League Cup Opener

Inverness start the season in semi earnest as we enter the Premier Sports Cup Group F on Tuesday night against Elgin City at the Caledonian Stadium. We had Saturday off as the competition got into full swing at the weekend. It kicked off on Friday night with Partick Thistle beating Edinburgh City 1-4. On Saturday a full programme of ties saw one or two inevitable 'shock results' as teams find their way after a Summer of rebuilding. A couple of notable casualties in Stranraer beating Ross County on penalties (6-5) after a 1-1 draw and Airdrie beating Dundee 1-0 at Dens Park. Spartans were victorious over Queens Park whilst Killie had to battle hard to eventually overcome Brora Rangers 0-2. Arbroath took the bonus point after a 0-0 draw with St Mirren and Clyde missed out on penalties to Premiership Motherwell after a 2-2 draw. Hearts beat Neil Lennon's Dunfermline Athletic 4-1 in the late game on Saturday with Charlie Gilmour making his competitive Pars debut with Keith Bray on the bench.

In our Group F: St Johnstone overturned an early lead for East Kilbride to come away with a 1-3 win whilst Raith Rovers put five past Elgin City at Borough Briggs in a 1-5 win. All teams still finding their feet after the usual closed season merry-go-round and we are no different as the results indicate from our indifferent pre-season form. However, I am assured that Liam Sole has pace to burn and could be a useful asset to the Caley Jags who have often been accused of being over ponderous at times. It's looking like we still need to source an out and out striker to save Billy's legs. Early days, we will just have to see what the next couple of weeks brings as we head towards the opening fixtures of the League1 campaign where we make our way to the Training Ground Derby at New Central Park, Kelty on 2nd August.

Elgin were cuffed 5-1 last Saturday by Championship side Raith Rovers with Jack Murray scoring for Elgin. Ross Draper with the assist for that one alas he also conceded a penalty. Notice that Lewis Hyde also started for City. They also have experienced marksmen in Kane Hester and Brian Cameron.

Supporters Trust: Just a reminder that Bar 94 will be open and the matchday bus service will be operating for this week's cup games.

Members of the Trust Board will be in the bar before and after both games, so feel free to have a chat with any of us. Our desk is at the far end, close to the servery.

Elgin City: 1945 on Tuesday 15 July:

Bar 94 will open at 1730, with last orders at 1915 (the bar must be fully vacated by 1930).

The bar reopens at full time.

Buses will leave the Bus Station for the Stadium at 1745 and 1900.

Buses return from the Stadium to the Bus Station 10 minutes after the full time whistle and at 2245.

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.

St Johnstone: 1500 on Saturday 19 July:

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.

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.