Skip to content

Articles

Our website articles
Show all categories

Inverness CT -V- Arbroath - Preview - L/Cup

Group D Also Rans
 
Fellow Championship drop-outs Arbroath head North on Tuesday night for what looks likely to be a dead rubber with both sides off the pace in Group D of this seasons League Cup. With Annan Athletic sitting top of the group on 7 points, one ahead of Dundee, it will take a brave man to predict that either Inverness or Arbroath can scrape into the knockout stages of the competition. Some promising performances from the young guns on Saturday and a repeat of that would be pleasing, but let's not forget that Arbroath will be a step up in level from Bonnyrigg. It may also lay down a marker for the League campaign but both squads might be reduced in numbers with so little at stake.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Match/Ticket Info
RIP Johndo, the one & only Immortal Howden Ender
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 💔It is with great sadness that one of our long term Caley and then Inverness CT supporters has passed away. Johndo Mackenzie, or as most of us on CTO knew him as Immortal Howden Ender, suffered a heart attack this morning after a couple of recent scares. Scotty has put a lovely tribute on the CTO site and you can read it by clicking the above link. Rest in peace my friend, you were one of a kind, and although you may have 'moved on', you will always be Immortal to those that knew you. 💔
 
Fixtures Tonight
Inverness CT v Arbroath Dundee v Annan Athletic Fixtures on Saturday
Bonnyrigg v Arbroath  Dundee v Inverness CT (@ Brechin) Here's the Group D Table ahead of Tuesday nights fixtures.
Dundee as you would have expected beat Arbroath 2-0. However the Smokies suffered a shock 3-0 home reverse against Annan last Saturday having being reduced to ten men (Scott Stewart 42') whilst we were beating Bonnyrigg 3-0 after a slick first half display. We lost our opening fixture 1-0 at Annan which, although not impossible, makes it highly unlikely that we will progress given our final fixture is away to Dundee at Brechin. Our goals against Rose were well taken by Adam Brooks, Keith Bray and Luis Longstaff. Arbroath have failed to score in their two fixtures.
 
Arbroath have also made big changes after dropping out of the Chamoionship. Jim McIntyre is still the manager.
In: Jack Wilkie, defender (Dundee); Layton Bisland, defender (Dundee United); Calum Gallagher, forward (Airdrieonians); Robbie Hemfrey, goalkeeper (Airdrieonians); Gavin Reilly, forward (Queen of the South); Liam Callaghan, midfielder (Montrose).
Out: Scott Allan, midfielder (Kelty Hearts); Michael McKenna, midfielder (Falkirk); Zak Delaney, defender (Greenock Morton); Kyle Robinson, forward (Athlone Town); Leighton McIntosh, forward (Queen of the South); Jay Bird, forward (Exeter City); Derek Gaston, goalkeeper (Stirling Albion); Darren Lyon, midfielder (Clyde); Jess Norey, midfielder (East Fife); Ally Adams, goalkeeper (East Fife); Keaghan Jacobs, midfielder (Gala Fairydean Athletic); Ricky Little, defender (Beith); Kenan Dünnwald-Turan, midfielder.
Loan ended: Max Boruc, goalkeeper (Hibernian); Adam Mackinnon, midfielder (Ross County); Charlie Reilly, midfielder (Dundee); Connor Teale, defender (Fleetwood Town).
This was Arbroath's starting XI against Annan Athletic on Saturday. Gavin Reilly & Calum Gallagher missed out through injury and Colin Hamilton went off injured after 20' to be replaced by Stowe. Scott Stewart was red carded and will be suspended for the visit to Inverness.
Jim McIntyre was no a happy chappy after the defeat to Annan. He felt they were poor in the final third, the final pass was poor and they lacked quality. Sounds familiar. "What positives can you take from this afternoon Jim?" Jim replied: "Not a lot".
 
 
 
 
 
For Inverness, Danny Devine took a hip knock on Saturday and is a major doubt. Ethan Cairns has been out injured and Lewis Nicolson is still recovering. Ferguson is hinting that our time is probably over in the League Cup and therefore we may be fielding a pretty young side. With that in mind and despite our financial predicament, £18 for a ticket seems a bit steep given the liklihood of a reduced squad full of upcoming youngsters.
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2024-25 ·

Inverness CT 3-0 Bonnyrigg Rose - League Cup

Young Guns N' Roses
 
Welcome to the Jungle.  For the second year in a row Bonnyrigg Rose came calling in a League Cup group stages encounter. Last season when we had selection choices we edged them 2-1 thanks to a first half brace from the discarded Aaron Doran. It would be a much more difficult task this season with the young guns on the park...... or would it. Inverness cruised to a 3-0 half time lead thanks to crisp strikes from Adam Brooks, Keith Bray and Luis Longstaff in an entertaining forty-five full of neat one touch possession football. With the job done at the break, the second half was an anti-climax with few opportunites and rakes of substitutions which put paid to any thoughts of flowing football and copious amounts of goals. Good win for the young guns who were applauded off the pitch at half time, something unheard of last season.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A grey day at the Caledonian Stadium with a sparse crowd in attendance, brought about by the stubborness of the suits to listen to the fans, saw Inverness get the game underway. Plenty of slick passes coupled with good ball retention led to a smart opening goal when Brooks flicked home Mathew Strachan's inviting cross from the left wing. Only moments earlier, a curling cross come shot from Luis Longstaff missed the back post and striker in equal measures. Inverness continuued pressing the visitors and scored a deserved second when Bray held off a challenge in the box to turn and shoot into the bottom corner. On the half hour, Brooks was denied a second when keeper Tom Ritchie pushed his shot onto the post, and minutes later the keeper denied him again. Number three came when Longstaff made his way into the right side of the box before shooting low into the bottom corner. An enterprising opening half and a deserved advantage at the interval as applause broke out around the inside of the ground. 
Half Time: 3-0
The second half was in stark contrast, but we can't complain at the score. Nothing of note happened after the break apart from Cameron Ferguson getting booked for, well, doing nothing. Danny Devine took a head knock and was replaced after an hour. Hopefully just a precaution as he will be an important player for us this season. All five subs were used by both sides which broke up play in the second period and it was Inverness that got their first win of the season.
Full Time: 3-0
Really good win for our young team with some good performances all round. Adam Brooks looked lively and could have had a hat-trick. Mathew Strachan and Calum MacLeod never put a foot wrong and pinged in some dangerous crosses. Luis Longstaff was the pick of the older heads and will be a useful player in League 1.  Keith Bray took his goal well and did some sterling work along the right side of the park from back to front.
682 in attendance and one on the bridge. Not great, but given the way the club has treated players, fans, sponsors etc then hardly surprising, in fact maybe more than was anticipated. The same fixture last season had 1077 fans attending and nobody standing on the bridge.
 
 
With Annan beating Arbroath 0-3 and Dundee not playing today, it looks like our League Cup campaign will be over after the Group Stages. That means a weakened squad will probably see out our final two group games against Arbroath on Tuesday night and Dundee next weekend to allow us to prepare better for the League 1 campaign.
a
By tm4tj in Reports 2024-25 ·

Inverness CT -V- Bonnyrigg Rose - Preview - L/Cup

A Rose by any other name
 
Bonnyrigg Rose are the visitors in our second Group D League Cup game. Both sides lost their opening games and will be looking to get back on track. Only one competitive fixture between the sides and that was in last seasons League Cup group stage in which Inverness struggled to get the better of the Rose before edging it 2 - 1. We were fortunate to have someone on the park to inject that bit of extra quality to get us the win. That will be difficult to replicate this season. His name was Aaron Doran, our very own rose, and now abandoned by the club in his hour of need. Shameful stuff from the club, knee surgeon and all. Plenty of discussion around the club looking for new investors and you can read all about it on the link below.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Match/Ticket Info
Dundee Tie Moved
Knee Surgeon Statement (no mention of Aaron)
Investment Topic on CTO
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Jags a thorn in the Rose:  2 - 1 The first ever meeting between The Caley Jags and the Rose was played out during a thunderstorm. Torrential rain of biblical proportions fell half an hour before kick-off and that dampened the grass somewhat. Inverness were quick off the mark and opened the scoring after four minutes when Aaron Doran took advantage of a defensive error to score from ten yards. No pun intended, but the floodgates never opened as Inverness made heavy weather of the next thirty-five minutes before Doran curled in his second of the game from just outside the box. What a beauty! HALF TIME: 2-0
Big chance right at the start of the second half for Rose but Cammy Mackay saved with his feet from Smart to deny the visitors who are far from out of this tie. A raft of substitutions on the hour saw the hosts tighten their grip on proceedings as the heavens opened once more with Billy Mckay and Austin Samuels passing on great opportunities. Doran also denied his hat-trick by Martin's reflex save. Keiran McGackie headed home in the 90th minute following a set piece but it was too little too late for the Rose who gave a good account of themselves as Inverness fiddled with their line-up. FULL TIME: 2-1
<<Image painted by local artist and ICT fan Sophie Robb>>
 
To put it all into context, here's our starting XI from last season. Lewis Nicolson is currently recovering from injury and Charlie Gilmour and Adam Brooks are the only starters currently in the squad.
Starting XI: Cameron Mackay; Lewis Nicolson, Wallace Duffy, Zak Delaney, Charlie Gilmour, Roddy MacGregor, David Carson, Aaron Doran, Austin Samuels, Nathan Shaw, Adam Brooks.
Just a reminder from last season what we will be missing>>>
 
Bonnyrigg Rose
<<This was their team v Dundee last week.
Players IN: Aaron Arnott, midfielder (Raith Rovers, loan to permanent); Bradley Rodden, midfielder (Stenhousemuir); Kalum Higginbotham, forward (Tranent); Sean Murphy, midfielder (Tranent); Kieran Somerville, midfielder (Tranent); Ben Scarborough, midfielder (Luncarty).
Players OUT:  Reis Peggie, defender (East Fife); Sam Gormley, defender (Edinburgh City); Jason Jarvis, midfielder (Edinburgh City); Jonny Stewart, midfielder; Declan Byrne, forward; Conor Doan, midfielder; Jason Jarvis, midfielder; Robbie McGale, midfielder; Ross Gray, midfielder; Bradley Barrett, midfielder
Starting XI from last seasons fixture:- Paddy Martin; Josh Grigor, Neil Martyniuk, Conor Doan, Robbie McGale, Jason Jarvis, Jonny Stewart, Ross Gray, Reis Peggie, Dean Watson, Smart Osadolor.
 
 
Rose drew 2-2 with Annan on Tuesday night and lost the bonus point (if you believed the BBC report) in the penalty shoot-out (7-6). Brad Barret scored an early goal for Rose before Annan struck back through Paul McGowan and Paul Smith before a late strike from substitute Brad Rodden took the tie to penalties. As it turns out, Bonnyrigg won the penalty shoot-out 7-6 after Annan's Ryan Muir had his spot kick saved by new loan signing keeper Tom Ritchie from Aberdeen FC.
That result will give us an indication that Rose won't be just turning up to make up the numbers. Kallum Higginbotham was a sub and provided the assist for the 87th minute equaliser.
That's their starting XI from Tuesday night at Annan>>>
Dundee beat Arbroath 2-0 on Tuesday night to top Group D.
 
 
 
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2024-25 ·

Annan Athletic 1-0 Inverness CT - L/Cup

League Cup Opener ends in defeat
 
New look Inverness made the long trek to Galabank Stadium for the opening game of the season to face Annan Athletic in the League Cup group stages. Most of our injured players made the game but Jack Walker and Ethan Cairns missed out. Annan added Aaron Quigg to their squad today and in former Dundee midfielder Paul McGowan they won't lack determination, skill or experience, something we lost over the summer. We'll just have to see how it pans out. Tommy Goss headed in the opening goal midway through a fairly even first half but we trailed at the break. No more goals after the interval and it ended 1-0 to Annan.
In other news, Cammy Harper has changed his shirt number to No3 at Carlisle United and Roddy MacGregor scored on his debut for Queens Park... Sigh!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inverness got the season underway on the 3G surface as captain Billy Mckay sets the ball rolling. Annan were first to threaten through Aidan Smith who saw Keeper Jack Newman save low to his left after eight minutes. Adam Brooks had our first effort after being fed through on goal but shot just wide five minutes later. Annan opened the scoring in the 21st minute through a Tommy Goss header. Brooks was denied from outside the box as Jamie Smith saved his effort on the half hour and following a corner Aidan Smith's header from a tight angle was denied by Newman with a super save. Billy Mckay shot over ten minutes before the break as the visitors looked to draw level before the interval. Brooks again missed the target shooting over after a lengthy injury break for Jake Davidson. Possession was even over the first 45 but it's the hosts that have the one goal advantage.
HT: 1-0
No changes at the interval and we were very close to an equaliser two minutes into the second half as Adam Brooks saw his initial effort hit the post and the rebound fell to Calum MacLeod in the box. Alas, his effort came off the bar and Billy Mckay couldn't quite scramble the ball in. Meh! Keith Bray brought out a save from the keeper and Aidan Smith did likewise at the other end before being booked a minute later for a late tackle on Charlie Gilmour. The hosts continued to dish out the rough treatment and Quitongo was booked minutes later for being late on Bray. Brooks continued missing the target, shooting wide after the hour and he would be replaced by Robbie Thompson for the last twenty minutes. Thereafter a spate of substitutions and one of them, Calum Mackay, had an effort saved by Jamie Smith. A late header by Ferguson never troubled the keeper and it was defeat in our opening match.
FT: 1-0
Narrow defeat in the opening League Cup game at Annan but nonetheless an encouraging display by the the young squad.
Johndo was at the game looking to tear the team to shreds but came away with a different perspective after watching the new look squad compete with Annan.
Positives - I attended in the belief that this report would be a total slagging. We were the better team, we played the better football and we did not deserve to be beaten, We were quicker going forward, we tried to use width, we tried to hit the bye line. Some of the forward thinking 1-2 touch football was a joy to watch. We worked for 90 minutes. We looked solid at the back.
Newman ***  Rarely tested but looked solid.
Strachan *** Looked raw and needed support of those around him. Not scared of going forward,
Davidson **** Huge improvement in what I have seen before.
Devine **** Gawd do we need to keep him fit
Savage **** Appears to have become some fans boo-boy. On today's performance totally undeserved. Always in space and looking to go forward.
MacLeod ***** MOM - first time I have seen him and very, very impressed - Roddy MacGregor +
Gilmour **** Solid as ever
Bray *** Some great touches and full of energy but may be better utilised centrally.
Longstaff *** Ran and ran, some great touches - so left footed - play him wider left.
McKay ** Sorry but he was the weak link today. NOT a forward any more. Our Harry Kane !! 20 30 minute man.
Brooks *** Plenty of pace and energy, Could/should have had a hat trick. Needs big man up beside him, Now if we had Goss we would have options and walked it.
Ref was poor and allowed too many fouls to go unpunished. (nothing new there)
Negatives - Oh jeez many of our final balls and finishing was shocking. OK we made the chances but blew them all. There were a number of occasions when we played the ball back when there was a forward ball. Some of our support are still in the boo-boy category and lets get rid of the dynasty but lets support those on the field - including Dunc. I bet there will not be many of the blindfolded agreeing with this report. On reflection I actually did want this to be a slagging, ended up pi$$ed of with score BUT encouraged by the performance.
Highlights from Annan Athletic
 
 
 
Date:  13/07/2024  Venue: Galabank Stadium, Annan Attendance: 427 Referee: Jordan Curran
 
Annan Athletic: 1
Manager: Wullie Gibson (player manager) Lineup:  J Smith; Gibson, Dixon (Quigg 85), T Muir, Quitongo (K Fleming 69), Todd, McGowan, P Smith, R Muir, A Smith, Goss Subs (not used):  G Fleming; Maxwell Scorers: Goss (21) Booked: Goss (24), Aidan Smith (52), Quitongo (55) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0
Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup:  Newman; Davidson, Devine, Savage, Strachan (Keogh 79), Bray, Gilmour (Ferguson 75), MacLeod, Longstaff (C Mackay 75), B Mckay (Corner  75), Brooks (Thompson 69) Subs (not used): Rebilas; Sam Nixon. Scorers: none Booked: Keogh (88) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2024-25 ·

Annan Athletic -V- Inverness CT - League Cup

Into the Unknown
 
It's a journey into unchartered waters as the rebooted Caley Jags travel to Galabank Stadium, Annan, for the first competitive game of season 2024/2025. It's going to be a difficult season for pennyless Inverness unless a wealthy benefactor appears out of the Highland mist or the Battery Farm Project takes a massive U turn. I'm no holding my breath for a quick decision on either happening anytime soon. As they say around here, it is what it is, but it beats training at Kelty and and being dictated to by the very people who are responsible for the situation we find ourselves in. We will try and concentrate on events on the field and keep our fingers crossed that a resolution can be sought for the off-field issues.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Match/Ticket Info
Panos pleads for patience
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
First Competitive Meeting Jan 24th, 1998 Scottish Cup (Rd 3) (H) 8 - 1 We have only met twice in competitive games with both ending in resounding wins for the Caley Jags. Last meeting was in 2009 though and Annan have bedded themselves in to the Leagues well. However, given our current demise I would imagine Annan will be feeling confident about this one as Ferguson has little to choose from since our financial demise and mismanagement.
This was Ian Broadfoot's report from the first meeting in 1998: 8 - 1  The home side demolished a determined Annan side after an early fright. A loose ball found Norman Montgomery clear inside the Inverness half and he lobbed the ball over Jim Calder. Caley Thistle stormed upfield and scored 3 goals in a 6 minute spell. In 16 minutes Barry Wilson was set up by Iain Stewart just inside the area and he drove the ball low past Robert McColm. Three minutes later Brian Thomson slipped it to Stewart on the 18 yard line and he sent a low ball past the keeper. On the 20 minute mark Thomson was fouled just outside the box. He took the kick himself and sent it into the top corner. A fourth goal came in the 38th minute. Thomson and Stewart set up Barry Robson down the right and he headed straight for goal. Under strong pressure Robson hit it home. In 55 minutes Mark McCulloch cleared upfield from the half-way line and found Stewart who ran through the defence and slipped it to the side of the keeper he unselfishly sent it across to Thomson who only had to tap it in. In 74 minutes it was 6-1. A Vetle Andersen cross from the left went in off the head of defender Stanley Leslie. 10 minutes later Wilson got the seventh with a low drive from 15 yards and with 4 minutes left substitute Duncan Shearer rose above the Annan defence on the penalty spot and headed in an Andersen cross to complete the 8-1 record score. Annan's bad tempered tackling was finally punished in 86 minutes when Stanley Leslie was sent off. 
Only other Meeting: Adam Rooney (21), Robert Eagle (52), Dougie Imrie (72), Dani Sanchez (87) Aug 1st, 2009
League Cup (Rd 1) (H) 4 - 0
Annan Athletic: They finished 8th in League 1 last season and will be facing us at least another four times this season. New additions: Wullie Gibson (Manager) Paul Smith (midfielder, Ayr United) Paul McGowan (midfielder Cove Rangers) Josh Todd, (midfielder Queen of the South). Max Kilsby and Ryan Muir are signed on again. Loans in: Jamie Smith (GK Hamilton Academical).
Who to look out for: 
Striker Aidan Smith became the clubs leading SPFL goalscorer last season when he passed Peter Weathersons goal total. His great work ethic and attacking running has seen him become the first name on the managers team sheet. The lively, left sided attacker started his career at Queen of the South before moving to Annan then onto Peterhead FC. Striker Tommy Goss joined the club from Queen of the South in the summer of 2021 and has become a firm fans favourite. The 6ft 4″ striker grabbed 28 goals last season and became the clubs record scorer for goals scored in a single SPFL season. A man with a wealth of experience at hailing taxis, Paul McGowan joined Dundee in June 2014 and became a mainstay and a key player for the side throughout his 9-year tenure there, making over 300 appearances for the Dark Blues. He joined Dunfermline Athletic on loan in 2023 and won both the Scottish Championship and the Scottish League One in the same season. After leaving Dundee he then spent a season with Cove Rangers. Inverness CT: Much has been made about our plight, and the way the club has handled it. Danny Devine, Charlie Gilmour and Billy Mckay were the only big names not to be disconnected from the club. Add a couple who struggled for game time last season in Luis Longstaff, Adam Brooks and Jake Davidson and the rest of the squad is made up of fringe players and youths. Yes, that is the reality we are facing this season in League 1. It's going to be a long season methinks unless a miracle happens to come our way.
Injuries are starting early this season and we have doubts over Billy Mckay, Danny Devine Robbie Thompson and Adam Brooks, so nothing new there.
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2024-25 ·

Aaron Doran - Club Legend

Shameful
It has come to light in the aftermath of the disrespectful treatment of a Club Legend that all is not well behind the scenes at the Caley Jags. It took another former player Shane Sutherland to highlight the plight of a great servant to the Caley Jags when he opened up a Go Fund Me page to support Aaron Doran who it appears had been let down by the very club he gave his all to for nearly fourteen years. Unfortunately Aaron had suffered a few career threatening injuries whilst playing for Inverness and that somewhat curtailed his appearances. Nonetheless, he still made 392 or 393 appearances for the club right up until he was seriously injured in a televised game at the Caledonian Stadium against Raith Rovers, twenty minutes in, and our third last game of the regular 2023-2024 season.
 
Full Name: Aaron Brian Doran Cogan Born: May 13th, 1991 (Charleville, County Cork, Ireland) Height: 5' 7 Position: Winger Signed: January 25th, 2011 First Manager: Terry Butcher Left Club: June 10th, 2024 Career Stats: 392 appearances, 57 goals (we might have lost a game somewhere) Debut (as sub): January 26th, 2011 - Inverness CT 0 - 2 Aberdeen (League) Full Debut: February 5th, 2011 - 5 - 1 Morton (Scottish Cup - Rd 5) First Goal: February 12th, 2011 - St. Mirren 3 - 3 Inverness CT (League)  
Thanks to Shane Sutherland, the generosity of friends, fans, former colleagues and opponents, Aaron has now had his operation. However it has emerged that he had posted on Instagram regarding his sad dismissal and treatment from the Board of Inverness CT who have treated Aaron in a similar way to which they have been treating the fans. Let's not forget that Aaron was due to have a testimonial for his service to the club.
It is the opinion of all on CTO that Aaron deserved better treatment than the silence he and others have been subjected to. We all understand there is a lot going on behind the scenes, but surely a shred of human decency could have been allocated to Aaron to support him better throughout this process.
The general malaise emanating from within the Caledonian Stadium is one which many supporters find difficult to comprehend and it will take years to repair the damage being done to the brand right now. 
It's almost as if the Horizon System has been installed at the Caledonian Stadium over the last nine years. You would think that George Thomson was in charge...
Here's a great memory for Aaron recreated by the talented local artist Sophie Robb as he holds the Scottish Cup.
A Scottish Cup winner with the Caley Jags, the highlight of his career here. What a sublime pass threaded through to Marley Watkins to open the scoring in the 2-1 win over Falkirk in 2015.
 
We are right behind you Aaron!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Another way to help Aaron is through Robbo's fundraiser for his re-hab (that's Aaron's re-hab)
The Prize
Up for grabs is a really unique piece of Scottish football memorabilia, a Scotland top made for John Robertson with his name on the back. So why is this rare?
Squad numbers didn't come into force domestically in Scotland until season 1998/1999 by which time Robbo had left Hearts for Livingston so no domestic jersey ever had his name on the back
By tm4tj in News 2024-25 ·

Pre-Season 2024-2025

PRE-SEASON
 
Someting we weren't sure would be happening a month ago, but the club have released their Pre-Season fixtures for the new season ahead starting with a game at Clachnucuddin. 
We will update this article as and when these games are played with scores and any further fixtures or updates. All we need now is a team to support
Some players have been seen on Google Earth at Fort George.
 
Clach 0-2 ICTFC ✅
Nairn 1-3 ICTFC ✅
Raith 1-0 ICTFC ✅
Brora 4-1 ICTFC ✅
 
 
Clach 0-2 Inverness CT <<Brooks (57), Calum Mackay (83)>>
Low key pre-season game with Inverness shading it with two second half goals. Adam Brooks after 57 minutes when he ran onto a through ball to guide it into the bottom corner and a well worked goal manufactured by Ethan Cairns and Ben Corner before Calum Mackay lashed his feed high into the net from twelve yards for an emphatic finish after 83 minutes. 
Poor first half played out on a lush pitch which would have slowed the ball up and a stiff breeze affecting play as well. Nobody really caught the eye although Longstaff and Thompson looked the most likely for us with Clach having their share of the ball, but clear chances were at a premium. Same pattern in the second half with Ethan Cairns prominent and Calum Mackay the pick of the players. Clach did squander one glaring opportunity with a fresh air swipe and another couple of half chances. Josh Meekings played at the back for them, a great player for us a couple of stone ago.
Difficult to judge anything on a breezy chilly afternoon and the grass needing another notch down on the mower with players getting their first outing. Everyone got on the pitch at some stage.
Gilmour and Ujdur out as a precaution I'm told, and Lewis Nicolson in attendance but not stripped. Shae Keogh came off injured late in game.
STARTING XI:  1. Jack Newman (GK) 2. Jack Walker 3. Matthew Strachan 4. Danny Devine 5. Remi Savage 6. Jake Davidson 7. Keith Bray 8. Luis Longstaff 9. Billy Mckay 10. Adam Brooks 11. Robbie Thompson
ICT Subs: 13. Szymon Rebilas (GK) 12. Calum MacKay 14. Ethan Cairns 15. Cameron Ferguson 16. Calum MacLeod 17. Sam Nixon 18. Shae Keogh 19. Ben Corner
 
 
Goals from Billy Mckay, Robbie Thompson and Calum Mackay see Inverness win 3-1 at Station Park. A good workout all round and another win for the young squad.
 
 
 
Text updates from ICTFC on X
05’ | 0-0 Post! Adam Brooks is played through on goal by Billy Mckay’s pass but his effort comes off the post from close range.
07’ | 0-0 Billy Mckay and Longstaff combine but the winger can’t get full contact on his shot and his effort is held.
20’ | 0-1 GOAL! Billy Mckay gives us the lead with a great finish after meeting Keith Bray’s ball in the box.
30’ | 0-2 GOAL! Robbie Thompson doubles our lead as he finishes Keith Bray's low cross from close range.
HT - 0-2 
53’ | 0-2 Luis Longstaff sees his low free-kick saved.
54’ | 0-2 Close to a third! Brooks’ ball finds Longstaff in the box and his effort is off the post.
74‘ | 1-2 Goal. Matthew Wright pulls one back for Nairn County.
76’ | 1-3 GOAL! Calum Mackay makes it 3-1 after a great move on the break from the Caley Jags.
FT - 1-3 
STARTING XI:  1. Jack Newman (GK) 2. Jack Walker 3. Matthew Strachan 4. Danny Devine 5. Remi Savage 6. Jake Davidson 7. Keith Bray 8. Luis Longstaff 9. Billy Mckay 10. Adam Brooks 11. Robbie Thompson
58’ |  ICTFC Subs: Jack Walker, Calum Mackay, Ethan Cairns and Sam Nixon ON, Danny Devine, Billy Mckay, Jake Davidson, Robbie Thompson OFF
70‘ |  ICTFC Subs: Szymon Rebilas, Cameron Ferguson, Shae Keogh and Ben Corner ON, Jack Newman, Luis Longstaff, Remi Savage and Adam Brooks OFF
 
 
 
RAITH ROVERS 1-0 INVERNESS CT
We are doing ok in the first half. A great strike from distance from Adam Brooks saved by Dabrowski about 15 mins.
HT: 0-0 - Ethan Cairns and Callum MacLeod on, Billy Mckay and Charlie Gilmour off
Brooks nets but just offside, Jack Newton with a couple of great saves.
Under increasing pressure this half...
ICTFC Subs: Keith Bray and Calum MacKay on, Luis Longstaff and Trialist (11) off (Adam Mackinnon)
Paul Hanlon scored the winner in the 86th minute having been down as a trialist for Raith.
FT: 1-0
All players got in on the act except for Robbie Thompson who rolled his ankle before kick-off and never got on the park thereafter and Billy Mckay also took a knock and was repaced at half time.
Ex-Ross County midfielder Adam Mackinnon (No11), 21, was the main focal point as he was one of three new faces pitched in to Saturday’s friendly at Championship Raith Rovers, which ended in a late 1-0 loss.
Former Rothes centre half Callum Haspell (No2), also 21, and left-back Flynn Duffy (No3), 20, who was on loan at League Two Peterhead from Dundee United last term, were also handed starts at Stark’s Park.
 
Brora Rangers 4-1 Inverness CT
13- GOAL: 1-0 Brora!! Colin Williamson ball over the top. Tony Dingwall picks up the loose ball after a collision between keeper and defender to slide it in. 
17' | 1-0 Keith Bray forces a good save from Cameron MacKay after breaking down the right hand side.
26' | 1-0 Tony Dingwall sees his effort from distance bounce just wide
31' | 2-0 Goal. Brora Rangers double their lead through Max Ewan's strike as he cuts in and places the ball into the corner of the net from 20 yards.
42' | 2-1 GOAL! We pull one back through Shae Keogh's volley from inside the box after Brora cleared the first effort off the line.
ICTFC Subs at Half Time: Szymon Rebilas, Trialist (No16), Sam Nixon, Calum MacLeod and Cameron Ferguson ON, Jack Newman, Remi Savage, Jake Davidson, Charlie Gilmour and Adam Brooks OFF
52- GOAL BRORA!! Great finish from Jordan Macrae after a good team move. 3-1 
59' | ICTFC Subs: Luis Longstaff, Trialist (No 17), Ben Corner ON, Shae Keogh, Ethan Cairns and Calum MacKay off.
69' | 3-1 Calum MacLeod sees his effort from distance go over and behind.
71' |ICTFC Sub: Leo Walker  on, Jack Walker off 
79- GOAL for BRORA. Jordan Macrae attempt comes off the post. Tony Dingwall the sharpest to slam it home. 4-1
Big win in this one for Brora with Inverness missing a couple of important players in Devine and Billy Mckay with Robbie Thompson injured and making wholesale changes after the interval to give everyone a game.
Well done to Brora who were always going to provide stiff opposition as they ran out big winners in our final pre-season game.
Edited 2 minutes ago by tm4tj
 
 

Confirmation the sub trialists are A, Jack Newman in goal, Adam Mackinnon (16) and Callum Haspell (17) along with an academy player Leo Walker down as a trialist (20).
By tm4tj in News 2024-25 ·

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. : Terms of Use : Guidelines : Privacy Policy

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

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.