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Inverness CT -V- Montrose - League1 - Preview

Gable Endies at Home
 
Montrose are the visitors this weekend and if you can make it along early there's a Supporters Trust Meeting at 12:30 ahead of the game in Bar94 where they will endeavour to give you an update on the Administration process. The prospect of an entertaining game this Saturday with Inverness on the up and Montrose struggling of late and starting to tread water with one relegation play-off place still up for grabs. At present we hold the trumps for that with eleven games left to Alan Salvage our season.We drew the first encounter 1-1 but a stirring away performance in the second game saw us leave Montrose with a 3-2 victory at the beginning of December. They have their own Alfie Bavidge in Owen Stirton on loan from Dundee United and he has banged in six goals in just a handful of games.
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FANS MEETING 12:30
Full details are in the flyer below, but the meeting gives fans an opportunity to put questions to Charlie Christie, Scott Young or the Supporters Trust Board. Charlie and Scott will be giving updates on the club's situation and Charlie will be sharing some memories of the club's first 30 years.
The meeting is open to all fans and we hope to see many of you there, and remember there is an extra bus being provided by Stagecoach at 12.00 noon from the Bus Station, allowing time to grab a pie or drink before the meeting starts. Concession passes are valid, with the single fare being £2.40.
🚍 -  - 🥧 - 🍺 - 
 
 
 
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⚽ Match/Ticket/Bar94/Info ⚽
 Supporters Trust Meeting 
🚍 Early Bus to Stadium 🕛 
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Venue Pld Won Drn Lst For Agst + / - Home 7 3 2 2 8 11 -3 Away 6 3 2 1 9 7 +2 Neutral 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 13 6 4 3 17 18 -1 Thirteen meetings in total with just the three defeats so far spanning 30 years starting with a 3-1 defeat at Links Park in October 94 in a division Three encounter with Sergei Baltacha the manager. Montrose nearly scored very early in the game but Mark McRitchie saved well from Colin McGlashan. In the 22nd minute a Charlie Christie cross was only inches from Norman MacMillan's head. In the 32nd minute McRitchie again saved at full length from a McGlashan shot. One minute later MacMillan put the visitors in front when he latched on to a Mitchell through ball and shot home. Things went badly wrong in the second half for Caley Thistle when in 58 minutes Paul MacKenzie was sent off for a second bookable offence. It was an uphill struggle after that and it was no surprise when Montrose equalised through Grant in 68 minutes. As the visitors tired McGlashan put Montrose in front with a tremendous shot in 74 minutes and one minute from time McRonald made it three with an overhead kick. Our next meeting in February was even worse. We were hammered 4-0 at home when a Stuart Beedie brace, with Milne and Mark Haro all scoring second half goals without reply. We won the third game 1-0 through a last minute goal from Wilson Robertson but ended as we began with a 3-0 doing at home in April thanks to strikes from Neil McAvoy, Colin McGlashan and Shaun Smith. Montrose went on to gain promotion this season with a late run for the finishing line pipping Ross County for the second place finish. Caledonian Thistle ended the season in mid-table and Forfar Athletic were the Champions. Those were the days...
Last 10 Competitive Meetings
3 - 2
(A)
1 - 1
(H)
1 - 0
(H)
0 - 0
(A)
1 - 1
(H)
3 - 2
(H)
2 - 0
(A)
2 - 0
(H)
2 - 2
(A)
0 - 3
(H)  
INVERNESS CT  The Season So Far
D  L  D  D W D D D L   / W L(11)D W W W L  W L  
W W L  W W L  W 
Since Scott Kellacher was handed the reins in game 11, there has been a more positive approach to our matches which has resulted in improved performances and a more enjoyable matchday experience all round. Alas we were brought back to earth with a disappointing result in our last game of 2024, a crushing 1-4 defeat at home to Cove Rangers. We'll have to put that one down to a bad day at the office. However, we bounced back in our first game of the second half of the season in the six pointer against Dumbarton with a hard fought 2-0 win. That win over Dumbarton was a vital one and the introduction of Alfie Bavidge was a welcome one as he opened the scoring early in the first half. Charlie Gilmour slotted in the clincher in the second half to give us a cushion over the Sons and to narrow the gap on Annan to seven points. We took part in the only League1 game last weekend and came away from Annan with a resounding 3-0 win, Alfie Bavidge netting again with Keith Bray and then Billy Mckay from the spot.  *It was then on to Palmerston on the Tuesday night but in a five goal encounter we went down 3-2. Alfie Bavidge notched his third goal in three games and Keith Bray added a second but goals from Adam Brooks (2) and Jordan Allan kept the points in Dumfries. We bounced back with a resilient 1-2 win at Alloa in our third away game on the bounce, Dunfermline bound Keith Bray with his fourth of the season and Alfie Stewart. We got our revenge at home to QotS (1-0) with Alfie Bavidge scoring his fourth goal in five appearances. Alas it was a bridge too far at Arbroath last week and we went down losing three without reply. The Stenhousemuir fixture was postponed and is re-arranged for March 11th. We went to Kelty and came away with a narrow 1-0 win thanks to Alfie's 5th goal in 7 appearances. Montrose up next and a win would be helpful and much appreciated with only 11 games left in our fixture list.
Latest Team News from within: Scott Kellacher has not mentioned any fresh injury worries but is focussed on four of the next five games being at home for the run in with a total of six of our final games at the Caledonian Stadium against five teams who play on artificial surfaces. Good news if we can use that to our advantage. So, the big emphasis is on our home form.
 

Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Arbroath 25 12 43 2 Cove Rangers 25 13 41 3 Stenny 25 11 41 4 Alloa Ath 26 6 37 5 Queen of Sth 26 -3 35 6 Kelty Hearts 25 3 31 7 Montrose 26 -7 30 8 Annan Ath 26 -19 27 9 Inverness CT 25 1 25 10 Dumbarton 25 -17 8  
 
Last Six: D  L  D  D W L  
At the end of January Montrose picked up an away point with a 2-2 draw at Annan, Stirton and Lyons scoring early goals. A home defeat to Stenhousemuir followed (0-3) with two draws on the bounce against Alloa (2-2) and Cove (1-1). The highlight of the last six was a rousing 2-3 win at Dumbarton with (Stirton x2 & Quinn scoring). Last week saw them well beaten at Home by QotS. 
<<<That was Stewart Petrie's squad for the win over Dumbarton. However, last week Machado started with Masson coming off the bench. Not a great run by Montrose and that has seen them sink perilously close to the relegation scrap. Owen Stirton is top scorer with six goals on loan from Dundee United. He seems to be the Gable Endies equivalent of our own Alfie Bavidge. Experienced arrival in the shape of Craig Wightman to back him up. Callum Sandilands is a promising young forward player in from Hearts. Matheus Machado is still at Montrose as is the imbecilic Michael Gardyne. Good footballer, bit of a tool though.
January Sales: Loan in: Owen Stirton, forward (Dundee United); Callum Sandilands, forward (Heart of Midlothian); Craig Wighton, forward (Dunfermline Athletic); Kieran Freeman, defender (Raith Rovers). Kane Hester has signed on again at Elgin City and Defender Callum Hannah has gone back to Raith Rovers.
 
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2024-25 ·

Kelty Hearts 0-1 Inverness CT - League 1

💔 Kelty Hearts Broken 💔
 
The two previous encounters this season had ended all square but this Training Ground Derby at New Central Park went the way of the visitors thanks to a strike from Alfie Bavidge.
Scott Kellacher had a full squad to pick from with James Nolan dropping down to join new signing Ben Brannan on the bench and Billy Mckay was up front with Alfie Bavidge. Charlie Mulgrew had a defender trialist on from the start who turned out to be Kirk Broadfoot but top Scorer Ross Cunningham missed out. After a goalless first half the Caley Jags upped the pace and Alfie Bavidge opened the scoring with twenty minutes remaining. A late scare as Kelty bounced a header off the crossbar following a corner but the visitors held on for the win in what turned out to be a great day for the Caley Jags with all others round about them losing. Happy days!
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In less than ideal conditions and after a cagey opening it took ten minutes before Paul Allan had the first attempt in earnest when Luis Longstaff's ball in was met by the midfielder, his effort saved by Adams in goal. Kelty were perhaps shading the early exchanges and from hereon they dominated the first forty-five although the visitors had a couple of great opportunities to open the scoring. Lewis Moore saw Dibaga save his effort from outside the box and midway through the half he shot wide from inside the box. The Inverness defence were working hard to contain the eager Maroons, blocking a couple of efforts from outside the box and it remained goalless at the break. The second half saw the Caley Jags up their work rate and they took control of proceedings from the whistle. Adam MacKinnon had a long range shot saved and Alfie Bavidge missed the target as we rolled our sleeves up. Connor Allan went close with a shot from inside the box on the hour and Blaine McClure fired a free kick wide. However, it was the visitors who were now in pulling the strings. Billy Mckay and Charlie Gilmour went close as the pressure mounted on the hosts defence and they combined to set up Bavidge for a great team goal to open the scoring from close range, Alfie's fifth goal in seven appearances. A late surge from the hosts as they tried to salvage something from the game saw Scott Mercer head onto the bar following a corner with ten minutes remaining. Despite this late flurry and seven minutes of time added on, Inverness kept the Hearts out and closed the gap on Annan to just two points with a game in hand.
 
5th goal in 7 for Alfie, that's some return since he came in on loan.
Mantis summed up on CTO: We were very poor first half although as Kell says we had the best two chances. Defensively, Devine and Savage were in total control and Kelty, minus Cunningham, never really looked like breaking us down. Will be interesting to see Kelty’s penalty claim on the highlights. Second half we started at a decent tempo with Bray and Longstaff causing a lot of problems down the right, and you could feel the pressure building. We spurned a few chances before finally scoring.
We might have tied the game up as we then had to endure a nervy few minutes at the end, during which Devine and Savage were both booked. Meanwhile the Annan game, which was a few minutes ahead of us, ticked on past the 97 minute mark. Thought Billy was more effective in his deeper role than in recent weeks and very happy that nobody snapped up Charlie in the transfer window. He even avoided a booking this week…
 
 
 

Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Cove Rangers 25 13 41 2 Stenny 25 11 41 3 Arbroath 24 11 40 4 Alloa Ath 26 6 37 5 Queen of Sth 26 -3 35 6 Kelty Hearts 24 4 31 7 Montrose 26 -7 30 8 Annan Ath 26 -19 27 9 Inverness CT 25 1 25 10 Dumbarton 25 -17 08  
 

 Goals Scored by Alfie Bavidge Jan 4th, 2025 League  (H)  vs. Dumbarton 2 - 0 (15') Jan 18th, 2025 League  (A)  vs. Annan Athletic 3 - 0 (40') Jan 21st, 2025 League  (A)  vs. Queen of the South 2 - 3 (10') Feb 1st, 2025 League  (H)  vs. Queen of the South 1 - 0 (36') Feb 22nd, 2025 League  (A)  vs. Kelty Hearts 1 - 0 (73')  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  22/02/2025  Venue: New Central Park, Kelty Attendance: 0641 Referee: Alastair Grieve
 
Kelty Hearts: 0
Manager: Charlie Mulgrew Lineup:  Adams; Mercer, Flatman, Trialist, Paterson, McClure, Lyon (McCarvel 61), C Allan, McIntyre (Thomas  81), Moore, McLeish (Johnston 75) Subs (not used):  Adamson; Fellows, O'Ware, Bryce, Watson, Brown Scorers: none Booked: McClure (64), Mercer (78) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1
Manager: Scott Kellacher Lineup:   Dibaga; Bray, Devine, Savage, Stewart, Longstaff, Gilmour, Allan, Mackinnon, Bavidge, B Mckay (Cairns 90+4) Subs (not used): Rebilas; Walker, Ewan, Keogh, Nolan, MacLeod, R Thompson, Brannan Scorers: Bavidge (73) Booked: Devine (87), Savage (90+1) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2024-25 ·

Kelty Hearts -V- Inverness CT - League1 - Preview

The Training Ground Derby Returns
 
Had our previous incumbents got their way, this would have been known as the Training Ground Derby at New Central Park, Kelty. As it turned out, we were having none of that nonsense and went down the administration route and it's simply another away day for the Caley Jags. Our last visit incorporated the Immortal Howden Ender Memorial trip in memory of the much missed Johndo, and it ended on the park goalless. Kelty are having a decent season and we are trying to come to terms with our points deduction with our young side doing their utmost to keep us in this League.
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Match/Ticket/ Info
Supporters Bus
Ben Brannan
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Venue: Just the 3 fixtures
Pld Won Drn Lst For Agst + / - Home 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 Away 2 1 1 0 1 0 +1 Neutral 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 3 1 2 0 2 1 +1 The only win was a League Cup tie in 2022 when a last minute George Oakley goal was enough for a hard fought win: By George! We are off and running: The first ever fixture between the sides ended with a 1-0 win for the visitors. It took a late strike from George Oakley to separate the sides as the Inverness pressure eventually paid off. Billy Mckay hit the post with a header in the second half and keeper Darren Jamieson pulled off a string of saves to deny the eager Inverness side. Agyeman came close in the first half when Delaney cleared away from goal but that was as close as it got for the hosts with Ridgers making some routine stops.
 2024  Nov 2nd League (League 1) 1 - 1  H    1,502      Aug 24th League (League 1) 0 - 0  A    692      2022  Jul 9th League Cup (Group Stage Group G) 1 - 0  A    601      
INVERNESS CT  The Season So Far
D L  D D W D D D L   / W L(11)D W W W L  W L  
W W L  W W L  
Since Scott Kellacher was handed the reins in game 11, there has been a more positive approach to our matches which has resulted in improved performances and a more enjoyable matchday experience all round. Alas we were brought back to earth with a disappointing result in our last game of 2024, a crushing 1-4 defeat at home to Cove Rangers. We'll have to put that one down to a bad day at the office. However, we bounced back in our first game of the second half of the season in the six pointer against Dumbarton with a hard fought 2-0 win. That win over Dumbarton was a vital one and the introduction of Alfie Bavidge was a welcome one as he opened the scoring early in the first half. Charlie Gilmour slotted in the clincher in the second half to give us a cushion over the Sons and to narrow the gap on Annan to seven points. We took part in the only League1 game last weekend and came away from Annan with a resounding 3-0 win, Alfie Bavidge netting again with Keith Bray and then Billy Mckay from the spot.  *It was then on to Palmerston on the Tuesday night but in a five goal encounter we went down 3-2. Alfie Bavidge notched his third goal in three games and Keith Bray added a second but goals from Adam Brooks (2) and Jordan Allan kept the points in Dumfries. We bounced back with a resilient 1-2 win at Alloa in our third away game on the bounce, Dunfermline bound Keith Bray with his fourth of the season and Alfie Stewart. We got our revenge at home to QotS (1-0) with Alfie Bavidge scoring his fourth goal in five appearances. Alas it was a bridge too far at Arbroath last week and we went down losing three without reply. Last weeks game v Stenhousemuir was postponed and it's off to Kelty this weekend.
No news is good news so we will assume that there are no fresh injury worries.
 

Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Arbroath 23 13 40 2 Cove 24 12 38 3 Stenny 24 9 38 4 Alloa Ath 25 5 34 5 Queen of Sth 25 -6 32 6 Kelty Hearts 23 5 31 7 Montrose 25 -4 30 8 Annan Ath 25 -18 27 9 Inverness CT 24 0 22 10 Dumbarton 24 -16 08  
Last Six: W L  D D L  L  
An early Xmas present for the Maroons as they beat Queen of the South with Cunningham scoring twice. However, their next game they drew a blank going down 2-0 at Dumbarton. Two draws followed at Montrose and Stenhousemuir with no goals in either game. Into February and defeats to both the Athletics has seen Kelty slip up somewhat as they now sit nine points off the top of the table. Only one win in six for Kelty. Ross Cunningham is top scorer in League1 with 11 goals. Scott Williamson has 7 goals but he has returned to Queens Park. Scott Allan is still at Kelty.
January Sales In: Charlie Mulgrew, head coach; James Lyon, midfielder; Jamie Watson, defender. Loan in: Blaine McClure, midfielder (Rangers); Liam McLeish, forward (Queen's Park).
Out: Michael Tidser, midfielder/manager. Loan ended: Samuel Cleall-Harding, defender (Dundee United); Scott Williamson, forward (Queen's Park).
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2024-25 ·

ICT MONTHLY #1

NEW DIGITAL MONTHLY UPDATE FROM THE CLUB
 
To keep supporters updated on different aspects of the club, we’re delighted to launch a new free Monthly Digital Newsletter
Well done to ICTFC who have produced this informative digital magazine for the fans👏
 
DOWNLOAD HERE
The first issue contains:
The latest from Head Coach Scott Kellacher Focus on feature with Billy Mckay Charlie’s Chat – The latest from Interim CEO Charlie Christie ICT Academy Update ICTWFC with Karen Mason Meet the Player: Remi Savage ICT Community Trust Column ICT Supporters Trust news  

Edited just now 
By tm4tj in News 2024-25 ·

Inverness CT -V- Stenhousemuir - ***GAME OFF***

**GAME OFF **GAME OFF**
 
Top of the table Stenhousemuir are the visitors this weekend at the Caledonian Stadium for a 2:00pm start looking to keep themselves as the leaders of the pack. In contrast, the Caley Jags will be looking to bounce back after they were whitewashed 3-0 at second placed Arbroath last weekend as we lost a little ground on the teams above us. It's a tight division this year with Arbroath probably looking the likeliest to get their act together as witnessed by the way they easily disposed of the Caley Jags last Saturday. Despite a good run of results, it's a sharp learning curve for most at this time, including the fans, where expectations will need to be tempered during the healing process.

 
🕑 Don't forget it's an early kick-off at 2:00pm 🕑
With that in mind, revised bar and bus times in operation this week. Everything is an hour earlier than normal.
Bar 94 will open at 1100 and close at 1700. 
🚍 The matchday buses will leave the Bus Station at 1200 and 1315 🚍
 Return from the stadium 10 mins after the full time whistle and at 1700. 
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Match/Ticket/Bus/Bar94/Info
Keith Bray to Dunfermline
***Early Kick Off 2:00pm***
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Venue H2H Pld Won Drn Lst For Agst + / - Home 4 3 1 0 11 3 +8 Away 6 4 1 1 11 5 +6 Neutral 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 10 7 2 1 22 8 +14 Only the ten competitive matches against Stenhousemuir and this is the third one this season. We first crossed swords with the Warriors in a Scottish Cup tie in 1996 when we recorded a narrow one goal win, going on to play Rangers in the next round.
A tremendous victory for the Inverness side and a place in the last 8 of the cup. We 'scored' in 2 minutes through Thomson but Christie was offside. After that their defence had to withstand tremendous pressure. Mathieson was a real handful and he came close on 3 occasions - chances also fell to Brannigan, Sprott, Roseburgh, Aitken & Bannon. Caley Thistles only other first half chance was a shot from Thomson in 15 minutes but it went past.
In the second half Caley Thistle took control and in 53 minutes Thomson was unlucky when his 25 yard shot was tipped over.
In 60 minutes Stewart beat the offside trap but keeper McKenzie came off his line well. 2 minutes later a great shot from 18 yards by Christie was held by McKenzie. On 75 minutes Teasdale set off on a run down the right wing and sent a low cross to Brian Thomson just outside the penalty area - his shot into the corner was unstoppable. With a minute to go Stenhousemuir had the ball in the net but it was chalked off. Caley Thistle held out for a famous victory and the prospect of Rangers at home in the next round. ***We did of course play Rangers at Tannadice going down 3-0 in the Quarter Finals.
Starting XI McKenzie
Sprott
Bannon
Armstrong
Brannigan
Roseburgh
Aitken
Fisher
Mathieson
Hutchison
Little Jim Calder
Mike Noble
Richard Hastings
Iain MacArthur
John Scott
Graeme Bennett
Charlie Christie
Mike Teasdale
Alan Hercher
Iain Stewart
75mins ⚽ Brian Thomson Subs Haddow
Hunter
Scott Dave McGinlay
Davie Ross
Colin Mitchell  
 2024  Dec 21st League (League 1) 1 - 0  A   719      Sep 28th League (League 1) 0 - 0  H    1,601      2012  Sep 25th League Cup (Rd 3) p 1 - 1  A    705      1999  Jul 31st League Cup (Round 1) 3 - 1  A    534      1998  Apr 11th League 2 - 1  H    1,414      Feb 28th League 3 - 0  A    463      1997  Nov 8th League 4 - 1  H    1,669      Aug 30th League 2 - 3  A    400      Aug 2nd League Cup (Rd 1) 5 - 1  H    1,735      1996  Feb 17th Scottish Cup (Rd 4) 1 - 0  A    2,300      
INVERNESS CT  The Season So Far
D L  D D W D D D L   / W L(11)D W W W L  W L  
W W L  W W L  
Since Scott Kellacher was handed the reins in game 11, there has been a more positive approach to our matches which has resulted in improved performances and a more enjoyable matchday experience all round. Alas we were brought back to earth with a disappointing result in our last game of 2024, a crushing 1-4 defeat at home to Cove Rangers. We'll have to put that one down to a bad day at the office. However, we bounced back in our first game of the second half of the season in the six pointer against Dumbarton with a hard fought 2-0 win. That win over Dumbarton was a vital one and the introduction of Alfie Bavidge was a welcome one as he opened the scoring early in the first half. Charlie Gilmour slotted in the clincher in the second half to give us a cushion over the Sons and to narrow the gap on Annan to seven points. We took part in the only League1 game last weekend and came away from Annan with a resounding 3-0 win, Alfie Bavidge netting again with Keith Bray and then Billy Mckay from the spot.  *It was then on to Palmerston on the Tuesday night but in a five goal encounter we went down 3-2. Alfie Bavidge notched his third goal in three games and Keith Bray added a second but goals from Adam Brooks (2) and Jordan Allan kept the points in Dumfries. We bounced back with a resilient 1-2 win at Alloa in our third away game on the bounce, Dunfermline bound Keith Bray with his fourth of the season and Alfie Stewart. We got our revenge at home to QotS (1-0) with Alfie Bavidge scoring his fourth goal in five appearances. Alas it was a bridge too far at Arbroath last week and we went down losing three without reply.
Billy Mckay speaking to the Courier has said that Jake Davidson will miss the rest of the season after the extent of his knee injury was revealed to be more extensive than at first thought. Jake, who was shaping up well in midfield, was looking promising before his injury against Alloa Athletic in the middle of November and is now in re-hab after his operation. The only other injury concern appears to be Billy himself who was subbed off at Arbroath last weekend as a precaution having come on as a second half sub at the break.
As far as signing anyone else: Billy said our hands are tied due to administration. We can only now get players in on loan as long as they are under 20 and the window closes at the end of the month.

Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Stenny 24 9 38 2 Arbroath 22 10 37 3 Cove Rangers 23 10 35 4 Queen of Sth 24 -3 32 5 Kelty Hearts 22 7 31 6 Alloa Athletic 24 3 31 7 Montrose 24 -5 27 8 Annan Ath 24 -16 27 9 Inverness CT 24 0 22 10 Dumbarton 23 -15 08  
<<<That was the Warriors line up in the 2-1 win over Queen of the South last weekend.
Warriors Last Six: W D D L  W W 
They started their last six with a resounding 3-1 win at Alloa at the end of December. There followed draws with Annan Athletic and Kelty before being hammered 4-0 at home by Cove. In February they have had a 3-0 win at Montrose and a home win over QotS (2-1) in their last game ahead of the visit to Inverness. That back to back wins have put the Warriors heads above the parapet again with Arbroath handily placed behind them with two games in hand. They also went out of the Cup at East End Park with the Pars easing through 3-0 in the middle of January.
Corey O'Donnell and Blair Alston are joint top scorers on six apiece with both scoring in the win over Queens last week. Matty Aitken is on 5 goals but has been out injured since before Xmas. Former Inverness player and man mountain Nat Wedderburn recently made his 150th appearance for Stenhousemuir.

The Warriors come North looking to pillage three points from the Bridge and Castle but the Eagle will be doing his best to stop the looting and get the Admin Express back on track after the Smokies derailed us momentarily. 
 
 
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2024-25 ·

Arbroath 3-0 Inverness CT - League 1

Smokies Smoke Sloppy Jags
 
After a minutes applause for three former Arbroath players in left back Tommy Hughes, striker Billy Pirie and keeper Gordon Marshall, the game got under way on a bright afternoon at the Greenversity Stadium at Gayfield. An even opening saw Alfie Bavidge pass up an early opportunity from a long ball forward from Remi Savage and another saved by McAdams. Moments later Scott Stewart was denied by the legs of Inverness keeper Musa Dibaga as he bore down on goal from the right side of the box after fifteen minutes, the ball spinning wide for a corner. An inviting free kick from Fraser Taylor curled nicely onto the boot of Aaron Steele six yards out as he opened the scoring on his return to Arbroath. He got on the end of the free kick to guide the ball behind Dibaga in the twenty-fifth minute. Arbroath had been looking for the chance to win a penalty kick and the ref duly obliged a few minutes before the interval when the lead was doubled from the spot. Andy Winters scored his second goal since coming in from Livingston, the ball going in off the post. Remi Savage was deemed the culprit in a handball incident wide left inside the box when he really could not do anything about it. Harsh decision to award the penalty. That spurred the Lichties on just before the break and Savage was booked moments later thwarting another surge down the Arbroath right. From another curling Taylor free kick Dibaga pulled off a tremendous diving save to his right to tip the ball behind for a corner from Stewart's header, possibly shaving the post on the way out. On the stroke of half time Taylor almost got on the scoresheet but he was denied as Dibaga spread himself well on the goalline to block the ball away to safety.  Into the second half with Billy Mckay replacing Alfie Stewart and it would be an uphill task thereafter. Mckay did bounce a trundler off the post on the hour but he would be subbed himself before the end. The rout was complete after seventy minutes when Fraser Taylor slipped substitute Ryan Dow through and he slipped the ball past Dibaga to end the scoring. Game over!
FULL TIME: 3-0
We've had better days to be honest. We were smoked by the smokies today with Arbroath making the most of their opportunities whilst we mainly failed to make the keeper work too hard to earn his corn. By the end of the game the Eagle had been subdued...
Mantis on CTO: That’s the first time this season I’ve seen us comprehensively hammered. Arbroath are the best side I’ve seen, quite physical in defence and midfield and quick on the break. They’ve added the boy Penman on loan from St. Mirren and Sam Stanton from Raith. Mind you, we were the better side for the first 25 till they scored from a set piece. 
Highlights from Arbroath FC TV (minus our better opportunities)
 
 
Cove play Montrose this Tuesday night.

Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Stenhousemuir 24 9 38 2 Arbroath 22 10 37 3 Cove Rangers 22 10 34 4 Queen of Sth 24 -3 32 5 Kelty Hearts 22 7 31 6 Alloa Athletic 24 3 31 7 Annan Athletic 24 -16 27 8 Montrose 23 -5 26 9 Inverness CT 24 0 22 10 Dumbarton 23 -15 08  
Great overview from Naelifts on CTO: Only my second game this season. Always a pleasure going to Gayfield. They seem to have done quite a lot of work around the ground. The weather was merciful as we know what it can be like there. A sound start, moving the ball well for the first quarter. 3 extravagant 70 yard crossfield passes all hit Longstaff and on the third occasion he bore down on goal only to be foiled by a good block. Prior to that Bavidge's first touch was sublime before he poked the ball just wide of the advancing keeper. Arbroath took the lead against the run of play and a quick second in effect put the game to bed. Two good saves kept us in touch in theory before half time. Arbroath were tenacious in midfield and fast to break and after half time we weren't at the races. You could argue that Billy unluckily hitting the post could have breathed new life into the team but, in reality, we were outplayed by a superior team. For the home side their Luca Modric ( 5' 5"?) like number 14 buzzed around the park linking play and he impressed. 248 Caley souls was a great turn out. For me, Arbroath go up and we must buckle down and try to maintain Div 1 status. Any talk of play offs is fanciful.
 
 
 
Date:  08/02/2025  Venue: Gayfield Attendance: 1500 Referee: Graham Grainger
 
Arbroath FC: 3
Manager: Colin Hamilton  & David Gold Lineup:  McAdams; Steele, Watson, O'Brien (Dow 21), Penman, Spalding (Gold 86), Stanton, Wilkie, Stewart (Murray 86), Taylor (McKechnie 81), Winter (King 80) Subs (not used):  McConnell; Scorers: Steele (26), Winter (42 pen), Dow (70) Booked: none Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0
Manager: Scott Kellacher Lineup:  Dibaga; Bray, Devine, Savage, Nolan, Longstaff, Gilmour, Allan (R Thompson 81), Mackinnon (Macleod 58), Stewart (B Mckay 46, Cairns 83) Bavidge Subs (not used): Rebilas; J Walker, Strachan, Ewan, Keogh Scorers: none Booked: Savage (42), Gilmour (46) Sent Off: none a
 

By tm4tj in Reports 2024-25 ·

Arbroath -V- Inverness CT - League1

Stand to Attention
 
We will play Arbroath on Saturday at Gayfield in a Stadium with recent damage to their stand. Well I never! Saturday is the 8th of February and it's 25 years to the day since the last time this happened. SuperCaleygobalisticArbroathareatrocious won't have the same impact or quite the same ring to it, but a repeat of that famous scoreline will do nicely. Of course this game was dependent on work to rectify the storm damage being done and or the insurers coughing up the money. I wonder if they already gave them an advance given the number of new faces joining in the January transfer window? A couple of recent defeats have knocked Arbroath off their perch at the top of the table. It's a League nobody is prepared to take the bull by the horns as the lead changes hands every couple of weeks.
Some good news this week, it has been revealed that the Supporters Trust will have a seat on the Board of the club once they come out of Administration. George Moodie, Chairman of the Trust, was talking at the Football Memories group at at the stadium and said "We have been promised a seat around the boardroom table once the club gets out of administration".
Unfortunately some sad news last week with the passing of former Highland League striker Billy Pirie at the age of 75. Billy played for a number of Scottish sides; Huntly, Arbroath (39⚽ in 85 apps), Aberdeen (11⚽ in 45 apps) and Dundee where he scored 93⚽ in 112 appearances for the Dark Blues. They don't make them like that anymore. RIP Billy.
Further sad news announced today is that former Arbroath keeper Gordon Marshall has passed away. Gordon played between 1972 & 1978 making 148 appearances for the Lichties. He had previously played for Hearts, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Hibernian, Celtic and Aberdeen as well as being capped for England at Under 23 level. RIP Gordon.
Attention Attention: Please note that due to damage caused to Arbroath’s stand last Friday, seating in the Coelbrew stand is unavailable to away fans at the moment. Repairs are underway and hopefully will be done before the game. Arbroath FC are doing their utmost to remedy this but the reality is that it may not be repaired in time for Saturday 
***UPDATE: Repairs to the roof above the away seating in the Coelbrew Stand at Gayfield Park have now been completed and tickets are now available for that stand. Game On! 👩‍🔧
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Match/Ticket/Supporters Bus/Info
Arbroath Stand
Keith Bray
Calum Mackay
Billy Pirie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Venue H2H Pld Won Drn Lst For Agst + / - Home 28 18 5 5 62 24 +38 Away 26 11 7 8 36 31 +5 Neutral 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 54 29 12 13 98 55 +43 Records will show that over the years we still have the edge over Arbroath. However, recent events, even before administration, reveal that Arbroath are narrowing the gap, especially at Gayfield.
Last 10 Competitive Meetings v Arbroath
0 - 2
(H)
0 - 1
(A)
0 - 0
(H)
2 - 1
(H)
1 - 1
(A)
1 - 2
(H)
3 - 2
(A)
2 - 4
(A)
2 - 0
(H)
4 - 1
(A)  
INVERNESS CT  The Season So Far
D L  D D W D D D L   / W L(11)D W W W L  W L  
W W L  W W 
Since Scott Kellacher was handed the reins in game 11, there has been a more positive approach to our matches which has resulted in improved performances and a more enjoyable matchday experience all round. Alas we were brought back to earth with a disappointing result in our last game of 2024, a crushing 1-4 defeat at home to Cove Rangers. We'll have to put that one down to a bad day at the office. However, we bounced back in our first game of the second half of the season in the six pointer against Dumbarton with a hard fought 2-0 win. That win over Dumbarton was a vital one and the introduction of Alfie Bavidge was a welcome one as he opened the scoring early in the first half. Charlie Gilmour slotted in the clincher in the second half to give us a cushion over the Sons and to narrow the gap on Annan to seven points. We took part in the only League1 game last weekend and came away from Annan with a resounding 3-0 win, Alfie Bavidge netting again with Keith Bray and then Billy Mckay from the spot.  *It was then on to Palmerston on the Tuesday night but in a five goal encounter we went down 3-2. Alfie Bavidge notched his third goal in three games and Keith Bray added a second but goals from Adam Brooks (2) and Jordan Allan kept the points in Dumfries. We bounced back with a resilient 1-2 win at Alloa in our third away game on the bounce, Keith Bray with his fourth of the season and Alfie Stewart his first. Up next a revenge mission at home to QotS.
*There were plenty of positives to be taken from the defeat against Queen of the South in last midweek. Alfie Bavidge is on form with three from three and Keith Bray added his third League goal of the season. Luis Longstaff was a big miss at Palmerston having been injured at Annan last Saturday and missed out again at Alloa. The good news for us was that Longstaff returned for the the home win against QotS and Alfie Bavidge notched his fourth goal in five appearances.
Sadly it has been confirmed that we will be losing Keith Bray at the end of the season although his new club, Dunfermline, have loaned him back to us for the remainder of the season. Par for the course I suppose. Calum Mackay has left Inverness after mutual agreement between player and club.
Scot Kellacher speaking to the media on the squad going forward after the transfer window:
“I’m really confident in the squad, the squad we have now has got us to where we have got to. We have given ourselves a fighting chance, it has been a big ask in terms of the task we have been set. The boys have done great, every single one of them even the boys that haven’t played too many games. They’ve been on the training ground, pushing the other boys to their limits.” “We’re happy with the squad. Whether we can get another one in, we’ve got until the end of February [until the loan window shuts]. Hopefully nobody gets injured, we’ve got the squad we’ve got and that is more than enough for me.”
Cove v Kelty is a casualty of Scottish Cup duty for the Balmoral Stadium side.

Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Stenny 23 8 35 2 Cove 22 10 34 3 Arbroath 21 7 34 4 Queen of Sth 23 -2 32 5 Kelty Hearts 22 7 31 6 Alloa Athletic 23 3 30 7 Montrose 22 -5 25 8 Annan Ath 23 -17 24 9 Caley Jags 23 3 22 10 Dumbarton 22 -14 08  
 
Arbroath went down 2-1 at Cove after taking an early lead through Andy Winter. However, two late goals for the hosts saw them snatch all three points with Megginson and Harrington the scorers. This was their Starting XI at Cove. 
Arbroath's Last six League games: W L  W W L  L   
Working back from the defeat at Cove, they lost 3-1 at Alloa but scored seven without reply in big wins over Montrose and Annan. A 3-2 defeat at Kelty brings them back to our last encounter in the Highlands which Arbroath won 2-0 with goals from Smith and Reilly in a game that Inverness had Robbie Thompson red carded before half time when the score was 0-0. During that period Arbroath have had a couple of games postponed.
The January sales have been good for Arbroath: Aaron Steele has returned from Stenhousemuir. Big coup getting Sam Stanton in on loan from Raith Rovers.  The vastly experienced Billy King (once at ICTFC) has signed on at Gayfield. Andy Winter came in on loan from Livingston and scored at Cove. Kieran MacKechnie signs on from QotS and Keeper Jack McConnell extends his loan stay for the remainder of the season as has Robbie Hemphrey. Callum Penman has also been brought in on loan from St Mirren. A few outs: Ross County's highly rated young defender Dylan Smith has returned North. Craig Slater to Forfar, Gordon Walker (without club) and Brynn Sinclair (off down under). Liam Callaghan, Quinn Coulson and Layton Bisland (loaned out).
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2024-25 ·

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