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Inverness CT -V- Raith Rovers - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
We are now into the home straight in the first division as we go into the last 6 matches 4 points ahead. GingerJaggy provides a preview of today's game
Gingerjaggy's Preview We are now into the home straight in the first division as we go into the last 6 matches 4 points ahead. The county result on Tuesday has given everyone a massive boost that we could be the first team to be promoted to the top league after being relegated since Hibs in the late 90s. Caley Thistle is the form team going into the final games of the season with our nearest challengers having problems. Dundee are struggling with form which has allowed us to catch up and overtake while County and Queens have a massive backlog of games which sees County having to play 4 games in the final week with Queens having to play 3. We may be at the top and the form team but no club can be underestimated and tomorrow’s home game with Raith Rovers is no exception. We go into this game on the back of two crucial wins in two difficult matches against County, and Partick at Firhill. The boys have shown real character since the boxing day draw with Dundee when they consolidated there 13 point lead and looked to have finished our chances of a dream return to the SPL in just one season. But 15 matches unbeaten have not only seen us catch an ailing Dundee side, but overtake them and take a 4 point lead into this crucial period. Our opponents are Raith Rovers this weekend, and we have a good record against them so far. We won an edgy game in Kirkcaldy 1-0 with an 83rd minute winner by David Proctor. In the first game in Inverness it was yet again another 1-0 win thanks to our leading scorer Adam Rooney, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of how dominant Caley Thistle were with chances being wasted by the bucket full as the mist came down in December. The last game in Kirkcaldy saw us thump Raith as we battered them 4-0 on a testing pitch. Rooney and Hayes were on target with Bulvitis and a rare goal from Daniel Stratford. But all those results will be irrelevant if we cannot do the business against a Raith side battling to stay out of the relegation play off fight which will make it a difficult game. There are no easy games left as all our opponents will have something to play for and Raith will be no soft touch as they battle to keep their heads above water. What about our opponents. Well, they have struggled in the league recently after making it to the Scottish cup semi final against Dundee United. Their last result saw a late stoppage time equaliser at home to Ayr last weekend after their game at Partick was postponed due to the return of the bad weather on Tuesday. Good luck to Raith in the cup and we hope they do the first division proud and get to the final. So let’s get behind the boys as we look to pick up another 3 valuable points and keep the other teams at arms length. C’MON CALEY LETS KEEP IT GOING. Team News Terry Butcher’s only absentee is Russell Duncan, who starts his suspension after breaking the 19 point threshold with the booking at County a couple of weeks ago. It will be a blow as Duncan has been in great form in recent weeks but it allows someone to fill in and bolster their claims for a berth in the squad at such an important time. Raith have a number of problems with defenders Craig Wilson and Mark Campbell sidelined. They are also missing striker Jonny Russell and have fitness doubts over forwards Graham Weir and Dene Shields who will have fitness tests prior to the game. Jamie Mole has been recruited from Hearts on loan until the end of the season and will add some power and pace to the Raith attack. Gingerjaggies prediction It is a game we should win but we must not underestimate a decent Raith side that are in the Scottish cup Semi. To make it even harder they are trying to push their way out of the relegation mire and so taking points against us as league leaders will give them so much confidence for the run in. Also, we are now top of the league and teams will try to rise to the occasion to take points off us, in other words we are a target. My prediction is that we will win 2-0 but Raith will make it hard for us.
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By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

ICT-TV: Online Highlights

Teaser Paragraph:
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are proud to announce today their new video highlight service, ICT-TV. Over the last several months ICT general manager Darren MacKintosh and his team have been working in collaboration with a number of people to bring highlight coverage of our games to fans and it starts today ....
News release from Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are proud to announce today their new video highlight service, ICT-TV. Over the last several months ICT general manager Darren MacKintosh and his team have been working in collaboration with a number of people to bring highlight coverage of our games to fans who may not be able to make it to a Caley Thistle match in person for one reason or another. We recognise that we have fans all over the UK and indeed, in virtually all corners of the globe, as well as those who have work or personal commitments that may prevent them from attending in person and we would really like all of our supporters to be able to share in what promises to be an exciting run-in to the league race. Initially the focus will be on highlights from our current Scottish Football League campaign and if this proves to be popular we will investigate the possibility of expanding the service in other areas (but will be restricted by current rules and regulations regarding showing highlights of incidents potentially regarded as "controversial" and the length of coverage permitted). All home games and most away games will be recorded and edited by ICT fan Andy Johnstone and the technical aspects of converting them to a format suitable for the Internet and displaying them on the official ICT website will be taken care of by Peter MacCallum (ICT) and Scott MacKenzie (CaleyThistleOnline.com). Footage will normally be available 24 hours after a match has taken place. Club Chairman George Fraser said " We are delighted to launch this new service for our fans outwith the local area who cannot for one reason or another attend the games in person. We are entering a very crucial but exciting time for the Club as we strive to meet  both the Club's and our fans' aspirations to bring top flight football back to Inverness. Special thanks are due to Andy Johnstone for his time / effort and undoubted skills for which we are very greatful and to Scott and his team at CaleyThistleOnline and of course our own staff at the Stadium who have collectively brought together this fantastic addition to the Clubs website. I also take this opportunity on behalf of the Directors, Management team and playing staff  to thank all our fans both at home and away for their continued support for the Club it is very much appreciated by us all." The service - available exclusively on the official club website at www.ictfc.co.uk - is scheduled to begin on Friday 2nd April 2010 and will operate completely free of charge due to the donation of time and resources by those involved. We invite all fans to join us as we support Caley Thistle from near and far in our quest to win the First Division title.
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By Guest in News 2009-10 ·

Stadium Ownership

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The subject of “who owns Tulloch Caledonian Stadium” has become a discussion point among the fans of Inverness Caledonian Thistle over the past few months and following extensive meetings between the Board of the Supporters Trust, the club and Tulloch Homes Group on the matter over the last couple of weeks, we are pleased to be able to bring you the following statement.
Statement re Stadium Ownership
The subject of “who owns Tulloch Caledonian Stadium” has become a discussion point among the fans of Inverness Caledonian Thistle over the past few months and the Board of the Supporters Trust have had extensive talks with the club and Tulloch Homes Group on the matter over the last couple of weeks.
The Club and David Sutherland (DFS) have been completely open  during these discussions and the Supporters Trust are now able to quash any conspiracy theories that emerged from the concerns of some fans and confirm that we are entirely satisfied that the clubs interests are fully protected within the business structure that was put in place back in 2002...a necessary change which removed the stranglehold of debt which was crippling the club at that time and enabled us to meet our SPL aspirations at the time (and hopefully in the future).
DFS informed us that he is ever mindful of the importance of the views of our supporters on any issue and as such decided to meet both David Sutherland from the ICT Supporters Trust (DJS) and one of the authors of the web site articles along with a representative of the ICTFC Board.
This meeting effectively explained the position thus clearing up any perceived misunderstanding on the linkages in terms of the stadium rental profiles.  The crux of the information flow was to demonstrate that Tulloch Group have invested circa £4.5m on property aspects of the ICT operation with most important of all , a recognition that all leases were back to back with a head lease to the property company and the football club thus protecting the clubs playing position at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
This information is particularly important in the future should there be any initiative to relocate the club to a better location within the Inverness area.  With the Highland Council as landowner, the PROPCO’s in the Tulloch system and the roles of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Trust Ltd and the Football Club all pivotal to the continued aspiration for the return to top flight football in Inverness. We can also confirm that all leases between the Highland Council, who own the ground, the Trust, the Propco and the Football Club are all back to back by way of comfort for those who may have thought differently.
We would like to thank David (DFS) and the Club for being as open and honest as they have during these discussions and allowing us all to draw a line under this matter.
We also look forward to, and welcome, the opportunity to continue working more closely with them in the future. Our strength as a Club has always been borne out of our solidarity as a unit (often in the face of adversity) with all parties moving forward in one direction and trust we can now do this as we strive for promotion in the coming weeks ahead.
Statement re Stadium Ownership The subject of “who owns Tulloch Caledonian Stadium” has become a discussion point among the fans of Inverness Caledonian Thistle over the past few months and the Board of the Supporters Trust have had extensive talks with the club and Tulloch Homes Group on the matter over the last couple of weeks. The Club and David Sutherland (DFS) have been completely open  during these discussions and the Supporters Trust are now able to quash any conspiracy theories that emerged from the concerns of some fans and confirm that we are entirely satisfied that the clubs interests are fully protected within the business structure that was put in place back in 2002...a necessary change which removed the stranglehold of debt which was crippling the club at that time and enabled us to meet our SPL aspirations at the time (and hopefully in the future). DFS informed us that he is ever mindful of the importance of the views of our supporters on any issue and as such decided to meet both David Sutherland from the ICT Supporters Trust (DJS) and one of the authors of the web site articles along with a representative of the ICTFC Board. This meeting effectively explained the position thus clearing up any perceived misunderstanding on the linkages in terms of the stadium rental profiles.  The crux of the information flow was to demonstrate that Tulloch Group have invested circa £4.5m on property aspects of the ICT operation with most important of all , a recognition that all leases were back to back with a head lease to the property company and the football club thus protecting the clubs playing position at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium. This information is particularly important in the future should there be any initiative to relocate the club to a better location within the Inverness area.  With the Highland Council as landowner, the PROPCO’s in the Tulloch system and the roles of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Trust Ltd and the Football Club all pivotal to the continued aspiration for the return to top flight football in Inverness. We can also confirm that all leases between the Highland Council, who own the ground, the Trust, the Propco and the Football Club are all back to back by way of comfort for those who may have thought differently. We would like to thank David (DFS) and the Club for being as open and honest as they have during these discussions and allowing us all to draw a line under this matter.   We also look forward to, and welcome, the opportunity to continue working more closely with them in the future. Our strength as a Club has always been borne out of our solidarity as a unit (often in the face of adversity) with all parties moving forward in one direction and trust we can now do this as we strive for promotion in the coming weeks ahead.
Guest
By Guest in News 2009-10 ·

Inverness CT 3-0 Ross County - Report

A Perfect Storm
 
Caley Thistle took a huge leap closer to the league title tonight with a 3-0 victory over Ross County.
For the first time this season, ICT are now clear in top spot and no longer need the chasing pack to lose or draw their games in hand to maintain that position.
Destiny is now in our own hands...  
Caley Thistle have taken a huge leap closer to the league title tonight with a 3-0 victory over Ross County (whilst Dundee were going down 2-1 to the Pars at East End Park).
 
30th March 2010 Caledonian Stadium, Inverness INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE 3 - Foran (13), Odhiambo (16), Hayes (40)  TEAM: Esson, Tokely, Proctor, Munro, Golabek, Cox, Odhiambo⚽(Sanchez 71), Duncan, Foran⚽,
Rooney25(Eagle 82), Hayes06⚽(Stratford 86)
SUBS: Allison, Bulvitis
ROSS COUNTY 0 - TEAM: McGovern, Miller, Morrison, Scott, Boyd, Keddie13, Gardyne (Craig 5386), Kettlewell (Watt 50), Di Giacomo, Brittain, Vigurs40(Smith 82)
SUBS: Malin, Barrowman
Referee S. MacDonald Attendance 5411 A Perfect Storm
Inverness gained some revenge for dismal showings earlier in the season when they trounced Ross County 3-0. The game was over as a contest before tea break as goals from Richie Foran, a Jonny Hayes super assist for Eric Odhiambo, and Jonny on his own sent the upstarts from over the bridge homewards tae think again.
The weather caused some concern for the officials, who had threatened to call off the game if the severe weather conditions caused the match to degenerate into a farce. The wind was the main culprit and the driving sleet, hail and snow flurries were just a sideshow, as the game did descend to a farce, but for different reasons.
County were reduced to ten men when Alex Keddie was adjudged to have taken out Richie Foran as he bore down on goal. He was red carded for his troubles, although those of a dark blue persuasion will tell you otherwise.
The game started amid scenes from a holocaust type movie, the vicious wind driving the elements horizontally across the park towards the A9. The full effects of the weather not so evident until you went for your half time cuppa.
The opening exchanges were tit for tat as both teams probed for an opening. Foran had the first notable effort on target as he forced McGovern into a diving save from the right side after he fired from a slight angle, the keeper parrying the ball round the post for a corner. Number thirteen proved to be the County’s downfall as Keddie was given a straight red for his challenge on Foran, much to the chagrin of the Dingwall hordes behind the goal. One minute later, when the dust had settled, Foran took the resultant free kick and from 19 yards he nestled the ball behind a diving McGovern, with the aid of a slight deflection. Up stepped little Jonny a couple of minutes later, our very own pocket rocket. He had been harshly booked in the sixth minute for clattering Morrison, but he produced some tantalising wing play as he danced a fandango on the right wing, before laying the ball onto Eric’s boot and he made no mistake from close range, burying the ball behind an exposed keeper.
County were in disarray, their promotion dreams evaporating in a blur of anti-football and it was no surprise when a rampant ICT notched a third before the break. Lee Cox, who was having a superb derby, won the ball in midfield and threaded through super sprinter Jonny Hayes darting towards the spot where Keddie was missing from. He showed a clean pair of heels to the floundering pack and delightfully curled the ball behind the outstretched keeper from the edge of the box. That old cliché about boxing matches was coming back to haunt the County management.
Half Time: 3 (three) – 0
If the first half was the climax, then the second was an anti-climax, as Inverness were prepared to sit on their lead and not push forward in a gung ho fashion. A fifth consecutive clean sheet was on the cards and our defence coped well with the meagre offerings that County scraped together. We still found time and space to hit on the break and squandered a couple of great chances to put them to the sword. Eric skiffing the top side of the post when he tried to chip a close range ball home, but it drifted agonisingly wide in the hurricane. Even the lights blinked in amazement at that miss.
Lee Cox tried his luck with a long range strike, but McGovern earned his corn with a great save. Rooney almost scored as he raced in on goal, but he lifted his lob onto the roof of the net when he should have done better. Look away Ian Stewart. The last close shave was when Munro rolled a ball across the six yard box, unfortunately and inexplicably, about four ICT players left it for everyone else and the chance was wasted.
Full Time 3-0
This was just the result that Inverness had been looking for. What a difference a week makes as Inverness have turned a four point deficit into a four point lead at the top of the table. For County, who have been having their best season yet, the fixture schedule was starting to take its toll and they looked a tired lot at the final whistle. Still, they have a semi-final game to look forward to at Hampden and I am sure they will enjoy that. But this game was about trying to win promotion to the SPL, and so far, wilsononourwing has got it spot on, he believed when all those round about him scratched their heads and looked at him as if he were mad. Fifteen games unbeaten now, whereas Dundee are in freefall and County look to be finding it hard going with their small squad. Queens are still hanging on and the Pars are not out of it yet.
The fat lady has not sung her song yet, but I’m sure I can hear her humming!
Tm4tj MoM There were quite a few contenders for this accolade. The defence never put a foot wrong and snuffed out County, even with the threat of Andy Barrowman warming the bench. The strikers were once again playing great on a miserable night. Richie Foran, sorely missed in the Dingwall derby showed his class and energy, Adam Rooney ran the channels again, and could have added to his seasons tally, and little Jonny showed us why he has a sing song in the home stands, with a mickey taking performance. Russell Duncan once more put himself about, but this week, his understudy usurped him, and Lee Cox probably had his finest moments tonight as he broke up play, tackled ferociously, pushed forward, and had a rasper of a shot bang on target, and but for McGovern’s save it would have been a stunning goal. So, take a bow Lee Cox, you are my MotM.
Guest
By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

Inverness CT -V- Ross County - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
Tuesday sees the biggest Highland Derby to take place between ICT and Ross County.
It will be the first time that both clubs will be in the running for promotion in the same season. To make it even more dramatic it is the SPL that both clubs are gunning for.
Gingerjaggy's Preview Tuesday sees the biggest Highland Derby to take place between ICT and Ross County. It will be the first time that both clubs will be in the running for promotion in the same season. To make it even more dramatic it is the SPL that both clubs are gunning for. Caley Thistle will have home advantage against our near neighbours and good friends, and we hope that, and a strong home crowd will roar us on to one of the most significant wins of the season and against our arch foes. The game could be no bigger, and, as in Dingwall a few weeks ago local bragging rights go right out of the window (even though it would be nice) as both clubs look to get one over each other to go on and claim the title. So far this season it has been a pretty unsuccessful campaign against County with no victory’s in the league to date. How precious would it be to get our first one tomorrow night! The last three derbies have been dominated by County with them coming out on top in two, and the last one only a couple of weeks ago ending in a 0-0 stalemate. Only Robert Eagle’s goal at the Caledonian Stadium in the Alba Challenge cup semi has brought Caley Thistle any success. The first game at home in the league ended up in a 3-1 defeat which none of us wants to be reminded of. In fact County seemed more up for the battle as our new look side failed to join in the game. The second finished 2-1 in Dingwall with a Rooney penalty coming just too late after Boyd and Gardyne had put County 2-0 up. It was a case of too little too late. The last game which will be fresh in the memory for the reason of it being a non event was also dominated by our wee neighbours and feeder club from across the Bridge, although we came closest to scoring when sub Bob Eagle smacked the bottom of the post from a tight angle. Caley Thistle will be on a high after hitting top spot with a win over Partick, while County who rescued a point to put us top will also be on a high getting what could be a massive point, which sets it up to be a cracker. Team news For Caley Thistle Terry Butcher has a fully fit squad for one of the biggest games of the season. He will hope that the front three of Foran, Rooney and Hayes can be as destructive as Saturday. County have a couple of injury problems with defender Steven Watt missing as well as midfielder Paul Lawson. Gingerjaggys prediction Tomorrow night we hope will be a cracker as both sides go for a precious victory that will mean so much to who ever claims it. For County the aim will be to not lose and they know that they can push with 3 games in hand. For Caley the same can be applied as we haven’t won yet this season against them and defeat would also allow County to take advantage with those 3 games. Some will say a draw will be a decent result and that could prove to be the case, but for every fan that goes through those turnstiles only a win will do. County also have their fingers in another pie, a semi-final date with Celtic no less. I’m sure we would not grudge them success in the Scottish Cup if we were to maintain our position at the top of the league. The derby has never been this important C’MON CALEY THISTLE. I’m going for 1-0 with either Foran or Rooney to score. Proctor's Preview Inverness Caledonian Thistle play one of their most important games of the season and arguably in their history when they host fierce rivals Ross County tomorrow night. Terry Butcher’s men are unbeaten in league competition since November. Having scored five goals in their last two games. However with County having several games in hand. The Staggies will be keen to bridge the gap and stay in the title run. Ross County will be without Paul Lawson and Steven Watt due to injury, whilst Richie Foran will be included in this one, having missed out in the last derby at Victoria Park. He has thankfully returned to the ICT squad following suspension. Ross County have won two of the four meetings between the clubs this season. With ICT winning one in the Alba Cup. The two sides met just ten days ago in a goalless draw at Vitoria Park, with County manager Derek Adams claiming that his side were the only team that played football. This is shaping up to be the most important Highland Derby in history. With Dundee away to Dunfermline in a tough tie, SPL football is at stake for all sides involved. C’MON THE CALEY JAGS, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
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By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

Partick Th 0-1 Inverness CT - Report

Caley Thistle go top... 
 
...after Adam Rooney scored his 20th of the season at Firhill today to take all three points back up the A9.
Further up the A9, County and Dundee fought out a draw at Victoria Park that means Terry's lads finally hit the top with only 7 games to go.
Dare we believe it can happen ???
Yesterday we made the long journey to take on Partick Thistle in Glasgow at Firhill. The weekend’s First Division schedule was significant with the top 6 teams in action against each other. Dunfermline made the trip to Dumfries to play Queen of the South while even more significant was the game in Dingwall where Dundee took on Ross County. For us, all that mattered was Terry’s boys and how we would fare against the last team to beat us in the league.
 
27th March 2010 Firhill Stadium, Glasgow
 
PARTICK THISTLE 0 - Team: Tuffey, Paton, Maxwell, McKeown, Robertson, Archbald (Hodge 65), Cairney (Erskine 46), Rowson, Buchanan, Donnelly, Conroy (Corcoran 46) Subs: Halliwell, Grehan
INVERNESS CT 1 - Rooney (32) Team: Esson, Tokely, Proctor, Munro, Golabek, Cox, Odhiambo (Sanchez 62), Duncan, Foran, Rooney⚽,
Hayes (Bulvitus 8789).
Subs: Allison, Eagle, Ross
Referee Frank McDermott Attendance 2380  
 
Yesterday we made the long journey to take on Partick Thistle in Glasgow at Firhill. The weekend’s First Division schedule was significant with the top 6 teams in action against each other. Dunfermline made the trip to Dumfries to play Queen of the South while even more significant was the game in Dingwall where Dundee took on Ross County. For us, all that mattered was Terry’s boys and how we would fare against the last team to beat us in the league.
The signs were good in the first half playing towards a noisy away support which amounted to about three to four hundred. Caley Thistle were in control in the first half and if it hadn’t been for the excellence of Partick keeper Jonny Tuffey, Caley Thistle would have been out of sight before half time. In fact if it was a boxing match then the referee would have stopped it. Richie Foran was first to see Tuffey’s brilliance as his shot was well parried by the Northern Irish goalkeeper. Then Adam Rooney was sent through but as his lack of pace told, he was forced wider and could only strike into the midriff of Tuffey. A Ross Tokely strike went over the bar after Partick failed to clear a corner as the pressure continued to build. And on the half hour mark Tuffey was the hero again making a good stop from Foran, before the Caley Thistle number 9 hit a fantastic placement shot which Tuffey at full stretch pushed round the post. Foran was in disbelief and so was the travelling support that was suddenly getting the feeling it may not be our day. But in the 33rd minute a pinpoint cross from the excellent Foran found the head of Rooney close in and this time Tuffey had no response as Caley Thistle made the breakthrough. It was met with jubilation from the travelling support and chants of “We are top of the league and you’re no” which was blasted out of Firhill. Caley continued to press but as the second goal was not forthcoming, the travelling support hoped that it would not be a repeat of November’s game.
HT 0-1 Rooney
The second half was a much tighter affair with Partick coming at us strongly after the break. Liam Buchanan should have scored from close in but his shot was wayward and past the post. That was as good as it got for Partick, but it didn’t stop the travelling fans from being nervous. And it wasn’t a forgone conclusion, although a period of Partick pressure ended as Caley Thistle had two opportunities to score on the break but again was kept out by a magnificent Tuffey. First right in front of goal to deny Johnny Hayes and then spectacularly from Lee Cox who hit a sumptuous drive that Tuffey managed to tip behind, it was save of the day. Partick continued to press and cause us problems. If Tuffey was man of the Match overall then our man of match had to be Foran who was such a dangerous attacking threat in the first half, to being a defensive hero in the second, heading and clearing many balls from our area. Ross Tokely was also immense in the second as we managed to shut out Partick. Ryan Esson largely had nothing to do with the excellent performance of our rearguard. Dundee were 1-0 up in Dingwall for most of the second half which subdued the crowd slightly, but news of an equaliser was received like we had been promoted there and then. The crowd went wild and the chants of “we are top of the league and we are going up” echoed around the stadium.
FT 1-0
The final whistle was met with jubilation as some of the players acknowledged the crowd; manager Terry Butcher pumped both fists at us in response. It had been a great performance and great result, despite it being a tad tense at the end with the waves of Partick crosses but nothing was going to deny us. Also with the score in Dingwall remaining 1-1 it means we hit the top of the league at the most crucial time of the season. Is it time to believe that the impossible could be possible?
So, back to Inverness for another derby day, this one will surely eclipse all other derby’s to date as the stakes get higher with every game played. That is now fourteen games unbeaten in the league since we lost 2-1 at Firhill at the end of November. We have clawed back the massive lead that Dundee had, and sitting top of the league is no more than our present form deserves. Long may the run continue.
   
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By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

Partick Th -V- Inverness CT - Preview

Teaser Paragraph:
On Saturday we make the trip to Glasgow to face the Maryhill Magyars at Firhill.
Caley Thistle will be hoping to pick up another 3 points as we continue to put pressure on Dundee at the top of the table.
On Saturday we make the trip to Glasgow to face the Maryhill Magyars at Firhill. Caley Thistle will be hoping to pick up another 3 points as we continue to put pressure on Dundee at the top of the table, and try to fend off runs from County, Queens and Dunfermline, with the hosts still faintly interested in the promotion race as well. Who said life in the first division would be boring? One point separates the top two teams now as Dundee could only manage a draw at home to Queen of the South in Gordon Chisholm’s first match in charge of the Dark blues against his former employers. For Caley Thistle, midweek was a must not lose match at home to basement side Airdrie and they didn’t disappoint with a 4-0 romp, to suddenly make this league tighter since the early part of the season. Caley will take on a decent Partick side, which had a great win at Dunfermline to do us a favour and dent the Pars promotion hopes. But on Saturday there will be no favours dished out as Partick look to put a spanner in our promotion works. The clubs have met three times so far this season with the Glasgow club having the upper hand two games to one in the league. They recorded a decent 3-2 victory in Inverness early on in the season. Partick striker Liam Buchannan scored a couple that day with Alan Archibald getting what turned out to be the winner. An Adam Rooney penalty and a bullet Ritchie Foran header in reply for us wasn’t quite enough as we frantically searched for an equaliser. It finished 2-1 in the first game in Glasgow when Caley Thistle had taken the lead. Ross Tokely with a rare goal for Caley Thistle put us ahead but as so often around that time we let the lead slip with two goals in the 2nd half one scored by ex Aberdeen Striker Steve Lovell. Incidentally that was the last time Caley Thistle lost in the league. But this amazing run that the lads have been on has been helped by a last gasp Adam Rooney penalty in January in the last meeting. This was the game where accusations were thrown around by the Partick players after the award of the penalty that the linesman had sworn at them. We are now at the business end of the season where all can be won and lost, and ICT will look forward to hopefully carrying on the momentum and take all three points back up to the highlands. COMEON THE Caley jags Team news For Caley Thistle it is a strong squad with no suspension or injuries worries as we look to avenge our defeat in the last game at Firhill. Terry Butcher will be able to pick a strong side in one of the toughest games left to play, although he hinted at freshening up the side after the hectic schedule has kicked in. The Airdrie eleven seemed to be our best line up available and I wonder if Dani Sanchez will get the chance to atone for his unfortunate lack of goals, the only thing that is missing from his game. Partick meanwhile have defensive problems as Greg shields and Martyn Corrigan are both out injured. Also up front Striker Steve Lovell has left the club and will take time out to have an operation to get fit again. GingerJaggies prediction Partick are almost out of the running now but anyone who thinks that will mean Caley will have a walk in the park is foolish. Firhill will be a difficult game for us as winning three points at Partick is a rarity, similarly County on Tuesday night. These games are now all cup finals and the players will have to give 110% in each game if we want promotion. Partick still have some very good players and will be on a high after winning at East End Park last Tuesday. It will be difficult but with another top class away support urging on the team, I think we will edge it 1-0 or even 2-1. Even a draw would not be the end of the world, as the big game at Dingwall today will see one or both of our rivals dropping points.
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By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

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