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Inverness CT 2-0 Dunfermline

Looking promising
 
Inverness took a massive step towards a play off place by defeating Dunfermline Athletic for the first time this season. An encouraging but goalless first half where Reece McAlear had hit the post was replaced by a two goal second half with chances at both ends. The deadlock was broken by a man who only scores screamers. Reece McAlear lashed the ball across the keeper and into the top right corner of the goal from a difficult position wide on the inside right area. What a strike that was but it only woke the Pars up from their lethargy and they had three or four great opportunities before substitute Austin Samuels sealed the points after he sprinted on to a through ball from Aaron Doran to slot neatly behind Mehmet in goal. Comfortable thereafter for the remainder of the game and an excellent three points to strengthen our hold on third place with Raith, Arbroath and Partick all dropping points.
Inverness were thin on the bench with Scott Allardice and Roddy Macgregor out longer term and Danny Devine, Joe Harper and Sam Pearson all missing. Dunfermline had Liam Polworth, Joe Chalmers and Col Donaldson starting with Nikolay Todorov on the bench.
An enterprising start to the game in bright sunshine saw plenty of crisp passing in the opening gambit with only the telling pass missing.
Denzil Mehmet was the first keeper called into serious action as he dived full length to keep out a low strike from Logan Chalmers on the left side of the box with the loose ball missing the strikers before being mopped up by the defence. You can see Denzil using anything to keep the ball out. Pic courtesy of CaleyJags.com.
Inverness were buzzing around the visitors box with plenty of movement up front, creating a few half chances. Aaron Doran scooping one just wide on the volley and Chalmers flashing a thumping drive just over the bar from the edge of the box.
Robbie Deas might have done better than lift a shot over the bar from ten yards as the hosts pressed for the opening goal and Doran again shot wide after good battling down the right touchline by Carson and Sutherland.
Reece McAlear almost scored with a spectacular curling free kick from the left of centre, his right foot shot coming back off the top of the post with Mehmet beaten; the ball bouncing back into the keepers arms after cannoning off a defender. He would do better in the second half, and what a strike it was.
HALF TIME: 0-0
Just before the hour, Inverness scored a contender for goal of the season. Sean Welsh's free kick came back off the wall some 28 yards from goal. Without breaking stride, McAlear turned onto the ball and fired an absolute rocket across the stunned keeper into the opposite side of the net. Mehmet rooted to the spot like a subbuteo keeper waiting for the strike. Boom! What a goal from Reece, his third or fourth contender of the season.
That sparked Dunfermline into life and Cammy Mackay did brilliantly to deny Dow and Todorov with point blank saves to keep Inverness ahead. It was bodies on the line time as the defenders guarded their keeper well and the Pars would rue those missed opportunities. 
Substitute Austin Samuels scored his first goal for the club just after coming on. His first kick of the ball saw him slot home after he had played a one-two with Doran who threaded the ball through for Samuels to run on and steer the ball behind the outrushing Mehmet. That goal took the sting out of the Pars and their discipline disintegrated, Donaldson in particular not enjoying his return to the Caledonian Stadium. 
How does it feel Austin?................ It feels good!
Tom Walsh almost benefited from a defensive lapse as he struck a sweet shot from twenty yards in injury time, but it just curled the wrong side of the post with Mehmet beaten. 
FULL TIME: 2-0
Great three points for the Caley Jags who have now won their last three in a row and are in prime spot for a shot at the play-offs.
Reece McAlear was MotM, even if it was just for his superb goal, but his overall performance was solid and he was unlucky with his free kick that crashed back off the post. Great contribution from Cammy Mackay who stayed alert to deny the Pars after we opened the scoring and well done to Wallace Duffy at centre back who never looked out of place and strolled through the game nullifying some dangerous forwards. No failures today and a decent performance to boot.
Reece the Thunderblaster...

Date: 26/03/2022  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2172 Referee: Graham Beaton 
 
Inverness CT: 2
Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup:  C Mackay; Carson, Duffy, Broadfoot, Deas, Doran (Walsh 81), Welsh, McAlear,  Sutherland, Chalmers (Harper 67), B Mckay (Samuels 76) Subs (not used):  Ridgers; Hyde Scorers: McAlear (58), Samuels (77) Booked: Samuels (83) Sent Off: none Dunfermline: 0
Manager: John Hughes Lineup:  Mehmet; Todd (Comrie 79), Donaldson, Ambrose (Cole 79), Edwards, Polworth (Todorov 63), Pybus, Chalmers, Lawless (Kamwa 59), Thomas (Dow 63), O'Hara Subs (not used): Archibald; Allan, Breen, Martin Scorers: none Booked: Donaldson (83), Pybus (90+1) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2021-22 ·

Inverness CT -V- Dunfermline - Preview

Crucial Times Ahead
 
The big games keep coming as we reach the business end of the season, the intensity of this one heightened in midweek after the Pars thrashed Partick Thistle 4-1 on Tuesday night ahead of their visit to the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday. The game kicks off at 3:00pm with points vital for both sides for different reasons. John Hughes is the man tasked with saving Dunfermline's season and it's not all gone to plan so far, but the midweek rout of Partick is an untimely reminder that they can cause problems to the best sides in this division. How many people, like me, had the Pars down as one of the favourites to get promotion given the depth and quality of their squad. I certainly did not expect them to be exiting the Championship at the bottom end. Crazy season heading for a tense finish at both ends of the table.
MATCH/TICKETS/STREAMING INFO
OFFICIAL PREVIEW
NEW STRIP
SPORTS BAR
Venue Head 2 Head Pld Won Drn Lst For Agst + / - Home 22 9 8 5 28 21 +7 Away 24 9 10 5 29 26 +3 Neutral 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 Total 48 18 19 11 60 51 +9 Last 10 Competitive Meetings v Pars
1 - 1
(A)
1 - 2
(H)
0 - 0
(A)
1 - 0
(A)
1 - 1
(H)
1 - 3
(A)
2 - 1
(A)
2 - 0
(H)
1 - 0
(A)
1 - 0
(H) The honours tilt towards us over the years, a far cry from our first taste of the big time when Dunfermline pumped us 4-0 at East End Park in our first game in Division one or the Championship as we know it now. August 7th 1999 with nearly 5,000 in attendance, steak bridies and all. At last we had made the big time....Alas, we had a lot to learn.  Click on the link below to see Ian Broadfoot's brief report as we ended the game with 10 men against an accomplished Dunfermline Athletic.
 Aug 7th League 0 - 4  (A)    4,865   Fast Forward to May 12th 2007 when Dunfermline were officially relegated after we beat them at the Caledonian Stadium; full report from Ian Broadfoot. Look at that crowd back in 2007, no doubt swelled by the Fifers as they tried to stave off relegation.
 May 12th League 2 - 1  (H)    6,464    
All games Saturday 3:00pm
    Arbroath v Raith Rvrs
Hamilton v Queens
       Killie v Partick 
   Morton v Ayr Utd
 Inverness CT v Dunfermline
Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts   1. Kilmarnock 30 17 5 8 41 21 56 2. Arbroath 30 14 12 4 41 22 54 3. Inverness CT 30 12 10 8 41 29 46 4. Partick Thistle 30 12 9 9 42 34 45 5. Raith Rovers 30 10 12 8 37 37 42 6. Morton 30 8 11 11 33 40 35 7. Hamilton Ac. 30 8 11 11 35 45 35 8. Ayr United 30 8 8 14 30 44 32 9. Dunfermline 30 5 14 11 31 45 29 10. Q.O.S. 30 6 8 16 30 44 26 As a result of Dunfermline swatting away the Jags in midweek, all teams have now played 30 games with Inverness remaining in 3rd position whilst Partick and Raith capitulate. No room to crow about it though as we have only just returned to winning ways after a horrendous run of eleven games with no wins, taking only six points from a possible thirty three.
This season we have yet to beat the Pars. We were fortunate to draw 0-0 at East End Park in September as Dunfermline looked for their first win of the season after five games. We were top on 15 points, Dunfermline bottom with just two points after this one.
We went down 2-1 at the Caledonian Stadium in November after having led through a Billy Mckay goal. A Danny Devine og restored parity before a superb Dom Thomas solo goal clinched the points. Under Par: Inverness opened the scoring after probing well for over twenty minutes. Michael Gardyne drifted inside and the Pars defence opened up allowing him to get a shot away. It came back off the woodwork and Billy Mckay reacted first to knock the ball into the net. However, Dunfermline got their first win of the season as Inverness fired blanks thereafter, and goals from Kevin O'Hara assisted by a massive Danny Devine deflection and a great solo effort from Dom Thomas won the points for the Pars. Another bad day at the office continued with Inverness slipping to third following wins for Killie Raith and Partick.
The third encounter was a 1-1 draw at EEP: More points thrown away in our wasteful period in January. Inverness wasted an opportunity to put pressure on the top of the table after squandering a first half lead through Shane Sutherland. Steven Lawless levelled from the spot in the second half with ten minutes remaining after David Carson was adjudged to have blocked a cross with a flailing arm. Another drab performance after a first half full of promise. No surprise really given recent performances, but frustrating nonetheless.
So, time to redress the balance for this season as Dunfermline begin to realise the severity of their plight. 
Last Time Out
We came away with an unlikely three points after Logan Chalmers scored two spectacular goals in the dying embers of a game we looked like losing, even against ten men. Raith took an early lead through Aidan Connolly before Shane Sutherland stabbed in the equaliser. That was short lived as Poplatnik restored Raith's advantage before the break. A couple of enforced changes weakened Raith but we still struggled and even after Kyle Benedictus was red carded with twenty minutes to go we looked spent on ideas. Up popped Chalmers with two sweet left foot strikes to take the points North. That result came on the back of us ending our drought with a 3-0 win over Arbroath the week before to revive our flagging play-off hopes.
On yersel Logan

As said before, Dunfermline helped us out in midweek by thumping Partick thistle 4-1. More importantly they helped themselves massively and climbed off the foot of the table in doing so. Partick had opened the scoring with a strike from distance through Ross Docherty. They fought back and deservedly levelled with an og from Lewis Mayo. Mathew Todd scored a second for a rampant Pars in the first half followed by Josh Edwards. Man of the Match Dom Thomas scored a spectacular fourth in the second half to put the icing on the cake. Great result for the Pars led of course by none other that John Hughes, our former Scottish Cup winning manager. Dom Thomas' name has cropped up a lot recently and he will be worth watching as he has bagged a few special goals this season and is also well up on assists.
Latest Team News
Scott Allardice is out long term with Roddy MacGregor rumoured to be returned to full training. Possibly as you were if no fresh injuries are thrown into the mix, however some late fitness tests required according to Dodds. Sam Pearson is on international duty with Wales u21.
Billy Dodds ahead of Pars fixture
 
Steven Lawless had stitches inserted in a head wound picked up against Partick Thistle. Lewis McCann should come back into contention after being injured against Morton but the injury is not as serious as first feared (dislocation). Keeper Jakub Stolarczyc was on international duty with Poland's u21's in midweek and they have another game on Tuesday night although stand-in Deniz Mehmet did little wrong when called in to replace him against Partick.
Dunfermline last starting XI: Mehmet, Todd, Ambrose, Donaldson, Edwards, Pybus, Chalmers, Lawless, Polworth, Thomas, O’Hara
Some familiar names in there, with Toddy coming off the bench against Partick.
 
Eric the Stats Pars roundup
Changes to Dunfermline squad since we last met at East End Park
Departures
Owain Fon Williams - the one time ICT and Welsh international painter goalkeeper has left the East End Park club. In press release from DAFC on 28th February. " Dunfermline Athletic wish to announce that we have agreed to cancel Owain Fon Williams contract with effect from today. Owain wishes to leave for family reasons."
Vytas Gaspuitis - The defender left the club on the 18th March on a free transfer to play in his home country Lithuania with FA Siauliai
Kyle Macdonald - a right back who is now on loan at Airdrieonians.
Iain Wilson - Midfielder left on a free to join Greenock Morton.
Players in
Jakub Stolarczyk - Goalkeeping cover on loan from Leicester City U23.
Efe Ambrose - the centre back is on loan from St Johnstone
Liam Polworth - Well known Invernessian is on loan from Kilmarnock.
Joe Chalmers - Another familiar name to ICT fans, central midfield player joined DAFC from Ayr United for an undisclosed fee.
Bobby Kamwa - The 22 year old forward is on loan from Leeds United U23 for the remainder of the season
NEW STRIP INCOMING

Soft feel new texture finish – made from 100% Recycled Polyester mesh.   Wicking finish, keeps you cooler and drier for longer. Recycled rib contrast cuff detail. Raglan sleeve construction to back of shirt. Contrast elasticated tape hem detail to co-ordinate with shorts PUMA Cat Logo at right chest and on both sleeves.  
The words of the song on the strip. Oh well, it's the thought that counts I suppose😂
 
Pic: Trevor Martin
By tm4tj in Previews 2021-22 ·

Raith Rovers 2-3 Inverness CT - Report

Chalmers to the rescue as Raith see Red
 
The scrap for play-off places intensified as Inverness produced a smash and grab raid at Stark's Park. Rovers had led 2-1 at the interval through Connolly and Poplatnik with Sutherland scoring between those goals. Kyle Benedictus saw red with twenty minutes remaining and it looked like the game was slipping away from Inverness as they entered the 90th minute. Step forward substitute Logan Chalmers who single handedly won the game for the visitors with two outstanding goals. Both strikes hit with power, accuracy and a deadly left foot from distance. Not bad for your first goals for the club. Raith ended the game in total disarray as Ben Williamson was also sent off. Partick were humped 4-0 by Accies and we jump above them to third but Killie and Arbroath power on at the top of the table with wins.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inverness were still without midfielders Scott Allardice and Roddy MacGregor although the club have stated that MacGregor could be back in full training soon. Inverness were unchanged from the side that beat Arbroath 3-0. Which meant that Cammy Mackay kept Mark Ridgers on the bench. Raith had Ethan Ross back in attack with Varian and Poplatnik and a strong bench although only seven on it.
A beautiful Spring afternoon in Kirkaldy as the temperatures soared and greeted the teams as they took to the field. Inverness in their favoured pink strip started the day one point ahead of the dark blue Rovers. And it was Inverness that set the ball rolling at 3:00pm.
The visitors were first to threaten inside a minute when Doran and Hardy combined inside the box before it appeared that Hardy's shot came back off the woodwork before bouncing to safety.
Open start to the game from both sides who were on the front foot from the off.
Raith opened the scoring after the first corner. It was cleared to outside the box but Aidan Connolly drove towards goal where it looked as though it squirmed under Cammy Mackay and into the net. Looks like a blunder from the keeper inside a busy box.
Joe Hardy came close to an equaliser but Macdonald did well to save and then denied Sutherland on the follow up.
Keeper Jamie MacDonald had to be replaced after an injury forced him out of the game in a clash with Doran. Robbie Thomson replaced him.
Shane Sutherland tapped in after an Aaron Doran corner but the leveller was short lived as Matej Poplatnik put Raith back in front minutes later. Sloppy defending by Inverness once more.
Half Time: 2-1
Rovers were all over us like a rash at the start of the second half as we struggled to get a hold of the ball. A couple of efforts fired over the visitors  bar were warning enough and Austin Samuels came on for Joe Hardy ten minutes into the half.
Our attempts at creating anything were becoming predictable and time after time we wasted balls forward which were mopped up easily by defenders or substitute keeper Robbie Thomson.
So, long aimless ball after long aimless ball was proving to be a complete waste of time one hour into the game and it was becoming more difficult to see where a goal might come from.
An opportunity did materialise from one of those dubious offside interplays but Mackay bounced the ball just past the post as he was flattened on the edge of the box.
Cammy Mackay did well to turn a shot round the post for a corner as Rovers broke forward and they were reduced to ten men when Kyle Benedictus was sent off for a rash challenge on Kirk Broadfoot who reacted angrily and was yellow carded.
A scramble in the Raith box failed to produce a goal as Rovers managed to clear their lines calmly.
Austin Samuels shot over from the edge of the box as Inverness became more desperate in their efforts to level the game as we approached the eighty minute mark,  unfortunately our final ball left a lot to be desired. Time after time the final ball would skip through for a goal kick and another wasted chance. It was a difficult watch to be honest, even against ten men.
Out of the blue, Logan Chalmers scored a beauty after a corner found him outside the box some twenty five yards out on the left side. He looked up and sent a beauty dipping into the net, unbelievable strike.
Even more unbelievable, Logan Chalmers scored another peach from nearly the same position. This time he arrowed a low strike into the bottom corner for another superb goal. A daisy cutter on an artificial pitch, that's a first.🌼
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Raith's Williamson then joined Benedictus for an early bath with seconds remaining.
What a turnaround at the end as Raith finally lost their discipline but it took two spectacular goals from on loan striker Logan Chalmers to win the points when it looked like we were heading for defeat and a disappointing performance. It might be seen as papering over the cracks for now, but I'll take that over a disappointing defeat.
Raith ended the game with nine men as Ben Williamson was sent off with the last puff of the whistle, their search for a win over Inverness heading towards 22 years and counting.
 
MotM might well go to Chalmers for his two late strikes as prior to that we looked incapable of breaking down Rovers, even when they were reduced to ten men.
Billy Dodds post match

Match Reaction to follow...
Scenes...
Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts   1. Kilmarnock 30 17 5 8 41 21 56 2. Arbroath 30 14 12 4 41 22 54 3. Inverness CT 30 12 10 8 41 29 46 4. Partick Thistle 29 12 9 8 41 30 45 5. Raith Rovers 30 10 12 8 37 37 42 6. Morton 30 8 11 11 33 40 35 7. Hamilton Ac. 30 8 11 11 35 45 35 8. Ayr United 30 8 8 14 30 44 32 9. Q.O.S. 30 6 8 16 30 44 26 10. Dunfermline 29 4 14 11 27 44 26 *Dunfermline v Partick on Tuesday night*
Next Saturday
        Arbroath v Raith Rovers
Hamilton v Queens
Inverness CT v Dunfermline
      Killie v Partick
  Morton v Ayr Utd
 
Full Highlights from Raith TV
 
John McGlynn speaking on Raith TV
 
Date: 19/03/2022  Venue: Stark's Park, Kirkaldy Attendance: 1591 Referee: Colin Steven
 
Raith Rovers: 2
Manager: John McGlynn Lineup:  MacDonald (Thomson 24); Musonda, Berra (Tumilty 38), Benedictus, Mackie, Connolly, Williamson, Stanton, Varian, Poplatnik (Dick 73), Ross (Mathews 73) Subs (not used):  Young, Arnott, Zanatta Scorers: Connolly (13), Poplatnik (30) Booked: Stanton (20), Williamson (56), Dick (90+3) Sent Off: Benedictus (71), Williamson (90+4) Inverness CT: 3
Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup:  C Mackay; Carson, Broadfoot, Devine (Harper 66) Deas, Hardy (Samuels 54), Welsh, McAlear, Doran (Chalmers 66), Sutherland (Walsh 77) Mckay Subs (not used): Ridgers; Hyde, Pearson, Duffy, Samuels Scorers: Sutherland (27), Chalmers (89, 90+2), McAlear (90+5) Booked: Welsh (70), Broadfoot (71), Samuels (76) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2021-22 ·

Raith Rovers -V- Inverness CT - Preview

The Good the Bad and Raith Rovers 
 
With both clubs recording their first win in 2022, this clash could go a long way to deciding who has the bottle for the battle. Saturday 3:00pm at Starks Park should reveal all as good takes on bad, or Inverness versus Raith Rovers, a club apparently with the morals of Michael Gardyne. Both clubs have underperformed over the last three months but surprisingly still find themselves in contention for a play-off spot, realistically fourth place.
MATCH/TICKET/STREAMING/BUS INFO
OFFICIAL PREVIEW
SUPPORTERS BUS 07462218717
Raith Rovers bus 19th March leaves Caley Club 10.30, stadium 10.45. Picking up in Aviemore and Pitlochry. £20 and £15 for under 16s. Book through Facebook or on 07462218717
Venue Head2Head Pld Won Drn Lst For Agst + / - Home 19 13 4 2 37 14 +23 Away 14 7 4 3 27 17 +10 Neutral 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 33 20 8 5 64 31 +33 Yes, the stats are not faulty: Raith Rovers have not beaten Inverness for almost twenty one and a half years. Incredible run of results going back to October 28th 2000 when we went down 1-2 in Inverness. Back to August of 2000 for their last win at Starks park and here is Ian Broadfoot's match report from that game, a 4-1 win for Raith: Caley Thistle's bad run continued against a sharp Raith side. Jay Stein set up the opening goal in 10 minutes with a run down the left and a cut back which deflected to Ray McKinnon and he scored with a low drive. The visitors best first half effort came in 27 minutes when Van de Kamp spectacularly saved a Davide Xausa 25 yard shot. On 44 minutes a free kick was touched to Kenny Black and Les Fridge tipped his shot over the bar. Raith killed the game off in a four minute spell in the second half. In 50 minutes a low ball from the right was punched by Fridge into the path of Paul Tosh who hit it home. Four minutes later Alex Burns beat three men in the box before scoring at the second attempt. Iain Stewart clawed one back with a close range header in 59 minutes after a Xausa shot had been blocked by the keeper. This sparked a revival with good efforts from Xausa and lively substitute Barry Robson. All efforts produced no more goals and Raith made it 4-1 in 82 minutes. Alex Burns crossed from the right and found Gerry Creaney who scored with a low shot from 15 yards. 
Decent teams back then 
Raith: Van de Kamp; McCulloch, Opinel, Gaughn, Browne, Black, S Tosh, McKinnon, P Tosh, Burns, Stein
Inverness: Fridge; Tokely, Mann, Hastings, Golabek, Christie, Sheerin, Byers, McBain, Stewart, Xausa
Subs: Calder; Robson, Bagan, Bavidge, Wyness
Last 10 Competitive Meetings
1 - 1
(H)
0 - 0
(H)
1 - 1
(A)
1 - 0
(H)
1 - 0
(A)
0 - 0
(H)
2 - 0
(H)
3 - 3
(A)
4 - 1
(H)
2 - 1
(H) Saturday 3:00pm kick offs
Arbroath v Ayr United
   Killie v Queens
Partick v Accies 
  Rovers v Caley J's
Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts      DUNFERMLINE Ath v MORTON (Fri 7:45pm) 1. Kilmarnock 29 16 5 8 39 20 53 2. Arbroath 29 13 12 4 40 22 51 3. Partick Thistle 28 12 9 7 41 26 45 4. Inverness CT 29 11 10 8 38 27 43 5. Raith Rovers 29 10 12 7 35 34 42 6. Morton 29 8 10 11 32 39 34 7. Ayr United 29 8 8 13 30 43 32 8. Hamilton Ac. 29 7 11 11 31 45 32 9. Q.O.S. 29 6 8 15 29 42 26 10. Dunfermline 28 4 13 11 26 43 25 Last Time Out
Inverness broke their eleven game run without a win by beating title challengers Arbroath with a somewhat flattering but nonetheless welcome 3-0 win. An early goal by Man of the Match Shane Sutherland was followed soon after by a Reece McAlear strike following a neat move involving Shane and David Carson. We reverted to type after that and the ball was like a hot potato as it was battered skywards with great regularity. However we repelled the advances of Arbroath without too much hassle and Billy Mckay sneaked a third goal as we started to dominate with twenty minutes left.
Get in Reece as he finishes off a tidy move down the right...

Raith also ended a similar barren spell (first win in twelve) by beating Queen of the South 1-0 at Palmerston to remain only one point behind Inverness in fifth place. The only goal of the game came in the first half through Matej Poplatnik.
The honours are favouring Inverness this season in league games. Inverness edged the first one in the Highlands with a Roddy MacGregor special doing the damage, but the two subsequent meetings ended in draws. There was also a drawn Challenge Cup game at Starks Park which Raith eventually won on penalties. 
Latest Team News
Allardice and MacGregor out longer term, but unless there are any new issues Dodds should have a relatively injury free squad. Cammy Mackay could well continue in goal as he has done well since getting his opportunity through Mark Ridgers downtime. Sam Pearson has been called up to the Welsh u21 squad for forthcoming games against Switzerland and Bulgaria. Read Here Unfortunately it rules him out after the Raith game and he is unavailable for the Dunfermline game on 26th March.

Former Raith Rovers player Paul Hampshire passed away at the weekend after an accident. RIP Paul condolences to all.
Here's an obituary from John Greer on Raith Rovers FC Website. PAUL HAMPSHIRE
Raith TV McGlynn Preview (we have our own injuries/illnesses)
Eric the Stats Raith round up.
In: Sam Stanton, midfielder (Dundalk); Jamie Gullan, forward (Hibernian)
Loan: Ben Williamson - midfielder (Rangers).
Sean Mackie - a left back on loan from Hibernian FC, originally joined Raith in 2015 from the Fife Elite Academy before moving to Hibs the next season, according to sources his last 2 years at Hibs has been blighted by injury.
And last but not least; In & Out;  the Hokey Cokey saga of David Goodwillie. Yes, the in-out, in-out, shake it all about transfer that rocked the club back onto it's heels and brought out some embarrassing grovelling apologies. He went back to Clyde (loan) and his career is on hold as a footballer I believe as he is not welcome there either.
 
Out:
Adam Masson - Centre back on loan to Thornton Hibs JFC
Blaise Riley Snow - Midfielder on loan to Alloa Athletic
Kieran Mitchell - the 18 year old is on loan to Bo'ness United
Luke Mahady - a centre forward loaned out to Burntisland Shipyard FC
Quinn Coulson - left wing player farmed out to Cowdenbeath
James Keatings has severed his ties with Raith, mainly due to injury
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2021-22 ·

Inverness CT 3-0 Arbroath - Report

The spell is broken
 
A blistering start by Inverness put them on their way to a first win in 12 starts. Goals from Shane Sutherland and Reece McAlear set them on their way inside eleven minutes. Billy Mckay sclaffed in a third with twenty minutes to go and there was no way back for Arbroath who lost ground at the top of the table with Dick Campbell sent to the stands. As Partick Thistle lost to Morton, we closed the gap to two points behind them with Raith still one point behind us. Away to Rovers next week. That's a massive game now as both sides chase a play-off spot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inverness were without Allardice and MacGregor but Tom Walsh made the bench and Cammy Mackay continued in goal.
Without a win over the last eleven games, it was a pleasant surprise to see Shane Sutherland bundle the ball in after a corner was prodded down to him almost on the goal line. Great start for the hosts but a bit shoddy from the visitors as Aaron Doran's inswinging corner was knocked down by Billy Mckay from waist high three yards out
The second goal was well constructed by Sutherland and Carson who played a lovely one two on the right side before Carson slid a low ball into Reece McAlear. He took a touch and drilled the ball wide of Gaston who was probably unsighted and into the unguarded side of the goal.
Arbroath hit back and Cammy Mackay was fortunate when he appeared to guide a low shot from McKenna wide. It bounced off the  base of the post and was missed by the incoming Jack Hamilton and Danny Devine before being cleared by Sean Welsh
Despite leading 2-0, Arbroath had plenty of possession but our defence were working well as a unit, and thus restricted the visitors to very few opportunities. Furthermore, we seemed intent on shelling cloudbursting balls forward to a couple of vertically challenged personnel in Billy Mckay and Joe Hardy.
Half Time: 2-0
Into the second period and Sean Welsh passed up a tremendous chance to make it three. Great work down the right saw Sutherland, Mckay and Hardy combine to set up Welsh twelve yards out. He took a touch then volleyed just over the bar when he really should have scored.
Undaunted, we scored a third when Sutherland lofted a ball onto the edge of the box and Billy Mckay held off the defenders to dribble a left footer into the bottom corner. Good goal or sclaff? It mattered not but that was the one that took the wind out of the Smokies sails.
Thereafter we saw out the game without too much hassle over the last twenty minutes with Tom Walsh getting a run out and he looked composed which helped take the sting out of Arbroath.
I said to my grandkid's "that was an emphatic win" At only seven years old, Ava said "granda, what does win mean?"  Yes, it's been a long time coming.
Shane Sutherland was the MotM with Reece McAlear, Billy Mckay and David Carson helping the cause more than most and another confident performance from Cammy Mackay in goal. Good to see Walsh looking lively when he entered the fray.
Another massive game next week in the context of trying to gain a play off place as we visit Starks Park. The table shows how tight it is for the final slot. 
Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts   1. Kilmarnock 29 16 5 8 39 20 53 2. Arbroath 29 13 12 4 40 22 51 3. Partick Thistle 28 12 9 7 41 26 45 4. Inverness CT 29 11 10 8 38 27 43 5. Raith Rovers 29 10 12 7 35 34 42 6. Morton 29 8 10 11 32 39 34 7. Ayr United 29 8 8 13 30 43 32 8. Hamilton Ac. 29 7 11 11 31 45 32 9. Q.O.S. 29 6 8 15 29 42 26 10. Dunfermline 28 4 13 11 26 43 25 From BBC Sport
Inverness CT manager Billy Dodds: "We knew it was an important game. We knew Arbroath were fighting to go top and they scrap for everything. "We've been rewarded for the last couple of weeks' hard work. I'm delighted for the defence. Absolutely rock solid. We took our chances. Hopefully that's the base we can work from to go and get in the promotion play-offs."
Arbroath goalkeeping coach Rab Douglas: "It definitely didn't happen today. All credit to Inverness. Disappointing for us. We probably weren't at the races. We were just off it. "We're delighted to be in the mix, Arbroath are part-time as everybody knows. We'll have two home games [against Ayr United and Arbroath] and see how results go. We'll just keep going."
 

 

Date: 12/03/2022  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2149 Referee: Euan Anderson
 
Inverness CT: 3
Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup:  C Mackay; Carson, Broadfoot (Duffy 59), Devine, Deas, Hardy (Walsh 72), Welsh, McAlear, Doran (Harper 60), Sutherland, B Mckay (Pearson 84) Subs (not used):  Ridgers; Hyde, Samuels, Chalmers Scorers: Sutherland (5), McAlear (11), Mckay (68) Booked: Doran (55), Carson (90+3) Sent Off: none Arbroath: 0
Manager: Dick Campbell  Lineup:  Gaston; Stewart (Craigen 68), O'Brien, Little, Colin Hamilton, Chris Hamilton (Ford 74), Thomson, Gold (Low 68), McKenna (Linn 68), Wighton (Bakare 68), Jack Hamilton Subs (not used): Antell; Hilson, Donnelly Scorers: none Booked: Hamilton (42), O'Brien (55) Thomson (87) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2021-22 ·

Inverness CT -V- Arbroath - Preview

Battle Lines are Drawn
 
Dick Campbell's table toppers come North on Saturday with the Battle Lines now clearly defined as Partick Thistle ease into third place in the table. Saturday's game is a 3:00pm start at the Caledonian Stadium and we are now anxiously looking over our shoulder at fellow bottlers Raith Rovers who remain one point behind in the battle for fourth.
MATCH/TICKET/STREAMING INFO
OFFICIAL PREVIEW
 
Venue Head2Head v Arbroath Pld Won Drn Lst For Agst + / - Home 20 15 2 3 53 18 +35 Away 19 9 4 6 26 22 +4 Neutral 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 39 24 6 9 79 40 +39 Last 10 Competitive Meetings
0 - 0
(A)
0 - 1
(H)
1 - 0
(A)
1 - 0
(H)
1 - 1
(A)
3 - 1
(H)
0 - 1
(H)
0 - 3
(A)
2 - 1
(H)
0 - 3
(H) Honours even over the last ten meetings but it's clear to see that the pendulum is swinging more towards the Smokies or does it just feel like that given our demise of late. Gone are the days of 7-0 thrashings and giving teams a three goal start. Mind you, gone are the days of Bon Accord...
 
Last updated: 09.03.2022 at 05:52 Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Midweek game saw Partick beat Queens 1-0 1. Arbroath 28 13 12 3 40 19 51 2. Kilmarnock 28 15 5 8 36 19 50 3. Partick Thistle 27 12 9 6 40 24 45 4. Inverness CT 28 10 10 8 35 27 40 5. Raith Rovers 28 9 12 7 34 34 39 6. Ayr United 28 8 8 12 29 40 32 7. Morton 28 7 10 11 30 38 31 8. Hamilton Ac. 28 7 10 11 29 43 31 9. Q.O.S. 28 6 8 14 29 41 26 10. Dunfermline 27 4 12 11 24 41 24  
FRIDAY 11TH MARCH 19:45
Ayr United v Kilmarnock
SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 15:00
    Hamilton v Dunfermline
Inverness v Arbroath  
Morton v Partick
Queens v Rovers
With Partick Thistle beating Queen of the South 1-0 on Tuesday night, they are also making a late run for promotion and they still have a game in hand against Dunfermline. Unfortunately that also means that they are clear in third and we appear to be left with a battle on our hands against fellow flops Raith Rovers in the last chance saloon. Bid Ayrshire derby on Friday night as a resurgent Ayr United will fancy their chances against a Killie side they beat recently. For us, we will be looking for others to help out, as we have done for the last three months. There are still twenty four points up for grabs over the final eight games. However, our last eight games have yielded just four points. Yes, only 4 points. That is an abysmal stat during a run of eleven games without a win.
One win apiece and a 0-0 draw in a stiff breeze at Gayfield last time we met. Benn tight affairs this season and it would be no surprise if this one is the same. My bet is that confidence will play a big part, and we certainly lack that at present.
Last time out
We performed poorly at Partick going down to a late Kevin Holt strike after a corner. The game was played out on a midden with plenty of chances going abegging and thanks to a lack of quality only one shot on target allegedly. Poor return from nineteen strikes of the ball. Arbroath edged out Dunfermline 1-0 thanks to an early strike from David Gold. That win kept Arbroath at the top and as a result Dunfermline are bottom with a game in hand.
Latest Team News
Allardice out for season, Roddy MacGregor just a distant memory, Welsh recovering on our bench last couple of games; other than that a full squad allegedly.
Arbroath last line up and subs played:
Gaston; Stewart, Little, O’Brien, Colin Hamilton, Chris Hamilton, Gold (Craigen 69), McKenna, Linn (Thomson 47), Henderson (Hilson 75), Jack Hamilton (Donnelly 85)
 
Eric the Stat has this latest info on the Smokies since January.
Departures
Dylan Paterson - midfield on loan to Stirling Albion FC for the rest of the season
Harrison Clark - end of loan period from Livingstone for the midfielder
Joel Nouble - Influential in the 2nd January away fixture the Centre Forward has returned to Livingstone after his loan spell at Gayfield
Anton Dowds - The centre forward was on loan from Falkirk FC, ended in the January window.
Additions
Arbroath have added to their front line options with three Centre Forward players joining in the transfer period.
Craig Wighton - On loan from Dunfermline Athletic for the rest of this season
Sam Ford - arrived from Felixstowe FC on a free transfer
Michael Bakare - left the "Non League Premier" side Leatherhead FC in January and joined Arbroath in February
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2021-22 ·

Partick Thistle 1-0 - Inverness CT - Report

The slide goes on
 
On a pitch resembling the aftermath of the battle of the Somme, Inverness blew any lingering hopes of promotion with another unacceptable performance at Firhill. Billy Dodds keeps telling us that training is going well. Stats will show something like nineteen shots with only one on target. What the hell do we actually practice? On the plus side, a cut and paste of his post match report will suffice as it's been the same story for almost three months now. Absolutely abysmal, the lifeblood seems to have been sucked right out of the whole team, management and long suffering support. Kevin Holt scored the only goal in the 85th minute after a low corner was driven through a ruck of bodies in the penalty box into the centre of the goal. Game over, season over and surely Dodds over and out!
Partick had made four changes from the side that drew at Arbroath.  Richard Foster and midfielders Connor Murray and Robbie Crawford all started alongside Colombian Juan Alegria. For Inverness, Cammy Mackay continued in goal with Mark Ridgers on the bench and David Carson replaced Lewis Hyde in the starting XI.
Millions of chances for both sides but very few on target. Alegria hit the woodwork in a first half mostly dominated by Partick. However, for professional footballers to fail to strike the ball properly for ninety minutes it's an utter embarrassment.
Same old same old...

 
Match reaction from BBC Sport
Partick Thistle manager Ian McCall: "It's a big three points. I thought in the first half we dominated, but in the second half Caley Thistle were better than us. "But at Firhill one goal can win a game and Kevin Holt got us that tonight with his right foot. I think any of the top five could win the league and we are in the top five."
Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Billy Dodds: "We are suffering at both ends because we aren't taking those chances and we are getting punished from the one shot Partick Thistle have in the second half. "It's a sore one to take because I thought in the second half we were excellent. There's eight games to go - we need to win nearly every one of them."
Excuse me Billy, considering we have not won any of the last eleven, are you being a tad optimistic? It's certainly a big ask.
 
Date: 04/03/2022  Venue: Firhill, Glasgow Attendance: 2099 Referee: Colin Steven
 
Partick Thistle: 1
Manager: Ian McCall Lineup:  Sneddon; Foster, Mayo, Holt, McKenna, Bannigan (Bell 90), Graham,  Murray (Smith 62), Crawford (Turner 62), Doherty, Alegria (Jakubiak 70) Subs (not used):  Firth; Akinola, Stanway, Hendrie, McAllister Scorers: Holt (85) Booked: none Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0
Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup:  C Mackay; Carson, Broadfoot, Devine, Deas, Pearson (Sutherland 45), Welsh, McAlear, Doran (Chalmers 75), Samuels (Hardy 45), B Mckay Subs (not used): Ridgers; Duffy, Hyde, Harper, Walsh, Scorers: none Booked: none Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2021-22 ·

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