Duku Derby

 

First home game of the year has third placed and fellow title contenders Raith Rovers coming North to face second place Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday. The game is scheduled to kick off at 3:00pm, but given the recent weather and covid restrictions, don't hold your breath. This game has a restricted crowd of 500 Willy Wonka golden tickets allocated. Fear not if you failed to get a hold of a ticket as ICTV will be streaming the game at a mere £15.

MATCH INFO

OFFICIAL PREVIEW

LIVE STREAMING £15

Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts   1. Arbroath 20 10 8 2 33 14 38 2. Inverness CT 19 10 5 4 26 14 35 3. Raith Rovers 20 9 7 4 27 19 34 4. Kilmarnock 19 10 3 6 24 14 33 5. Partick Thistle 18 9 4 5 30 16 31 6. Hamilton Ac. 20 6 5 9 22 34 23 7. Ayr United 19 4 6 9 18 32 18 8. Q.O.S. 19 4 5 10 19 29 17 9. Dunfermline 19 2 9 8 18 31 15 10. Morton 19 2 8 9 17 31 14

Full fixture list scheduled for Saturday 8th January, all 3:00pm.

Ayr Utd v Arbroath

Accies v Partick 

Caley Jags v Raith Rovers

Queens v Killie     

        Morton v Dunfermline

Venue - Head 2 Head

Pld

Won

Drn

Lst

For

Agst

+ / -

Home	18	13	3	2	36	13	+23
Away	14	7	4	3	27	17	+10
Neutral	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	32	20	7	5	63	30	+33

The stats are stacked heavily against Rovers who we seem to hold the Indian sign over. All of their wins came in the early years, their last triumph over ninety minutes was a 2-1 win at the Caledonian Stadium back in October 2000. Ian Broadfoot had this report on the game: Injury-hit Caley Thistle lost this game because of a poor first half display. Despite this they nearly took the lead in 13 minutes when a David Bagan shot was blocked by Greig McCulloch and spun over the bar. Raith scored first in 16 minutes when Jim Calder failed to hold a Shaun Dennis cross and Jay Stein hit home the loose ball from six yards. In 21 minutes a poor headed clearance by Stuart McCaffrey was picked up by Andrew Clark and he set up Ivan Mballa and the Frenchman slammed the ball into the net from 12 yards. ICT had a penalty claim turned down in 38 minutes when Charlie Christie was brought down by Paul Browne. After the break the home side improved but Guido Van de Kamp denied them on several occasions. Paul Sheerin pulled one back in 79 minutes when he netted from close range after a good cut back by Roy McBain. Four minutes later Sheerin watched in frustration as Van de Kamp saved his low shot. As time ran out he came close twice more but Raith held on to win.

This seasons encounters show that a superb Roddy MacGregor strike was the difference between the sides back in August. MacGregor Stunner: Inverness maintained their winning start to the league campaign, but it took a stunning half volley from substitute Roddy MacGregor to settle the points. It had been a relatively even game with the hosts having slightly the better of it throughout. Jamie MacDonald had pulled off three or four decent saves before Roddy struck from 25 yards, the ball flashing into the net past an outstretched keeper after some neat interplay outside the box involving Sutherland and Duku. Six points from two games, we could not have asked for a better start to the Championship.

The return fixture at Starks Park ended all square. And the wait goes on: Plenty of endeavour in the first half at Starks Park but little quality in the final third resulted in a game void of goalmouth action over the first forty-five minutes for both sides. Biggest talking point was the sending off just before the break of Ross Mathews for what looked like a rash studs up challenge. Contentious maybe, but straight red dished out. After the break more space saw more chances created but it was Raith that broke forward and scored through Aidan Connolly. Inverness struggled to get back on level terms but eventually did ten minutes from the end when Sean Welsh drilled home from the edge of the box and that ended the scoring. Raith's quest for a win over Inverness goes into a 22nd year. Killie were the only winners in the Championship and closed the gap to three points but Inverness remain top.

There was also a Challenge Cup game at the end of November where both sides made numerous changes. That went to a penalty shoot-out which Raith won 5-4 after a goalless ninety minutes.

Last time out

Inverness drew at Gayfield in a game dominated by the wind which made the pitch virtually unplayable. Prior to that we have not played since the shambles of the 2-1 home loss to Hamilton Accies on the 18th December.

Raith drew 0-0 with Dunfermline on 2nd January as we were being blown around Gayfield. Raith have not won in their last three games with their form taking a dip recently.

So, fairly uninspiring stuff from both sides ahead of this clash at the top.

Latest Team News

Billy Dodds has been without Sean Welsh since he was injured in the Scottish Cup tie versus Morton on the 7th December. We will hopefully have more players available after covid struck and isolations hit the club. Aaron Doran has been added to the injury list and will be out for a couple of weeks. One man who will be seen no more is Michael Gardyne who has left the building by mutual consent following some alleged misconduct which had an upsetting effect on the morale in the dressing room. He has appropriately joined the 'Table Endies' at Links Park. Also leaving the club but on better terms, Anthony McDonald's loan deal has expired and after only five appearances he has also left the building.

Raith Rovers have signed Hibs forward Jamie Gullan on a two and a half year deal. The 'Hammer' has been on loan at Starks Park three times previously making fifty appearances and already has 14 Rovers goals to his name. Christophe Berra should return to action for Raith.

Here's Billy - Where's Wally?

 

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Just waiting for someone to blame the wind at Arbroath or covid for that load of bollocks.

The mediocrity of the teams around us are keeping this race going.

Good debut by Mr Donaldson at Morton warms the heart though, shipping 4 with a bonus og too.

Nice.

If Duku doesn't get a goal this season, him making a pass off his arse will be forever engraved on my memories

Chuffed with that result, on the basis if you can't win the game, don't lose it, [especially grabbing the equaliser late] and with Arbroath losing we are in a 2nd decent place, even though Kilmarnock won.

Thinking we need a couple of additions perhaps loans in January, maybe a winger and someone in the middle like Scott Allan back again [although he looks ever presentat Hibs] Is Daniel Mackay injured at Hibs or could we get him back on loan?

 

4 minutes ago, Eagle4Caley said:

Thinking we need a couple of additions perhaps loans in January, maybe a winger and someone in the middle like Scott Allan back again

It's very simple. 

The first thing we need is someone who can consistently put the ball in the back of the net.

The second thing we need is someone who can pass or cross the ball to the first person, instead of over-hitting it  nearly every time.

Edited January 8, 20223 yr by snorbens_caleyman

Raith Rovers new signing from Rangers No22, was the big difference between both teams today. Raith looked organised had some intent going forward and whilst we had some decent possession, did very little with it. With Raith sub - ing their goal scorer , they sat deeper and gave our lethargic lot a chance. We did up our work rate in the last 10-15 minutes and our goal gave us a bit of a lift, but as usual too little too late, but should be happy with a point. With other teams around us strengthening, we really need to match up if we are realistic about promotion.

We were shocking for 80 minutes and didn’t deserve anything from that game. We were second to every ball and could not keep it when we had it.

Our midfield misfired badly, particularly in the first half, and it was no surprise when Carson was hooked.

The only ones getting pass marks from me are Ridgers, particularly for the save at 1-1, Mckay and McAlear.

We are having more off days than on days, and need to get a grip. Thankfully our rivals are also misfiring but we can’t expect that to continue.

We need a creative player to give Mckay the chances we know he will take, as we created very little today.

However, under the circumstances a point gained, which we now need to capitalise on. 

2 minutes ago, Robert said:

We were shocking for 80 minutes and didn’t deserve anything from that game. We were second to every ball and could not keep it when we had it.

Our midfield misfired badly, particularly in the first half, and it was no surprise when Carson was hooked.

The only ones getting pass marks from me are Ridgers, particularly for the save at 1-1, Mckay and McAlear.

We are having more off days than on days, and need to get a grip. Thankfully our rivals are also misfiring but we can’t expect that to continue.

We need a creative player to give Mckay the chances we know he will take, as we created very little today.

However, under the circumstances a point gained, which we now need to capitalise on. 

Hmm....Allardice and Carson normally so good, and MacGregor too [is he coming back from injury?] Hopefully just a bit of mid-winter lethargy, but an injection of an influential face might help.

Good to hear Radio Scotland pundits writing off everyone else now Kilmarnock have won a game…..they’ll be fine when the old firm are back 
that was a very defensive minded midfield we started with including a left back.  We had three excellent midfielders who have either been injured, had covid or been in isolation. I’d love to see Roddy upfront with Mcckay to see what might happen. With Allardice and welsh holding things…but then Reece made a big impact on coming on. Good thing was that Billy changed things quickly. He picked the wrong team today but realised quickly. 

That equaliser was totally out of the blue but we will take it. We were poor today but for once we had a plan B. 

Main issue continues to be the fact we have a top class striker who works his ass off but gets no service. Hoof ball won't work! Another worry is the fact that some become anonymous when things not going. I'm not convinced by Shane Sutherland at all at moment but he seems bomb proof? 

Oh well might be a vital point in end and actually in end we might have snatched a win. 

1 hour ago, Jack Waddington said:

If Duku doesn't get a goal this season, him making a pass off his arse will be forever engraved on my memories

If we'd got a goal from that ass-ist it would have been superb.

It's fair to say that with one thing and another we have been bumping along. However there is effort if not enough application. So sitting second with arguably more to come. Enjoyed the late equaliser and a wonderful hit.  A draw probably fair but couldn't complain if Raith had won it. A good point.  

Duku actually looked decent when he came on. We wrote him off as a dud striker earlier in the season, and whilst he’s never gonna score goals for us, he at least brings something to the attack that we aren’t getting from anyone else.

A decent strike and a couple of saves from Ridgers and that was it from us. To many hopeful punts with Billy McKay looking more and more frustrated as the weeks go by.

Other than Allardice ,nobody willing to carry the ball and can only assume Roddie is not match fit that he's not figuring. 

Need to start winning matches ,draws are going to cost us dearly 

 

 

I agree with most posts,main players poor today. Their number 22 was very good and we  could not handle him.Just as well he had to go off.Don't know if it is just me,but why we persist with Sutherland I don't know.He is a big fellow but cannot jump and he is easily knocked over.Thought he was a passenger today

We need more guile up front which was provided earlier in the season by Gardyne.

If we can afford to bring in just one recruit in the window it has to be that sort of player.

 

Agreed not one of Sutherland's better games, but in his defence, he and McKay were living off scraps today. He is effective when linking the play,but today as in recent weeks everything was to predictable and nearly always overhit ,easily dealt with by Berra and co. 

What does Dodds and Wilson do with them all week, because other than the goal which came out of nowhere, we created next to nothing.

 

2 hours ago, CaleyCiuin said:

Raith Rovers new signing from Rangers No22, was the big difference between both teams today. 

Raith's 22 was Ethan Ross ex of Aberdeen. Do you mean number 20 Williamson?

That was an atrocious performance. I didn't even see the equaliser as I decided thawing out was more important than watching another five minutes of that dross. Turns out I missed the most exciting part of the game!

Far too many players off form at the minute. Maybe Deas, McAlear, Allardice and Mckay get pass marks. The rest of the guys were well below where we need to be at if we are to sustain a title challenge or at least maintain our spot in the playoffs. Harper and Walsh created precious little of note although their roles did change when we move to 3 at the back at the start o the second half and both defended well but we desperately needed them to create more of note for the likes of Mckay who was living of little to no service. I cannot agree with some earlier comments that Duku and Sutherland did well. I thought they were both really poor and I am surprised that Jamieson continues to be overlooked for both of them. 

The move to 3-4-3 did seem to lead to a slightly more improved performance in the second half but I felt that Walsh and Harper became too preoccupied with having to defend and weren't able to create anything of note down the flanks. For the most part we seemed content launching long balls towards Mckay, Duku and Sutherland. The latter two almost never won a header and Mckay was absolutely dominated by the excellent Berra, Musonda and Benedictus. A big difference between the sides was the Raith back three were able to find their midfield and forwards with well struck passes along the ground whereas we seemed panicked by the fact we were losing and thumped aimless balls forward with little reward.

With Gardyne and McDonald moved on in the last couple of days we desperately need reinforcements in the wide areas and after unimpressive showings again from Sutherland and Duku I wouldn't be against additional competition for the strikers and perhaps looking at moving one of them on. Duku just doesn't seem to offer anything in this side for me.

That we appeared to have scored with our first shot on target a few minutes from the end is incredibly concerning.

Edited January 8, 20223 yr by RiG

14 minutes ago, RiG said:

Raith's 22 was Ethan Ross ex of Aberdeen. Do you mean number 20 Williamson?

Yes, thanks🤪 , he was excellent, glad he was subbed.

33 minutes ago, forresjags said:

Agreed not one of Sutherland's better games, but in his defence, he and McKay were living off scraps today. He is effective when linking the play,but today as in recent weeks everything was to predictable and nearly always overhit ,easily dealt with by Berra and co. 

What does Dodds and Wilson do with them all week, because other than the goal which came out of nowhere, we created next to nothing.

 

The main question for Dodds and Wilson is why did the players not demonstrate the sense of urgency they showed in the last ten minutes for the first eighty?

We need to be at it for the whole match and that is an ethos that needs to come down from management.

Some interesting comments which I largely agree with.

I’ve been a fan of Sutherland, but he’s not a target man, which our recent long ball game is requiring him to be. He’s been most effective playing off the main striker, although he can fill one of the wide roles also, and I like his work rate.

I’ve also said I’d like to see MacGregor in the No 10 role but with either of them, we need to get away from always playing long balls. We are not equipped for that, even when Duku is playing.

We are at our best when we move the ball quickly, but we seldom do that.

For next week, unless we have brought anyone in, I’d like to see MacGregor start supporting Mckay.

McAlear deserves a start  and we could do with Welsh’s ability to keep the ball so he should start if fully fit.

The wide positions are a concern. Harper is learning the role and has promise, but Walsh was a disappointment today. It may be worth playing Carson in the wide right role.

A big week for the management team and squad as our four rivals are playing each other, so we need to sort ourselves out and get three points against Queen of the South. 

Edited January 8, 20223 yr by Robert

1 minute ago, Robert said:

Some interesting comments which I largely agree with.

I’ve been a fan of Sutherland, but he’s not a target man, which our recent long ball game is requiring him to be. He’s been most effective playing off the main striker, although he can fill one of the wide roles also, and I like his work rate.

I’ve also said I’d like to see MacGregor in the No 10 role but with either of them, we need to get away from always playing long balls. We are not equipped for that, even when Duku is playing.

We are at our best when we move the ball quickly, but we seldom do that.

For next week, unless we have brought anyone in, I’d like to see MacGregor start supporting Mckay.

McAlear deserves a start  and we could do with Welsh’s ability to keep the ball so he should start if fully fit.

The wide positions are a concern. Harper is learning the role and has promise, but Walsh was a disappointment today. It may be worth playing Carson in the wide right role.

A big work for the management team and squad as our four rivals are playing each other, so we need to sort ourselves out and get three points against Queen of the South. 

Agreed. Next week is a huge opportunity with a home match against Queens when we know for certain that at least half our promotion rivals, possibly even all four, will drop points.

We have not always been great against the bottom five in the first half of the season. That now has to change.

14 minutes ago, Robert said:

For next week, unless we have brought anyone in, I’d like to see MacGregor start supporting Mckay.

McAlear deserves a start  and we could do with Welsh’s ability to keep the ball so he should start if fully fit.

Where would Allardice fit in here?

An absolutely dire performance apart from McAlear's worldy. I'm rapidly losing faith in Dodds' ability to pick a winning team or motivate the squad. New blood desparately needed before we throw away the best chance in years of escaping the Championship. Rapidly turning into a massively frustrating season. 

Frustration aside you really have to laugh at Sportsound awarding the Championship to media darlings Killie and Del boy after one win against a bang average Queens side. They could be propping up the league and the pundits would still be tipping them for the title. 

What worries me is that we seem to have become so poor at doing so much of the basics.  For 80 minutes today, we were 2nd to most of the 50:50 balls, we couldn't pass the ball, we couldn't shoot, we couldn't cross, we couldn't find spaces we, didn't try to take players on, there was no movement at throw ins and we couldn't cope with the far more direct and attacking movement of Raith.  Thank goodness Ross got a knock early in the 2nd half because he made complete mincemeat of our defence in the first half.  Yet again, it was Ridgers who saved us from the scoreline we deserved.  We only came alive and showed a bit of belief after McAlear's great strike, but by then it was too little, too late and too panicky.  

We may still be 2nd in the division, but unless there is some considerable improvement in the quality of our, play we will be fortunate to even make the playoffs.  I'm not going to single out individuals for criticism because we don't know who has had Covid and how issues around Covid have affected particular players and what can be done in training.  But remember, we got 19 points from our 1st 7 games this season but have only managed 17 in the last 13 games - that's the sort of return that over the season would hopefully keep you just above the playoff place at the wrong end of the table.  We'll need to do better than that for the rest of the season if we are to remain in the playoff places, and much better than that if we are to maintain our title aspirations.