Finger Out Time

 

With the fans restless, it's time for the Caley Jags to get their season started and get some points on the board. Many fans have lost any lingering faith in the current regime from the top to the bottom and would like to see change. Yes, it's only three games into the season, but the signs are there for all to see. A lack of direction on and off the park is worrying. Who replaced Robbie Deas? The answer is nobody. Hence our defence is riddled with errors at the moment. Deas leaving has been known for at least six months yet we have done nothing about it. Why? We have been scraping the bottom of the transfer barrel for a while now and performances on the park have reached an unacceptable level. The fans are disgruntled, the manager is getting some heavy flak, the Sporting Director is seen more at Dingwall at the weekends commentating on other sides whilst his own team are floundering, the CEO is taking us down a perilous route with no light at the end of the tunnel after a series of money making ventures have failed. We were well warned, now it's time for the Chairman to speak out before it's too late.

We face Dunfermline on Saturday in what many believe could be a season defining encounter. Win and we will paper over the cracks for a while, lose and the only real option is wholesale change from the very top. As Richard Osman would say, we are pointless. The Pars have claimed four points from their opening fixtures; it's time to close that gap.

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

Match & Ticket Info

Max Anderson

Morgan Boyes

Nikola Ujdur

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

Venue H2H v Dunfermline

Pld

Won

Drn

Lst

For

Agst

+ / -

Home	23	10	8	5	30	21	+9
Away	24	9	10	5	29	26	+3
Neutral	2	0	1	1	3	4	-1
Total	49	19	19	11	62	51	+11

We missed the Pars last season as they were busy getting themselves promoted from League 1 along with Airdrie.

Last 10 Competitive Meetings v Dunfermline

2 - 0 (H)

1 - 1 (A)

1 - 2 (H)

0 - 0 (A)

1 - 0 (A)

1 - 1 (H)

1 - 3 (A)

2 - 1 (A)

2 - 0 (H)

1 - 0 (A)

The last time we met was a 2-0 win for Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium at the end of season 2021/2022

Inverness took a massive step towards a play off place by defeating Dunfermline Athletic for the first time this season. An encouraging but goalless first half where Reece McAlear had hit the post was replaced by a two goal second half with chances at both ends. The deadlock was broken by a man who only scores screamers. Reece McAlear lashed the ball across the keeper and into the top right corner of the goal from a difficult position wide on the inside right area. What a strike that was but it only woke the Pars up from their lethargy and they had three or four great opportunities before substitute Austin Samuels sealed the points after he sprinted on to a through ball from Aaron Doran to slot neatly behind Mehmet in goal. Comfortable thereafter for the remainder of the game and an excellent three points to strengthen our hold on third place.

Last Time Out

Despite Billy Dodds oddly claiming we started well against Airdrie, we went a goal down after 35 seconds. And just to rub it in, it was an own goal as Cammy Harper prodded a deflected cross past Mark Ridgers before the sugar had been added to the coffee. The second goal was another defensive masterclass (NOT) as Devine was caught unawares when Davidson tried to play a short ball to him. Top scorer Calum Ferguson needed no second invitation to bury it behind Ridgers and once more leave us chasing the game. Not even with Airdrie being reduced to 10 men could we get anything. Our MotM Nathan Shaw pulled a goal back in the second half but we were unable to complete the comeback thanks to a combination of keeper Josh Rae, the woodwork and some rank rotten finishing. That was on the back of defeats to Queens Park and Ayr United. Meh!

The Pars lost their big Fife derby match with Raith Rovers thanks to a Sam Stanton first half goal. It was a tight affair with Rovers just shading it.  Rhys Breen and Ewan Otoo went close after the break for the Pars and Stanton almost added a second in front of over 7500 fans but the hosts fell just short. Dunfermline opened their campaign coming from behind to beat Airdrie 2-1 (Otoo & Allan) and followed that up with an encouraging 1-1 draw at Tannadice. Wighton had put the Pars ahead and it took United until the 95th minute to make their point.

 

		Pld	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	Pts
1.	Queens Park	4	3	0	1	6	5	1	9
2.	Dundee Utd	3	2	1	0	8	1	7	7
3.	Raith Rovers	3	2	1	0	6	4	2	7
4.	Airdrieonians	3	2	0	1	5	4	1	6
5.	Partick Thistle	3	1	1	1	6	5	1	4
6.	Dunfermline	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	4
7.	Morton	3	1	0	2	5	7	-2	3
8.	Arbroath	4	1	0	3	4	7	-3	3
9.	Ayr United	3	1	0	2	2	6	-4	3
10.	Inverness CT	3	0	0	3	2	5	-3	0

Championship Fixtures Saturday 2nd September

1.  Inverness CT v Dunfermline 
2. Arbroath v Ayr Utd  
3. United v Airdrie
4. Morton v Partick
5.   Rovers v Queen's

Results so far

1. Inverness 1-2 Queens Pk
2. Ayr United 1-0 Inverness   
3.     Airdrie 2-1 Inverness
4.  
5.  Dunfermline 2-1 Airdrieonians
6. Dundee Utd 1-1 Dunfermline
7. Dunfermline 0-1 Raith Rovers

Latest Team News

Inverness moved into the transfer market to try and arrest our slump and have secured a season long loan for Max Anderson from Dundee. Does this tell us that MacGregor and Welsh might be out for some time or that Glimour and co are not up to the task? Welsh and MacGregor missed out at Airdrie again along with long term Lewis Nicolson. Aaron Doran also missed the Airdrie game. Not sure what's up there as he played in the Inverness Cup game against Clach and looked sharp. Apparently we are actively trying to source a defender to plug the gaps...

Sean Welsh is still out so I would expext Max Anderson to be in with a shout of starting this one.

 

Here's our latest Max

 

Dunfermline have some new faces. We won't concern ourselves with who they don't have, but here are their latest signings:

In: Michael O'Halloran, forward (St Johnstone); Kane Ritchie-Hosler, midfielder (Rangers, loan to permanent); Ewan Otoo, defender (Celtic, loan to permanent); Sam Fisher, defender (Dundee). Loan in: Harry Sharp, goalkeeper (Dundee); Ben Summers, midfielder (Celtic).

Joe Chalmers is still at East End Park and Michael O'Halloren and Craig Wighton are an experienced partnership up front.

Pars Team v Raith Rovers last week

Sharp

 

Fisher  Benedictus  Breen (Sutherland 86)

 

Comrie  Chalmers  Otoo  McCann  Edwards

 

Wighton  O'Halloran (Summers 63)

 

Subs not used: Little; Hamilton, Allan, Fenton, Tod

 

 

2 minutes ago, Huisdean said:

Definitely 442. Dodos has seen sense at last. Shaw the best player on the park by a country mile.  Need a second goal though and probably would have had it but for a horrendous decision by the far side linesman for offside against Brooks. 

Shaw seems to have a pretty free role,he's picking the ball up everywhere. There's a lot of space down their right but we only seem to have Duffy doing the overlap which isn't ideal.

1-1

Just now, WYNESS101 said:

1-1

Camera veered off as the corner came in ...

 

Feel that's their first threat on our goal

Awful defending AGAIN

Disappointing not to have held on to the lead.

One DRAW in 7 games this is pathetic and enough is enough . Now for the dribble of excuses which Diddy Dodds  has probably got written already . Worst coach ever and it’s just setting new winless records that would be very hard to beat by anyone . Times well up get rid of this Dud or there will be no fans left supporting the club as your continuously driving them away . 

16 minutes ago, WYNESS101 said:

Awful defending AGAIN

Ridgers caught in two minds.  Once he starts out he has to commit to going for the ball or, as happened, it's an easy goal for them.

Nevermind, that's us now on an unbeaten run 👍

First half we looked comfortable. Second half was dire. Felt like we were just waiting for the equaliser, and no surprise when it came. 

 

40 minutes ago, STFU said:

Ridgers caught in two minds.  Once he starts out he has to commit to going for the ball or, as happened, it's an easy goal for them.

Nevermind, that's us now on an unbeaten run 👍

I’m just concerned Hibs might come in for Doddsie now!! Gardiner will be doubling his contract to frighten-off potential suitors!

bc
 

Edited September 2, 20232 yr by big cherly

A big improvement in the first half, but that wouldn't be very difficult going by past performances. Officials were pathetic, the number of 50/50 that went in their favour was horrendous and the linesmen couldn't see what was offside or on.

Typical second half from ICT. Our opposition change things to get a grip on the game, and our 'so called' coaching staff look at a magical folder for answers! Football matches are never won by looking at a folder, and Dodds doesn't have a clue how to counteract things when tactics need changing.

Time to look at the 2 year contract to see if there are any loopholes so we can dispense with Dodds now, before we are deeper in the mire.

4,4,2 was a good set up today.First 10 mins we were ropey but once we scored we settled and were decent rest of half with Shaw best by far.Boyce and Andrrson look good additions.Second half we lost our way a bit and I guess we all knew what would likely happen and did. Easy goal for them. Dunfermline changed tactics second half and we didnt do anything to countrr. Putting subs on with minutes to go is a waste of time,at least give them 10 or 15 minutes and a chance to get into the game and do something.On paper we look okay,so if we could build on confidence who knows and a pocket full of different tactics plans and options would help.Official poor.

Edited September 2, 20232 yr by Douglas Mackenzie

Offside decisions looked suspect to say the least. Couple of good shots from Gilmour going close. Good goal from Shaw although keeper maybe at fault. Waiting on making changes required gave Dunfermline the opportunity to get back in the game. It was glaringly obvious that fresh legs were required.  Poor decision by Ridgers to come for the ball as didn’t look any need to. Harper requires to stop giving the ball to the opposition and inviting pressure. Probably would have seen the game out and had chances to kill it off had we avoided losing poor goal; still at that unfortunately. Hopefully with the new additions we can consolidate and push on in the league. Better signs and nice that we weren’t having to chase the game for a change. Although the three points were there for us today and disappointing not to take them. Dunfermline sniffed a steal at the end and good we resisted that.

Absolute comical at the Pars goal , 4 of them crowded around some picture book that Wilson held onto the whole game.

Second half was devoid of any football from us and consisted of Ridgers passing it to their centre half's head and them coming right back at us. If they could have finished their chances we could have been embarrassed this afternoon 

FFS we even made Joe Chalmers look good.

 

We should have won that but I also feel we were lucky not to lose it.

We started poorly but then got a grip of the first half and deservedly led at the break. I’d like to see the offside for Brooks’ “goal” again as he looked onside to me. He finished it well.

The goalie was at fault for Shaw’s goal, but he came close shortly after with a really powerful effort as did Gilmour.

We were poor after the break, although Brooks was denied again by what may have been a wrong offside decision when put through on the goalie. Bray had two mazy runs and shots but unfortunately could not hit the target.

Thanks for posting the goals. I had not realised the extent to which we gift wrapped it for Dunfermline, and it had to be their no 5 who was “at it” all game.

The officials were poor (even if it turns out that they got the offside calls right) letting some poor challenges go and allowing Dunfermline to gain 10 yards at every throw in.

Positives for me were Boyes and Anderson, who both look good additions. Boyes settled in to a decent game after a nervy opening, whilst Anderson was comfortable in midfield and looking to make positive passes. Bray again impressed when he came on. I also liked what I saw of Brooks. Shaw once again was our best player.

Dunfermline made us play hoofball by pressing our defenders at goal kicks.

A disappointing end and outcome, but some positives which I hope we can build on in our upcoming games. Raith away and Dundee United at home will be tougher challenges, so we need to cut out the mistakes and play to our strengths. 

Edited September 2, 20232 yr by Robert

Seriously though what strengths, we came out in that second half and never strung more than 2 passes together. We never went looking for a second to try and kill the game ,we just sat in . In the end we were fortunate to take a point.

 

I agree we were poor in the second half but we had several good passages of play in the first half when we passed and moved quickly.

We need to get Shaw involved as much as we can. I see Anderson as a good addition.

If Brooks “goal” had counted I think we’d have seen the game out fine. 

Second half was very sloppy, could be the team low on confidence as we lost possession too many times with players holding on to the ball and not playing the pass or making a run with it. We ended up just launching the ball forward towards McKay against their 3 CBs. With the way the ref handled the game, I'm honestly surprised Duffy didn't get a second yellow and sent off.

1 hour ago, big cherly said:

I’m just concerned Hibs might come in for Doddsie now!! Gardiner will be doubling his contract to frighten-off potential suitors!

bc
 

McInnes to Hibs and Dodds to Killie ? And could all of that have been pre planned and we end up saving spondoolicks ? 

5 minutes ago, IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER said:

McInnes to Hibs and Dodds to Killie ? And could all of that have been pre planned and we end up saving spondoolicks ? 

I am sure we would all be happy with that IHE 

Eye bleeding second half. It's a point I suppose 

12 minutes ago, old caley girl said:

Eye bleeding second half. It's a point I suppose 

Yeah, I thought that too. Subs were way too late, it was pretty obvious that the midfield was starting to run out of gas about an hour in. 

1 hour ago, Robert said:

The officials were poor (even if it turns out that they got the offside calls right) letting some poor challenges go and allowing Dunfermline to gain 10 yards at every throw in.

Stand side linesman missed a blatant corner to Dunfermline in the first half when Boyes clipped the ball trying to shepherd it out, and it looked like he gave us a throw when Davidson sclaffed it out in the second half. 

At this rate of points per game we actually at the end of the season could amass at a push double figures in points ! And to our shameless board  of directors as it stands  is acceptable?? Ffs wake up. Finishing up the league a couple of places higher generates money  which could  pay that hopeless one off . Not that we needed to be in this position  Had it not been for some ridiculous person giving a 2 year extension to his contract . This extension certainty shocked the vast majority of supporters young and old . Way too many unnecessary positions at the club ( ceo , sporting director) that seem to be not generating anything but increase the wage bill . Feel free to enlighten us. We are not a big club at this time sadly and no need for jobs for the boys !! 

Sadly at 4.50 all our 'jobs for the boys' had disappeared from their cushy padded seats straight into the bar. All had made themselves scarce before Carson and co had even left the pitch.

Only the Pars board were left acknowledgeing their players.

Absolutely no faith in any of them and do wonder how many have the club at heart and are not just on some ego trip.

 

4 hours ago, Robert said:

Dunfermline made us play hoofball by pressing our defenders

Kind of demonstrates how tactically basic we are that everyone is working out how to overcome us. Hoofball with with the pint sized recruitment is a gift for the cloggers in this league.