For those planning to attend, note the entry requirements which are contained in this link:

https://ictfc.com/match-info-dunfermline-athletic-a-22-01-2022

We certainly have injuries and the vacancy created by Montrose's latest signing to contend with, however, Arbroath are a fantastic example of maximising the team effort. It would be great if we could revisit the form we started the league season with and gain revenge over Dunfermline at a time they are desperate for points. We owe Yogi and Dunfermline nothing. Let's hope minds and bodies are focussed at 3pm Saturday to get us back on track. 

The struggle continues

 

A visit to East End Park is on the cards for this weekend. With both teams conveniently knocked out of the Scottish Cup, then we can play catch-up on this postponed fixture from the end of December. Kick off is 3:00pm and with fan restrictions lifted, a healthy crowd is anticipated as the omicron cobwebs get blown away.

Inverness' cup winning manager John Hughes is now the man in charge at East End Park with the unenviable task of lifting the Pars up the table. It's an opportunity for both clubs to get back on track after festive flops and the stakes are high at both ends of the table.

TICKETS/STREAMING/SUPPORTERS BUS/MATCH INFO

Venue - Head 2

Pld

Won

Drn

Lst

For

Agst

+ / -

Home	22	9	8	5	28	21	+7
Away	23	9	9	5	28	25	+3
Neutral	2	0	1	1	3	4	-1
Total	47	18	18	11	59	50	+9

This is the only Championship fixture this weekend Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts   1. Arbroath 22 11 8 3 35 16 41 2. Inverness CT 21 10 7 4 29 17 37 3. Kilmarnock 21 11 4 6 27 15 37 4. Raith Rovers 22 9 8 5 29 22 35 5. Partick Thistle 20 9 6 5 33 19 33 6. Hamilton Ac. 22 6 6 10 24 37 24 7. Ayr United 21 5 6 10 19 34 21 8. Morton 21 4 8 9 24 31 20 9. Q.O.S. 21 4 6 11 21 33 18 10. Dunfermline 21 3 9 9 19 36 18

 

This seasons clashes show that despite their present status, the Pars will no doubt present us with another difficult hurdle to overcome. We were fortunate to come away with a point in the first fixture but we slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the Caledonian Stadium on 13 November: Under Par: Inverness opened the scoring after probing well for over twenty minutes. Michael Gardyne drifted inside and the Pars defence opened up allowing him to get a shot away. It came back off the woodwork and Billy Mckay reacted first to knock the ball into the net. However, Dunfermline got their first win of the season as Inverness fired blanks thereafter, and goals from Kevin O'Hara assisted by a massive Danny Devine deflection and a great solo effort from Dom Thomas won the points for the Pars. Another bad day at the office continued with Inverness slipping to third following wins for Killie, Raith and Partick.

Last Time Out: Inverness flopped for the fourth game in a row as we were held at home by equal bottom club Queen of the South. We came from behind to go 2-1 ahead but threw the points away when Carson teed up Queens sub Roy to make it 2-2. Donnelly had put Queens ahead before Mckay and Walsh gave us the lead. However, as is our tale of woe just now, we can't see out a game and that's one loss and three draws in the last four games. At this rate, promotion looks a long way off. 

Dunfermline's tale of the tape is confusing as well. A draw with Raith Rovers in the derby, thrashed 5-0 at Morton then last game a 1-0 win over Hamilton Accies. That leaves them bottom of the league in the relegation slot, level on points with Queen of the South, who we failed to beat last week.

Latest Team News: Inverness have been dealt a major body blow with the news we were all dreading. It's not a rumour, Scott Allardice is out for the season. Ryan Fyffe has extended his loan at Nairn County. Aaron Doran and Cameron Harper were also missing last week. Awaiting further team news...Forward Sam Pearson has joined on loan from Bristol City for the rest of the season. Joining Sam at Inverness is Dundee United forward Logan Chalmers who comes in on loan as well. Both players will join the squad at East End Park.

Since the January sales, Dunfermline have lost defenders Ross Graham who has been recalled by Dundee United and Mark Connolly has returned but has been loaned out to Irish Premier side Dundalk. So far, Col Donaldson is the only new defender at East End Park arriving on loan from Dingwall. Up front, Kai Kennedy has been loaned out to Hamilton Accies by Rangers and Arbroath have taken Craig Wighton on loan. One forward has arrived, and that is Steven Lawless (winger) who has been without a club since leaving Motherwell in October 2021

 

21 hours ago, CELTIC1CALEY3 said:

We certainly have injuries and the vacancy created by Montrose's latest signing to contend with, however, Arbroath are a fantastic example of maximising the team effort. It would be great if we could revisit the form we started the league season with and gain revenge over Dunfermline at a time they are desperate for points. We owe Yogi and Dunfermline nothing. Let's hope minds and bodies are focussed at 3pm Saturday to get us back on track. 

One reason we are not now top of the league is throwing away the lead against a poor Dunfermline team when we last played them in Inverness to, in the end, come away with nothing.

We need to remedy that tomorrow. We are better than the Pars, the league table demonstrates that, it's essential that we prove that on the pitch and keep our promotion push firmly on track.

Nothing less than 3 points will do.

Was planning on going to this match until Covid struck me down yesterday. But if you are the religious type, don’t pray for me, pray for 3 points!

26 minutes ago, Yngwie said:

Was planning on going to this match until Covid struck me down yesterday. But if you are the religious type, don’t pray for me, pray for 3 points!

That's not good Yngwie I hope you will be ok and it's just a case of self isolating, look after yourself.

9 hours ago, Yngwie said:

Was planning on going to this match until Covid struck me down yesterday. But if you are the religious type, don’t pray for me, pray for 3 points!

Not at all the religious type so I will be praying for neither but will be hoping that you fully recover with no serious ill effects and if we can get three points to cheer you up and ease your isolation that would be a very welcome bonus.

 

It would be an enjoyable afternoon to observe ICT be victorious over Dunfermline FC. Please facilitate this people...😃😃

No Billy McKay or Roddy McGregor today. Duku starts with the new boys on the bench. Subs are made up of youngsters. 

We are missing key players but time for those starting to step up and get the three points.

An opportunity for the likes of McAlear, Harper and Duku to impress and the time for guys like Walsh and Sutherland to chip in with goals.

Duku against Donaldson could be interesting!

Anyone having issues with the stream? Mine has hung twice and I’ve had to come out and go back in. 

1 Owain Fôn Williams (c)

2 Aaron Comrie

5 Coll Donaldson

4 Lewis Martin

3 Josh Edwards

11 Ryan Dow

16 Dan Pybus

26 Matthew Todd

18 Paul Allan

21 Steven Lawless

14 Lewis McCann

 

PARS SUBS:

6 Kyle Macdonald,

7 Kevin O’Hara

10 Nikolay Todorov

17 Graham Dorrans

22 Leon Jones

28 Reece Cole

29 Deniz Mehmet (GK)

2 minutes ago, Robert said:

Anyone having issues with the stream? Mine has hung twice and I’ve had to come out and go back in. 

Yup.  Here we go again..

I had a still screen and commentary but logged back in and it’s ok, albeit not the best picture quality.

We've started ok, with the Dunfermline defence looking shaky. 

Early booking for Devine.

Very jerky when the camera moves.

Has Duku been told to use his head? 🤣

Sutherland! 1 up.

Sneaked in behind and scored at back post from Walsh (I think) cross as defenders focussed on Duku. 

Edited January 22, 20224 yr by Robert

Excellent.  Come on boys, let's have another one or two to kil this game off.

Not the best first half of football this season, but we’ve been the better team and are deservedly ahead. We’ve competed well all across the park and been the more creative.

Now we need to learn from recent weeks and not let another lead slip away.

Losing Devine to injury just before half time is a blow and shows how at risk our squad is to further injuries. Duffy on so we will have a shuffled pack with, presumably Deas at centre half, Carson in midfield and Harper at left back. It will be clearer when the second half starts. 

Edited January 22, 20224 yr by Robert

It's a must to get another goal we can't hang on to a one nil lead, we have to take advantage of their shaky deffence and run at them more.

Players kept waiting by a missing linesman so second start delayed. Ridiculous!

Looks like Duffy is a straight replacement for Devine with Carson and Deas still at full back and Harper still in left midfield. 

Edited January 22, 20224 yr by Robert

Should be 1-1. Point blank save by Ridgers but the Dunfermline player should have scored easily.

That needs to waken us up this half as we can’t get or keep the ball this half so far. 

Edited January 22, 20224 yr by Robert

This all seems very familiar.We are one up and struggling to keep the ball or even get it

7 minutes ago, Robert said:

Should be 1-1. Point blank save by Ridgers but the Dunfermline player should have scored easily.

That needs to waken us up this half as we can’t get or keep the ball this half so far. 

 

Inverness pinned back this half

 

Chalmers on for Duku.

Looms to be taking up the “no 10” role playing behind Sutherland.

McAlear harshly booked. 

Edited January 22, 20224 yr by Robert