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Inverness CT -V- Queen of the South - Preview

Queens visit
 
Another Tuesday, another game at the Caledonian Stadium, this time we host Queen of the South looking to get over the disappointment of a poor result at Alloa on Saturday. The game kicks off at 7:45pm.
At the weekend, we went down to the Wasps who were absolutely buzzing. Only two goals which flattered Inverness who also saw a host of opportunities wasted. First half goals from Lee Connelly and Kevin O'Hara saw us leave Clackmannanshire empty handed. However, the disappointment was tempered by the fact that we actually gained a point over our nearest challengers over the week as all other sides drew again. I know, I know, it's clutching at straws a wee bit, but it's all we've got to be happy about after a grim week.
Queen of the South went ahead in midweek only for Dunfermline Athletic to peg them back with a penalty just after half time. Gary Oliver had put Queens on their way to their first win in nine games but Jonathan Afolabi levelled from the spot. The Doonhamers have slipped into the play-off slot at the wrong end of the league thanks to Alloa beating us. However, we are still closer to them on points than we are to league leaders Dundee United.
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Match Info Tickets Sports Bar
Official report v Alloa
Digital Matchday Programme
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Two other games on Tuesday night
Partick Thistle v Dunfermline Athletic
Dundee v Ayr United
Queen of the South play Ayr United on Friday night.
 
This is the third meeting between the clubs this season with Inverness victorious in the first two games, both 2-0 wins home and away. Queens are close to the relegation danger zone and will be looking to rectify that so expect a tough encounter where on their day, any team is capable of beating anyone in the league. Given our reluctance to beat teams in the bottom half of the league, this will not be an easy task. Hopefully the rude awakening at Alloa will stir the team and get us back on track.
Sean Welsh and James Vincent missed the game at Recreation Park and Lewis Toshney came off injured after only three minutes. The news regarding Toshney is not great, he is expected to be out for at least a month with an injury to his quad muscle, and that leaves us wafer thin at the back with the run-in and Chocolate biscuit cup coming up.
Once more Queen of the South will be relying heavily on top scorer Stephen Dobbie. Always a threat, Dobbie has eleven goals to his credit this term, meagre by his own standards. However, he is one of the best finishers in the Championship. Ignore him at your peril.........
 
 
Simon Macdonald RIP
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 11 March at 12.30pm in the Funeral Home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness, IV2 6AB, and thereafter to Kilvean Cemetery. All friends and colleagues past and present welcome. Family flowers only please, and money donations to the Scottish Burned Children’s Club welcome.
 
As a mark of respect for Simon, the Fans will do their own tribute at the Challenge Cup Final against Raith Rovers.
We're planning on having a minutes applause in the 44th minute for Simon / Bronson during this game. Something to note for later this month and feel free to make others around you at the game aware.   
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2019-20 ·

Alloa 2-0 Inverness CT - Report

Wasps Buzzing
 
Inverness had to re-shuffle the back four in the third minute with Lewis Toshney unable to continue, Kevin McHattie replacing him.  A deflected shot by Lee Connelly opened the scoring after 12 minutes, the ball entering the net off Brad Mckay. Alloa were on top in the early exchanges but Neil Parry had to make a brilliant save to deny Jordan White midway through the half. Alan Trouten extended the lead before half an hour had gone, scoring from close range. No further scoring after the break, but Alloa were well worth the three points. It should have been more, the woodwork came to inverness' rescue a couple of times in the second half. For Inverness it's a thoroughly disappointing result, undoing the good work in midweek. The only thing in our favour was we only lost one point on everyone else as the rest of the games ended in draws. Therefore, this week saw us gain a point on our nearest challengers. Still, in truth, it's results like this that have cost us big time and left Dundee united alone at the top.
One step forward, two steps back!
Brad Mckay returned to defence with Kevin McHattie dropping to the bench. James Vincent and Sean Welsh were still out. For Alloa, Ian Flannigan missed out but Neil Parry made his second start between the sticks after returning from injury.
 
Great report on CTO forum from RIG...............
Daylight robbery.
We should have been absolutely pumped rotten today. I can barely remember troubling Parry until a couple of minutes from the end when Walsh flashed a shot just over / onto the bar. The rest of the game Alloa took us to pieces aided by some lacklustre defending from us. 

There was no one with the entire mountain range of the Ochils to stop Alloa taking the lead with Connelly having far too much time and space to lash a shot beyond Ridgers. Apparently it took a deflection but it was hard to see for sure from the other end of the ground. Not too long later the second arrived. Harsh free kick against White for handball but again we looked shoddy defending the resultant cross which found Trouten at the back post and he tucked the ball in from close range. There didn't look to be any ICT player in close attendance and if there was there were still other Alloa players unmarked in an apparent breakdown of who was marking who. Our only real chance came when White tried to seize on a knock down but from a couple of yards out he couldn't connect with the ball and Parry gathered.

Second half Alloa initially seemed to sit in before quickly realising that a defensive pairing of Brad Mckay and Kevin McHattie can be easily be gotten at, and set up utterly destroying us. Star of the show Scott Banks tested Ridgers when he broke free and curled a lovely shot towards goal but Ridgers leapt across to block it. Alloa then missed what looked like an easy chance to get that third goal. Alloa forced Ridgers into a save but, with the ball bobbling just in front of him, he couldn't hold on and the ball broke free to an onrushing Alloa player who rounded Ridgers but then hit the post from a yard or two out. Banks again showed real class as he did spin after spin to dance through the ICT midfield and defence and he was unlucky to see another good effort go over the bar and Alloa had a further chance when they rattled the crossbar. Our only real second half chance came when Walsh sent a half cross half shot onto the bar but we were well and truly gubbed today. A lot to think about in the coming weeks.
 

 
 
 
 
 
Highlights from AlloaTV
 
Honest John.....
 
 
Date: 07/03/2020  Venue: Recreation Park, Alloa Attendance: 712 Referee: Steven Kirkland 
 
Alloa Athletic: 2
Lineup:  Parry; Robertson (Buchanan 66), Stirling, Taggart, Dick, Cawley, Hetherington, Trouten, Banks (Brown 86), Connelly (Thomson 76), O'Hara,  Subs (not used):  Wright; O'Donnell, Scorers: Connelly (12), Trouten (28) Booked: Thomson (78) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0
Lineup:  Ridgers; Rooney, Toshney (McHattie 3), B Mckay, Tremarco (Todorov 76), Doran, Carson, Trafford, Walsh, Storey (Keatings 63), White Subs (not used): C Mackay; Harper, MacGregor, Scorers: none Booked: Trafford (60),  Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2019-20 ·

Alloa -V- Inverness CT - Preview

A spot of Recreation
 
After a good set of results in midweek, the Caley Jags head to Recreation Park Alloa, looking to consolidate their position in second place in the Championship, the game kicking off at 3:00pm. Inverness were the only team to win in midweek as the other four games ended goalless.
This will be the sixth meeting between the sides this season, with Inverness having three wins, the other two games were draws. Last time together we struggled to a 1-1 draw against the Wasps. A first half penalty was tucked away by Iain Flannigan but Jordan White rescued our day with a goal on the hour. Last time at Recreation Park we were on Scottish Cup duty and edged out Alloa 2-3 thanks to a late goal from Charlie Trafford. Alloa's top scorer Kevin O'Hara scored twice to square matters after Aaron Doran and Jordan White had Inverness ahead twice. We never find it easy on the artificial surface and I expect it will be no different this time round.
Championship fixtures this weekend
Aloa Athletic v Inverness CT
Ayr United v Dundee
Dundee Utd v Partick Thistle
Dunfermline v Queen of the South
Morton v Arbroath
Here's Johnny..............
OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Sean Welsh and James Vincent missed out in midweek but Lewis Toshney added some much needed solidarity to our defence. Brad Mckay will be available for selection after his red card against Hibs in the Scottish Cup and Robbo is hopeful Vincent will be added to the squad.
Alloa's main threat will be 14 goal Kevin O'Hara although he is not the only player we need to be wary of. Kevin Cawley, and Alan Trouten are well aware how to find the back of the net, and at the other end Neil Parry made a welcome return to the goals, shutting Dundee out with a tremendous performance in midweek.
That's some save by Neil Parry in midweek.................
Bronson
It should be noted that after the passing of the legend that is Bronson, his funeral arrangements have been released. RIP Simon.
On behalf Simon’s immediate family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been in touch, shared their memories of him and offered their support. It has been truly humbling – we knew he was a great bloke, but this has surpassed even our expectations.
His death will leave a huge hole in the hearts and lives of all who knew him.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 11 March at 12.30pm in the Funeral Home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness, IV2 6AB, and thereafter to Kilvean Cemetery. All friends and colleagues past and present welcome. Family flowers only please, and money donations to the Scottish Burned Children’s Club welcome.
Please share this information with anyone else you think would like to know.
— feeling heartbroken. 
As a mark of respect for Simon, the Fans will do their own tribute at the Challenge Cup Final against Raith Rovers.
We're planning on having a minutes applause in the 44th minute for Simon / Bronson during this game. Something to note for later this month and feel free to make others around you at the game aware.   
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2019-20 ·

Inverness CT 3-2 Morton

Toddy Niks it.
 
Inverness took the lead after eighteen minutes through a Jordan White header. Morton squared the game through Aidan Nesbitt only for Shaun Rooney to put us back in front. Unfortunately Morton sub Reece Lyon equalised. However Todorov snatched a win from the jaws of a draw with an injury time goal, heading in off the post for a dramatic ending to the game. Inverness were the only Championship team to win on a night of three draws, so we stretch another two points away from the chasing pack.
Phew!
Inverness were without the suspended Brad Mckay after his red card against Hibs last Friday. Sean Welsh and James Vincent were out injured with James Keatings making the bench alongside u18 midfielder Kane Davies, his first involvement with the squad.
Form side Morton were without Kris Doolan, Kyle Jacobs and Cameron Salkeld.
A brisk night in the Highland capital saw Morton start brightly and Mark Ridgers had to make the first save of the game inside a couple of minutes from Nicky Cadden. 
Danny Rogers did well to save a header from Jordan White and a minute later he tipped behind an effort from Miles Storey after he cut inside.
Rogers could do nothing to stop White opening the scoring a couple of minutes later with a header from a Tom Walsh cross.
Walsh shot over the bar from outside the box as Inverness pressed for a second goal, but as the visitors settled Ridgers had to save another effort from Cadden.
Cadden appears to be the most likely source for an equaliser and he fired a free kick just wide as play levelled out.
Morton might feel hard done by as Inverness scored when keeper Rogers was struggling after taking a knock, but it's White's header that was the difference between the sides at the break.
Half Time 1-0
Wintry weather greeted the teams as the second half got underway and a White header looped onto the top of the net and at the other end Baird headed over the bar from a corner. A second corner saw Luca Colville shoot just over as the vistors came out of the blocks sharply.
A cross from Charlie Trafford found the head of White but a poor connection saw Rogers gather easily.
On the hour Aidan Nesbitt levelled the game from a Strapp cross.
Our lead was restored when Shaun Rooney headed home from six yards six minutes later, the assist from David Carson at a free kick.
Morton keeper saved two efforts from White and MacGregor but it was the visitors that were next on the scoresheet after a spate of substitutions and it was substitute Reece Lyon from close range.
Thankfully one of our own substitutes settled the game in the second minute of injury time. Carl Tremarco had headed a Doran ball across the box and there was Toddy to head it in off the post.
A night of drama finished off with three points. Lovely jubbly!!!
Coupled with all the other games ending goalless, then it's not such a bad night after all.
 
Here's the goals.........
From BBC Sport
Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Robertson: "It was a rollercoaster. I thought first half we were great. Danny Rodgers kept the score down - we should have been two or three ahead. "It's 2-2 and you think it's going to be two points dropped. They hung in there and big Toddy's popped up for the last-gasp winner. It's a big, big three points for us."
Greenock Morton manager David Hopkin: "Bitterly disappointed but fantastic effort from my players because I thought we deserved at least a point. "We've not matched three headers and that's what's cost us, but everything else in the game I thought we were the better team."
Oooerrrr, I think your grapes are sour David 
Highlights from Morton TV
 
 
Date: 03/03/2020  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1772 Referee:  Craig Napier
 
Inverness CT: 3
Lineup:  Ridgers; Rooney, Toshney, McHattie, Tremarco, Walsh, Carson, Trafford, MacGregor (Doran 73), Storey (Keatings 79), White (Todorov 73) Subs (not used):  C Mackay; Davies, Harper. Scorers: White (18), Rooney (67), Todorov  (90+2) Booked: Trafford (64) Sent Off: none Morton: 2
Lineup:  Rodgers; Tumilty, McGinty, McAlister, Nesbitt (Nesbitt 72),  Orsi (McLean 81), Strapp, Blues, Cadden, Colville (Lyon 68), Baird Subs (not used): Ramsbottom;  Muirhead, Millar, McHugh. Scorers: Nesbitt (61), Lyon (76) Booked: Tumilty (74) Strapp (90) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2019-20 ·

Inverness CT -V- Morton - Preview

Raise a glass for Bronson
 
One of the Championship's form teams venture North on Tuesday night in the shape of Greenock Morton. With 10 points from their last six games, only Arbroath can better that with 12 points. Our tally over the last six is a mere 7 points. The game has a 7:45 kick-off time as our hectic schedule kicks in.

We went down heavily at Easter Road as the last Championship side standing. It ended 5-2 and we finished the game down to ten men, beaten, but not bowed.

Morton made the most of their Saturday game as they thrashed Queen of the South 4-0. The goals came from Tumilty, Nesbitt, Cadden and McGuffie, that's 12 goals in their last four games including a 2-1 win at Somerset Park.
Brad Mckay is suspended and James Keatings and James Vincent are doubts.
OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Robbo talking pre-match


Sadly, football takes a back seat this week after news that one of our own larger than life fans has passed away with so much still to offer. No one saw it coming, no one saw the signs. Everyone thinks that men are so tough they don't give a shit. Well I have news for you. Men do care, men hurt, men cry, men can do all these things. It's OK to be not OK. Men need help as well so please please please tell someone, talk to your best buddy. More people understand than they will tell you. Many of us have felt low at some point. It's not something to be ashamed of, but help is out there, speak about it, please. Rip 'Bronson' a nicer guy you would struggle to find anywhere. It's difficult to come to terms with this. For his family and close friends, this is sad times, but please, be comforted in the knowledge that Simon was well loved and will be sorely missed. Heartbroken is a word used too readily, it is the word to describe the feeling amongst all who had the privilege and honour of being in Simon's company.

Gringo posted this lovely heartfelt tribute to Simon.

Words can not explain how I feel right now. Today I heard of the passing of one the nicest guys I ever met whilst supporting Inverness Caley Thistle. He was a laugh, a true Caley Thistle fan, a gent and was always in awe at my (our) long distance journeys that were made as a family to follow his (our) team. He was also a founder member of the infamous Highland March and also became the saviour of it too on that very first event. I shared the support bus with him on a number of occasions we're we talked football and rock music. From those halcyon days of the HM, the fun in the Innes Bar, the home matches and the away matches on the supporters bus I will never forget you Simon MacDonald ‘Bronson’ never. With a heavy heart I bid you farewell my friend and may you rest in peace now. My heart also goes out to all your family and friends. A pain unimaginable right now. I hope my words ease that awful pain somehow. 💔💔
Everyone on CTO will echo these thoughts and we all pass on our heartfelt condolences to Simon's family, friends and colleagues. Gone too soon, but will never be forgotten. 
Simon, you will never walk alone......
By tm4tj in Previews 2019-20 ·

Hibs 5-2 Inverness CT - Sc Cup - Report

A bridge too far
 
The Forth  bridge proved to be a bridge too far for the Caley Jags who battled hard but were undone by a slick Hibs side who had too much pace and quality for the Championship side and in the end the gulf between the divisions was evident. Despite going down to ten men, Inverness battled hard for the fans but it was not to be. The writing was on the wall early on for the visitors who had three key players booked in the opening twenty minutes. That left players walking a tightrope and inevitably we had Brad Mckay sent off with fifteen minutes left. We held out until near half time, Mark Ridgers the early hero with a double save from a penalty kick. However our luck ran out in the 37th minute when Tom Walsh saw his shot strike the post. A minute later Hibs took the lead when defender Adam Jackson prodded the ball home from close range following a corner. The second goal came from a swift break upfield with Scott Allan finishing the break with a decisive effort into the net. Our valiant efforts would be in vain after the 70th minute when a Greg Docherty goal ended our interest in the competition. The Scottish Cup, it's not for everyone! We still managed to keep Hibs on their toes and Carl Tremarco replied a minute later to keep us interested for at least another minute before Brad Mckay ended all hope after being sent off. Substitute Stephane Omeonga scored the goal of the game when he fired high into the net from outside the box and it was high fives all round when James Gullan drilled home from inside the left side of the box. Still, we plodded on and Nikolay Todorov bundled the ball into the net with two minutes remaining to end the scoring.
A deserved win for Hibs who showed too much class for Inverness, but we left the competition with our heads held high despite the scoreline. It could have been so different on a few fronts, but it is what it is. No shocks to be had at Easter Road and the Hibees dream of another Cup win lives on. Good luck to them.
Bring on the Chocolate Biscuit Cup
 

 
Footage can be seen on BBC Sport
More match reaction to follow...........
From BBC Sport
Hibernian head coach Jack Ross: "It was a difficult tie for us. The expectation and pressure was all on us. We have to handle that and we did it for most parts.
"It was always going to be an open game because of that. A difficult match but one we are delighted to come out on top of."
Inverness CT manager John Robertson: "A massive moment went against us - a clear penalty kick. You need luck and that's where it deserted us. It's a penalty kick.
"And, if he gives it, it's a red card because the player is not attempting to play the ball."
Robbo post match...........
 
 
Date: 28/02/2020  Venue: Easter Road, Edinburgh Attendance: 9937 Referee: Nick Walsh 
Hibernian: 5
Lineup:  Marciano, McGinn, Jackson, Hanlon, Boyle (Horgan 84), Whittaker (Omeonga 69), Docherty, Stevenson, Allan, Doidge, McNulty (Gullan 80) Subs (not used):  Bogdan; Slivka, Hallberg, McGregor Scorers: Jackson (38), Allan (58), Docherty (71), Omeonga (81), Gullan (84) Booked: Boyle (8), Doidge (47) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2
Lineup:  Ridgers; Rooney, B Mckay, McHattie, Tremarco, Doran (Todorov 75), Trafford, Carson, Walsh, Keatings (Harper 78), White (Storey 63) Subs (not used): C Mackay, MacGregor, Russell. Scorers: Tremarco (73), Todorov (88) Booked: Trafford (14), Carson (18), Tremarco (22), McHattie (66), Rooney (75) Sent Off: B Mckay (74) a
By tm4tj in Reports 2019-20 ·

Hibernian -V- Inverness CT- Preview

Can we?
 
There's only a Scottish Cup quarter final to be played on Friday night in the Capital of Scotland and guess who will be there? That's right, the Pride of the Highlands, Inverness Caledonian Thistle. We will be at Easter Road in time for the 7:45 kick off. If you can't make it, then BBC Scotland is the channel to find for full live coverage of the game.

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TICKET INFO
The club can confirm that tickets for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final against Hibernian at Easter Road will be available from Ticket Pods at the South Stand from 6pm. Payments can be taken by cash or card.  No season ticket discounts apply to tickets bought on the night
Any remaining collections will be available from the he South Stand Ticket Pods
TICKET PRICES 
Adult: £22
Concessions (65+/Students/Under 18s/Child): £12.
2 years old and younger are free 
 James Keatings 
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In the last round Hibernian knocked out runaway Championship leaders Dundee United 4-2 after a 2-2 draw at Tannadice. Inverness edged out Livingston in a close affair, Sean Welsh scoring the only goal of the game at the Caledonian Stadium with a superb free kick in stormy conditions. Interestingly, Hibs drew with Livingston last week and that should be a confidence boost for the Caley Jags.
This is a big ask for Robbo's men after a couple of tough Championship games that saw us go down 2-1 at Tannadice last Friday and them we beat Dunfermline 2-1 at East End Park on Tuesday night. What was encouraging in both of these games was the performances and level of commitment shown. The same will be required against Hibs although this might be a game we will do well to contain a Hibs side who are always willing to go forward, especially at home. Having knocked The Arabs out at the same venue then they will be confident of quelling a Highland resurgence in a competition that we are no strangers to.
Robbo was the scourge of the Hibees in days gone bye. He had bulged the Hibs net on no fewer than 27 times in Edinburgh derbies. I'm sure he will get a warm reception tonight from the Hibs faithful.
Who put the ball in the Hibees net, Johnny Robertson......
 
Lewish Toshney is cup-tied and Sean Welsh is still out with an ankle injury.
27 year old Christian Doidge is the man to watch for Hibs. He has been in tremendous form with 17 goals so far this season, including the one last week against Livi. He's a handful at 6ft 2in and will need to be shackled if we want to get back to Hampden.
Robbo pre-match....
 
And man of the moment, James Keatings.............
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2019-20 ·

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