide. The half time whistle sounded and with Hibs already 2-0 up at Pittodrie it wasn’t looking good for Dunfermline.

Half time – ICT 0-0 Dunfermline

Without question it was ICT who started the 2nd half the brighter, there seemed to be more of an edge to the play and an increase in the tempo. However a real thorn in our young side this season has been the lack of quality in the finishing department and that old bugbear reared its ugly head as yet again in a short space of time ICT spurned multiple opportunities to take the lead.

The first culprit was Graeme Shinnie who cracked a tame effort straight at Smith but he then managed to miss the pick of the bunch. Greg Tansey played a delightful switching ball across the park for Billy McKay who held it up long enough for Shinnie to get into position, on his stronger left foot you would have hoped he’d score and for a moment I think everyone in the ground thought he had but he somehow managed to curl his shot wide of Smith’s far post. He managed to miss an even better chance after being put through by Foran but fortunately for him an Offside flag spared his blushes.

Dunfermline were beginning to put pressure on us as the introduction of Martin Hardie to the game added a new dimension to Dunfermline’s play. They won a free kick at the edge area which was well floated in by Cardle, who was a nuisance throughout the game and Alex Keddie connected well with it but his header was inches over the crossbar, skimming the roof of the net.

Butcher responded to this by making a double switch Shane Sutherland replacing Graeme Shinnie and Nick Ross being replaced by Andrew Shinnie who made his first appearance since January having been out with a broken foot and he added a bit of much needed quality to a game that was getting more and more desperate as it went on.

A couple of dangerous moments in Dunfermline’s final third were not enough as ICT fans grew more and more frustrated but Shinnie’s first effort of the game was a lovely dipping shot which fell wide of the top corner but did leave Smith scrambling a bit.

Martin Hardie then blew a great chance to grab a lead for Dunfermline as he shot straight at Esson from the edge of the box and then curled wide a free kick that was tailor made for him from about 25 yards.

By this point it was becoming more and more clear that neither team was going to muster a goal. Aaron Doran was becoming frantic in his own search of a goal, firing high and wide from all angles and with ICT beginning to play for a point the referee eventually brought an end to the game.

Full time – ICT 0-0 Dunfermline

To summarise:- It was never going to be pretty, none of the games between the two sides have been this season but ICT’s goal scoring problem is in need of being addressed. Several chances were spurned tonight and had Dunfermline scored, heads would have been dropping. Billy McKay was working his socks off but was getting little support. In order for him to play his game he is in need of a strike partner who can get into good areas but I shouldn’t moan too much. We are safe and that’s what matters but we haven’t done it by winning, if I’m being blunt we have done it simply because Dunfermline are worse. A striker has to be top priority in the summer though. I’m glad we can chill out though for the last 2 games and look forward to seeing what changes are made to the squad in the coming weeks and months. Roll on 2012-13.

ajsict92’s motm:- Ross Tokely – Mopped up anything that came into his path and is still an important part of the squad who’s experience must a great asset to this team. If Butcher has any sense he will give him another season.

2nd May 2012 Scottish Premier League Tulloch Caledonian Stadium Inverness C.T. 0 -
TEAM: Esson, Gillet, Williams, G.Shinnie (A.Shinnie 70), Tokely, Meekings, Doran, Tansey, Ross (Sutherland 70), McKay (Tade 88), Foran
SUBS: Tuffey, Golobart, Piermayr, Tudur-Jones
Booked: Foran (74)
Sent Off: none Dunfermline
0 -

TEAM: Smith, McMillan, Dowie, Keddie, McCann, Cardle, Kerr, Hutton, Mason (Hardie 66), Graham (Buchanan 84), Kirk (Barrowman 84)
SUBS: Fernandez, Boyle, Willis, Thomson
Booked: McCann (64), Keddie (73)
Sent Off: none Referee
Stevie O'Reilly
Attendance
3037

By tm4tj in Reports 2011-12 ·

Inverness -v- Dunfermline - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
It's time to unsqueak those bums.

Yes, it has come down to the last three games of the season for Inverness to try and secure SPL football for another season. It has been one to forget, and hopefully we can ensure safety tonight, then we can all breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to next season.

We showed glimpses at Kilmarnock that we have the bottle for the battle and were unlucky for various reasons to leave empty handed. On the plus side, Billy McKay scored a couple of goals and but for the woodwork we would have scored six goals again. On the downside we are still scoring OG's and still conceding goals through our porous defence.

ajsict92 has been studying this one and his preview is ready for you to whet your appetite for tonights crucial encounter.

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

Step up and show us what you’re made of!

Dunfermline visit TCS this evening, fresh from finally picking up 3 points at home after 10 months of failing. A record of form that is no doubt the main reason behind them being rooted to the bottom of the SPL for most of the season but following the victory over Aberdeen and a well earned point at St Mirren they have managed to pull themselves within 3 points of fellow sufferers, Hibernian. ICT will be coming into this game knowing they are only requiring a solitary point to mathematically be safe. They will also be looking for a first win in 5 games and the fans will be hoping to see a much improved display, the proper pessimistic’s would argue that even a point is beyond us with 3 games to go having been subjected to 3 home defeats on the bounce.

The defeat to Kilmarnock at the weekend wasn’t for the want of trying though. Many would have been left somewhat disgruntled after losing to Aberdeen on 2 own goals but the players appeared to dust themselves off and put on a display that was producing the goods up until Jonny Hayes was red carded for 2 bookable offences, our 7th red card of the season. It was disappointing to see the ten men fall short with the quality of Dean Shiels proving too hot to handle yet again but after just a flick through on the highlights it was clear that only the woodwork was what was really stopping us with eleven men. If the back four is tighter and Butcher can get the right message across to the boys then I see no reason as to why that performance cannot be emulated tonight.

This will be in total our 6th different fixture against Dunfermline this season. In the league it has seen both sides draw the 3 previous games in what have all been very tight and well contested games. The epic 3-3 draw back in August is probably the pick of the bunch and was the first fixture of the season between both sides which saw Kirk and Tansey getting doubles for both sides and Jonny Hayes notch is first goal of the season. It would have been ICT’s first win of the season had it not been for the spell binding right foot of Martin Hardie who curled in a 30 yard free kick in the last minute of stoppage time. The only time a win has been recorded between the sides was back in January in the Scottish cup replay with ICT taking Dunfermline to extra time and recording a 3-1 triumph with Andrew Shinnie curling in what was arguably our best goal of the season.

Terry Butcher was in the press this week calling for fans to turn up in numbers this week for the game and it would be great if his request is responded to as there is no strength like strength in numbers. It really is a case now of this young side showing that they can produce the goods when required. Both the players and the fans probably want to put behind them what has been a very disjointed and at times very disheartening season but it can’t be ignored that there is still a task very much at hand and that is survival. This team has been criticised on numerous occasions throughout the year for not getting results at important times but it really is time for that to change as the outcome if we continue on our little free fall is very unthinkable indeed.

With three games left there is still the chance to produce a strong finish to the season but only if we start by picking up a result tonight, so come on lads…show us what you’re made of.

ajsict92’s prediction:- Like every game we have had against the Pars this season I’m willing to bet this one like all the previous ones will be tight and given the circumstances a very tense affair. I know a point is all that is required and part of me wouldn’t mind if the players basically showed up parked the bus to play for a point but I also know that this team has a point to prove to the supporters and the only way they are going to do that is by winning. My dream would be for Gregory Tade to grab a last minute winner in front of the Pars fans who never tire of giving the big man abuse. However it goes I’m predicting a 2-1 win for ICT tonight.

On a serious note

Anyone who attended the Kilmarnock game would have been greatly shocked and deeply saddened at witnessing the sudden death of ICT supporter John McDonald who suffered a heart attack during the match. I’m led to believe the players are wearing black armbands tonight but I do hope there is also a minutes silence or applause before the match so that those who witnessed the tragedy on Saturday have a chance to pay their respects.

LATEST TEAM NEWS

Inverness have no fresh injury worries ahead of Dunfermline's visit. Jonny Hayes will have to sit this one out after his two yellow's last weekend, but the good news is that Andrew Shinnie could come into contention after breaking his foot in the cup win over the Pars back in January.

Dunfermline news, Jordan McMillan, Liam Buchanan and Austin McCann are looking for a start after missing the Aberdeen game. Martin Hardie and Steven McDougall missed training with a virus but both should be fit to join the squad where experience could prove vital
By AJS in Previews 2011-12 ·

Kilmarnock -V- Inverness CT - Report

Perspective
 
A football match was played out at Rugby Park on Saturday and although it was an entertaining game, it paled into insignificance in view of the sad incident where an Inverness fan collapsed and died in the Frank Beattie Stand midway through the second half, despite frantic efforts by a doctor and medical staff to revive him.
Fans could not help but be drawn towards the incident occurring a few yards in front of them and the result of the game was far from those that unfortunately witnessed this tragedy. He was later named as Mr John McDonald, an Inverness fan from Milngavie and the thoughts and prayers of everyone are with his family and friends.
Chris Hogg touched on the word perspective in his blog about his rehabilitation after injury, and this could not be more appropriate given the circumstances on this day. The result of the game was the last thing on the minds of the Inverness support and this haunting memory will stay with those at Rugby park forever. RIP John.
The size of the crowd could be judged by the low turn out at the Hunting Lodge, three hardy souls had made the effort, but they were rewarded with a heartening display by the visitors and before half time we had pushed our noses in front. However, shooting ourselves in the foot has definitely become a popular sport in the Highlands, Inverness anyway, and we were the architects of our own downfall as Jonny Hayes saw red and Killie took full advantage of the extra man to win a thrilling game by the odd goal in seven.
It was good to see that Billy McKay had found his shooting boots with a brace and Steve Williams slotted a late one, but Killie made good use of the extra man and eventually overcame the depleted Inverness men who battled hard for a point they would have deserved.
Capital Caley attended the game and his thoughts are below to give you a flavour of how it all happened.
The result on Saturday was completely insignificant after the death of a Caley Thistle fan amongst the away fans mid way through the second half. My thoughts are with his family.
Caley Thistle should have won this game. They were on course to win until Jonny Hayes was shown a red card for his second reckless challenge of the match. It was Hayes who nearly opened the scoring for Caley Thistle after 5 minutes but his shot skimmed the outside of the post. Kilmarnock were the first to open the scoring after 14 minutes with a Danny Racchis shot on target leading to the goal. Esson saved and it fell to James Fowler who netted with ease. Now I’m no goalkeeping expert but I did feel at the time that Esson could have held it. Video footage may prove me wrong however!
Killie seemed to be playing the better football during the first quarter and were making the Caley Thistle defence work hard. A James Dayton shot from the edge of the box went just wide on the 25th minute as Caley Thistle struggled to get into the match. However, just before the half hour mark, Billy McKay netted the equaliser for Caley Thistle. Hayes' cross found Greg Tansey who’s shot rebounded to Richie Foran who passed to McKay who then slotted home.
Caley Thistle then had the momentum. Within 6 minutes McKay doubled the Caley Thistle lead with another Hayes cross finding him before heading the ball across the line. With 5 minutes before half time, Hayes picked up his first booking for a challenge on James Fowler. It may have seemed slightly harsh but many referees will give a booking for that now adays. Caley Thistle went into the break at half time with the 2-1 lead and all the momentum after a great second part of the first half.
Half Time 1-2
From the start of the second half, after various opportunities we could still not improve on our lead. I must say that there were no sitters and fault cannot be attributed to any player regarding missed chances. It was more to do with being genuinely unlucky. Greg Tansey had the first chance of the second half but Cammy Bell saved well. About 10 minutes into the second half, Hayes nearly got Caley Thistles third goal but went agonisingly wide. A string of chances then followed and the wood work saved Kilmarnock again.
Everything was going Caley Thistles way and it looked like it was going to be only a matter of time before we scored a third goal. Hayes was having a great game until his moment of madness in the 58th minute. His rash challenge on Ben Gordon left the referee no other option but to show Hayes his second yellow and then red. From there, everything fell apart. Kilmarnock seemed to take a huge confidence boost from the loss of Hayes and attacked the Caley Thistle goal.
Dean Shiels crossed in a wonderful corner that found the head of Michael Nelson as he all too easily scored Killies equaliser. Roman Golobart then came on for Aaran Doran who had a very impressive game. Unfortunately although it seemed sensible to shore up the defence, Caley Thistle were still unable to prevent Killie from scoring more. Shiels then put Kilmarnock into the lead on the 80th minute. His shot across the box didn’t look like it was going in however it was impossible for Graeme Shinnie to get out of the way and he turned the ball into his own net. Of course, Roman Golobart will be claiming it to add to his goal tally! Killie then went 4-2 up when William Gros passed to Shiels who slotted the ball past Esson. The brief introduction of Gregory Tade with a few minutes to go wasn’t enough to muster an equaliser but Caley Thistle came back into the game with 1 minute to play. Richie Foran crossed in and Steve Williams nudged the ball across the goal line. There was time for one final attack from Caley Thistle but we couldn’t get the break in front of goal.
Overall, it was a very entertaining game where Caley Thistle looked set for victory until the red card. Another defeat, but no shame in the performance. However, the terribly sad events in the stand puts the game into perspective.
 

By Scotty in Reports 2011-12 ·

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