The long wait is over

 

Having lain idle since the 5th of May Championship flop against Ayr United, the long wait for the Scottish Cup Final is over for the Caley Jags. The Semi-Final was played out on the 29th of April, a 3-0 win over Falkirk guaranteeing our place in the final where we will face the daunting task of stopping forty time Cup winners Celtic from winning the treble. Not an easy task I hear you say. However, you've got to be in it to win it, and we find ourselves in our second Scottish Cup Final in eight years. We have a long way to go to catch up with Celtic though as this will be their sixtieth appearance in the final. I imagine the stattos amongst us will be searching their Guinness Book of Records to find out the biggest winning margin in the Scottish Cup Final. I'll save you the bother. Renton 6-1 v Cambuslang on 4th February 1888. Or, ominously, Celtic 6-1 Hibernian on 6th May 1972. Are we about to re-write the record books?

Check all the records at Scottish Cup Records.

Win or lose, I hope you all enjoy the occasion. 

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The route to the final

Inverness struggled to overcome a stubborn Stirling Albion side at our entry level in the Scottish Cup 3rd round. Dale Carrick had opened the scoring in the 27th minute but Wallace Duffy levelled five minutes later. Max Ram then put us ahead five minutes before the break and we all breathed a sigh of relief. However, the Binos were not finished and Carrick scored a second in stoppage time before the interval. With twenty minutes left Aaron Doran scored what proved to be the winner, but credit to the visitors for making us work extra hard to get through to the fourth round.

The 4th round tie with Queens Park turned from gloom to joy. After beating Inverness 2-0 on the pitch, Queens Park were dumped out of the Cup for fielding an illegible player in the shape of Euan Henderson. How fortuitous. Has anyone ever won the Cup after being knocked out?

The 5th round saw Inverness face Premiership opposition away from home at Livingston. Fear not as Billy Mckay scored a brilliant brace to add to a Sean Welsh header to put us into the quarter final.

6th round was another Premiership scalp with Kilmarnock visiting the Caledonian Stadium on a snowy March evening. Despite suffering an early setback when Vassell scored in the third minute, the Caley Jags dug deep and overcame Killie with a Billy Mckay penalty and a superb Sean Welsh strike in the middle of a snow storm.

Semi-Final: It was a re-run of the 2015 final with Inverness taking on Falkirk for for a place in the final. Inverness proved to be too clinical for the Bairns with another brace from Billy Mckay and a superb header from Dan Mackay. Always a step ahead of the Bairns, it was a relatively comfortable passage into the final, where one would imagine Celtic will provide a much sterner test.

Hampden Calling....Again

 

 

Celtic's route to the final: 

4th Round: Celtic 5-0 Morton - Mooy x2, Furuhashi x2, Turnbull.

5th Round: Celtic 5-1 St Mirren - Maeda, Hatate x2, Hyeo-gyu, O'Riley.

6th Round: Hearts 0-3 Celtic - Mooy, Furuhashi, Vickers.

Semi-Final: Rangers 0-1 Celtic - Jota.

Celtic seemed to scrape through their ties scoring fourteen goals for the loss of only two. Surprisingly the bookies see Celtic as favourites to lift the Cup. Meh, what do they know!

 

 

Inverness warmed up for the final with a hastily arranged kick-about against Dungannon Swifts in County Tyrone on 20th May. It ended 3-1 for Inverness and the whole squad managed to get a kick of the ball at some stage of the game. There was also an alleged closed doors practice against Nairn County. Incidentally, Swifts secured their top league status with a play off aggregate win 3-2 over Annagh United, having come from 2-1 down after the first leg. Congratulations to them.

Celtic's month was somewhat fuller. After defeating Rangers in the semi-final on 30th April, they beat Hearts 2-0 at Tynecastle. They followed that by losing 3-0 at Ibrox in the final old firm derby of the season then drew 2-2 with St Mirren. A midweek game at Easter Road on the 24th May resulted in a 4-2 defeat for ten man Celtic. Looks like they're knackered now and we will be full of beans after a month off  However, a week before the final, they played their last Premiership game of the season against Aberdeen at Parkhead. That's Aberdeen, the third best placed team in the Scottish Premiership. Looks like they were out in full force this week having rested half their team over the last couple of games and they trounced Aberdeen 5-0. Just let these stats sink in against Scotland's third best football club this season.

Celtic--------VVVVVVVV--------Aberdeen

Celtic 76% - Possession - 24% Aberdeen

Celtic 20 ------- Shots ------- 0 Aberdeen

Celtic  8 -- Shots on Target -- 0 Aberdeen

Celtic 10 ------ Corners ------ 2 Aberdeen

On the plus side, we have knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup on three occasions. Contrary to popular belief we did not get to keep them for that. There was the SuperCaleyGoBallistic in 2000, followed by the week after beating Liverpool in the UEFA Cup in 2003 (Henrik Larrson and all), and who can forget the Hand of Josh thriller in the 2015 semi-final before we went on to lift the Cup against Falkirk. Overall, we have beaten Celtic seven times in competitive games and drawn seven times. Stats will show that Celtic have won thirty-four times. Fortunately, stats don't win games.

Latest Team News

Inverness CT have a full squad to pick from after a month off apart from Sutherland and Walsh. In saying that, the likes of Roddy MacGregor has had little game time in his recovery from injury, so some may not be 100% fit.

***Look back in later in the week to hear from Billy Dodds ahead of the final***

 

Celtic have a squad full of Eastern promise and full international players. Let's not dwell too much on that. Furuhashi took a knock against Aberdeen but it's not a major concern?

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Player of the Season Awards

In some sort of clandestine ceremony on Monday night, the seasonal awards were handed over, cloak and dagger style at the Caledonian Stadium. Unsurprisingly Billy Mckay was the big winner. Is it written in the stars for Billy to move level with the legendary Dennis Wyness in this Scottish Cup Final. Now that would be some story!

Congratulations to all the winners. Well deserved 🏆

 Player of the Year Awards 2022/23 

Tonight the winners of our Player of the Year awards were presented with their awards.

 Players’ Player of the Year 2022-23 was Billy Mckay, as presented by Head Coach Billy Dodds!

 Players’ Young Player of the Year 2022-23 was Cameron Harper, also presented by Head Coach Billy Dodds.

 Fans Player of the Year 2022-23 was Billy Mckay, as presented by Laura Grant from the Supporters Trust!

 Fans Young Player of the Year 2022-23 was Nathan Shaw, as presented by Lady Kath Fraser from the Supporters Trust!

Goal of the Season 2022-23 was Billy Mckay’s second goal v Livingston, as presented by Barry Wilson.

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

On yer bike Steve

Message from Joonya

Many of you may remember The Highland March - a walking event between the final two league matches of ICT's season, of which took place every year from 2003 to 2015.

Well, two of us former marchers have come together to do something different in the build up to the Scottish Cup Final.

Steve 'Yompa' Taylor (formerly known as 'InterTheNet') will be donning the lycra to cycle from Caledonian Stadium to Hampden Park IN A DAY. Steve sets off at 3am on Tuesday 30th May, and I will be joining him as the support driver.

We'll be doing this for charity, with all monies being split equally between MikeysLine and the Celtic Foundation. Both of these charities provide mental health support to people of all backgrounds, in and around Glasgow and the Highlands.

We invite you to follow us on Twitter (@Road2Hampden) where you will find the Just Giving page. Please donate what you can, if you can.

Thank you 😊 🔵 🔴

ICT have supported MikeysLine since their inception in 2015, and John Robertson is an ambassador for the charity. They provide Mental Health support to people across Inverness and the Highlands.

But why Celtic Foundation too? Over recent years, supporters of the foundation have helped Yompa raise money and awareness for the Solving Kids Cancer charity. It's his way of giving something back, at a time when two teams with history in this competition come head to head in the final.

Mon everybody, empty yer pockets to help Steve's designated charities after this superb effort.

Just Giving Link

Every donation helps, and we'd like to thank everyone for their support 

 

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

FANZONE

Here's Scooty & the Skyhooks plus good luck messages

 

The Wyness Shufflers have been busy and here's your Cup Final podcast 'Back to the Future' from the guys RIGHT HERE

What's in it for you: Two and a half hours of all things Caley Thistle. The pre-match venue, memorable games with Celtic, ICT Legends with Stuart Golabeck, Ross Tokely, James Vincent, Dennis Wyness and current captain Sean Welsh and don't miss Sandy's Scottish Cup Final tune. 

Well done guys, a great effort. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your pre-Cup Final entertainment for Caley Jags fans.

Provided by the fans for the fans: Get yourself along to The Ferry before the game for some pre-match Shenanigans & Schiehallions. 

Three bars available

Food available

Families Welcome

Face painting

Doors Open: 11:00am

Entertainment from 12:00 > 4:00

Bus to game (maybe)

BUY TICKETS £4

Where? The Ferry

25 Anderston Quay

Glasgow

G3 8BX

 

Alternatively, here's SirSandman92

 

A few Celtic ringers in our area (we did hospingtality) but most had the decency to sit on their hands. Most.

Like most posters here, no complaints after a terrific effort from the team. I was actually generally happy in the first half, great defensive work and saw quite a lot of the ball. The Celtic fans (other than the folk singers) were restive when the goal came. And they were again at 1-2. Disappointing when we had pressure that some promising moves broke up because of poor decisions. I'd thought Shaw might be our secret weapon as he's awkward and little-known, but he had a quiet game.

Cracking goal and it gave us all a lift.

Ah, well. Onward.

Duplication Dan

💥 Daniel MacKay pulls one back for @ICTFC!#ScottishCupFinal pic.twitter.com/nCcj2Wm7H3

— Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) June 3, 2023

10 hours ago, Yngwie said:

It was a rather disappointing performance from him considering what we know he is a capable of - but I think you’re being a bit harsh. Sitters?!

Well I'd have to watch them back to see exactly but from what I saw he just had to put his foot through them both and it was at least a save. Sitters in my book 

Dare I say it, it was a “great day out”. Couldn’t fault the players for effort. The defence looked pretty solid in the first 10 mins so I relaxed a bit. Was hard to see where a goal would come for us, though, as it was always just coming back. There was no outlet down the left, where Shaw should have been. That was disappointing for me - Shaw being played down the middle. Did Dodds not see the difference it made putting him down the left v Ayr?! Now we’ll never know what might have been. 

What a cross from Duffy - and a spectacular finish. Gave us that hope again, just what being a Caley fan is all about!!

Fans were great. Well done to the singing section for keeping it going and being heard even when vastly outnumbered. They should be moved to the North Stand. Better with a roof.

4 hours ago, mazza20 said:

Wasn't overly happy with the ref, don't think I can say he impacted the result but Billy Mckay was definitely getting manhandled during the 2nd half and never got a call for it.

Me too, and this could just be the difference between us scoring one goal, or two or three. It makes me furious that players (especially 'big club' ones) get away with this.

Most of the Celtic fans were brand new, but they always are nice and friendly and patronising as long as you do the decent thing and lose. Otherwise, just like the other bum cheek, there are always a few who will spit on you 🤬

Regardless of the score I thoroughly enjoyed the day and match day experience. It's looking like Dodds is staying which does not excite me and lacks ambition from the club. Big rebuild job required. 

Attendance 47,247 - so where were the 5,000 empty seats?! A few hundred where our section and Celtic section met, the rest seemed full from where I was at least.

40 minutes ago, Yngwie said:

Attendance 47,247 - so where were the 5,000 empty seats?! A few hundred where our section and Celtic section met, the rest seemed full from where I was at least.

Couldn't see how full the top section of the south stand was so maybe some there?

3 minutes ago, mazza20 said:

Couldn't see how full the top section of the south stand was so maybe some there?

 

 

 

Just thought I'd add my tuppence worth. Got back Sunday evening after two glorious days (weather wise) in Glasgow.  As some others have said I was actually proud of our performance, firstly in holding off Celtic for most of the first half, and then again by scoring the best goal of the game to give them a fright for a few minutes before the end.  So, not the drubbing that many predicted.

Spotted one couple in our section who were probably Celtic supporters. One of them continually was looking over towards the the mass of Celtic supporters to our left (behind the goal) and at times waving towards them!.  I was actually disappointed with the group of our own supporters who stood up for most  the game , making it very difficult for our row (who did not stand up) to see  anything at all.  In fact, my son watched most of the game on his phone because of those thoughtless (some would say, selfish) fans in front of us.

Again, as some others have said, all the Celtic fans we actually spoke to, before the game, and especially during the long walk back into Glasgow centre after the game, were friendly and respectful.

Not sure how I feel about Ross County saving themselves with that late comeback!  I was sort of looking forward to the return of the Highland derbies next season!

Anyway, onwards and upwards

16 hours ago, TheMantis said:

 

Mr Mantis 

Refreshing to see the Septic fans and the Jaggies mingling and drinking together with no hint of trouble especially when the venue was meant to be for Inverness fans only. 
 

Dougal

On 6/3/2023 at 10:32 PM, Naelifts said:

Tend to agree with this. A tad disappointing as the ball kept being played back when having decent possession. But everyone gave their all against a machine that no-one expected  we would be capable of beating. Best goal of the game ( a goal was all I realistically wanted). A great day out with the Celtic fans great with me as I walked too and from the game in a sea of green and white. Full  marks to them too.

Agreed r.e.The Celtic fans. I left the ferry about half 3 and caught the back of police accompanied march to the ground. But they were all great with me shaking my hand and wishing me a great day out. They asked if I was confident and I said no but they were all like it’s a one off. Spoke with a very friendly guy on the train from mt florida after. I had a great day and nearly went over some seats when Dan’s header hit the net. I had no expectation and that made it more enjoyable and the euphoria if we had won ever higher. We won just being there and I am glad I was there. 

I think the tactics were fine - against a side that can rip teams to shreds we needed to stay in it for as long as possible. I knew we weren’t going to get lots of chances but I felt we lacked a little belief to really go at them as they could be got at with carter vickers. But can’t fault the effort of the team and being near to the front next to the singing section was a brilliant atmosphere. Even in defeat I loved the whole day and hope we experience this again in future 🔴🔵

Edited June 5, 20232 yr by gingerjaggy

5 hours ago, dougal said:

Mr Mantis 

Refreshing to see the Septic fans and the Jaggies mingling and drinking together with no hint of trouble especially when the venue was meant to be for Inverness fans only. 
 

Dougal

You sharp-eyed devil you 😂

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I see on BBC news that the police have today released pictures of 5 men they would like to speak to regarding “culpable and reckless conduct” at the cup final, and disappointingly, 3 of them look like they are in the ICT section. Curious that it has taken 6 months for them to take this step? I didn’t see any problems from our fans, or the other lot, that day. Any idea what this is about?

[Goes without saying I’m sure, but don’t name names.]

57 minutes ago, Yngwie said:

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I see on BBC news that the police have today released pictures of 5 men they would like to speak to regarding “culpable and reckless conduct” at the cup final, and disappointingly, 3 of them look like they are in the ICT section. Curious that it has taken 6 months for them to take this step? I didn’t see any problems from our fans, or the other lot, that day. Any idea what this is about?

[Goes without saying I’m sure, but don’t name names.]

Saw that as well and like you thought it strange it's only come to light now? 

56 minutes ago, Yngwie said:

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I see on BBC news that the police have today released pictures of 5 men they would like to speak to regarding “culpable and reckless conduct” at the cup final, and disappointingly, 3 of them look like they are in the ICT section. Curious that it has taken 6 months for them to take this step? I didn’t see any problems from our fans, or the other lot, that day. Any idea what this is about?

[Goes without saying I’m sure, but don’t name names.]

Unless it is for having Flares or throwing smoke bombs which if it is would seem a bit petty when you look at what goes on at larger games and nothing seems to be done.  As Yngwie said I never seen any hint of trouble inside or outside the ground on an enjoyable day out.

The only thing I saw was the idiot Celtic fan in with our fans who celebrated their third goal as though they’d won the Champions League and got a deserved punch from one of our fans (not that I condone violence, but that idiot got what he deserved……).

Neither of them are amongst the five pictured. 

1 hour ago, Robert said:

The only thing I saw was the idiot Celtic fan in with our fans who celebrated their third goal as though they’d won the Champions League and got a deserved punch from one of our fans (not that I condone violence, but that idiot got what he deserved……).

Neither of them are amongst the five pictured. 

Nae ber with away fans giving us money for seats we couldn't shift, but acting a **** about it deserves a hefty skelp

12 hours ago, Yngwie said:

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I see on BBC news that the police have today released pictures of 5 men they would like to speak to regarding “culpable and reckless conduct” at the cup final, and disappointingly, 3 of them look like they are in the ICT section. Curious that it has taken 6 months for them to take this step? I didn’t see any problems from our fans, or the other lot, that day. Any idea what this is about?

[Goes without saying I’m sure, but don’t name names.]

I saw that too. As others have said I also didn't see any issues inside or outside the ground. Probably is a flares/smoke bomb issue. I don't recognise any of them in those poor images.

Seems like a lot of trouble to go to for a minor misdemeanor.

Surprised we've not had the "Provincial club from the North being victimised because we're an easy target" statement from our club CEO yet!