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Hibernian -V- Inverness CT - Preview

Easter Road, Leith, on a bleak midwinter night is not the ideal evening out, but Inverness will be doing just that on Wednesday night as they face fellow strugglers Hibernian in another six-pointer.
Back to back wins are not so common this season and Inverness will be looking to break the mould and keep their distance from the sleeping Edinburgh giants after overcoming Aberdeen on Xmas Eve in a gruelling encounter played out in the teeth of a storm.
Inverness have gradually eased themselves away from the foot of the table and sit four points ahead of the bottom pair of Dunfermline and Hibs. Both of these clubs have a game in hand but it is getting rather congested down there as Aberdeen are still inconsistent enough to warrant a place just above Inverness and are still in the mix for the drop as we type.
Alternative Maryhill has been busy on the train home and has conjured up his own pantomime to add some festive cheer to the dark depressing nights ahead...........read on and enjoy
Curtain Call for Caley Jags
Hibernian FC is renowned as the club of choice for some of Scotland’s most eminent contributors to the arts: Irvine Welsh, Fish and Pat Nevin, to name but three. Perhaps the greatest of them all, however, is Grant Stott, a true giant of light entertainment thanks to much-loved TV shows such as Scotsport, Fully Booked and Wemyss Bay 90210. Grant, sadly, will miss tomorrow’s match as he is starring as Gobina McPhlegm, arch-villain in the King’s Theatre production of Cinderella. If he had time to stop and reflect, however, Grant would realise that a remarkably similar story is unfolding down Leith way...
* * *
Easter Road Stadium on a cold winter’s night. A single floodlight illuminates the centre circle. Enter CinderFenlon, dressed in green and white rags and playing a mournful version of ‘Sunshine on Leith’ on a tin whistle.
CinderFenlon (stops playing and tearfully addresses the empty stands😞 Oh, if only I could go to the Season 2012-13 SPL ball. I’ve been here a month and all I’ve done is try to clean things up, but there still seems to be sh*te everywhere I look.
Pow! There is a puff of green smoke and Eoin Doyle appears, clad in a sparkly emerald mini-dress.
Eoin Doyle: CinderFenlon, you SHALL go to the SPL Season 2012-13 ball!
CinderFenlon: Who are you?
Eoin Doyle: I’m your fairy godmother. You signed me from Sligo Rovers.
CinderFenlon: So I did... hang on, though, aren’t you ineligible until the transfer window opens?
Doyle/Godmother: Feck it. I’ve come in early again. Oh well, you’ll just have to rely on Griffiths and O’Connor.
CinderFenlon: Ah Jaysis. Griffiths’ loan spell is almost up – he’s going back to Wolves next month. And O’Connor’s injured again ... I think the fecker must have glass feet or something.
Doyle/Godmother: Sorry Cinders – you’re on your own then.
CinderFenlon: Some fairy godmother you are. Could you not at least turn a couple of pumpkins into players for me?
Doyle/Godmother: It’s already been tried. Didn’t work. Where do you think Paul Hanlon and Danny Galbraith came from?
And with that, Doyle/Godmother vanishes in another puff of green smoke and CinderFenlon sinks to his haunches in the centre circle, head bowed, fingering his tin whistle. As the light on him dims, two more floodlights come up on opposite corners of the far end of the ground. There is a panic-stricken cry of ‘Behind You!’ from the Hibs Coaching Staff on the sidelines, but CinderFenlon is so absorbed in his own misery that he does not hear, and so does not notice, as the Pantomime Horse and the Ugly Sisters enter from either side of the far end of the field and come to halt facing each other in front of the Famous Five Stand goal. The Pantomime Horse is first to speak: the nasal voice coming through its neck-grille is immediately recognisable as that of Derek Adams.
Pantomime Horse / Adams: Agent Scott. Agent Brown. Half a season down, and all is going to plan. I am delighted with your work.
The light comes up fully on the Ugly Sisters, revealing the hellish features of Martin ‘Jimmy’ Scott and Mark Brown.
Sisters Scott and Brown (in unison😞 Thank You, Master. We are keeping our side of the bargain. Hibernian are joint bottom, with two more games against Dunfermline still to come. However, how can we be sure, O Master, that you will honour your part of the agreement? You are, after all, the living embodiment of evil...
Pantomime Horse / Adams: Don’t worry, Jimmy. You will always be a hero to our supporters; moreover, as someone given to assaulting his own team-mates, you are clearly a man from the same mould as me. Your transfer back north is assured, as soon as we replace Hibs in the SPL. And Mark, fear not: as you are an ex-ICT player, we are required by law to sign you for Ross County. Just make sure Hibs keep losing. (From the sidelines, the Hibs Coaching Staff shout ‘Boooo! Hiss!’ for all they are worth. The villains pay no attention.)
Sisters Scott and Brown (in unison😞 We hear and obey.
Pantomime Horse / Adams: Splendid. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to Dingwall, and out of this suit. Iain Vigurs is playing my hind quarters tonight, and I’m getting sick of having his head stuck up my arse... (Pantomime Horse / Adams / Vigurs turns and exits stage left; the Ugly Sisters exit stage right.)
Will CinderFenlon ever go to the SPL Season 2012-13 ball, or will diabolical horse Adams and his hideous inside agents Scott and Brown triumph and send Hibernian FC into the fizzy-pop league? Tune in again in May and find out...
* * *
So much for the Easter Road pantomime. Up in Inverness, meanwhile, Caley Thistle have managed to cover the whole spectrum of theatrical genres this season: tragedy, comedy, farce, mystery... and that was just the Dundee United home game. Having taken the season’s habit of losing beautifully to new heights at Ibrox the following weekend, however, last Saturday ICT finally rediscovered the habit of winning ugly when they beat Aberdeen 2-1. Before kick off the signs weren’t encouraging: our bogey team had hit a bit of form, strong winds and rain ensured that flowing football would be impossible, and suspensions and late injury call-offs meant that a central defence and midfield that have already swapped partners more frequently than the Krankies this season would again have to bed in new combinations. Yet in spite of this, a Caley Thistle team inspired by Roman Golabart and David Davis ground out a difficult win to take the Inverness club four points ahead of Dunfermline and next opponents Hibernian and leave the ICT supporters wondering if a corner has finally been turned. One thing that this game and the Rangers game that preceded it reassured the supporters of was that this ICT team, for all its fragility, is absolutely unified and committed to the cause, something that Hibernian supporters have been unable to claim of their players this season. Managing to chalk up consecutive wins for the first time this season would surely represent the overcoming of a big psychological hurdle for the Inverness players; yet Hibs’ supporters will feel that Pat Fenlon must sooner or later get his first win as Hibernian manager and will see playing Caley Thistle, a team against which they have a strong home record, as a great opportunity to do so.
Assuming, that is, that they are even aware that their team is playing ICT. Clearly the perception of Hibs as ‘big team’, ICT as ‘diddy club’ is still strong. Over on ‘hibeesbounce.com’ there are several threads already in existence about the Edinburgh derby on January 2nd but none on the ICT fixture tomorrow night, and if Terry Butcher’s players need any more motivation than putting seven points between them and Pat Fenlon’s side in order to beat Hibs, then all they need to do is witness the presumption of Hibernian supporters such as ‘jimmyhibs’ who dismisses the game with the line, ‘Of course, we still have to see to ICT. Which I believe we will.’ Cheers, Jimmy. I hope your words come back and choke you.
Team News
For tomorrow’s game, ICT will be without long-term injury victims Owain Tudur-Jones, Chris Hogg and David Proctor; Aaron Doran was on the bench against Aberdeen, hopefully signifying a return to full fitness, while Josh Meekings should hopefully be fit enough to be considered for selection. The biggest questions marks are over Ross Tokely and Andrew Shinnie, both key players so far this season, who missed the Aberdeen game with calf injuries. Terry Butcher has been quoted as saying that he will ‘give them every chance’, but with the game against St Johnstone coming only five days after this one, he may not risk returning them too early. Although Kenny Gillet lacked a little presence in the centre of defence on Saturday, Butcher may well be happy to stick with a winning team: I would expect the formation utilised in the Rangers and Aberdeen games, with Foran in a deeper role, Tade playing wide left and Billy Mackay playing as a lone striker, to be retained against Hibs.
Hibs cannot really point to injuries as a significant factor in their poor form this season: rather, there seems to have been a failure of the personnel, many impressive-looking as individuals, to gel into a team. The squad is close to full strength for tomorrow’s game: Isaiah Osbourne is the only certain absentee, but Caley Thistle could be given a boost if Garry O’Connor, absent from the Dundee United game with a bruised toe, is again missing. With new signing Eoin Doyle still ineligible, the talented but unpredictable Leigh Griffiths is almost certain to start up front, but beyond that this team is anyone’s guess. Pat Fenlon has tinkered with the system, but it seems that players who quite recently looked like great prospects, such as David Wotherspoon, Calum Booth, Lewis Stevenson and Danny Galbraith, are simply not playing to their potential. After their recent defeat to Dundee United, Pat Fenlon admitted that the players did not look fit enough: hopefully Terry Buthcer will have taken note of this and will encourage the likes of Hayes, Davis and Tade to run the legs off the Hibs players.
Prediction
Strong winds are once again forecast for tomorrow night, and these could play a part in influencing the game’s outcome, but Caley Thistle proved on Saturday that they could cope with difficult conditions. Moreover, although the team has still to notch up consecutive wins, there is no denying the fact that they have notched up consecutive great performances in the past eleven days, and this should be boost to their confidence. By contrast, Hibs have lost four league games on the bounce and haven’t won in seven, and the team looks shot of confidence and lacking in direction. Hopefully I won’t put a jinx on them by doing so, but I am predicting an ICT win and a resounding curtain call in front of the travelling support at the end of an interesting but difficult year.
Hibernian 1 – Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2
By ALSY in Previews 2011-12 ·

Inverness CT -V- Aberdeen - Report

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!
ICT 2-1 Aberdeen
Caley Thistle once again went 2 goals up in a match at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, but this time, unlike the Dundee Utd game, they didnt throw away three goals and a victory .... just the one goal this time.
It means ICT still havent had a clean sheet all season, but there is a pre-Xmas present of three valuable points.
Christmas shopping was on hold as Inverness Caledonian Thistle had more pressing business, the collection of three points from some very benevolent Aberdonian's..............that'll be a first.
The Xmas spirit was in full flow in the pre-match bars as the Dons support came in numbers to support their idols, unfortunately their team were not quite so responsive and could only offer a dire performance in return for the vocal backing and Inverness were the benefactors on a blustery Christmas Eve at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Dons and there was to be no repeat of the dramatic collapse that saw Dundee United come back from the dead to snatch all three points.
In truth, the weather ruined any hope that there would be an entertaining game on display as the blustery conditions made kicking the ball in the air a lottery. However, that did not stop some of them trying, and failing miserably. Epic Fail! On that note I can describe the first half as like the weather; grim. Ross Tokely and Andy Shinnie were absent for Inverness, both suffering late injuries, but captain Richie Foran made the start before his yellow card tot-ups come into play. Aberdeen made four alterations, Youl Mawene, Andrew Considine, Chris Clark and Josh Magennis coming in, while McArdle, Fallon and Fraser Fyvie made the bench with Mohamed Chalali sitting this one out.
Not really much to report about the first half but Esson was the first keeper called upon to thwart Magennis as he parried his effort wide. Tade was giving the Aberdeen back four some grief as he tore down the wing, leaving defenders trailing in his wake, but there was no takers for his tantalising cross into the danger area, in all honesty nobody could keep up with him. Arnason put a header wide as Aberdeen started to get to grips with the weather, but Esson remained untroubled for the half, as was Aberdeen keeper Brown as Shinnie blazed a shot over and a Golobart header went high over the bar; better things were to come in the second half though.
Half Time 0-0
24/12/11 Tulloch Caledonian Stadium - Referee Alan Muir - Attendance 5888
Inverness CT 2 - Golobart (64), Tade (69)
TEAM: Esson, Piermayr, Golobart, G.Shinnie, Gillet, Cox (Tansey 79), Hayes, Davis, Tade, Foran, McKay (Sutherland 90) SUBS: Tuffey, Ross, Morrison, Doran
Booked: Golobart (1), G.Shinnie (85)
Aberdeen 1 - Fallon (76)
TEAM: Brown, Jack (Megginson 86), Mawene, Considine, Foster, Clark, Milsom, Osbourne, Arnason, Magennis (Mackie 70), Vernon (Fallon 70)
SUBS: Gonzalez, McArdle, Robertson, Fyvie
Booked: Considine (88)  
Conditions remained the same in the second period and play restarted with not much cheer in the stadium as hot food was at a premium. With Inverness playing into the South stand, it was nearly twenty minutes before anything happened, Jason Brown making an excellent save as Davis latched onto a ball on the angle and drove goalwards only for the keeper to replicate Esson's first half save. From the corner, Hayes bulleted a wind assisted cross onto the soaring Spaniard's napper and Golobart directed the ball easily into the net for a deserved first goal for Inverness. Ole Ole Ole Senor Golobart.
Billy McKay spooned an effort over the bar which would have helped matters but we were soon to double our advantage. Almost on the seventy minute mark, Gregory Tade pounced on a loose ball in the Dons box to drive home a second goal for Inverness. Game over you would have thought, but no, we don't do anything the easy way. (remember United).
Seven minutes later and it was twitchy bums time as Fallon scored a sloppy goal for the clean sheet to disappear and give the Dons a bit of hope that they barely deserved.
If truth be told, Aberdeen hardly troubled the resolute Inverness defence and we saw this game out more comfortably than it appeared. The fans being more troubled than the players on the park. The Dons did produce a couple of late corners and throw-ins, but with Golobart commanding his box and Foran having his best game of the season, there was no way Aberdeen were going to get a second.
Full Time 2-1
Some great contributions from Foran, Davis and Tade in some very trying conditions, but one man was literally head and shoulders above everyone else and that was 19 year old Roman Golobart, the sponsors MotM and most other peoples as well.
EsplÃndido espectÃculo Senor Roman!
This result keeps us clear of Hibs and Dunfermline at the wrong end of the table and only two points behind Aberdeen.
Hibs at Easter Road on wednesday evening is the next game followed by St Johnstone at home in the new year.
Merry Xmas.
By Scotty in Reports 2011-12 ·

Inverness CT -V- Aberdeen - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
It beats Xmas shopping (hopefully)

Aberdeen call early on Xmas Eve for a 12:30 kick off at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium for a Xmas cracker as the festive events get under way.
The SPL are offering all clubs an early Christmas present in the shape of standing areas at all grounds. I thought we already had that; especially when the Old Firm are in town as the entire away support stand for the full ninety minutes in the South Stand with police and stewards looking on admiringly. Merry Xmas!

Terry Butcher was left bemused once more as his Inverness side gave Champions Rangers a doing at Ibrox and still came away pointless after an enthralling encounter ended 2-1 for the Glasgow giants. "We don't get penalties" was the cry after referee Bobby Madden waived away two big shouts for spot-kicks in favour of the visitors. That's twenty games without a penalty he mused. Despite going down at Ibrox, Butcher can be proud of the whole teams efforts as they took the game to Rangers after going behind only to be denied inside the last ten minutes by a Lafferty sucker punch. But that was not before McKay missed an open goal and struck one straight at McGregor, Foran had a header agonisingly chalked off for offside and Jonny Hayes burst through the Rangers defence only for his stabbed effort to be miraculously cleared off the line by Lee Wallace with no margin for error. It was a great attempt by the Inverness lads to change the rules as they had Rangers on the ropes for long spells, and this with eight players out of the squad and playing first choice left back in the right back position, a role Gillet performed rather well as did Graeme Shinnie his deputy at left back. Young Spaniard Roman Golobart showed his talents at Ibrox as he contained the threat of Jelavic for most of the game; ole! But plaudits are no consolation when it's points that we need, so it's onwards we have to look for the next game.
This was a much improved performance from the United game where our Jekyll & Hyde characters overshadowed our Superman traits, and more performances like this will surely be enough to maintain our SPL status long enough to see the advent of the standing section.

Craig Brown has managed to get a mini-revival going at Pittodrie as the Dons have taken seven points from a possible nine in their last three games to ease them away from the foot of the table. A hard fought draw with St Mirren was followed by a comfortable away win at Perth and last weeks 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Hibernian. These points are borne out of desperation and the need to get off the foot of the table, but it shows how quickly your fortunes can change with a couple of back-to-back wins, something we should have completed with the United game, unfortunately we blew that chance to edge further away from the bottom and are paying the price for it. Aberdeen's win over Hibs was not without controversy, the sending off of young star Peter Pawlett for a tackle that was not a tackle if you know what I mean. He slid in to block a clearance by Lewis Stevenson and as the Hibs player rode the tackle, the linesman flagged for the referee to red-card Pawlett, a decision the Dons will contest. Pawlett was the centre of attention in this game as it was he who gained the penalty that led to Scott Vernon scoring the winner, going down rather easily under a challenge from Ivan Sproule.
Scott Vernon has scored three of Aberdeen's goals in the revival and will be a threat to our under fire defence which as reported last week will be without the unfortunate Chris Hogg for the season. What we did see at Ibrox though, was the quality of Roman Golobart alongside Ross Tokely, a pairing that will need to gel quickly as they would appear to be our last realistic options for centre back. It has been well documented that we have not kept a clean sheet all season and the statistic of 38 goals lost in 19 games is exactly 2 goals per game. That was not for the want of trying at Ibrox though as Ryan Esson pulled off a magnificent diving save (think Gordon Banks) to deny Whittaker in the first half. Our defence on the day also played well to a man and hopefully a clean sheet would be a welcome early Xmas present for Butcher and the fans. Dunfermline are now the team with the worst goal difference stat at minus 20, compared to Hibs and ourselves at minus 13.
Anoraks Corner:- Since Inverness joined Scotland's elite in the SPL in season 2004/2005 the sides have met twenty times on league business, and twice on cup duty, the Dons winning both cup games. It took Inverness fifteen competitive games to get the better of Aberdeen and they did it in style with two collectors items in that game, an Andy Barrowman goal and a Roy McBain goal in a 2-0 win at Pittodrie in August 2008. A new era perhaps for football in Inverness? Not so as Barrowman flopped and Inverness were relegated at the end of the season. The omens are heavily in favour of Aberdeen for this Tulloch Caledonian Stadium fixture as they have a total of 7 wins against a solitary win for Inverness with 2 games drawn. We have scored three goals against Aberdeen in Inverness, unfortunately they scored four with a last gasp Maguire winner, and a Russell Duncan red-card at half-time was followed by one for Grant Munro after the full time whistle. Russell Duncan only ever scored spectacular goals for ICT and this one was no different as he lashed a low drive beyond Soutar from 25 yards, his celebration being deemed worthy of a yellow card by the ref. His second on the half time whistle was for taking his anger out on the ball and thumping it high into the main stand; bye bye Russell. Roy McBain had shown his prowess in this game as well by scoring ICT's third goal. Dave Bus had scored the opener for Inverness as he diverted a header past his own keeper; taxi for Bus. Other scorers for Aberdeen that day were the diver Sone Aluko who started the ball rolling, Nicholson with the second, Lee Miller the third and that Maguire sickener in the 93rd minute. Our only home victory came in the first encounter last season when Hayes and Rooney scored in each half for a comfortable 2-0 win that saw Aberdeen's Michael Paton red carded for a foul on Hayes. That was Inverness' first home points of the season and saw us climb to fifth in the table, two above Aberdeen after seven games played. Aberdeen have scored twice as many goals as the home side, only nine for Inverness and eighteen for the Dons.

tm4tj Prediction:- The stats weigh heavily on the side of the visitors, but the reality might be closer to the truth. Inverness' defensive fragility combined with Aberdeen's shot shy away day form tells me that a low scoring game is on the cards, although Scott Vernon has eight goals to his credit this term. Jonny Hayes is getting back to full fitness and Andrew Shinnie is showing his talents in front of goal and if Inverness can steady the ship at the back then we might sneak a narrow win, but can we keep a clean sheet? If we can stop Aberdeen scoring then I can see a home win coming, if not then we are looking at a draw.

***Latest Team News***
Inverness have David Davis back after suspension, but David Proctor and Josh Meekings are still unavailable to add to the longer term crocks of Jones, Doran and Chippendale. Meekings is closest to a return and Piermayr was on the bench at Ibrox and will be in the squad. Chris Hogg can be found at his Fightback blogg as he continues to pour his heart out after his serious injury and will be out for some considerable time. At the time of publishing, there is some dubiety over the eligibility of Richie Foran who has exceeded the bookings threshold, but he may still be included as he is not on the SFA discipline list of banned players yet.........confused.com?

Aberdeen's *Peter Pawlett won't have to worry about beating the beaks regarding his red card as he was given a two game suspension for simulation to earn the penalty which won the game. Is it something they teach them at Pittodrie as Aluko suffered the same fate a couple of weeks ago. Fraser Fyvie is back into contention after his suspension. Rory Fallon might not make this one as he is suffering from a groin problem, and Yoann Folly and Mo Chalali are out injured
*Pawlett did beat the red card for the sending off as it was reduced to a yellow, but the simulation has cost him a two game ban starting tomorrow. Some you win, some you lose Pete!

Other SPL News
Hearts have managed to pay the taxman a six figure sum which will keep the winding up order away for a while, let's hope they pay the players what they are due before Xmas. Ryan Stevenson has told Hearts he won't be back unless they pay him what he is due. Eggert Jonsson will join Wolves for a fee believed to be in the region of £200k. Andrew Driver is also creating interest after his Hearts career has come to a standoff. It's all happening down Gorgie Road.

Rangers will no doubt show an interest in Kris Boyd as he has now left Turkish club Eskisehirspor, (not easy to say if you have been drinking). A proven scorer in the SPL, this could be a good move for player and club.

Celtic will have to make do without Englands record goal scorer Daniel Majstorovic after he suffered a fractured cheek bone against St Johnstone. He is expected to be out for around six weeks.

Stand up for the Caley Jags:- Standing at SPL games..........what next. Plans are in place for SPL clubs to allocate safe standing areas within the stadiums. Well at least the scope for continued discussion has been approved, but it's not as straightforward as it appears. Terracing here we come? http://ictfc.com/new...-standing-areas

Promotion Watch:- Falkirk narrowed the gap slightly on runaway leaders Ross County after thrashing QotS 5-1, as County battled for a 1-1 draw with the other contenders Dundee. County however, have a game in hand over both clubs and lead Falkirk by six points, but the sting in the tail could come this weekend as County head to Falkirk for what will be a testing time, whilst Dundee take on lowly Morton. The race for promotion hots up as the mercury plummets.
By tm4tj in Previews 2011-12 ·

Rangers -V- Inverness CT - Report

Rangers grab all three points in a hard fought battle at Ibrox.Â
 
Caley Thistle, Â once again travelling without a full matchday squad, held the champions at bay for the first half but it looks like Ally McCoist gave them a rollicking at half-time and they certainly moved up a gear in the second.
Carlos Bocanegra opened the scoring in the 55th minute but it was former Ger, Andy Shinnie who equalised in controversial fashion 12 minutes later. Jelavic was down injured (or slow to get up) and Rangers did not put the ball out of play ... they then lost it and the end result was an Andy Shinnie goal. It was a deserved goal, and as the BBC commented, Rangers could have put the ball out if Jelavic was really as injured as he was making out !
The final 20 minutes were, for want of a better description, "pulsating". Chances fell at either end with McKay hitting the post and having another attempt saved by McGregor, and Foran also had a "goal" chopped off. Â Rangers had the ball cleared off the line three times and hit both the post and the bar before Lafferty grabbed the winner seven minutes from time.
Plenty for our intrepid reporter to write about when he gets home from Ibrox ..............................and here he is safe and sound as Capital Caley relates his day out down Govan way.......................
What a performance. What an effort.
So close to being a result. That has to be one of the best performances we've ever had at Ibrox. This makes it even more frustrating that we didn't take anything from the game. I feel strangely happy after this game. Of course the result is bitterly disappointing but I think the 140 away fans in attendance will all feel very proud of the way the players went about their business.
The day started for a few Caley Thistle fans how it usually starts when we play Rangers â€" by hitting Glasgow's number 1 Unofficial Caley Thistle bar â€" Brechins. Taking part in the Brechins festivities along with myself were familiar faces such as Govan Jaggie (of course) tm4tj, Red Card, Snow, Snow Jnr, ICT Bob, JK, Ginger Jaggy and last but not least, Alternative Maryhill. As we headed along to the stadium (running late as usual) there was a feeling of optimism within the ranks. Hindered slightly by Glasgow Council's inability to relieve the pavements of their coating of ice we skated merrily towards Ibrox and entered the stadium to the noise of the Gers singing section. The game kicked off just as we were settling into our seats.
With our dearth of players for this one, Butcher elected to try Kenny Gillet at right back and pulled Richie Foran deep, leaving Tade up front to compliment Billy McKay. Lee Cox slotted into the midfield with Davis out because of his red card last week.
The first half hour was very quiet and nothing to get too excited about. Our first real chance occurred when a Foran header struck the hand of Jelavic in the box â€" the referee decided to play on. As Terry Butcher said â€" we don't get penalties! Rangers only real chance of the first half occurred just before half time. A Whittaker shot was brilliantly saved by Ryan Esson. He dived to his left to somehow palm the ball away from goal. The team looked comfortable in the first half with the back 4 looking strong. In particular, Roman Golobart, who had a very good game. His challenges were perfect each time and he did the business. A no nonsense performance, where he tapassed the ball out of play when needed... Don't all laugh at once!
Half Time 0-0
17/12/11 Ibrox Stadium,
Glasgow Rangers:- 2 - Bocanegra (55), Lafferty (83)
TEAM: McGregor, Papac (Bendiksen 78), Wallace, Whittaker, Bocanegra, Bartley, Edu (McCulloch 46), Davis, Bedoya (Lafferty 53), Wylde, Jelavic
SUBS: Alexander, Broadfoot, McKay, McCabe
Booked: Bocanegra (75), Laffery (83), McCulloch (87)
Sent Off: none
Inverness CT:- 1 - A.Shinnie (67)
TEAM: Esson, Tokely, Golobart, G.Shinnie, Gillet, Cox, Hayes, Tansey (A.Shinnie 60), Foran, Tade, McKay (Sutherland 85)
SUBS: Tuffey, Piermayr, Ross, Morrison
Booked: Gillet (43), Cox (64), Foran (90)
Sent Off: none
Referee Bobby Madden Attendance 43701
Into the second half, and there was much more to talk about! Rangers started strongly and had a couple of shots cleared off the line/six-yard box. From our small corner, I couldn't see who it was that cleared it â€" but I'll attribute it to the new Golly! We then had another penalty claim turned down. Right in front of goal, Billy McKay was hauled to the ground with the Rangers defender wrapping his arms round him. I was right behind the linesman, who had a clear view. He must have sneezed at the moment of the foul I suppose. Please refer to Butchers previous comment.
Rangers went ahead on 54 minutes. A Bocanegra shot from close range slotted into the bottom corner. In fairness, we could see the goal coming. Rangers did start the second half very strongly. Papac then hit the crossbar for Rangers from a loose ball thirty yards out as they started to show signs of quality. However, we came back into the game and deservedly equalised in 67 minutes when a brilliant run and cross from Gregory Tade found Andrew Shinnie who flicked the ball into McGregor's top corner.
A few minutes later we were 2-1 up! A Foran header at the back post, almost identical to the first goal sailed into the top corner. Jubilation! We were on the road to victory! Then the flag went up for offside. I haven't seen the goal again, but I am certain Foran was not offside. I am certain he was onside by a country mile! TV evidence apparently backs this up.Â
With the game raging on, Billy Mckay rounded McGregor and from a tight angle, hit the post. It was tight, but he looked almost certain to score. Then again, within minutes, Hayes shuffled past McGregor and his poked shot was somehow cleared off the line by Wallace. I don't think he hit it hard enough as he was under pressure. This gave the Rangers defence time to blockade the goal. Mckay should have put us 2-1 up when he skinned Whittaker, spun around and from close range, hit it straight at McGregor.
Against the run of play, Rangers went 2-1 up. Steve Davis found Lafferty who fired in the ball from close range. We continued to press with great runs from Hayes, Shinnie and Tade but couldn't break through in the end.
Full Time 2-1
The Caley Thistle support gave a standing ovation for their team at the end as the players approached and applauded back. Then it was back to Brechins after the game. Being an over 21's pub I had hatched a plan to get two slightly younger fans in â€" martinskye and twin brother Iain â€" or Jedward as they are more commonly known! Unfortunately they got lost and ended up walking a couple of miles in the wrong direction. They ended up closer to St Mirren Park than Brechins! Overall, there was a feeling of optimism within the support after the game. We were all so proud of the team. If they take that performance into the next few games, they shall do well. Every player on the park was first class.
It's difficult to pick a MotM. I would like to give it to McKay, as he did play fantastic but really should have scored. Shinnie made a massive impact when he came on but for running Rangers ragged, I'll give it to Hayes. Lets take this feeling of optimism to the Dons game on Christmas Eve next week.
Have a Merry Christmas!
By tm4tj in Reports 2011-12 ·

Rangers -V- Inverness CT - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
No Xmas Cheer at Inverness

After last weekends disappointing result, Inverness head to Glasgow to take on champions Rangers at Ibrox.
Maybe not the easiest of places to go after the obligatory handing over of three points last week and the loss of Hogg and Davis has just compounded our misery; not the Xmas present we were hoping for.

Yes it's been a long week to ponder over the happenings of the United game. An even longer one for the unfortunate Chris Hogg who's season has finished now after the results of his scan were revealed and David Davis can reflect on his stint at right back which ended with him seeing red. All in all, a disastrous week for Inverness, let's hope we can use the trip to Ibrox to recharge our batteries for the relegation tussle ahead.

Capital Caley has sorted a preview out for us before he heads to Brechins Bar for the pre-match entertainment, read on...............

He's making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's injured tonight.......Terry Butchers coming to town

Terry Butcher has more injury worries again ahead of this game, but it's that time of the year again. The Caley Away Christmas party! Tynecastle was the venue this time last year. The hard fought point secured the unbeaten away run in 2010. A year on and things don't feel quite so festive on the park. We head to Castle Greyskull with yet more injury and suspension worries. With the devastating news that Chris Hogg will be out for the rest of the season we are now looking as fragile as ever at the back. Josh Meekings and David Proctor may also be missing again and the influential David Davis will be missing for this one following his red card against Dundee United. Caley Thistle have been incredibly inconsistent over the last month. A wonderful 6-3 victory at Kilmarnock, followed by a spirited performance against Celtic, then a dire game against Hearts and a solid hard fought victory against St Mirren. It was back to square one last week with the collapse against Dundee United. What Caley Thistle team will turn up in Govan on Saturday? That question could be asked literally and metaphorically! Terry Butcher has had to make more changes than a gremlin in a snow shower.
Although we sit awfully close to the bottom of the SPL, no doubt the Caley Thistle faithful will have a joyous time on Saturday. The Official Festive Fun bus looks like it will have everyone in Yuletide spirit, whilst most of the Glasgow based crew will be drinking beer and scoffing mince pies in Brechins Bar pre and post match. No doubt we'll be looking up the Christmas songs for the Saturday night karaoke!
Rangers have other problems to worry about over the festive period. With the meeting with HMRC looming as well as stuttering SPL performances, a Caley Thistle victory could still be achieved. Some would argue that Rangers deserve a lump of coal for Christmas. Their years of overspending has finally caught up with them. Can that lump of coal be delivered a week early in the form of a Caley Thistle victory? Possibly" but i'm not holding my breath!
Caley Thistle lost out to Rangers the last time the clubs met. Two 'penalties' for the men from Glasgow won the game. Both penalties looked dubious and Terry Butcher unsuccessfully appealed Ross Tokelys red card. A harsh outcome considering all the camera angles pointed to a good challenge. There have been some great memories from our games at Ibrox in the past. In 2005, a long punt by someone called Grant Munro found Brian Prunty who scored one of the worst goals in an ICT shirt, but it felt like the best, earning a point in injury time. Ian Black scored a last minute winner from the penalty spot in 2009 to win the game and take us off bottom. Terry Butchers celebrations that night aggravated the Rangers loyal; well the ones that hadn't left from the 70th minute onwards. Last season we earned a point away to Rangers. An 81st minute Eric Odhiambo leveler kept the unbeaten away run going. Although I've still not figured out why Odhiambo ran to celebrate in the wrong corner!
Unfortunately, our last trip to Govan wasn't as successful as Rangers scraped a 1-0 victory. The game was rescheduled twice and the second one was rescheduled less than a week before the new date, leaving Terry and Mo with little time to prepare properly for the match. Caley Thistles first competitive game against Rangers occurred in March 1996 in the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup. We lost out 3-0 at the neutral Tannadice Park in Dundee. Rangers were hoping for a repeat of their 10-1 victory against Keith from the previous round. However, a spirited Caley Thistle performance kept the light blues at bay and the score line flattered Rangers. Many media commentators at the time predicted Caley Thistle would rise to the top flight one day based on what they saw of the club, the team and the fans that day. Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne played that day up against the likes of Mike Teasdale and Brian Thomson.
The shrewdness of Steve Patersons signings has taken us steadily up the leagues all the way to the SPL. In contrast, Rangers flamboyant signings in the 1990's and early 2000's have kept them in the upper echelons of the SPL and in Europe until late September most seasons. The question has to be asked, was it worth it? It certainly won't be if HMRC gets its way in January. They will be meeting Hector the Tax Man in administration heaven. If proceedings go as bad as they could, they will be replaced by our neighbours from the other side of the Black Isle. The last time Ross County brought a sizeable amount of supporters to the Central Belt, a caravan jam had blocked the whole of the A9 between Dingwall and Perth. The Central Belt based SPL teams are wary of this happening in their neck of the woods but it is starting to look more and more likely.

Capital Caley's Prediction:- Our past performances and results at Ibrox have been impressive. We have beaten Rangers on their own turf whilst we were bottom of the league. We have shown in a few games this season that we can play well and are capable of scoring. Rangers have dropped more points at home than away this season. They are starting to struggle and if we can contain them early on, they will get restless. If the Caley Thistle team performs to their best standard on Saturday, then we can get something from the game. Although I would like to say we'll get all 3 points, the odds are against us, but there's no reason why we can't get a point, so I'm going to predict a 1-1 draw. I believe in Santa Butcher. I believe in the team â€" whoever happens to be picked on Saturday! Now lets don red and blue Santa hats, get caught up in the festive spirit and hope Jonny Hayes can fire a festive cracker for all 3 points!

***Latest Team News***
Inverness are once again ravaged by injuries, none moreso than the extremely disappointing news about Chris Hogg, resulting in the rest of his season being written off and a prognosis of at least nine months out of the game after sustaining a serious knee injury when he clashed with Gary Mackay-Steven and David Davis in last weeks match. Davis also misses this game after his red card against United. Meekings is struggling to shake off a calf injury, Proctor (ankle) and Piermayr (back) making all three doubtful for Saturday, although the Austrian looks to have the best chance of making the squad. Chippendale is still out making a total of seven injuries and one suspension when you add on the two long term casualties, Doran and Tudur-Jones. Chris Hogg has put pen to paper after his injury, as a sort of self therapy, and you can follow the story on his Blog, The Fightback http://chrishoggthef...t.com/?spref=tw It is an insight into how he will cope with this devastating blow to his career, let's hope he makes a comeback from this, all the best Chris.
Rangers have less problems than the threadbare Highlanders and a much greater squad to choose from. Like Hogg, Steven Naismith is out for the season and Sone Aluko is spared the embarrassment of showing his face on the park after his attempt to cheat the system failed on review and he rightly received a two match ban, (not enough in my book). Kyle Lafferty (back) and Dorin Goian (bug) are doubts and Jamie Ness is out. The depth of squad at Ibrox means that these absentees are a drop in the ocean compared to that of Terry Butcher's squad, such is life.

Other News
SPL News:- Aberdeen crawled above Inverness in midweek after defeating St Johnstone 2-1 in Perth. Celtic left the Europa League after a 1-1 draw with Italian side Udinese was not enough to see them progress. Hearts have paid Novembers wages now; somone tell them it's nearly Xmas please. Anti bigot law's have been passed by the Scottish Parliament, so behave or stay away. The legislation will create two new offences relating to behaviour deemed to "incite religious, racial or other forms of hatred". You have been warned!

Promotion Watch:- Proof of the pudding time this weekend should their game go ahead. Ross County take on a resurgent Dundee and should they see off the dark blues, then they will go eleven points ahead of the challengers. Falkirk are still interested and should maintain their challenge with 3 points from QotS.
By tm4tj in Previews 2011-12 ·

Inverness CT -V- Dundee United - Report

Houston, we have a problem
 
As we tweeted towards the end of the match ... "Caley Thistle. Perfecting the art of grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory. Dreadful" 
A full match report will appear here later once someone is calm enough to comment on this capitulation in a reasoned manner. 
ICT 2-3 Dundee United 
Yes,it's the same headline, but it has a different meaning today.  We have a problem, a big problem.  We managed to score very early in each half.  The enigmatic Jonny Hayes and Billy McKay scoring good goals, then the wheels fell off.
 I'm sure that Houston will take all the plaudits, and rightly so as his substitution of Johnny Russell for the ineffective Willo Flood transformed his faltering side into world beaters.  They needed not to be world beaters as we shot ourselves in the foot and the writing was on the wall as soon as we backed off Uniteds enterprising front-men.
Friday nights snow had to be cleared from the park ahead of the game as Inverness shivered after a week of horrendous weather.  Maybe we shouldn't have bothered as we slumped to another defeat, but this was no ordinary defeat.
10/12/11 Tulloch Caledonian Stadium I.C.T. 2 - Hayes (2), McKay (47) TEAM: Esson, Tokely, Hogg (Cox 15), Golobart, Gillet, Hayes, Tansey, A.Shinnie (Ross 67), Davis, Foran, McKay (Tade 73) SUBS: Tuffey, G.Shinnie, Morrison, Sutherland Booked: Davis (14), Foran (80) Sent Off: Davis (83) Dundee Utd 3 - Russell (51, 78), Golobart (og.64) TEAM: Pernis, Dillon, Dixon, Gunning, Neilson, Flood (Russell 49), Robertson, Rankin, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Daly SUBS: Banks, Kenneth, Watson, Douglas, Dalla Valle, Dow Booked: Mackay-Steven (35), Dillon (54) Sent Off: none Referee Steven McLean Attendance 3142 We started brightly, Jonny Hayes firing home inside two minutes.  David Davis doing the spadework and Hayes placing the ball low into the net from teny yards before the plastic seats had time to warm up.  Oh boy, we all thought we were onto a good thing here as we looked spritely and United struggled to create an opening.
However, the game was about to change as Davis chased after Mackay-Steven and the pair of them were blown apart as Hogg halted their progress, (ouch).  Hogg required repairing and was stretchered from the scene of the accident being replaced by Lee Cox.  Davis was booked for his clumsiness, something he would regret later in the game.
Davis went to right back and Cox took over the midfield role as Butcher had to shuffle the pack.  In all honesty, Davis coped reasonably well at right back, but his drive and determination were now missing from midfield and we were bereft of attcking options thereater. 
Hayes was having an excellent opening forty-five and time after time he would drift past his marker but the second goal had to wait until the second half.  Hayes failed to pull the trigger inside the box as we kept United quiet, electing to square the ball from a striking position and the opportunity went astray.  Pernis did well to divert a McKay shot round the post as the home side looked comfortable.  United were foraging forward in bursts and Mackay-Steven was weaving pretty patterns down the left wing, but there was no end product at this point and the first half petered out just in time as United were beginning to get to grips with the game.  Daly heading over was the first hint that something was amiss.
Half Time 1-0
The second half started like the first, another goal inside a couple of minutes as Billy McKay rose in the box to guide a superb Hayes cross into the bottom corner.  Two nil maybe flattered us a bit, but we did not mind.
Just when we thought we were going to achieve back-to-back wins, the capitulation started.  Russell's introduction had an instant impact.  Like Davis in the first half, United's Armstrong did the donkey work as our defence backed off and when the ball came to Russell in the box he sent it past Esson with ease. 
We looked fragile now and United had a spring in their step, but Richie Foran almost restored the two goal advantage with a rasping shot that almost took out two first aiders walking behind the goal.  However, we gifted United the equaliser as Golobart intecepted a cross at full stretch and the ball diverted past a furious Ryan Esson to level the scores.  Disaster for the young Spaniard who had been having a decent game up to that point.  Golobart almost immediately atoned for that blunder by directing an angled header goalwards, but unlike Billy McKay's effort, it went just the wrong side of the post.  Meh!
 The writing was on the wall now and United took the game by the scruff of the neck as Butcher showed how not to make match winning substitutions, Nick Ross taking to the park in place of Andrew Shinnie.  Not a tactically good day for Butcher who showed his lack of judgement with some less than believable  decisions as he relied on his favoured lads to do the business.
Heads down and backs to the wall are not a good combination and it was no surprise when the fleet footed Russell scored his second and United's third to leave the home fans in utter frustration and anger at their teams inability to see out this game.  He had sped away from Gillet and slid the ball into the net from the edge of the box after being threaded through by Mackay-Stevens.
Just to round off a miserable afternoon for the homesters, Davis was sent packing for a second booking as he once again chased after the elusive Mackay-Steven with ten minutes remaining.
The full time whistle ended the contest and the home players and management were roundly booed from the scene of the crime.  Not the Xmas present we were hoping for and boss Butcher needs to think long and hard about his player choices before we slip into the abyss and County pass us on the way up.
Full Time 2-3
What started out as an exciting game in prospect, turned out to be one of the most frustrating results ever.  You would have to go a long way back to recall such utter disbelief at the way we crumbled when the going got tough.  United deserved the win, let's not beat about the bush here, but the way it all panned out left a nasty taste in the mouth and with Ibrox looming next weekend it looks like we are here for the long haul.  Well done to Houston for turning round their fortunes after last weeks ineptness against Celtic. 
Despite the own goal, my man of the match was Roman Golobart, who showed some good touches and will be required in the coming weeks after Hogg's injury.
Highlights on BBC Sport
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/scotland/16130584
 
By tm4tj in Reports 2011-12 ·

Inverness CT -V- Dundee United - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
Houston, we have a problem!
You could be forgiven for thinking that United fans coined that phrase as their team struggles to launch their season after a spate of indifferent results sees them hovering just above the danger zone.
Weather permitting, the Arab's will be here on Saturday for an SPL fixture that could see Inverness draw level on points with the Taysiders.
Inverness are gradually starting to achieve lift-off after overcoming St Mirren 2-1 in Paisley last weekend, a result that was hard fought for as the players dug deep to secure the points.  Billy McKay was given his first start and maybe the heavy conditions favoured his fleet footed endeavours as the bustling Gregory Tade was consigned to the bench for eighty-five minutes.  The defence, although not achieving that elusive clean sheet, battled bravely as Saints tried to find a way back, but Ross Tokely and Roman Golobart stood firm to deny the Saints, and Jonny Hayes curled home a sublime winner.
United appeared to be inert as they succumbed rather meekly to Neil Lennon's Celtic at Tannadice, a result that put's them in eighth spot in the league, one place above Inverness.  Gary Kenneth sees his future elsewhere and expects to leave at the end of the season.  Changed days for the giant stopper after his boast of last season when he thought United could split the Old Firm.  Dream on big boy.
Weather Report:-  It has been a week when Scotland shivered as the mercury plummeted below freezing and the first noteworthy snowfall of the season left the landscape looking more like the frozen Tundra.  Giant Panda's landed at Edinburgh Zoo, although they possibly went missing from New St Mirren Park last weekend and Misha 'B' was voted off the X Factor; yes it was an extraordinary week indeed.  It's the weather that could have the last word on this game as more than six inches of snow has fallen around the Highland Capital early in the week, and if it turns milder then surface water has been known to make life difficult for award winning groundsman Tommy Cumming.  Thursday morning and the snow is disappearing fast as Hurricane Bawbag whips the North of Scotland, most bridges closed because of the high winds.  Let's see what the next couple of days brings, brrrrrrrrrr.................... at the moment, it's 2-0 to the weather.  Friday morning and it's the calm after the storm as Hurricane Bawbag has blown over, 2-1 now, but 15:00 brings more heavy snow showers to Inverness, flakes the size of the back page of the Oban Times; 3-1 to the weather.  Have faith.
Closer inspection of this fixture shows that out of ten SPL games, United have four wins to Inverness' two, and they have won three of the last four fixtures in Inverness, although Inverness won the last two cup games here.  United are the highest scorers in these games, scoring three goals on two occasions.  The last home victory was in March 2007 when 10 man Inverness scored with the last kick of the ball.  Grant Munro had been sent packing in his 200th game after a cynical foul on former ICT favourite Barry Robson in the 90th minute, but another great, Barry Wilson knocked home the winner at the death..........where are they now?  That result put Inverness above United into 7th place in the SPL and Charlie Christie would eventually guide Inverness to 8th position, 4 points above United.  Take a look at the sides from that game. (only two Inverness players still here)
Inverness:- Fraser, Tokely, Dods, Munro, Hastings, Wilson, Black, Duncan, Rankin (Paatelainen 73), Bayne, McAllister (McSwegan 64). Subs not used:- Ridgers, McCaffrey, Hart, Morgan, Sutherland.
United:- Stillie, Dillon, McCracken, Wilkie, Kalvenes, Robertson (Samuel 46), Kerr, Gomis, Robson, Daly (Robb 73), Hunt (Goodwillie 81):- Subs Not Used: McLean, Mair, Watson, McCord.
Current form shows that Inverness have won 2, lost 3 and drawn 1 from their last six games.  The defeats were against Celtic, Motherwell and Hearts.  The Well and Celts games saw Inverness controversially finish with ten men countered by that magnificent 6-3 win at Kilmarnock and last weeks 2-1 win at Paisley.  United have won, lost and drawn 2 games apiece.  The highlight for them was a 4-1 away day thrashing of Dunfermline, the lowlight being last weeks dour encounter with Celtic where they failed to muster any opportunities which was the reason Mr Houston was not a happy Arab.
David Davis has endeared himself to the Inverness fans with some exceptional energetic performances of late and the Wolves loanee would be happy to extend his arrangement to the end of the season, as long as his parent club are in agreement.  Terry Butcher would welcome this and if Inverness continue their upward trend he would be content with the squad he has, including the flashy Roman Golobart and the speedy winger Aidan Chippendale.  However, should we revert to type, then he also has an eye on the January transfer merry-go-round just in case.  With Tudur-Jones and Aaron Doran back in training, things are looking a lot brighter for Terry's all stars and with Billy McKay at last getting some game time and little Jonny Hayes nearing full fitness then the future is certainly better than it looked a couple of weeks ago.  It's great what getting off the foot of the table can do for confidence all round.
 tm4tj Prediction:- Another tight game ahead as two teams not exactly setting the heather on fire so far this season do battle for 8th place in the SPL.  However, Inverness seem to be over the worst in terms of player availability and United are struggling to find any consistency and cohesion in their play.  These are the two worst defensive records away from home, but Inverness must surely get that clean sheet they have been looking for since the start of the season, and along with Jonny Hayes and new striker Billy McKay like new signings, I am picking Inverness to shut out United and pile more misery on Houston in a 3-0 to leapfrog the Arabs into eighth in the league.
***Latest Team News***
Inverness are as strong as they have been all season and the difficulty arises for Butcher as he decides who to leave out instead of who is available.  The two long term absentees will not be in the squad, along with Aidan Chippendale, Josh Meekings and David Proctor.  Thomas Piermayr could return to the squad after injury.  Look for a similar team to last weekend starting against United, with the options of Tade or Cox pushing to begin the match, depending on the weather and conditions underfoot.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Dundee United midfielder Danny Swanson has been referred to the specialist sports injury clinic at Lilleshall in a bid to move his recovery on a bit quicker.  His medial ligament injury has kept him sidelined for two months and has not responded as well as had been hoped. Scott Severin will also miss out but United have no fresh injuries to contend with and the same squad that faced Celtic could be given the opportunity to atone themselves.
Other SPL News
Sone Aluko has been handed a two game ban for blatant cheating, however Rangers are backing their new player in this one.  To me, this means that Rangers would appear to condone the actions of Aluko, and his actions are what is wrong with the game.  Cheating like this should be stamped out and a two game ban is a start, but in reality a joke.  Six months out of the game would maybe make them think twice about cheating.  The tribunal upheld the decision and his meagre two game ban sticks.  No room for cheats in this game, and we won't get the chance to boooo him at Ibrox.  Cheery chappie Ally McCoist must feel pretty stupid now having backed Aluko all the way.
Celtic have scooped all the SPL awards for November.  Lennon wins the manager of the month, Hooper player of the month and Forrest young player of the month as Celtic close the gap on Rangers to four points with four wins.
Not such a merry Christmas down Gorgie way as Hearts players have not been fully paid yet again.  Hard up Hearts are struggling to make ends meet and Vlad the Impaler seems to be sucking the lifeblood from the Heart of Midlothian.
Pa Broon has told BBC Scotland that his side are in a false position.  (where have I heard that before).  Aye right, but for the grace of Dunfermline Broony, yer Aberdeen side are the worst in years.
Promotion Watch:-  No it's not a gold plated timepiece to commemorate an occasion, although it would be some occasion if County were to join us in the SPL.  It's about keeping an eye out at the top of the first division, and once more County are making the headlines with a 4-2 win over Raith Rovers.  Dundee have thrust themselves into distant contention with a 6-1 thrashing of Hamilton Accies and Falkirk pipped Morton to remain 9 points behind the Gudgies.  The bubbles no burst yet........................Tomorrow's game for Champions elect Ross County at Ayr has been called off after some damage to the Somerset Park stands.
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2011-12 ·

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