Evolution Revolution

The clubs had already met this season in a League Cup encounter at Inverness with the Caley Jags edging that one 2-0 as we made hard work of seeing off a stuffy City. Elgin had lost all four games in the League Cup group F, scoring 2 but losing 19. We won two and lost two but like Elgin, we never got into the knockout stages. Tonight's game was the first one in the Group Stages of the Challenge Cup this year known as the KDM Evolution Trophy. To be honest, it's a bit of a white elephant this one with six group stage games before the knockout from 32 teams begins with the introduction of all the Championship teams. Expect many teams to be resting players with the more lucrative prize of promotion up for grabs.

There was no score after an even first half but second half goals from Alfie Bavidge (47, 90+5 pen), Robbie Thompson (50), Paul Allan (62 pen ) were enough to see off Elgin for whom Mark Gallagher scored a screamer. Good start to the group stages for Inverness.

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18’ | 0-0 Good ball from Alfie Bavidge finds Robbie Thompson in the box but his low effort is just wide.

21’ | 0-0 Post! Josh Walker hits the post from 18 yards and comes off the back of Ross in goals but it goes safe! Close to the opener for Elgin.

Bavidge and Hester exchanged efforts at either end, Bavidge blocked, Hester shooting wide.

31’ | 0-0 Good save from Logan Ross to keep out Kane Hester’s shot

35' I 0-0 Attempt blocked. A Bavidge right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

Matthew Cooper becomes the first player in the book after 39 mins.

40' I 0-0 Attempt saved. A Jordan Alonge header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal by Tom Ritchie.

43’ | 0-0 Chance! Paul Allan sees his effort gathered by Ritchie after the midfielder had met Robbie Thompson’s cross but couldn’t fully connect with it.

HALF TIME: 0-0

47' I 0-1 Goal! Alfie Bavidge. With a right footed curling shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Robbie Thompson.

50' I 0-2 Goal! Robbie Thompson with a right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Chanka Zimba.

57' I Attempt saved. Robbie Thompson's right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top right corner.

62' I 0-3 Penalty! Paul Allan converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top left corner.

72’ | 0-3 Great ball from James Clark puts Jordan Alonge through on goal but his effort is over the bar.

85’ | 1-3 Goal. Elgin City have one back. Mark Gallagher from 20 yards rockets it into the top corner.

89’ | Attempt saved. Ryan Sargent, right footed shot from the centre of the box is well saved in the bottom right corner.

90+5’ | 1-4 Penalty! Longstaff fouled, Bavidge converts the penalty.

FULL TIME: 1-4

Match reaction to follow

Good to see Adam MacKinnon getting back on the park.

The Goals>>>

Date:  12/08/2025  Venue: Borough Briggs, Elgin Attendance: 0852 Referee: Gary Hanvidge

 
Elgin City: 1

• Manager: Allan Hale

• Lineup:  Ritchie; Cooper (Cameron 59), Virtanen, Murray, Ewan, Booth, Gallagher,

• O'Connor (MacIver 59), Gavin (Sargent 59), Walker (O McDonald 77), Hester (L Macdonald 77)

• Subs (not used): McHale; Draper,

• Scorers: Gallagher (85)

• Booked: Cooper (39), Hester (66), Gallagher (68)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 4

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Logan Ross; Clark, Robertson, Savage, Strachan, Allan (Gardiner 63), S Thompson,

• Alonge (MacKinnon 74), R Thompson, Bavidge, Zimba (Longstaff 74),

• Subs (not used): Munro; MacIntyre, Devine, Wotherspoon, Macleod, Chalmers

• Scorers: Bavidge (47), R Thompson (50), Allan (62 pen), Bavidge (90+5 pen)

• Booked: none

• Sent Off: none