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Cove Rangers -V- Inverness CT - League1 - Preview

Game on Apparently

Snow Show or No Show?

That is the question? I'm afraid it's another weather permitting weekend as we are due to face Cove Rangers in the middle of the Arctic freeze at Balmoor. The Caley Jags have not played since the back to back defeats against Stenhousemuir and Montrose, the last game played at Links Park on 27th December where we squandered numerous opportunities to take something from a less than clinical performance against Montrose. That result, coupled with Stenhousemuir beating Queen of the South sees the Warriors top the table in the first week of 2026.
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Match/Ticket/Travel/Info
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What's the chances??? Good apparently!!!


If it's a No Show in the Snow yer no getting a Preview you know
Yer still no getting a full Preview, it's too late now...
That was our starting XI at Links Park where we went down 2-1 after going in front through a great strike from Alfie Stewart, whom we are still trying to tie down for the rest of the season.
League1 last six
ICTFC 1-0 Cove✔️
ICTFC 4-0 QotS✔️
Alloa 1-1 ICTFC✔️
ICTFC 4-0 Accies✔️
Stenny 1-0 ICTFC❌
Monty 2-1 ICTFC❌
On the plus side, the break might have given Chanka Zimba the time he needs to get back to full fitness.
TICKET INFO 
Tickets available online from: https://coverangersfc.com/tickets-away/
Adult: £15
Concession (Over 60/Students): £9
Youth (12-17): £6
Under 12: Free
All children 12 and Under MUST be accompanied by a person over the age of 16.
ICT Supporters Travel Club 🚍
The Bus is £20 per seat and leaves the Sarens PSG Stadium at 10.30am
Book through Facebook or on 07462218717.

Cove team that thumped Peterhead in the North East Festive hammering.
Cove appear to be a recovering beast recently and have won their last two games with 11 points from their last six. The Caley Jags have 10 points over the same period. Those two wins saw nine goals scored in the 4-0 win at Peterhead and a brilliant 5-2 win at Kelty Hearts whilst we were going down to Stenhousemuir and Montrose.
Cove pulled off a superb result in the Scottish Cup dumping runaway Championship leaders St Johnstone out of the competition. Adam Emslie scored an extra-time winner after Mitch Megginson had levelled the match with twenty minutes to go.
These two are important players for Cove and it would be prudent to keep a close eye on them.
Balmoral Stadium is located in Altens in the South of Aberdeen and is easily accessible from the North, South and via the Aberdeen Western Periphery Route (AWPR).
There is a small car park at the stadium. Street parking is also available on the surrounding industrial estate.
The all-weather pitch is the exact dimensions of Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium. The Stadium was opened in 2018.

Matches at Alloa & Peterhead now Postponed
Pos
Team
Pld
Gd
Pts
1
Ste😮
20
7
34
2
ICTFC
18
20
33
3
QotS
20
2
31
4
Alloa
20
10
30
5
P'Head
19
-11
26
6
E Fife
18
-3
25
7
Monty
19
-9
24
8
Accies
19
12
16
9
Cove
19
-4
16
10
Kelty
20
-24
13




Great effort to get the pitch clear for this game to go ahead 👏
A massive thank you to the following who helped clear the pitch in preparation for the game: CRFC Staff Phil Sinclair from John Lawrie Metals Andrew Strachan Lyall Strachan Scott Davidson Ian Yule Due to the heavy snow fall, there will be limited access to our car park. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.

By tm4tj in Previews 2025-26 ·

Partick Thistle -V- Inverness CT - KDM Trophy

KDM @ FIRHILL

Weather permitting, the Caley Jags will face the Harry Wraggs in the last 16 of the KDM Trophy at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill on Tuesday night. The snow is aplenty up North but Partick managed to play against Morton at the weekend with a stirring three goal comeback in a five goal encounter whilst we were snowed off in our home game versus Peterhead. However, don't fret if you are snowbound in the North. Should the game go ahead, the full match will be shown live on BBC Alba with a 7:45pm kick-off.
There will be a pitch inspection at 11:00am at Firhill, with another few games also in doubt @ Ayr United, Arbroath, Queens Park and Stirling Albion. St Johnstone v Ross County will be worth keeping an eye on and Raith v QotS if you are looking for Cup shocks


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Match/Ticket/Bus/Info
📺 Live on BBC Alba 📺
⛄ Pitch Inspection ⛄
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That was our last team we put out against Montrose in League1 action although we have previously tweaked our side for KDM games. Logan Ross usually gets the gloves but we are in with the big boys this time so Kells and Billy will make the call on that one as we look to progress.
Our last KDM game was a bit of a mismatch as we thrashed Dumbarton 9-0 at the Rock, a record breaking score for the Caley Jags. However, we were found wanting in our next two League1 games going down away to Stenhousemuir and Montrose.
Partick will be another step up in quality and if we are serious about progressing, then we need to put a strong starting XI on the park. We gave them a game in an early pre-season encounter, but we can't read too much into that.
Two early goals from Trialist 'A' believed to be Destiny Ojo, got Inverness off to a great start at Petershill in this pre-season game against Partick Thistle. He scored in the 9th minute when Partick lost possession in midfield and Wotherspoon advanced before slipping a pass through to Ojo who found the net with a tidy finish. Another error and it's another goal for Ojo. He benefitted from the error and he took the ball round Budinauckas before rolling it into the net. It remained that score up to the interval.
HALF TIME 0-2
Three quickfire goals from Stanway, Chalmers and Stanway again put Partick ahead within 8 minutes of the restart. Stanway knocked in from close range and a minute later Chalmers, from the edge of the box, found the back of the net with an excellent finish high to the keeper's right. It got worse two minutes later when Stanway received the ball from Crawford on the right and and he fired high into the top right hand corner of the net. Three in three minutes, and that's how it ended. Looks like most subs from both sides got a game. FULL TIME: 3-2

Partick's team that beat Morton 3-2 coming from 2-0 down to take the three points at the weekend. Stanway, Turner and Tony Watt with a 94th minute strike rounding of the comeback at the death.
One would expect Partick to have enough in the tank to see off the Caley Jags, but the underdog tag suits us better.
Logan Chalmers and Alex Samuels are both at Firhill.
Partick edged out Cove Rangers 1-2 in the last round with Kyle Turner and Alex Samuel getting the goals.
Here's who started in that one
Partick Thistle
Goalkeeper
1
Lewis Budinauckas
Defender
2
Cammy Logan
3
Patrick Reading
19
Luke McBeth
20
Daniel O'Reilly
Midfielder
4
Scott Martin
6
Kyle Turner 24‎'‎ ⚽
26
Ben Stanway
Forward
9
Alex Samuel 27‎'‎⚽
10
Logan Chalmers ‎
11
Steven Lawless


By tm4tj in Previews 2025-26 ·

Inverness CT -V- Peterhead - League1

New Year without a bang

It was Peterhead that drew the short straw and will make the journey to the Highlands to bring coal, shortbread and a wee dram to the Caledonian SarensPSG Stadium on the 3rd of January 2026. Inverness topped the table as we entered a new year with the baying pack snapping at our heels after back to back defeats at Ochilview and Links Park. Hopefully getting back on the green green grass of home will give us a lift as 2026 kicks off. It never did Tom Jones any harm back in the day. Ross Millen will not be involved after his red card last week. Alfie Stewart is available for selection with his loan contract still under discussion. Chanka Zimba will hopefully get more game time as he nurses his injury and let's hope we can be more clinical in 2026.
Here's hoping the weather doesn't play a major factor in this fixture with colder weather due to sweep down from the North accompanied by strong winds and snow in places. Temperatures dropping as well. Take care out there! 
🚨Volunteers Wanted for Tomorrow 🚨
⛔ STAND DOWN, GAME OFFFFFFF ⛔
Any supporters available to assist with removing pitch covers, please head to the Sarens PSG Stadium at 9am tomorrow morning ahead of our game against Peterhead.
❄️⛄ Any assistance would be much appreciated 🔴🔵
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Match/Ticket/Bus/Bar/Info
West Stand Closed this Saturday
Jake Davidson contract extension
East Fife date 20th January
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Full Story in link above

Following our recent statement regarding the unacceptable conduct at our home match against Hamilton Academical on Saturday 13 December, the club can confirm that the West Stand will be closed for this Saturday’s William Hill League 1 fixture against Peterhead.
This decision follows the use of pyrotechnics in the West Stand at the last home match, during which a device entered the field of play and forced the referee to temporarily stop the game.
The club intends for the West Stand to reopen for our next home match against Alloa Athletic on Saturday 24th January. We hope this course of action demonstrates our zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable conduct and the use of pyrotechnics within the stadium.
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Our festive lightweights at Links Park following on from the defeat at Ochilview. Plenty of endeavour but we lacked a clinical finish or five as we went down 2-1 to form side Montrose last weekend.
League1 last six
ICTFC 1-0 Cove✔️
ICTFC 4-0 QotS✔️
Alloa 1-1 ICTFC✔️
ICTFC 4-0 Accies✔️
Stenny 1-0 ICTFC❌
Monty 2-1 ICTFC❌
A third minute strike from Alfie Stewart got the visitors off to a great start in a first half full of missed opportunities. Blair Lyons tied the game on the hour with Ross Millen sent off in the aftermath of that goal. Stewart then smacked the underside of the bar. The winner came from Ker Waddell after 74 minutes. Meh!
Ross Millen will miss at least the next two games for his straight red card at Montrose after a bit of verbals saw him take the early bath.
The two previous encounters against Peterhead this season have seen the Caley Jags take all the points available. Our second game of the campaign gave the Caley Jags a 2-0 win over the Blue Toon and a 1-0 win at Balmoor in October. Wotherspoon and Sole were our scorers at home and Billy Mckay nicked the winner away from home.
Bar94 will be open and the usual Matchday Bus service provided by Stagecoach will be in operation.
BAR 94 
Bar 94 will open at 1200, with last orders at 1430 (the bar must be fully vacated by 1445).
The bar reopens at full time.
GETTING TO THE GAME 🚍
Stagecoach Service Buses will leave the Bus Station for the Stadium at 1245 and 1415.
Buses return from the Stadium to the Bus Station 10 minutes after the full time whistle and at 1800.
The bus fare is £2.70 single (contactless payments or cash accepted), and Over 60 / Disabled and Under 22 Concession passes are valid, giving free travel on the service to passholders.

Peterhead took a sore one in the North East festive derby against Cove Rangers going down 4-0 at home. Merry Xmas. The three defeats were all crushing blows conceeding 12 goals. Good win at Bayview though where a goal from Jason Brown was the difference between the sides. Flynn Duffy was red carded against Kelty but should be back for this one.
Last Six League1
P'Head 1-1 Monty➗
P'Head 1-4 Stenny❌
Alloa 4-0 P'Head❌
P'Head 3-2 Kelty✔️
E Fife 0-1 P'Head✔️
P'Head 0-4 Cove❌
They also went out of the KDM Trophy losing 2-1 at Ayr United on 9th Dec. After a 2-2 draw over 90mins, they were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Morton on penalties.
Andy McCarthy could come back in after suspension and Adam Carnwath will be added to the squad as he returns from injury. Defender Josh Kerr will be pushing for a start after coming on in the defeat to Cove.
Fraser Mackie has since gone out on loan to Fraserburgh and striker Tom Horn has returned to Partick Thistle at the end of his loan.
Kieran Shanks is top scorer with seven League1 goals. Jason Brown has six and Max Barry and Cammy Smith both have three strikes.
Despite some indifferent results of late, Peterhead are only seven points off the top of the table.


Pos
Team
Pld
Gd
Pts
1
ICTFC
18
20
33
2
Stenny
19
5
31
3
Queens
19
4
31
4
Alloa
19
10
29
5
P'head
19
-11
26
6
E Fife
18
-3
25
7
Monty
19
-9
24
8
Accies
19
12
16
9
Cove
19
-4
16
10
Kelty
19
-24
12



By tm4tj in Previews 2025-26 ·

Montrose 2-1 Inverness CT - League 1

Ten men down at the Links

After much speculation over the Links Park pitch, this game went ahead as scheduled at the home of the Gable Endies. Montrose are one of the form sides over recent games with three wins over the last four, and Inverness, despite also losing last week, were still top of the table with two wins and a draw over the last four. Scott Kellacher rang the changes after last weeks lacklustre performance at Stenhousemuir with Sole, Bavidge, Wotherspoon and MacKinnon rested, Zimba restrained and Millen, Stewart, Longstaff and Mckay starting. Full squad from Montrose but no Machado. Twelve points separated the teams ahead of kick off and when the dust settled Montrose were three points closer to us. A third minute strike from Alfie Stewart got the visitors off to a great start in a grim first half. Blair Lyons tied the game on the hour with Ross Millen sent off in the aftermath of that goal. The winner came from Ker Waddell after 74 minutes. Meh!
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The Caley Jags were quick out of the blocks and the reinstated Alfie Stewart fired us ahead after just three minutes shooting home from inside the box into the top corner off a precision pass from Danny Devine (never thought I'd be writing that). That'll do his prospects of extending his loan here no harm. Mitchell Robertson was put through on goal after Luis Longstaff's equally precise ball sent him in on the left side but he shot just wide. Montrose were seeing plenty of the ball in the opening quarter and forced a couple of corners which came to nothing. Top scorer Graham Webster shot wide of the top corner as the hosts looked to get back on level terms. Billy Mckay was set free by another long ball forward but Cammy Gill was equal to the effort to keep it out and Ross Millen picked out Paul Allan coming in from the left but his effort was weak whilst at the other end the dangerous Callum Sandilands brought Ross Munro into action as he saved his close range header brilliantly towards the bottom corner with half an hour gone. Paul Allan had another effort before the break where he appeared to slip as he shot with Gill gathering the trundled effort easily after another tremendous long ball from Danny Devine. Montrose were knocking on the door though as half time approached and Terry Masson shot over as we maintained our precarious advantage to the interval in a half devoid of serious goalmouth action. Here's hoping we can be more clinical after the interval.
 HALF TIME: 0-1
 Montrose were first to threaten after the break and Ross Munro denied Webster five minutes after the restart. He then missed the target three minutes later as the hosts again dominated proceedings. Chances at both ends as Cammy Gill saved from Paul Allan where he appeared to slip as he shot with Gill gathering the trundled effort easily after another tremendous long ball from Danny Devine and Ross Munro kept out an effort from Sandilands. Paul Allan then headed a Longstaff chip into the ground which took the sting out of the ball and made it an easy catch for the keeper. Can't say we weren't warned and Blair Lyons levelled the game just after the hour from close range and we were reduced to ten men when Ross Millen was red carded in the aftermath of the equaliser, presumably for talking out of turn. Alfie Stewart hit a free kick off the underside of the bar as we plodded on before Montrose took the lead after 74 mins through Waddell as he showed how to head down and up into the net. Inverness rang the changes with Alfie Bavidge, Chanka Zimba and Oscar MacIntyre on for Billy Mckay, Luis Longstaff and Alfie Stewart. All five subs were on before the end and Alfie Bavidge was denied by Cammy Gill as injury time came and went.
 FULL TIME: 2-1
Another festive flop from the Caley Jags and a man sent off into the bargain for his discussion with the referee.
First back to back defeats for Kellacher in a disappointing end to the year.
Scott Kellacher could not hide his disappointment after this one which he felt was a sore one to take citing that we created enough chances, especially in the first half.
We got into some great positions with lot's of defence splitting passes, unfortunately an extra touch, poor decision or fluffed shot meant we made it easy for Cammy Gill and his defenders to mop up our efforts. Nothing Gill could do about the well taken goal from Alfie Stewart with a great finish and Alfie was very unlucky with his free kick that struck the underside of the bar with the keeper beaten. And Paul Allan: He did the Paul Gascoigne bit well before slipping onto his arse as he shot. Meh!
All in, it's a wake up call as the pack close in behind us with Queen of the South looking serious contenders after a big win over Hamilton Accies. Alloa and Stenhousemuir drew and Kelty and Cove did everyone else a favour beating East Fife and Peterhead.


Pos
Team
Pld
Gd
Pts
1
ICTFC
18
20
33
2
Stenny
19
5
31
3
Queens
19
4
31
4
Alloa
19
10
29
5
P'Head
19
-11
26
6
E Fife
18
-3
25
7
Monty
19
-9
24
8
Accies
19
12
16
9
Cove
19
-4
16
10
Kelty
19
-24
12

No Listen!
 
Date:  27/12/2025  Venue: Links Park, Montrose Attendance: **** Referee: Gary Hanvidge
 
Montrose FC: 2
Manager: Stewart Petrie
Lineup:  Gill; Williamson (Waddell 70), Quinn, Dillon, Steeves, Masson (Brown 69), Freeman,
Sandilands, Webster, Louden (May 94), Lyons (Stevenson 84)
Subs (not used): Millar; Bertie, Clark, McClenents, Mochrie
Scorers: Lyons (62), Waddell (74)
Booked: Gill (82)
Sent Off: none
Inverness CT: 1
Manager: Scott Kellacher
Lineup:  Munro; Millen, Devine, Savage, Robertson (Alonge 85), MacLeod, Allan (Sole 85),
Stewart (McIntyre 75), Chalmers, Longstaff (Bavidge 75), B Mckay (Zimba 75)
Subs (not used): Ross; S Thompson, Wotherspoon, MacKinnon
Scorers: Stewart (3)
Booked: Longstaff (42)
Sent Off: Millen (62)

By tm4tj in Reports 2025-26 ·

Montrose -V- Inverness CT - League 1

Montrose Away

Should Montrose have their ground ready in time for this weekend, then we will be facing them on Saturday. They are having similar issues to Tranent with drainage problems over the last few weeks of monsoon like conditions and have already moved their KDM Trophy tie against the Spartans to Cove Rangers ground on Monday night. The Gable Endies results have been hot and cold recently with some good results in amogst some less notable achievements. A less than impressive performance from the Caley Jags one week after the high of a record performance at Dumbarton, has cast a shadow over our credentials. Here's hoping it's just temporary.
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Match/Tickets/Bus/Info
🎅 Hope you all had a Merry Xmas 🎅
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Montrose Club Update On New Artificial Surface
Montrose FC wishes to update supporters following the third postponement of a first-team fixture at Links Park in the last six weeks.
Having replaced the natural grass playing surface almost 20 years ago, fans will appreciate this situation is unprecedented, and has come as a genuine surprise, shock, and disappointment to everyone at the Club. Back in the summer, knowing the artificial carpet was reaching the end of its lifespan, we made the decision to upgrade. In full consultation with the pitch manufacturer, we selected both a new playing surface and a preferred and recommended type of infill. Despite having previously used both black rubber pellet infill, and green rubber shards, we were made aware of an impending ban on this type of material in the next few years, due to environmental concerns around microplastics. As a result, the industry is moving towards more sustainable alternatives, so in good faith, and with a view to staying ahead of legislative changes, we opted for a new infill made from specially treated woodchip. This was a more expensive option than the traditional rubber.
Regrettably, this material has not performed as expected, resulting in the surface now retaining rainwater and taking a significant time to drain away. This has made it very difficult to predict the playability of the pitch, resulting in not only the postponement of fixtures, but also the cancellation of community pitch bookings, all at short notice. The consequences of this have been far reaching, with our reputation affected, added strain placed on staff, and financial losses incurred through reduced revenues.
Rest assured, we remain fully committed and determined to resolve the issue and we are in constant dialogue with the manufacturer and installation contractors to fully understand the problem and implement a solution as quickly as possible. We are also keeping the relevant league bodies updated in relation to the impact of all this on our fixtures. We sincerely appreciate the inconvenience this has caused – not only to our loyal fans but also to the wider community of pitch users – and we ask for your patience and support as we work to rectify the matter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This fixture is SEGREGATED and entry for both home and away fans is by TICKET ONLY.
AWAY fans MUST purchase a ticket online in advance as AWAY tickets WILL NOT be on sale at the ground – Please do not travel if you have not purchased a ticket in advance.
ONLINE TICKETS – these are available for BOTH home and away fans and can be purchased online up to kick-off time.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://montrosefc.co.uk/tickets/
TICKET OFFICE – tickets will be available for HOME FANS ONLY from the Ticket Office from 2pm on Saturday. These can be purchased using either cash or card.
TICKET PRICES
When tickets are purchased online, discounted prices apply, which are:
Adults £18
Concessions £10
U12’s* £5
*Under 12s will ONLY be admitted if accompanied by a paying Adult/Concession.
AWAY SUPPORTERS – should enter the stadium from the turnstiles located at the East end of Links Park Stadium adjacent to Union Street/Union Row.
Turnstiles will open 1 hour prior to kick-off time and will remain open until 15 minutes after the match commences.
ICT Supporters Travel Club
Montrose bus 27th December leaves stadium at 10.00. Picking up in Aviemore and Pitlochry. £20 a seat. Book through Facebook or on 07462218717.
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Here's the guys that failed inexplicably against a depleted Stenhousemuir last weekend going down to a second half Olly Whyte goal at Ochilview. They seem to hold the Indan sign over us this season. Chanka Zimba is a doubt and may have to start on the bench again.
League1 last six
ICTFC 1-0 Monty✔️
ICTFC 1-0 Cove✔️
ICTFC 4-0 QotS✔️
Alloa 1-1 ICTFC✔️
ICTFC 4-0 Accies✔️
Stenny 1-0 ICTFC❌
Been a great season so far but one wonders why we have these massive dips in performance every so often. We can't really complain though as we usually rectify thing in the next game having not lost back to back games since Scott Kellacher took over. Man for man our squad must be one of, if not thee strongest first XI's in league 1 with a second string almost as good. That's the frustrating part.
Inverness won both of the previous fixtures this season against Montrose. 2-0 (Bavidge & MacLeod) at Links Park and 1-0 in the Highlands where a goal from Zimba was the difference between the sides.
2026 starts on the 3rd of January with a home fixture against Peterhead followed by an away game at Cove the following week.
We have another tough Scottish Cup game to look forward to in January having edged our way past Tranent. We are away to Spartans on 17th December in for a 3:00pm kick-off, but that has still to be officially confirmed.

Montrose had this squad at Palmerston last Saturday as they fell to a narrow defeat to Queen of the South thanks to Mike Hewit's great strike.
Last Seven League1 results
ICTFC 1-0 Monty❌
Monty 0-4 Alloa❌
P'Head 1-1 Monty➖
Monty 2-1 E Fife✔️
Kelty 0-3 Monty✔️
Monty 3-0 Stenny✔️
Queens 1-0 Monty❌
Some great results in there, the highlight that 3-0 win over Stenhousemuir. Goals from Graham Webster and a brace from Callum Sandilands on loan from Hearts. The 3-0 win a Kelty is not to be scoffed at either. Lyons, an own goal and Sandilands again scored in that one. That was countered by a whooping at home by Alloa.
Montrose were forced to play their KDM Trophy tie versus Spartans at Balmoral Stadium Cove on Monday night. Our next Scottish Cup opponents fielded a fairly young side with a couple of their youth players making their debut. They grew into this tie before eventually going down 2-1 to Montrose, who had also rested some first team choices but just had enough to get over the line. Like Tranent, they will not make it easy for the Caley Jags to progress.

Defender Jake Davidson made a return to action recently, playing 45 minutes against Dundee for our Under 19s, which we won 1-0 thanks to Archie Beaton's late winner.
That was Jake's first appearance back on the pitch since suffering a knee injury in November 2024.  Great to see you back on the pitch Jake! 👏
Fantastic news about Jake after his serious injury which happened at a time when he was looking good as a strong midfielder before this massive setback.
All the best to Jake as makes his comeback and I hope he can get back to his previous fitness. What an asset he would be in the new year!




By tm4tj in Previews 2025-26 ·

Stenhousemuir 1-0 Inverness CT - League 1

Deja View at Ochilview

The hosts had a sparse bench and had re-loaned young keeper Colbi McQuarie back from Motherwell ahead of this clash. Gary Naysmith had a seasoned starting XI though with the dangerous Matty Aitken and Ross Taylor, their matchwinners last time in the Highlands, present again today and Man of the Match back in August Darren Jamieson in goal. Scott Kellacher started with our midweek four goal striker Alfie Bavidge up front with Zimba & B Mckay in reserve. Calum MacLeod kept Ross Millen on the bench and Robertson kept the very impressive Oscar MacIntyre out of the starting XI. Much of the Inverness success this season has been built on the solid foundation of our defence who have only conceded nine League goals this season.
They did us again! The Warriors were looking to close the six point gap on the leaders who face another treacherous away game next week at the Montrose swimming pool. They achieved their goal in another frustrating day for the visitors and are now just three points off the pace. No scoring in a drab first half with Inverness slowly warming to the task. Much of the same after the interval before the hosts opened the scoring through Olly Whyte to breech our defence for the first time in yonks. Despite Warrior Leyton Grant having an early bath after 86 minutes, that's how it remained.
A not so Merry Xmas 🎅
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a minutes silence observed in memory of former Warrior Bobby Tasker the game got underway. The host were fired up for this one and forced a series of corners in the opening minutes but the game lapsed into a midfield battle with little goalmouth action in the opening quarter of the game although Inverness did manage a couple of corners of their own and from a well worked routine, Paul Allan's shot was deflected over. The most interesting thing so far was a booking for Danny Devine in the 26th minute. Just before the half hour Ross Taylor got through the defence and shot on target but Ross Munro saved low. With half time approaching, Calum MacLeod's shot was saved a fell to Liam Sole but he shot wide when it was maybe easier to score. The pressure was beginning to mount on the home goal and Adam MacKinnon saw an effort blocked and Mitchell Robertson headed over before the half time whistle blew.
 HALF TIME: 0-0
 Munro was called into action two minutes into the half to save from Michael Anderson as he shot from outside the box, but chances were still hard to come by and on the hour Sole missed the target after a quick burst forward and Wotherspoon shot over from an acute angle. Stenhousemuir opened the scoring in the 65th minute when Olly Whyte slid a Matty Aitken cross into the box behind Munro. Paul Allan hit the bar off a whipped in free kick with twenty minutes left as Billy Mckay entered the park. MacLeod was thwarted by Jamieson in the top corner with ten minutes left, the keeper tipping his effort over. Leyton Grant, who had been booked in the first half got his marching orders five minutes from the end when he received a second yellow, apparently he was to be subbed but refused to leave at the nearest point. Alfie Stewart missed the target as the game slipped away from the Caley Jags and desperation set in as Remi Savage fired one over in the 90th minute. A big missed opportunity right at the end with Bavidge unable to get onto the ball and that was that. Massive disappointment at Ochilview! The stats will show that we were dominant. However we have been caught out again by a resilient Stenhousemuir.
Not as Merry a Xmas as it could have been, meh!
 FULL TIME: 1-0
It's all very well putting nine past Dumbarton, but it's these games that will define our season. 
With Chanka Zimba carrying a knock he was not risked until the last few minutes. That might have made a difference here in a rough and tumble game.
We did dominate possession:
67%-33% possession
14-3 attempts
9-3 corners
Unfortunately, stats don't win games
On CTO Yngwie pulled no punches: We dominated possession from start to finish but couldn’t create clear chances, lacked sharpness and soon ran out of ideas. We could’ve played all night and wouldn't have scored. Even in the last 10 minutes against 10 men we had little to offer in the final third except the same predictable stuff we’d been doing all match. Stenny were organised but did nothing special and all they had to do was do the basics well to keep us at bay. So we didn’t do enough to win but shouldn’t have lost either. The soft goal we conceded was a rare foray from them into our box, and I think the defending and goalkeeping should have been better as they fired the ball through the keeper from a tight angle. Today was so disappointing after our recent good form and attacking prowess.

Pos
Team
Pld
Gd
Pts
1
ICTFC
17
21
33
2
Stenny
18
5
30
3
Alloa
18
10
28
4
Queens
18
1
28
5
P'Head
18
-7
26
6
E Fife
17
-2
25
7
Monty
18
-10
21
8
Accies
18
15
16
9
Cove
18
-8
13
10
Kelty
18
-25
9

Full highlights from Stenhousemuir

No Listen! 👂

Gary Naysmith

Date:  20/12/2025  Venue: Ochilview Park Attendance: 0663 Referee: Lloyd Wilson 
 
Stenhousemuir: 1
Manager: Gary Naysmith
Lineup:  Jamieson; Meechan, Buchanan, Graham, Bilham, Grant, Ewen, Anderson,
Whyte, Taylor (Cameron 62), Aitken (McGill 88)
Subs (not used):  McQuarrie; Simpson
Scorers: Whyte (65)
Booked: Grant (39, 84), Taylor (55), Graham (60), Aitken (79)
Sent Off: Grant (84)
Inverness CT: 0
Manager: Scott Kellacher
Lineup:  Munro; MacLeod (Millen 78), Devine, Savage, Robertson, Sole (B Mckay 71),
Allan, Chalmers (Zimba 78), MacKinnon (Stewart 62), Wotherspoon (Longstaff 62) Bavidge,
Subs (not used): Ross; S Thompson, MacIntyre, Alonge
Scorers: none
Booked: Devine (26)
Sent Off: none


By tm4tj in Reports 2025-26 ·

Stenhousemuir -V- Inverness CT - League1 - Preview

Ochilview View

It's been a hectic month so far and there's no rest for the wicked as the Caley Jags head for Ochilview to take on fellow title contenders Stenhousemuir in the latest six-pointer in League1. The Warriors are one of only two teams who have beaten the Caley Jags on League duty this season, the other being Hamilton away. They won the first fixture between the clubs up in the Highlands on the 16thAugust when they stunned the home support by coming from behind to run out 1-2 winners. A Paul Allan penalty set us up nicely but Matty Aitken scored from the spot ten minutes before the break after a dubious penalty award. Ross Taylor scored a second after Stenhousemuir managed to park the bus and on a rare foray forward stole the points ten minutes from the end. It had been a frustrating afternoon for the hosts who dominated everything except putting the ball in the net more than our opponents. We avenged the Hamilton defeat in style last week and will be looking to avenge our lapse from matchday 3. The depth of our squad is much improved from the start of the season as shown in the midweek nine goal thrashing of a young Dumbarton side in the KDM Trophy where we were able to make eight changes from the side that beat Accies last Saturday.
🎅 Merry Xmas when it comes from all at CTO 🎅
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
***Pyrotechnics Warning***
Match/Ticket/Travel/Info
Adam MacKinnon contract extended
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The squad that put four past Accies last week. We also went goal happy in midweek in the KDM Trophy at Dumbarton with Alfie Bavidge bagging four of our nine goals. 12 goals scored in the last six League games with only one conceded at Alloa.
League1 last six
P'Head 0-1 ICTFC
ICTFC 1-0 Monty
ICTFC 1-0 Cove
ICTFC 4-0 QotS
Alloa 1-1 ICTFC
ICTFC 4-0 Accies
Unfortunately a section of our support have been guilty of undesirable conduct during and after the Hamilton game which has led to the club issuing a warning statement:
The good will and deserved plaudits the club have been delighted to extend to other clubs recently were completely negated on Saturday by the behaviour of a small section of the home support both during and after the match.
Despite the previous warning with regards Pyrotechnics, these made a reappearance both at the start of and during the match culminating in one such device being thrown onto the pitch causing the referee to pause the match while it was dealt with. This will be included in the referees’ report and could result in financial and restriction actions being taken against the club. This means there will be less funds available to the manager and the club to continue improving both the team and the stadium facilities.
Following the match, the behaviour of this group in the goading and subsequent attempt to clash at the visitor’s buses in the car park will not be tolerated by the club. This is classified as a public order offence, and any repeat could see the club being forced to have a police presence at the stadium on match day along with increased stewarding numbers which again will have a huge financial impact on the club and the desire of the new owner to improve the club in all areas FULL STATEMENT

Stenhousemuir slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Montrose last week and have not been on the best run of results of late.
D D L W D L The last six league games started with a decent draw at Palmerston (1-1) followed by another draw at home to Kelty (2-2). Defeat at East Fife (1-0) then their best result, a 4-1 win at Peterhead. The goalless draw at home to Accies was then followed by their worst result, a 3-0 reverse at Montrose.
Pos
Team
Pld
Gd
Pts

1
ICTFC
16
22
33

2
Alloa
17
11
28

3
Stenny
17
4
27

4
QotSth
17
0
25

5
E Fife
16
-1
25

6
P'Head
17
-8
23

7
Monty
17
-9
21

8
Accies
17
14
13

9
Cove
17
-11
10

10
Kelty
17
-22
9

Here's your League1 fixtures for this weekend
Upcoming fixtures & titbits
After our record breaking goalfest at Dumbarton in midweek, the Caley Jags will travel to Firhill on 6th January in the last 16 of the KDM Trophy. This game will be shown live on BBC Alba with a 19:45 kick-off.
Our final fixture of the year will be at Montrose on Saturday 27th December. Hope they get their pitch sorted before then...
Liam Sole will be at Inverness for the rest of the season, and Adam MacKinnon has extended his contract until the end of season 26/27. Good to see Scott Kellacher getting his business done early to give us the best possible chance of chasing top spot.
Forward Sam Reid has joined Wick Academy on a short term loan.
Last but not least: Thanks to Scott Young for seeing us through the mire.
"After careful consideration, I have made the decision to step down from my position on the club’s Financial Board. This was not an easy choice, but I believe it is the right one for both myself and the club at this time. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I remain fully supportive of Alan and the board as it continues to guide the club’s financial strategy." FULL STATEMENT FROM SCOTT YOUNG"






By tm4tj in Previews 2025-26 ·

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