The Queens Head North

 

It's an early chance for revenge after we were beaten in Dumfries nine days ago as Queen of the South visit the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday afternoon, having won 3-2 at Palmerston. They have climbed to third in the table with former Caley Jag Adam Brooks scoring for fun in recent games. Luis Longstaff has trained this week and if he shows no reaction he will be included in the squad. Queens could top the table on Saturday night should they win and other results go their way. Our target is a win over Queens with Annan failing to win and that would put the Caley Jags up to eighth. Plenty of incentives for both teams to do well and that should make for another entertaining encounter. 

 

Remember to try the new improved bus service for home games. 

For 3 pm kick offs, buses leave the Bus Station at 1 pm and 2.15 pm. Buses return from the Stadium 10 minutes after the full time whistle and again at 6 pm. Stagecoach operates these journeys as normal bus services, open to all passengers, and at no cost to either the club or the Supporters Trust. Passengers holding Under 22 or Senior Citizen and Disabled Concessionary Cards will travel free on the service. For other passengers the fare is £2.40 for a single journey.

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Hospitality/Match/Ticket/Bus/Bar

Bus to game Sponsorship

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Venue for H2H

Pld

Won

Drn

Lst

For

Agst

+ / -

Home	22	13	3	6	39	26	+13
Away	21	8	7	6	36	25	+11
Neutral	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	43	21	10	12	75	51	+24

Over the years we generally held the upper hand over the Doonhamers with home advantage showing a greater chance of taking all three points. Administration has it's knock on effect though and this will be a tougher ask than previous years.

Last 10 Competitive Meetings

2 - 3 (A)

1 - 0 (H)

1 - 2 (A)

2 - 2 (H)

2 - 1 (A)

2 - 1 (H)

1 - 1 (A)

0 - 1 (H)

3 - 0 (A)

3 - 1 (H)

It's one win each so far this season. A 1-0 win back at the end of August with Billy Mckay notching a first half winner during the Ferguson era. The next game was re-scheduled, hence the two in nine days with Adam Brooks grabbing a brace. Alfie Bavidge and Keith Bray had pulled us level but substitute Jordan Allan nicked the winner ten minutes from the end. A long journey home with no points after putting so much into the game. Maybe we can repay them this weekend.

 

INVERNESS CT  The Season So Far

D L  D D W D D D L   / W L(11)D W W W L  W L  

W W L  W 

Since Scott Kellacher was handed the reins in game 11, there has been a more positive approach to our matches which has resulted in improved performances and a more enjoyable matchday experience all round. Alas we were brought back to earth with a disappointing result in our last game of 2024, a crushing 1-4 defeat at home to Cove Rangers. We'll have to put that one down to a bad day at the office. However, we bounced back in our first game of the second half of the season in the six pointer against Dumbarton with a hard fought 2-0 win. That win over Dumbarton was a vital one and the introduction of Alfie Bavidge was a welcome one as he opened the scoring early in the first half. Charlie Gilmour slotted in the clincher in the second half to give us a cushion over the Sons and to narrow the gap on Annan to seven points. We took part in the only League1 game last weekend and came away from Annan with a resounding 3-0 win, Alfie Bavidge netting again with Keith Bray and then Billy Mckay from the spot.  *It was then on to Palmerston on the Tuesday night but in a five goal encounter we went down 3-2. Alfie Bavidge notched his third goal in three games and Keith Bray added a second but goals from Adam Brooks (2) and Jordan Allan kept the points in Dumfries. We bounced back with a resilient 1-2 win at Alloa in our third away game on the bounce, Keith Bray with his fourth of the season and Alfie Stewart his first. Up next a revenge mission at home to QotS.

*There were plenty of positives to be taken from the defeat against Queen of the South in last midweek. Alfie Bavidge is on form with three from three and Keith Bray added his third League goal of the season. Luis Longstaff was a big miss at Palmerston having been injured at Annan last Saturday and missed out again at Alloa.

Scott Kellacher on Luis Longstaff: “He’s back in contention, he’s trained a fair bit so we’ll see how he gets on. He got through training today [Thursday] so we’ll see how he is tomorrow [Friday] and take it from there. He’s been back training a couple of days so that has been ideal to get him back involved with the squad.”

Full Preview from Scott Kellacher

 

Pos	Team	Pld	Gd	Pts
1	Arbroath	20	8	34
2	Stenny	22	5	32
3	Queen of Sth	22	-1	32
4	Cove	21	9	31
5	Kelty Hearts	21	9	31
6	Alloa Athletic	22	3	29
7	Montrose	21	-2	25
8	Annan Ath	22	-19	21
9	Inverness CT	22	2	19
10	Dumbarton	21	-14	07

 

 

L  D W D W W  Queens recent run of form has lifted them up to third in the table.  A loss at Kelty was followed by a home draw against Annan Athletic then a win over Cove Rangers before drawing with Alloa Athletic. There was the Cup defeat against St Mirren where they gave the Premiership side as good as they got but just fell short and they picked themselves up to beat the Caley Jags in Dumfries in a five goal thriller. They then scored three again against Dumbarton. Adam Brooks has scored four in his last two games, five in the last six League matches and six League goals for the season. Meh! This was their starting XI against the Sons.  With Harry Cochrane and Kyle Doherty out there were starts for Josh Walker and Lewis O'Donnell. Taylor Charters, a 23 year old midfielder, has joined on loan from Carlisle United this week for the remainder of the season and goalkeeper Murray Johnson has returned on loan from Hibs. Forward Leighton McIntosh has now left Queens.

 

What  the f***k was going on with QOS they were not interested in playing football at all.

Tried to intimidate the young guys at every opportunity, with a weak accomplice of a referee. The cart horse no 11 was one or the worst culprits, who was just embarrassingly bad at football.

Positives for us, was we stuck at it and never got sucked down to there level

All good ,but special mention to Gilmour and Savage who never missed a challenge all day.

 

Before today's match we were 12 points of 4th. 

 

After it we were 10 points off 4th with 13 games to go.

Don't look at individual teams focus on the position. 

We will comfortably achieve 8th so the next marker we measure to is 4th. 

Onwards and upwards I predict 46+pts by end of season I hope it's enough.

2 hours ago, big cherly said:

Great result, fully deserved. Whilst the first half provided a great constructed and taken goal, I give full marks to the team’s defensive performance for the second half. Dibaga exudes confidence between the sticks and while not pressed too much today took control at the corners. He was ablely protected by Danny and Remi in front of him.  Says a lot about the team’s development. We’ll need more of the same for future matches to come. Enjoy and take credit for today’s result and display. 

Those that decided to stay in the pub and watch the rugby, you missed a really good match and performance today. 
 

ps - didn’t foresee the Annan or Dumbarton victories coming today.

bc

Musa must have hands like shovels going by the one handed catch he managed at full stretch today.

2 hours ago, DoofersDad said:

I'm quite happy to see Annan and particularly, Dumbarton winning.  There's not a chance Dumbarton are going to catch us, and if they are winning, other teams a little above will be losing.  If we continue with our post-Dunc points per game ratio, then we might well make the promotion play-offs.  What a brilliant job Scott is doing with the boys!

That’s a very important point DD. It becomes more difficult to catch a lot of teams above you because these points have to go somewhere, so it’s a trade off between welcoming Annan and Dumbarton beating teams ICT might still catch and accepting the squeaky bum you get as a result of not pulling away from these two to an extent that gives more complete confidence about avoiding relegation or the playoffs.

4 hours ago, CELTIC1CALEY3 said:

Not with Duncan Ferguson in charge.  Remember that players in the era were discouraged from shooting on goal and shortly after getting over the half way line were instructed to keep it and gradually work it back to the goalkeeper.

That’s a very valid point. The team will probably end up with more points under SK and with the penalty than they would have done with DF and no penalty.

Good entertaining game and certainly worth the trip to Inverness. In comparison with QoS, what we lacked in physical presence we made up for with skill and teamwork. I'm not one to criticise referees, so I won't! Edge of the seat stuff and Remi Savage my MoM, just edging it ahead of Bavidge.

Just one thing though, and I hate to sound negative, but what happened to all the home-grown talent we were supposed to be fielding this season?

4 hours ago, CaleyHedgehog said:

Shame that Annan won

 

4 hours ago, DoofersDad said:

I'm quite happy to see Annan and particularly, Dumbarton winning.

I absolutely see what you are saying, it was just that I was really hoping that we would have moved out of the relegation zone today. But I can see why we need to keep the teams above us as close as possible too.It was still a great win.

14 hours ago, CaleyHedgehog said:

Fantastic response to a team who tried to rule the game with shirt pulling and bullying tactics. Fortunately our boys seem to grow in stature and determination when wronged, and I was so pleased for them all with the final score.

Lovely to see the team enjoying the plaudits at full time, and to see SK coming out to greet the fans. Much appreciated.

Shame that Annan won, otherwise a great afternoons entertainment.8

Was like Caleyaway at home! Brilliant 

13 hours ago, Charles Bannerman said:

That’s a very important point DD. It becomes more difficult to catch a lot of teams above you because these points have to go somewhere, so it’s a trade off between welcoming Annan and Dumbarton beating teams ICT might still catch and accepting the squeaky bum you get as a result of not pulling away from these two to an extent that gives more complete confidence about avoiding relegation or the playoffs.

Draws would also be of benefit!  

Anyway, Yesterday once again was refreshing and walking away after the final whistle it was great to see the players being applauded and they did the same!  a real feeling of togetherness.

There will be slips ahead but the players have a confidence which was not there most of last and the start of this season.

 

Pos	Team	Pld	Gd	Pts
1	Stenny	23	8	35
2	Cove	22	10	34
3	Arbroath	21	7	34
4	Queen of Sth	23	-2	32
5	Kelty Hearts	22	7	31
6	Alloa Athletic	23	3	30
7	Montrose	22	-5	25
8	Annan Ath	23	-17	24
9	Caley Jags	23	3	22
10	Dumbarton	22	-14	08

🥶 Alfie Bavidge ice cold in front of goal to give us all three points yesterday against Queen of the South

👏Great ball from Paul Allan to put the striker through pic.twitter.com/siYu3j2ddy

— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) February 2, 2025

Another big 3 points. Musa has been incredible for us. I worry Aberdeen will recall Alfie Bavidge with his current scoring prowess 🙈

15 minutes ago, tm4tj said:

Good to see the goal again and credit to all the team yesterday well done!

Without meaning to get carried away, where do people think we could realistically think we could finish this season?  Looking at the table, 7th is certainly within reach now, but with the form we've been showing, I'd say 6th and above isn't out of the question either.  If we say 6th is within reach, surely you'd think 4th, and therefor promotion playoffs are not out of the question, even if it's unlikely.

Then again, with starting on -5 next season, maybe we'd be better off staying in league one this season and pushing for promotion next season instead.

The other sides view by the manager. I always rated big tel for praising the other side if they beat us. Leave you guys and gals to decide this dudes take on the game. 
I couldn’t have been at the same game as him yesterday. That’s as polite as I can put it.

lump the ball long. Yellow cards for non tackles. our goal was a miss hit, their chance the player hit it too good. Wow.

should have stopped the interview when the lights went out.

 

Edited February 2, 20251 yr by bishbashbosh
Missed out the ladies.

8 minutes ago, bishbashbosh said:

The other sides view by the manager. I always rated big tel for praising the other side if they beat us. Leave you guys to decide this dudes take on the game. 
I couldn’t have been at the same game as him yesterday. That’s as polite as I can put it.

lump the ball long. Yellow cards for non tackles. our goal was a miss hit, their chance the player hit it too good. Wow.

should have stopped the interview when the lights went out.

 

What a load of .... 

QOS bus on the way up should have turned right and headed to Edinburgh. Their sub defender wasn’t sent of because the ref was sh1te, it was for 2 rugby tackles that would have been applauded at Murrayfield.

1 hour ago, KennySim93 said:

Without meaning to get carried away, where do people think we could realistically think we could finish this season?  Looking at the table, 7th is certainly within reach now, but with the form we've been showing, I'd say 6th and above isn't out of the question either.  If we say 6th is within reach, surely you'd think 4th, and therefor promotion playoffs are not out of the question, even if it's unlikely.

Then again, with starting on -5 next season, maybe we'd be better off staying in league one this season and pushing for promotion next season instead.

Stay free of main injuries to key players (down the centre line), don’t have Aberdeen pulling back Alfie B (can they do this at anytime?), don’t pick up too many red cards, have luck when we need it;  

Sixth for me, but more likely seventh. Be delighted if we get into the playoffs and be proved wrong. But if I would pick any position over them all right now I would be happy with Eighth. 
bc

6 hours ago, LisleRightPeg said:

Another big 3 points. Musa has been incredible for us. I worry Aberdeen will recall Alfie Bavidge with his current scoring prowess 🙈

Don't think they can? 

My ONLY knowledge of this comes from Football Manager 😅 but I don't think a loan player can be recalled within the first 28 days of a loan, or outside of a transfer window, so we've got both Alfie's for the rest of the season at least I'd assume.

1 hour ago, KennySim93 said:

My ONLY knowledge of this comes from Football Manager 😅 but I don't think a loan player can be recalled within the first 28 days of a loan, or outside of a transfer window, so we've got both Alfie's for the rest of the season at least I'd assume.

I think that's correct? Remember Dodds tried to get some of our loanees back but couldn't a few years back? 

2 hours ago, KennySim93 said:

My ONLY knowledge of this comes from Football Manager 😅 but I don't think a loan player can be recalled within the first 28 days of a loan, or outside of a transfer window, so we've got both Alfie's for the rest of the season at least I'd assume.

Googled it.

Yes a player in scotland loaned to another club can be recalled by the parent club, provided the loan agreement includes a "recall clause" which allows them to do so; this is a standard feature in most loan deals and operates similarly to other leagues across Europe. 

 

Key points about loan recalls in Scottish football:

• Contractual clause:

  The ability to recall a player depends entirely on the specific terms of the loan agreement between the clubs. 

   
• Timing restrictions:

  While a player can be recalled at any time during the loan period if the recall clause is activated, there may be specific windows within the season where it is more feasible to do so, depending on league regulations. 

   
• Negotiation needed:

  Even if a recall clause exists, the parent club may need to negotiate with the loan club to finalize the recall, especially if the loaned player is performing well for their temporary team. 

   

  Transfer window does not close in scotland until 23.00 pm on Monday 3rd of February 

 

 

Edited February 2, 20251 yr by bishbashbosh

15 hours ago, KennySim93 said:

Without meaning to get carried away, where do people think we could realistically think we could finish this season?  Looking at the table, 7th is certainly within reach now, but with the form we've been showing, I'd say 6th and above isn't out of the question either.  If we say 6th is within reach, surely you'd think 4th, and therefor promotion playoffs are not out of the question, even if it's unlikely.

Then again, with starting on -5 next season, maybe we'd be better off staying in league one this season and pushing for promotion next season instead.

Heart says 4th, sneak in on the last day of the season. 

Head says 7th, with 13 games to go, 8 points to make up on Alloa might be a bridge too far.

Interesting interviews from the 2 managers.  I don't know what game Murphy was watching but his interview was sh*te from start to finish.  It is pretty disrespectful too, but it is such nonsense that instead of feeling annoyed or angry, one can't help laughing.  Scott has it absolutely spot on though.  A very honest, objective and intelligent take on the game.