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Partick -V- Inverness CT - Preview

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Battle of the Jags
After the euphoria of Hampden Park, it’s off to Firhill for thrills today as the two Thistles battle it out for a place in the semi-final of the Alba Challenge Cup.
Four games being played to a finish with a third division team sure to feature in the semi’s as Annan Athletic take on the once mighty Elgin City. Other likely semi finalists will be Dundee who should see off Stirling Albion, and either Queen of the South or last Saturdays emphatic winners at the Tulloch Stadium, Ross County. But let’s concentrate on the game at Firhill as the rivalries on and off the park are rekindled. Partick fans still smarting from ICT challenging the hierarchy and gaining SPL status despite the stadium rules being against us at the time, and Inverness fans still miffed at being dumped out of the Scottish cup by Partick on penalties after they secured a late draw in Inverness to secure a replay.
Inverness have been managerless this week as big Terry had other commitments. I am sure he will be buoyed by Scotlands second half performance yesterday. The first half was all too familiar as the away team controlled the game………I see a pattern forming here.
Team news
Caley Jags
Maurice Malpas was in charge this week and he has plenty to ponder over after the derby thrashing from local rivals County. In a surprise transfer day plunder, ICT have re-signed former captain Stuart Golabek and if his fitness is up to scratch, he could be slotted straight in at left back. Or does Malpas go with big Lionel who had a mare last week. His confidence took a battering as he was jeered by a section of the home fans and he cut a lonely figure as he was substituted in the second half. Young Shinnie will also be a contender for the wing back area after some promising displays in previous cup and pre-season games. Certainly out will be Richard Hastings who has departed for Hamilton after being frozen out by the new management team. Ross Tokely will make a much needed return to the defence as he is now free of suspension for all games. That could possibly release Proctor to play further forward. Last week the defence struggled to cope with the aggressive style of County and Rossco should help to redress the balance at the back. The midfield disappeared as well and changes could be on the cards. Cox and Hayes should be able to retain their starting berths, but Stratford, Eagle and Sanchez must turn up on the day or Russell Duncan and Roy McBain will be eager to stake a claim for the midfield. Young Nick Ross is also threatening to become a regular with pacey cameo roles so far. Up front Richie Foran needs to get his shooting boots on and Adam Rooney is keen to get off the mark as well. Eric is still injured as is Imrie, but Bannerman has featured in the NoS cup and may be ready to play a part.
The Harry Wraggs
Partick will be without keeper Jonny Tuffey who is on international duty with Northern Ireland. Craig Hinchcliffe will be between the sticks for this game. Stephen Mckeown will also miss this one due to an achillies problem and will be rested for a couple of weeks. Top scorer with five goals, Liam Buchanan will be fit and he and Mark Corcoran both scored braces last week as Partick thrashed ten man Morton 5-0. Man of many clubs Jim Hamilton will also be a threat in the air and will need to be closely policed by Grant Munro. Ian McCall will have no other team problems apart from Tuffey and McKeown and last weeks line up looked like this:-
Partick: Tuffey, Maxwell, Robertson, Archibald, Paton, Cairney (McKeown 87), Rowson, Corcoran (Donnelly 75), Boyle, Buchanan, Erskine. Subs Not Used: Hinchcliffe, Corrigan, Hamilton.
Tm4tj Prediction
After last weeks debacle, it would be difficult to believe that anything other than a Partick victory will be possible. It will take a lot of soul searching from the ICT players to instill some belief into themselves after the demolition derby disaster. Partick showed against Morton that scoring goals is not a problem for them, while Inverness have still to settle in the striking department. Buchanan, once a target for Inverness will be keen to get one over us and this could be the difference between the sides. The midfield will be a key area, and if we are prepared to get dirty, then this will be a close contest, if we play like we did against County, then the Alba cup will be over for us. I therefore predict a long journey home with the Maryhill Magyars celebrating reaching the semi finals for the second time.
Win or lose, we will surely hear this today……….0-2-02B-02BA-JAGGIE
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By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

Inverness CT -V- Ross County - Report

Derby pumping
You would be mistaken for thinking that Inverness Caledonian Thistle had put a different team on the pitch to the one that had travelled to Dundee and battled well to secure a draw with the league favourites.
Ross County left Tulloch Caledonian Stadium with a well deserved 3 points following goals from Di Giacomo, Vigurs and Brittain with Hayes managing, what turned out to be a consolation goal, for the Caley Jags.
What went wrong?  Everything for everyone it would seem.  The first touch wasn't there and distribution and passing was very poor.  We did little to put pressure on the opposition and were punished for giving up possession too easy.
We can but hope that this was nothing more than a 'blip' and with Butcher away on International Duty that Maurice Malpas can get the team sorted out for the trip to face Partick in the next round of the Alba Cup.
 
29th August 2009 - 3:00PM Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE
1 - Hayes (61)
Team: Esson, Proctor (Rooney 66), Munro, Bulvitus, Djebi-Zadi (Ross 84), Cox, Eagles, Hayes, Stratford,
Foran, Sanchez (McBain 80)
Subs: Duncan, Allison
ROSS COUNTY
3 - Di Giacomo (10), Vigurs (54), Brittain (75)
Team: McGovern, Miller, Morrison (Boyd 60), Kettlewell, Keddie, Watt, Gardyne, Lawson, Di Giacomo (Wood 90), Brittain, Vigurs (Scott 67)
Subs: Malin, Craig
Referee Stuart Finnie Attendance 5846 Full report missing?
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By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

Ross County -V- Inverness CT - Preview

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THIS IS IT.......
The one we have all been waiting for and it could'nt come at a better time. Now is the time we will look to put a bit of space between ourselves and them. But is it going to be that easy? We can only hope. Looking at the two squads, i would think we have slightly the better team. But Ross County have improved greatly over the summer bringing in former Inverness men Ian Vigurs and Garry Wood amongst others. They have lost a few key men such as Sean Higgins but that shouldnt hinder their progress. I predict quite a few Ross County fans will be making the short trip over the water to Inverness with confidence they can pick up the first victory of the season in the Battle of the Highlands. But I have no doubt that this game will bring out the very best of the ICT supporters as their is nothing to do that like a Highland derby.
Past Meetings
Since the forming of our illustrious club in 1994, we have played many-a-game against our rivals from Dingwall at our home ground, some more memorable than others, such as the 3-0 win at the Inverness Caledonian Stadium when an Ian Stewart double infront of a 5000+ capacity sparked celebrations at beating our rivals in what was such a comprehensive win. But we have suffered defeats at home also. Looking back to the game last season. It might have only been a freindly but the winner would hold claim to the bragging rights for a year. Unfortunatly for Inverness, it was Ross County that came away with the win. A last minute goal from David Winters sealed a 3-2 win for County. A win which also included a goal for former Inverness man, Richie Hart. Inverness have won
Ross County
I dont suppose many of us need an account of Ross County's history, but, for those who dont know as much as others..... Ross County were formed in 1929, they play their home games at Victoria Park in Dingwall which holds just over 6000 though most of them are non-seater. They started life in the Highland League which until 1994, they stayed in. They finished top of the Scottish Third Division in season 1998-99. The next season they finished 3rd in the Second Division but were still promoted due to the league being re-orginised. Ross County stayed in the First Division until 2007 when they were relegated dispite winning the Challange Cup the same year. As expected by many, they won promotion straight away and were back into the SFL Scottish First division. In their first season back in the league, they managed to just avoid relegation by finishing 8th.
As we near the time of the Battle, you can almost hear the crys of the thousands preparing for a day which will be many things but boring. The mixed emotions of Fustration, expectation, Hope, Faith, Anger can only be found at a football game, and this game is sure to bring out all of these....
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By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

Inverness CT 4-0 Albion Rovers - CIS League Cup

CIS Progress
 
It was another convincing win by Inverness Caley Jags tonight with 3 goals in the first half and a goal in the second half securing them a place in the next round of the CIS Cup.
It was "Job Done" in the first half and Caley Thistle seemed to step off the gas a bit in the second, being content to hold possession and force Albion Rovers to do a lot of running and chasing.
We have to wait till Tuesday to find out who we get in the next round, and with the SPL teams coming in at this stage then there's every chance we'll finding ourselves heading off to one of last seasons stomping grounds.
 
25th August 2009 - 7:45PM Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE
4 - Eagles (8), Rooney (16), Bulvitis (41), Munro (57)
Team: Esson, Tokely, Bulvitis⚽, Munro⚽, Djebi-Zadi (Proctor 79), Hayes, Stratford, Cox,
Eagle⚽ (Ross 74), Rooney⚽, Foran (Sutherland 61)
Subs: McBain, Allison
ALBION ROVERS
0 -
Team: Gaston, Reid (Boyle 46), McGowan, Canning, Benton, O'Byrne, McKeown, Tyrell,
McCusker (Pollock 58), Walker, Barr
Subs: Stewart, Ferry, Ewings
Referee Steven Nichols Attendance 681  
Inverness and Albion Rovers met with 2 divisions of difference between the two teams on a cold and clear Tuesday evening, and the gulf in class was evident by the end of the tie.
Both clubs started with strong line-ups, with ICT fielding a 4-4-2 formation and Albion Rovers matching the home side. The only changes Terry Butcher decided to enforce was Tokely replacing Proctor at right-back, and Rooney coming in for Sanchez in attack.
Esson started in goals for Caley, with a strong back four of Djebi-Zadi, Tokely, Munro and Bulvitis. The midfield compromised of Hayes, Eagles, Cox and Stratford, with Rooney and Foran completing the first 11 and leading the line.
The Wee Rovers, as they are affectionately known, started with Gaston in goals. The defence consisted of O’Byrne, Benton, McGowan and McKeown. In midfield, the Rovers boss Paul Martin went with Canning, Tyrell, Reid and young starlet Bobby Barr. Pat Walker and former Clyde striker Marc McCusker started up front for the visiting team.
Albion Rovers started brightly and came close to opening the scoring, the captain Paul Tyrell placing a shot onto the crossbar from 20 yards. Inverness seemed unfazed and took the lead after 8 minutes, Jonny Hayes breaking loose in midfield and pinging a ball across to Eagles, who found himself free on the left hand corner of the box. The winger picked his spot, stroking the ball past Gaston and into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
What was a poor start to the cup tie for the wee Rovers became a disastrous one on the 16th minute mark. Richie Foran found space on the right to cross for Adam Rooney. Rooney outmuscled O’Byrne to volley a shot at goal, going in via Derek Gaston’s flailing hand.
This cup tie was as good as over and for the rest of the match, despite some good passages of play from the visitors, it was a case of 'how many' for Caley Thistle. Both Alan Reid and Ross Tokely were booked for persistent fouling after the second goal, not a surprise to the 681 in attendance, including 3 Albion rovers fans who kept the atmosphere alive within Caledonian Stadium.
Before half-time it was three for the home side. Lee Cox picked the ball up in midfield, and lobbed a nice ball over the Rovers defence, straight to Grant Munro. Munro, beating Gaston to the ball, attempted a shot across the face of the goal, which eventually found its way to Bulvitis to slot home his first goal for the club.
The whistle sounded 4 minutes later, ending a one-sided first half in which ICT had put 3 past the Rovers goalkeeper with no reply. Paul Martin’s team had a mountain to climb in the second half, and it was proving too much to ask for the away side to compete with their 1st division opponents.
Half Time 3-0
Early on in the second half, Alan Reid and Marc McCusker were both substituted, replaced respectively by Cris Boyle and Marc Pollok. The pair couldn’t prevent Inverness extending their lead in the 57th minute, captain Grant Munro benefiting from slack Rovers defending to divert in Stratford’s cross for the 4th goal of the game.
This goal signalled the opportunity for the young players to impress, Shane Sutherland replacing Foran on the hour mark and Nick Ross coming on for Robert Eagle. Both appeared glad for the run-out, Ross making headway out on the left wing and impressing with direct runs, while Sutherland showed neat touches to link with Rooney up front.
Full Time 4-0
In the end, the game petered out with no real opportunities of note for either side. ICT ran out worthy winners, while Albion Rovers had certainly not disgraced themselves against a team finding their feet in the first division. After a 2-2 draw with the league favourites Dundee the previous weekend, another positive result was welcome with the home support and ICT manager Terry Butcher. An away game to Motherwell loomed in the next round.
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By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

Dundee -V- Inverness CT - Report

Honours even...
in the battle of the league favourites at Dens Park.
Gary Harkins, apparently being watched by Rangers' chief scout scored twice for the Dark Blues, in 9 minutes and again in 29 minutes but each time, Caley Thistle bounced back to equalise wit goals in 20 minutes from Dani Sanchez and 38 minutes from Lee Cox.
The second half had plenty of chances but no goals.
 
22nd August 2009 - 3:00PM Dens Park, Dundee DUNDEE
2 - Harkins (9,29)
Team: Bullock, Paton, Malone, McHale (Antoine-Curier 86), MacKenzie, Lauchlan, Hart (Cameron 78), Kerr, McMenamin, Higgins (Griffiths 67), Harkins
Subs: Trialist, Casement
INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE
2 - Sanchez (20), Cox (38)
Team: Esson, Proctor (Morrison 90), Bulvitis, Munro, Djebi-Zadi, Cox, Eagle (Ross 78), Stratford, Foran, Sanchez, Hayes(Rooney 87)
Subs: Allison, McBain
Referee Mike Tumilty Attendance 5507 Inverness Caley Thistle travelled to Dundee to take on a side many feel are favourites for securing promotion to the SPL. Dees manager Jocky Scott has been afforded a lavish summer transfer budget that even some SPL managers would dream of which has seen players such as Leigh Griffiths and “Glorious” Gary Harkins recruited for hefty transfer fees and a number of other new faces arrive on long and expensive contracts. By contrast Terry Butcher has recruited a number of young players, mostly on free transfers, to bolster the ICT squad. As a result most ICT fans would happily have taken a point from Dens Park but after witnessing a pulsating 90 minutes, during which Inverness created the best of the chances thanks largely to a shoddy Dundee backline, the Away support could justifiably claim that 2 points were dropped as they more than matched their hosts.
The crowd had been swelled by the offer of 1,000 free tickets to local school kids so a healthy 5,507 fans packed into Dens Park and were treated to a pulsating 90 minutes packed with incident. ICT were first to attack when Robert Eagle floated a corner into the Dundee box which was met by the head of skipper Grant Munro who sent a towering header goalwards but it hit the side netting. The small but vocal Away support roared their team on it was Munro who again had another shot at goal when he latched onto a poor clearance and strode towards goal attempting a shot from 25 yards out which flew over the bar. Despite the effort being quite comfortably clear of goal it was enough of a concern for Dees keeper Bullock to berate his defenders for not closing down quick enough and the former County stopper had even more cause for concern as Spanish forward Danni Sanchez spun his marker and rifled in a left footed shot that just cleared the goal.
Despite making all of the early running Inverness fell behind thanks to an excellent solo effort from Gary Harkins. The former Partick Thistle midfielder collected the ball on the left wing, cut inside David Proctor before driving a low shot past Esson into the bottom of the net to open the scoring. The goal appeared to wake Dundee up from their slumber and they were next to threaten when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box but Harkins effort was charged down by Jonny Hayes. Caley Thistle should have equalised when a break out of defence allowed Foran to pick out Eagle in space in the box but the winger took too long to get his shot away which was too weak and easily dealt with. But the Jags did get back on level terms thanks to a cool finish from Danni Sanchez who burst into the box and despite heavy pressure from the Dundee defenders he slotted the ball past Bullock to bring the sides level.
As the game swung from end to end Dundee nearly went back in front when neat play on the left from Harkins and Malone resulted in a cross from the Dees left back which was met by the head of McMenamin who headed into the side netting. Eagle then found himself with time to pick out Sanchez who had his shot blocked with the resulting attempted cross by Eagle cut out by Lauchlan.
Dundee regained the lead in slightly contentious circumstances. McMenamin looked like he may have been offside as he raced towards goal but Munro tracked him all the way before halting his run with a fantastically timed tackle. However the loose ball was seized upon by McMenamin who lofted it into the box and Harkins again raced in from the left side to smack the ball past Esson from 10 yards. Again, seemingly undeterred, ICT looked to get back on level terms. An Eagle free kick found Munro who chipped a ball back into the box which Proctor met in a rather unorthodox style which saw him attempt a backheel towards goal which posed no danger to Bullock. Not before long Inverness drew level again thanks to a goal from midfielder Lee Cox. Hayes played a clever ball to Foran who sped past his marker on the right wing and pulled the ball back to the penalty spot where Cox rushed in to slide the ball past Bullock into the net with the former Leicester player leading the celebrations in front of the Away fans.
Not content simply with drawing level Inverness looked to grab a third goal and nearly got it when Sanchez robbed the Dundee right back and crossed for Foran who spun his man and fired towards goal but the ball ended up wide of the post. Hayes had a chance to get his name on the scoresheet but his left foot shot was easily saved by Bullock. Harkins served notice that Dundee were still a threat when he fizzed an ambitious shot from the left wing which Esson comfortably dealt with. The first half had been a fantastic spectacle and both sets of fans felt their side could go on and win it with ICT supporters particularly optimistic given that their side had created the best chances during the first 45 minutes.
Half Time 2-2
In to the second half and Dundee were first to threaten to score when poor defending by Eagle on the left allowed the ball to be crossed into the box which resulted in a number of half chances for Dundee but all were blocked and the ball eventually cleared. Munro berated Eagle for his sloppy defending with the midfielder left in doubt as to what his captain thought of his slack play! A neat dummy by Higgins almost led to a chance for Dundee but Djebi Zadi snuffed out McMenamin's effort. Higgins made way for Griffiths as the Home side looked for a winner and they could have had a penalty when Munro appeared to shove number 5 in the box. The referee however gave nothing and ICT countered and Cox nearly grabbed his second of the game but his shot was blocked. The ball fell to Sanchez who also had his first attempt blocked and his second was a weak effort that trundled wide of the post. Sanchez was guilty of another miss when Foran picked him out with a crossed ball from the right and again the Spaniard couldn’t convert another glorious chance. Dundee were lucky not to be reduced to 10 men when Malone, already booked, slid into Proctor and took the Inverness right back clean out of the game. He received only a warning. Not long after there was a clash between McMenamin and Djebi Zadi with the Dundee forward appearing to claim he had been punched by the left back but he quickly got up and ran way as the referee came over to investigate leaving some doubt as to whether any altercation did in fact take place.
The chances continued to fall for ICT and when Djebi Zadi broke through the Dundee midfield and sped towards goal he could have pulled the trigger himself but his attempted cross to the unmarked Foran was slightly behind the Irishman and the chance was gone. Sanchez and Foran combined yet again with the Spanish player picking out his fellow forward with a neat pass that was acrobatically turned towards goal but Bullock was equal to it. Sanchez followed up but his tame effort posed no danger. Richie Foran then nearly scored when his attempted "back pass" to Bullock from an uncontested drop ball just inside the Inverness half nearly caught the keeper unawares and the former County stopper had to look lively to prevent the ball sailing into the net. Needless to say the Home fans were not amused by Foran's antics and voiced their displeasure. Dundee had two more chances towards the end of the game when Harkins curled a free kick goalwards but it was deflected onto the post with Esson looking beaten and a long ball over the top for Griffiths to chase was smothered by Esson.
Full Time 2-2
As the final whistle blew the Away support burst into song again with a rousing verse of "F**k you Dundee you'll never win the league! You'll never win the league! You'll never win the league" and continued to applaud the team for turning in a stunning performance that had almost seen the title favourites beaten in their own backyard. It was clear to see both players and management appreciated the fans efforts as all came over to applaud them. With performances and results like this some of the fans who don't rate the team as serious title challengers, this poster included, will soon be forced to eat their words. And given the performance witnessed on Saturday I hope that the words will taste just as good as they did at Dens.
Altogether now "F**k you Dundee you'll never win the league!...." 
 
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By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

Dundee -V- Inverness CT - Preview

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Dundee -V- ICT    Preview
Its Crunch time at Dens Park Stadium as the two tips for the top square off in what should be a heated affair. Both Dundee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle head into this fixture level on points. Dundee seeing off Morton on the opening day and scraping a point against First Division newcomers Raith Rovers in a 2 – 2 draw. ICT snatched a win from Dunfermline and were held to a draw by Ayr United in what has been described as a frustrating encounter. This will only be the sixth competitive game between the two sides since Inverness CT’s inception into the senior leagues of Scottish football. The most famous clash between the two sides came on the 20th of April 2003 at Hampden Park as both sides fought for a place in the Scottish Cup final. Dundee came out on top that day winning the game 1 – 0. The two teams have only appeared in the same league in Caley Thistle’s inaugural SPL season, which saw cash strapped Dundee relegated. In all competitions Dundee have thwarted the Caley Jags twice, lost two and drew one. As the world has seen many times form counts for nothing in football. Both sides will be looking for three points to edge out in front of the other. ICT in particular will be looking to gain some momentum going into their first league derby with fellow high flyers Ross County in five years. Inverness CT go into this game without veteran defender Ross Tokley who is serving game 3 of his 4 match suspension. Forwards Andy Barrowman and Eric Odhiambo are looking doubtful. One player who will defiantly not feature is Dougie Imrie who is sidelined long term. Dundee fans will be anxious to see if Captain Robert Douglas will return to the side. Many Dens expect blockbuster summer signing Leigh Griffiths to make his first start. Former ICT players Richie Hart and Brian Kerr face their former clubs for the first time in competitive action since their departures from the Tulluch Caledonian Stadium. This match promises to be both unpredictable and intense. Lets hope the Caley Jags can bring it on home and edge one step closer to their goal of bouncing back to top flight football in one season. It’s not going to be easy but we belive!
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By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

Kingsmills Club v Ross County

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The Club are making a limited number of one day memberships available for the Kingsmills Club to mark the return of the derby matches versus Ross County on 29th August 2009.
The cost of this is £10, but if (having given it a try) you decide to take up membership for the full season, the club will deduct your £10 off the full costs.

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By Guest in News 2009-10 ·

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