Ten man Jags make their point

This was the final meeting between these sides this season with Inverness unbeaten in their last eleven League1 fixtures and Alloa looking to get back on track somewhat after two away defeats on the trot following four straight wins that had pushed them back into contention at the top end of the table. Liam Sole was suspended for this one as retribution for a 'head butt' in the KDM game at Ayr. Scott Kellacher had said pre-match that a few were carrying knocks. Maybe surprisingly, Bavidge, and Alonge found themselves on the bench with Wotherspoon and MacKinnon starting. Alloa looked to have a strong starting XI and plenty of quality back-up on the bench. Young Irishman Callum Burnside has been called up to the Norther Ireland u21 squad and celebrated with a hat-trick last week against Montrose. Plenty danger in the Alloa squad to keep our defenders on their toes.

Inverness couldn't afford to slip up today with nearest challengers Stenhousemuir likely to pick up maximum points at Kelty. And by half time our worst scenario manifested with Stenhousemuir winning and Alloa scoring a goal on the interval through Dewar to dampen our spirits. Zimba levelled on the hour but left us with ten men ten minutes later. However, we held out for a point with Stenny winning 2-0.

Our lead is now down to just one point with six games left. Strap yourself in!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A decent enough day for a game at the Indodrill on Matchday30 and an early Oscar MacIntyre cross brought about the first corner of the game but it was easily cleared by the hosts. Plenty of posturing early on but little action in the final third and with twenty minutes gone neither keeper had been called into action although a Danny Devine clearance saved Munro from getting involved. With half an hour gone there was a distinct lack of entertainment with defences dominating. Almost on cue, Ross Munro got his gloves dirty saving from Charlie Dewar some fifteen minutes before the break. A couple of minutes later Chanka Zimba's shot was blocked behind for a corner as the action started. Alfie Stewart hit the post after a good interchange with Longstaff following the corner and a David Wotherspoon shot from the edge of the box was saved by McFarlane in the home goal. At last a bit of pressure was mounting on the hosts defence, but hey stood firm so far. Inverness finished the half on top, or so we thought. Alloa opened the scoring in time added on through a Charlie Dewar header from Burnside's corner.

HALF TIME: 1-0

Kellacher rang the changes at the break with Jordan Alonge and Ben Brannan replacing MacKinnon and MacLeod and five minutes in Longstaff shot over from a difficult angle and Alonge failed to divert a Spoony cross on target. On the hour it was all square as big Chanka shot home from outside the box to the bottom corner with Spoony and Longstaff on the assist. Liam McFarlane saved to deny Longstaff as he shot towards the bottom corner from within the penalty box. Ten minutes after his goal, Zimba went from hero to zero as he was sent off following a clash with Calum Waters. That gave Alloa a lift and Scott Taggart shot over soon after. Longstaff was then sacrificed with Alfie Bavidge coming on. With fifteen minutes remaining we then had to replace Devine through injury with Mitchell Robertson coming on. Kurtis Roberts shot over from the angle as Alloa sensed they had an opportunity to grab all three points. Spoony did likewise at the other end as he fired over from Bavidge's pass five minutes from the end. Alonge fired a free kick wide in the closing moments and on a late break forward Brannan was denied in the top corner by a superb save from McFarlane. Alloa made it a nervy ending as they forced a couple of corners into stoppage time and Roberts shot narrowly over as we held on for the point.

FULL TIME: 1-1 

Match Highlights. That's some cage fighting from Zimba.

Mind you, the assault on him was brutal...

Scott Kellacher giving everyone seasickness🤢

 Highlights from Alloa FC seem to be clearer

And here is Andy Graham with his take on the game

Date:  21/03/2026  Venue: Recreation Park, Alloa Attendance: 0809 Referee: Colin Steven
 
Alloa Athletic: 1

• Manager: Andy Graham

• Lineup:  McFarlane; Foster, Taggart, Dewar (Sammon 89), Waters, Adamson,

• Hetherington (Scougall 70), Roberts, Stewart, Donnelly, Burnside

• Subs (not used): Ogayi; Graham, Rankin, Orsi, Mckay, Gallagher, Buchannan

• Scorers: Dewar (45+)

• Booked: Hetherington (49), Dewar (70), Burnside (86)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; MacLeod (Brannan 46), Devine (Robertson 75), Savage, MacIntyre,

• Longstaff (Bavidge 71), Wotherspoon, Chalmers, MacKinnon (Alonge 46), Stewart, Zimba

• Subs (not used): Ross; Millen, Willox, Allan, B Mckay

• Scorers: Zimba (60)

• Booked: none

• Sent Off: Zimba (70)

Back on Top

This was our catch up fixture and all teams have now played 29 games after tonight with only seven League1 fixtures remaining thereafter. It had not been the most productive last fortnight as the Caley Jags crawl towards the finishing line having dropped four points against the bottom two sides. Did we manage to get back on track tonight?

Yes we did

Inverness were in control of the first 45 with goals from Chanka Zimba and Jordan Alonge. A couple of glaring misses as well but Peterhead never threatened other than from a few free kicks in wide areas allowing them to swing balls into our box but Ross Munro was untroubled in the first half. We killed the game early in the second half after an incisive break down the left saw Luis Longstaff drill a great ball into the box where Zimba slid in to net and set us all at ease. Out of the blue and to everyone's bemusement, Peterhead prodded the ball into ball into the net to confuse all inside the stadium. After a discussion with the linesman and half a dozen Peterhead players a goal was eventually given. Danny Devine had his say and the final outcome was still a goal and a yellow card for an incensed Scott Kellacher. The Peterhead goal remains a mystery for now as it happened at the far end of the pitch so will have to see match footage to see what happened.

All looked a bit fishy to me 🐟🐠🐟

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What a difference a day (or two) makes

With Liam Sole still out Luis Longstaff was handed a rare start and Chanka Zimba was restored to the starting XI. These two with Alfie Stewart and Jordan Alonge were instrumental in a much improved performance from the side that disappointed against Cove Rangers three days earlier.

The weather was in the process of changing and the strong winds throughout the day relented and it was a pleasant enough evening with light drizzle during the play.

A long diagonal from Stewart in midfield found Calum MacLeod running into the box on the right corner. He controlled the ball well before getting his powerful shot away on the angle but Jack Newman parried the shot and Flynn Duffy mopped up the loose ball with Alfie Bavidge waiting to pounce on the line.

There seemed to be more urgency to get forward in numbers at times and we dominated the proceedings from the start, Alfie Stewart curling an effort from distance over the bar as he looked to get his range finder tuned in early. It must have worked as he threaded a brilliant pass through the middle for Chanka Zimba to open the scoring. The big striker did well to hold off a couple of challenges as he turned the defender on the edge of the box and held him off to slot behind Newman from around ten yards.

Zimba might have added a second after some good interplay allowed MacLeod to swing an inviting ball into the box but the striker was shut down as he tried to get his shot away and Newman gathered the ball comfortably. Bavidge snatched at a clear chance when a ball swung in from wide left and after challenging well for it, when the ball dropped he dragged his volley wide from eight yards with the goal at his mercy.

Jordan Alonge brought out a spectacular save as Newman tipped his thirty-five yard strike over the bar at the expense of a corner. From Stewart's flag kick, Alonge met the ball at the back post. It may have come off a boot on the line but it's credited to Alonge at the moment with Bavidge and possibly Duffy stretching for the ball. That goal was the last noted action of the first half and a bit of breathing space going into the final forty-five.

HALF TIME: 2-0

We threw Peterhead an early lifeline at the start of the second half after a loose pass out of defence went awry. Savage's pass from the edge of his own box was intercepted by Seb Ross who drove forward before bouncing his low shot across the keeper and off the outside base of the post. A let off for us but kind of us to invite the visitors to have a go given they did nothing in the first half.

ten minutes later an incisive four man move down the left ended with Zimba's clinical finish from Longstaff's driven cross. Excellent move, excellent finish and game over. Stewart and Longstaff then combined well driving forward but Newman did well to block Alfie's first time effort on receipt of Luis return ball. It was all Inverness and Alonge curled a free kick just wide as we kept the pressure on.

Then came the comedy slot. After we failed to clear our lines two or three times a Peterhead player was left adjacent to our goal line after one attack. When the ball came forward again, he sauntered on to the park as Ross Munro went to grab the ball as he strolled past him from behind. For whatever reason the ball spun loose and was poked into the net by Shanks. The goal then appeared to be chalked off before the referee, linesman and a deputation of half the Peterhead squad had a pow-wow. After some discussion the referee then pointed to the centre circle. Danny Devine joined into the debate before being ignored and Scott Kellacher was booked for shouting words of 'encouragement' towards the referee who must have great hearing as he was on the opposite side of the pitch. Mystery unveiled!

Undeterred, we kept our noses comfortably in front and looked like scoring most times we ventured forward but for some desperate defending and goalkeeping.

FULL TIME: 3-1

Luis Longstaff put in a great shift and was a willing outlet from defence to carry forward into dangerous areas. Jordan Alonge was his usual awkward and unpredictable self and was also prominent, however, none moreso than Alfie Stewart who was involved in everything good linking midfield into attack and he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Chanka Zimba took his goals well and could easily have had a hat-trick.

The Final Seven

21.03.2026/15:00 - Alloa (A)

27.03.2026/19:45 - Queens (H) TV 📺

05.04.2026/16:10 - Raith Rovers (N) (TV) KDM FINAL 📺

11.04.2026/17:30 - Stenny (A) TV 📺

14.04.2026/19:45 - Peterhead (A) TV 📺

18.04.2026/15:00 - Kelty Hearts (H)

25.04.2026/15:00 - East Fife (A)

02.05.2026/15:00 - Hamilton (H)

_______________________________________________________________

Date:  17/03/2026  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1972 Referee: George Calder 
 
Inverness CT: 3

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; MacLeod, Devine, Savage, MacIntyre, Lonfstaff (Willox 90+4), Alonge,

• Chalmers, Stewart (Allan 90+1), Bavidge (MacKinnon 89), Zimba

• Subs (not used): Ross; Millen, Robertson, Brannan, Wotherspoon, B Mckay

• Scorers: Zimba (19, 55), Alonge (42)

• Booked: none

• Sent Off: none

Peterhead FC: 1

• Manager: Jordan Brown & Ryan Strachan

• Lineup:  Newman; Strachan (Smith 57), Jas Brown, Shanks, Duffy, Pawlett (Carnwath 57),

• M Ross (Barry 57), Steele, McGinn (McGuffie 57), Forrest, S Ross (Jones 69)

• Subs (not used): McKelvie; Jor Brown, Lister,

• Scorers: Shanks (64)

• Booked: Strachan (38)

• Sent Off: none

Keeper Saves a Point

There were no major injury worries for either side ahead of our League1 fixture at the Caledonian SarensPSG Stadium with both gaffers eying up maximum points from this one. Scott Kellacher was looking to stay ahead of the baying pack and Paul Hartley will have his sights set on overhauling Dick Campbell's free falling East Fife. Some key fixtures today with Accies hosting QotS, Stenhousemuir facing a treacherous visit to Peterhead and in the late televised game Montrose entertain Alloa Athletic. A big one at Cove's end of the table as well with bottom club Kelty at home to East Fife. All to play for...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liam Sole was missing for Inverness and Balint Demus was favoured in goal for Cove with Robbie Mutch on the bench. Would that prove to be crucial? Well it appears so with Alfie Stewart notching our 100th goal of the season, up popped Demus with a header to level the game with the last play of the game. Two points thrown away in a game we should be looking to win. Scunnered much! We lost our lead at the top in a four point swing with Stenny scoring their winner in the 89th minute and Demus denying us at the death. Alloa looked likely to take full advantage scoring two first half goals to throw their hat into the ring but were pegged back before the break before a rampant Montrose ran out winners in a nine goal thriller.

It's the Caley Jags way. Meh!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were eager to get that 100th goal on a brisk afternoon and Joe Chalmers shot over in the second minute and Billy Mckay and Jordan Alonge both had 'goals' disallowed. Plenty early possession but little to show for it as Cove dug deep to keep us at bay. Oscar MacIntyre brought out a save from Demus in the visitors goal and Cooper Masson gave Ross Munro some work to do at the other end. Demus then saved low down from a Bavidge effort and Billy Mckay went close to the top corner as the pressure mounted towards the interval. That 100th goal was coming and it was a tremendous 25 yard plus left footer from Alfie Stewart when it came. His thunderbolt from outside the box found the top corner with the assist from Paul Allan's nod forward. Chris Maguire had the final effort of the half as his shot was blocked just before the break.

HALF TIME: 1-0

Alonge failed to beat the keeper right at the start of the second half after a great ball from Billy Mckay put him in but Demus denied him, blocking inside the six yard box. Alonge then headed well over over from a scoring position inside the box off a corner on the left. On the hour O'Donnell went close and the subs started to flow thereafter. Wotherspoon shot wide for the hosts and Teasdale did the same for the visitors. Big chance for a big lad as Chanka Zimba saw his stretched effort clawed off the line following a flick from Alonge. Great save by the keeper to be honest! More subs followed as everyone thought we would be seeing out the game. Alas a late corner for Cove saw Demus come up into our box and who else but the keeper headed Cove level to claim a vital point as we threw two points down the drain. The mystery is why nobody challenged him as he was given the freedom of the box to nod home.

Gutting!

FULL TIME: 1-1

 We can't say we have not been warned as these type of displays have been happening for weeks. Plenty of possession and shots etc but a one goal lead is never enough and today we paid the price for a lack of sharpness in front of goal. Not a great idea to ignore the Cove keeper in our box, he's a big chap and we paid the price for that defensive lapse. That's four points dropped against the bottom two sides in a fortnight. That's not the form of Champions as we crawl towards the finishing line.

 Yngwie on CTO: On 89 minutes we were gaining 2 points v Stenny, but a few minutes later they have actually gained 2 on us. Can’t do anything about their late winner but we can control our own performances and that was a very disappointing result. We should be winning games like this but often struggle to score goals.

Howdenender on CTO: And so he (Kellacher) should look very unhappy, after another desperately poor performance against a team near the bottom of the table. Strongest squad in the league, full time players, we should be over the hill and out of sight by now, instead no consistency of selection and frankly baffling substitutions have us stumbling towards the finish line.

Alan summed up: An insipid, inept performance from the entire team. It seems that when we play teams in the bottom part of the league the players think they can just turn up and the three points will automatically be handed out.

Date:  14/03/2026  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1823 Referee: Jamie McCunnie 
 
Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup: Munro; Brannan, Devine, Savage, MacIntyre, Allan (Wotherspoon 62), Alonge (MacLeod 81),

• Chalmers, Stewart (Longstaff 73), Bavidge (MacKinnon 62), B Mckay (Zimba 73)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Robertson, Willox

• Scorers: Stewart (39)

• Booked: Savage (80)

• Sent Off: none

Cove Rangers: 1

• Manager: Paul Hartley

• Lineup:  Demus; Bisland (Carrol 68), Darge, Parker, Harrington, Masson (Teasdale 68), Yule,

• O'Donnell (McAllister 78), Emslie, Megginson, Maguire (D Eguaibor 84)

• Subs (not used): Mutch; J Eguaibor, Strachan

• Scorers: Demus (90+4)

• Booked: Maguire (41), Darge (90)

• Sent Off: none

Alonge Seals the Deal

The first of three home games on the trot starting with Montrose today followed by Cove next week then a midweek visit from Peterhead before a tough test at form side Alloa. Stenhousemuir joined us at the top of the table after beating Accies 1-0 in midweek. No room for errors now as we enter matchday 28 with the Warriors at Palmerston and Alloa at home to Kelty Hearts.

We made hard work of breaking Montrose down from 25 yards to their keeper. Sharp made two or three really good saves, but we probably should have put four or five past them without needing the late goals. Always on edge until we got the third. Might have been less tense had the fans been playing the game, but it was a bit edgy sitting in the stand. Not sure we should have been conceding a penalty but we got there in the end. Billy Mckay opened the scoring midway through the first half showing good penalty box instincts to nip in and nick the ball into the net. Maybe a rash decision by Munro to concede the penalty from which Sutherland equalised five minutes after the break. Good work down the right set up Alfie Bavidge to knock us ahead and Jordan Alonge sealed the win at the death when Montrose were caught up the park chasing a point, keeper and all, as Jordan stroked into the unguarded net on a quick break down the left flank. The three points were better than the performance, but made even better with the news that Stenhousemuir dropped two points at Queen of the South although Alloa kept their challenge on track with a home win over Kelty Hearts. Happy Days!

Jordan Alonge deserving of his MotM when others around him generally made a meal of things.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A bright and breezy Caledonian Stadium met the players as they entered the field of play on matchday 28. The hosts made the early running and with only three minutes on the clock, Montrose keeper Harry Sharp pulled off a brilliant diving save to deny Billy Mckay at the back post after the striker lashed a shot goalwards from seven yards when he met a cross into the box from MacIntyre. The keeper guessed right and was on the move before Billy looked certain to score. There followed a massive goalmouth scramble before Sharp dived on the ball to end the siege. Plenty of possession without any real threats until Jordan Alonge had a goalbound header cleared out of a crowded six yard box by Williamson with quarter of an hour gone. A precision ball forward by the impressive Remi Savage set Alfie Bavidge free on the left side of the box but his shot across the keeper missed the target when a cut back might have been more beneficial. The chances were starting to flow and another teasing ball floated forward by Savage was met under challenge by Alonge and a defender. Billy Mckay at this point was still twenty-five yards from goal, but his poachers instinct saw him anticipate his next move when he met the ball as it landed in the space between the Sean Dillon and the keeper. Billy needed no reminder of what to do as he slipped the ball into the net. That woke the visitors up a bit and Taylor Sutherland brought Ross Munro into the game as he turned and shot from the edge of the box, Munro saving comfortably low to his left. Alfie Bavidge was close to adding a second after nicking the ball off a defender in the final third, however his parting shot from the inside left position was well saved by Sharp to his right. Just before the break Sharp denied Alonge as he rifled a low shot towards the bottom corner, the keeper spreading himself along the deck and grabbing the ball at the second attempt.

HALF TIME: 1-0

A booking for Ben Brannan before the interval more than likely ended his game time with Calum MacLeod replacing him at the back. However, within minutes of the restart Montrose were level after Paul Allan lost the ball in an attack on the right side. Montrose swiftly transferred the ball forward with Sutherland beating the offside and he drew a rash foul in the corner of the box as Munro thought he would beat him to the ball but needlessly brought him down. Sutherland sent Munro the wrong way from the spot to restore parity. All a bit needless with Savage getting back into the box and Munro choosing the wrong option to tackle the forward just inside the top corner of the penalty box. We lost our way momentarily but Montrose never troubled us sufficiently and Alonge, leaping like a salmon, bounced a header just wide across the keeper before Sharp then had to save from MacIntyre a minute later as he burst into the box. Billy Mckay was next to be denied as he did everything right until he shot goalwards. He looked favourite to score but shot to the guarded side of the goal allowing the keeper to push away his fierce shot with three quarters of the goal wide open. Alfie Stewart was a bit unfortunate after driving forward through the middle, his shot from the edge of the box curling just over the bar with the keeper beaten. Liam Sole headed over as the pressure built on the visitors defence. Following a number of substitutions from both sides Inverness took the lead and it was a work of art orchestrated by David Wotherspoon with a defence splitting pass. Calum MacLeod was on the same wavelength and met his precise ball at the byeline and cut along it towards the goal where his pass into the box was slightly deflected by the outstretched toe of keeper Sharp right onto Bavidge's boot and he tapped in from five yards. A scare shortly after when Montrose thought they had equalised before spotting the linesman's flag was up for possibly a hand ball before hitting the net. Although ahead, we were still walking a tightrope before one last surge forward clinched the points. It came when Montrose swung a free kick into our box. A number of players tumbled over inside the box, one of those being the Montrose keeper before we played out from the left back position. Liam Sole picked up before the half way line then slipped a great ball forward to Alonge. He still had a lot to do but he remained calm to stroll forward before rolling the ball into the vacant net as keeper and defenders tried in vain to make up the ground whilst all in the North Stand held their breath.

What a finish! Game over and three points finally secured in the ninety-fifth minute!

FULL TIME: 3-1

How Montrose saw the game>>>

Date:  07/03/2026  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2110 Referee: Sean Murdoch 
 
Inverness CT: 3

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; Brannan (MacLeod 46), Devine, Savage, MacIntyre, Allan (Longstaff 73),

• Chalmers (Wotherspoon 73), Stewart, Alonge, Bavidge (Zimba 85), B Mckay (Sole 73)

• Subs (not used):  Ross; Robertson, Willox, MacKinnon

• Scorers: B Mckay (6), Bavidge (80), Alonge (90+5)

• Booked: Brannan (42), Devine (66)

• Sent Off: none

Montrose: 1

• Manager: Stewart Petrie

• Lineup:  Sharp; Williamson (Masson 71), Steeves, Quinn, Dillon, Sutherland (Waddell 83), Sandilands,

• Lyons (Loudon 71), Freeman, Stevenson (Brown 71), Gibson (Webster 60)

• Subs (not used): Millar; North, Glasgow, Bertie,

• Scorers: Sutherland (49 pen)

• Booked: Lyons (50), Gibson (54)

• Sent Off: none

A point apiece

The sides have met twice this season already. An opening day 0-3 win for the Caley Jags back in August set us off on the road to recovery and a 2-2 draw in the Highlands showed that we can take nothing for granted. Jordan Alonge started after a great performance in midweek at Ayr United with Alfie Bavidge up front. Strong bench as back up as well although Ben Brannan was suspended. Kelty had re-signed Ross Cunningham from Stirling Albion and he scored a belter on his return last week. He will give the Maroons more potency going forward.

Not the greatest first forty-five of the season with defences on top although it was the visitors that had the better of it with the hosts keeper Gourlay the busier of the two shot stoppers. At half time this was the only League1 game without a goal with Stenny, Alloa, Peterhead and Montrose all ahead by a single goal narrowing the gap at the top to three points. The second half was more of the same and it ended goalless at New Central Park. Stenhousemuir Alloa and Peterhead all gained ground on us with Accies and Montrose sharing the points.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Central Park has not always generated full points for the Caley Jags who were hoping to make a better start to this game than they did when the sides last met in the Highlands, having to come from two down to earn a point back in October. Shoot on sight Alfie Stewart was first to have a go but his effort in the opening minutes was blocked. The early possession came from the visitors but there was little to enthuse over in the first fifteen minutes. Defences were on top and Kelty's Lewis Muir has his shot blocked inside the box, as did Innes Murray. Paul Allan glanced a header wide and with half an hour gone, neither keeper had been tested until Calum MacLeod brought Kyle Gourlay into action to deny the Caley Jags utility man with a save low down. The attempts were building now and Gourlay had to pluck a header from Jordan Alonge out of the air then Liam Sole shot wide following a swift counter ten minutes before the break. Ross Cunningham and Alfie Stewart exchanged blocked efforts and Adam MacKinnon joined the process, but his shot from distance was too high. Just before the interval we witnessed a save, Alfie Bavidge tested Gourlay in goal but a goal line clearance was the nearest we came just before the break when Sole fired off target from the clearance to sum up the first half perfectly, the ball landing in Old Central Park, Cowdenbeath

 HALF TIME: 0-0

 An early second half booking for Remi Savage and the misses continued with Alonge shooting high and Cunningham having his shot blocked. On the hour Sole shot wide as the game swung from end to end. At last some action for Ross Munro as he saved from Cunningham who fired goalwards from outside the box. On came the cavalry with Billy Mckay and Luis Longstaff replacing Sole and MacKinnon. Gourlay denied Alonge with twenty minutes left and Stewart went close with a free kick but it remained level ten minutes from the end. It would be an edgy last few minutes with substitute Cammy Cooper having an effort blocked, but the game ended goalless in Kelty.

FULL TIME: 0-0

A disappointing result against the bottom club but not an entirely unexpected scoreline. Will that be a crucial point come the end of the season? The best chances fell to the visitors. One just before the interval scooped off the line and Alonge might have done better than place his shot from 12 yards into the keepers midriff. A couple of inches away a few times from connecting with crosses but at the end of the day it was too little too late.

Yngwie on CTO: Struggling to think of a better example of ‘2 points dropped’. Scrappy first half with a handful of half chances for us. A more dominant second half with a handful of clearcut chances and it’s incredible that we didn’t put any of them away, but some of the finishing was really poor. Great away support but we all left disappointed.

Date:  28/02/2026  Venue: New Central Park, Kelty Attendance: 0526 Referee: Daniel Graves 
 
Kelty Hearts: 0

• Manager: Thomas O'Ware

• Lineup: Gourlay; Fisher, Brydon, Corr, Paterson, Ferguson (87), Clay, Murray (Graham 67),

• Cunningham (Pettifer 67), Moore (Cooper 84), McCarvel 

• Subs (not used): Adamson; Davidson, Leitch, Thomas, Wyllie

• Scorers: none

• Booked: McCarvel (59), Corr (77)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 0

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; MacLeod, Devine, Savage, MacIntyre, Sole (B Mckay 67), Allan, Alonge (Willox 78),

• MacKinnon (Longstaff 67), Stewart, Bavidge (Zimba 78)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Robertson, Chalmers, Wotherspoon,

• Scorers: none

• Booked: Savage (48), Zimba (83)

• Sent Off: none

Just like the olde days

The Caley Jags headed to Somerset Park as massive underdogs in the KDM Trophy semi-final despite a Head 2 Head advantage of played 53, won 24, drawn 17 and lost just 12. Aye, those were the days when beating Ayr United was a regular occurrence. The boot is on the other foot now with Ayr sitting fourth in the Championship whilst we sit top of league1 with aspirations to reach the Championship for the start of next season. Both clubs have done well to reach the semi-final of the Challenge Cup. Ayr put Championship leaders St Johnstone out at the quarter final stage whilst Inverness put Stenhousemuir out at the same stage. Our big scalp was Partick Thistle in the previous round. George Oakley scored twice against St Johnstone and we know all about him. Oakley and McKenzie start up front for Ayr who have Ben Summers cup-tied and Dowds, Dempsey, Rus, Murphy, Ure and Watret all out injured. Inverness appear to have made six changes to the team that started against Stenhousemuir at the weekend with top scorers Alfie Bavidge and Chanka Zimba on the bench alongside Captain Danny Devine, Calum MacLeod, Liam Sole and Alfie Stewart.

Inverness stunned their hosts by marching into the KDM final after beating Ayr United 2-1 thanks to an excellent double from Jordan Alonge who scored one in each half. Everton loanee George Finney levelled before the interval but it was a relatively assured performance from the League1 side that saw them move into the final where they will face either Airdrie or Raith Rovers who face off tomorrow night.

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Inverness got the game underway but it was Jude Bonnar that dragged the first effort wide. A good ball forward from Ben Brannan offered a chance for Alonge but he mis-controlled and the chance disappeared. First corner to the visitors after a Paul Allan free kick was headed behind by the Ayr defence. Second and third corner came and went without troubling the keeper. Some neat touches by both sides in the early exchanges. A good turn by Oakley off a lofted ball into the box saw the striker get his shot away on the left side of the box but Ross Munro was well positioned to save comfortably at his near post. Munro was forced into pushing a shot round the post after a poor clearance from the keeper himself, Bonnar with the shot. The first save of note. Shortly after, Inverness opened the scoring when two great balls forward from Paul Allan then Longstaff played Alonge into the box and his powerful low shot beat the keeper from the right side to find the back of the net. It would have been two a few minutes later when Billy Mckay shot for the bottom corner only for keeper Max Thompson to dive full length to fingertip the ball just the wrong side of the post. Ayr levelled all too easily when they went forward on the left for McKenzie to clip the ball into the box for Finney to net. Longstaff zipped a low shot just wide as Inverness came forward again. Close, but no cigar. Munro was creating our own problems after a few rushed clearances, but we got away with them. Been a good first half from the Highlanders who ended the first 45 on the front foot.

 HALF TIME: 1-1

 Ayr replaced a Bonnar with a Dick at the break as they looked to change it for the second half but it was Billy Mckay that got a shot away on the turn but it lacked the power to trouble the keeper. A bit of a scramble in the Ayr box as we had two or three efforts blocked by a frantic defence five minutes into the second period. Luis Longstaff looked a constant menace to the hosts with his quick feet as we controlled the pace of the game. A rare venture forward saw Ethan Walker try his luck from distance but the low shot was easily gathered by Munro. A great burst forward through the middle saw Alonge feed Paul Allan who played a deft back heel flick across the box that almost put Mckay in on goal but for Max Thompson who dived headlong at his feet to grab the ball brilliantly. Clear chances were hard to come by with an hour played but anything positive was now coming from the visitors. Alonge was enjoying himself now and some ball wizardry saw him burst forward towards the Ayr box before being crowded out. Another superb ball forward by Brannan saw Mckay scampering forward down the left wing but once again Max Thompson did really well to get to the ball first and block. Very little coming from Ayr in an attacking sense as we entered the final twenty minutes with Bavidge and Sole now on the park. A good interception, run and cross by MacIntyre almost picked out a player in blue on the edge of the Ayr box as we looked dangerous again. Jordan Alonge sealed the win with a superb downward header off a pinpoint cross from MacIntyre with ten minutes remaining after he climbed highest in between two defenders. Late in the game Liam Sole looked to be a lucky man as he forced his head onto an Ayr player but the referee fortunately chose to ignore it and play continued. As it was, we played out the game comfortably and can now look forward to a Cup Final.

FULL TIME: 1-2

Caley Jags deservedly ease into the final at Somerset Park thanks to a brace from Man of the Match Jordan Alonge!!!

Date:  24/02/2026  Venue: Somerset Park, Ayr Attendance: 1768 Referee: Peter Stuart 
 
Ayr United: 1

• Manager: Scott Brown

• Lineup:  Thompson; McAllister, King, Holt, Finney (Simpson 85), McKenzie, Bonnar (Dick 46),

• Bannigan (Hislop 74), McMann, Walker, Oakley (Want 80)

• Subs (not used): Russell; Devenny 

• Scorers: Finney(34)

• Booked: McMann (57), Bannigan (65)

• Sent Off: none

Inverness CT: 2

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup: Munro; Brannan, Robertson, Savage, MacIntyre, Longstaff (Bavidge 72), Allan, Alonge,

• MacKinnon (Zimba 90), Wotherspoon (Stewart 79), B Mckay (Sole 72)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Devine, MacLeod, Chalmers, Willox

• Scorers: Alonge (27, 82)

• Booked: Macintyre (59), Stewart (90+4)

• Sent Off: none

As you were

This top of the table clash at the Caledonian SarensPSG Stadium would hopefully show us who was most suited to gain promotion to the next level as we entered Matchday 26, with just ten or eleven fixtures left.

Inverness were unchanged but Stenhousemuir had on loan Dunfermline Athletic winger Ritchie-Hosler on from the start although January Player of the Month Matty Aitken was missing.

As it happened, we are none the wiser after a 1-1 draw which kept the status quo. Alfie Bavidge squared the game from close range after twenty minutes following an early strike by Olly Whyte. Ben Brannan was red carded and missed the final fifteen minutes but the game finished at a point apiece.

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A poor clearance by Brannan was intercepted by Olly Whyte inside the Inverness half. He headed forward where Savage tussled for the ball with Zeke Cameron. It broke nicely for Whyte to stride onto and he had the run on the defence to step inside and slot into the bottom corner. Poor goal to give away so early in the game but at the same time it was well taken by Whyte who produced a good finish for the opener. A good response from the hosts and Liam Sole swung in an inviting cross but it was knocked high over by the incoming Alfie Bavidge. He would do better ten minutes later when Brannan took a throw in short for a change. He got the ball back from Sole before he drilled a great low cross into the six yard box where Bavidge met it perfectly to drill it through the keeper to level the game with just twenty minutes gone. Another good move down the right saw Bavidge stoop low to head the ball but it went wide of the post from six yards.

After the interval, Alfie Stewart went agonisingly close with a great strike from around twenty-eight yards but it curled just wide of the top of the keepers left hand post. Ben Brannan showed a lack of restraint after a decision went against him. Having already been booked he rashly bounced the ball angrily and was promptly dismissed with around fifteen minutes remaining. A late chance for Bavidge running onto a long punt and head flick forward. He delayed slightly and was eventually bundled over inside the box. Many would have given a spot kick. Not this time according to the man in black and that was the final opportunity in a game of few clear cut chances.

• HALF TIME:1-1

• FULL TIME: 1-1

A better point for the visitors than it was for the home side as the points were shared in the Highlands.

Nobody was overly keen on the match officiating which was bog standard for this League, however all seemed to agree that a point each was just about the right result.

BishBashBosh saw it like this on CTO

Kellachers post interview he said we need to move the ball a lot quicker, I hope he means forward.

We seem to have a deal with other teams that when they break quickly forward and nothing comes from it, we allow them to get defensively set up again playing passes along our back 4 until they give us the signal to come forward.

I maybe glanced across to the bridge a few times but I don’t remember either goalkeeper having to make any saves. Both caught a couple of crosses.

Right behind Bavidge for his chance and I thought he could have put the laces through the ball quicker or even a toe poke shot rather than waiting for the ball to settle perfectly for him.(Highlight probably show me as wrong)

We equalised on 19 mins so 71 mins plus added on time to get a winner. 64/36 possession.

Surprised Sole was not replaced at some stage by Longstaff or Willox before the 77 min sending off.

At the end though take a point, but that is 1 out of 9 v Stenny in the league this season. Are they that much better than us?

Ps…….. I think Allan and Stewart are too similar. Both want a lot of time on the ball. For me Stewart is controlling the game better. Maybe time for Alonge or MacKinnon to have a go.

Ps again…. When Billy came on, a few passes into his feet, he controlled and laid off. Zimba next to none as he seems to be fighting/scrapping with the defender. Get it, control it, pass it, old Cloughie saying.

• Inverness CT deducted 5 points as per SPFL rules on clubs suffering an insolvency event

• Hamilton Academical deducted 6 points following breaches of multiple SPFL Rules. 

• Hamilton Academical deducted 9 points following SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal. 

• Hamilton Academical deducted 6 points following SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal - *subject to appeal

Date:  21/02/2026  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2484 Referee: Graham Grainger 
 
Inverness CT: 1

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; Brannan, Devine, Savage, Robertson, Sole (McIntyre 78), MacLeod (Alonge 72),

• Allan (Mackinnon 72), Stewart, Bavidge, Zimba (B Mckay 62)

• Subs (not used): Ross; Wotherspoon, Willox, Longstaff,

• Scorers: Bavidge (19)

• Booked: Brannan (70), B Mckay (81), Devine (82), McIntyre (86), Savage (90+3)

• Sent Off: Brannan (77)

Stenhousemuir: 1

• Manager: Gary Naysmith

• Lineup: D Jamieson; Graham, Buchanan, N Jamieson, Bilham, Meechan, Grant (Gray 64),

• Ritchie-Hosler, Whyte, O'Reilly, Cameron (Taylor 60)

• Subs (not used): Lyle; Simpson

• Scorers: Whyte (6)

• Booked: Whyte (22), Taylor (65), Meechan (68)

• Sent Off: none