The Training Ground Derby Returns

 

Had our previous incumbents got their way, this would have been known as the Training Ground Derby at New Central Park, Kelty. As it turned out, we were having none of that nonsense and went down the administration route and it's simply another away day for the Caley Jags. Our last visit incorporated the Immortal Howden Ender Memorial trip in memory of the much missed Johndo, and it ended on the park goalless. Kelty are having a decent season and we are trying to come to terms with our points deduction with our young side doing their utmost to keep us in this League.

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Match/Ticket/ Info

Supporters Bus

Ben Brannan

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Venue: Just the 3 fixtures

Pld

Won

Drn

Lst

For

Agst

+ / -

Home	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
Away	2	1	1	0	1	0	+1
Neutral	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	3	1	2	0	2	1	+1

The only win was a League Cup tie in 2022 when a last minute George Oakley goal was enough for a hard fought win: By George! We are off and running: The first ever fixture between the sides ended with a 1-0 win for the visitors. It took a late strike from George Oakley to separate the sides as the Inverness pressure eventually paid off. Billy Mckay hit the post with a header in the second half and keeper Darren Jamieson pulled off a string of saves to deny the eager Inverness side. Agyeman came close in the first half when Delaney cleared away from goal but that was as close as it got for the hosts with Ridgers making some routine stops.

2024

Nov 2nd	League (League 1)	1 - 1	H	1,502
Aug 24th	League (League 1)	0 - 0	A	692

2022

Jul 9th

League Cup (Group Stage Group G)

1 - 0

A

601

 

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 W L  

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, Dunfermline bound Keith Bray with his fourth of the season and Alfie Stewart. We got our revenge at home to QotS (1-0) with Alfie Bavidge scoring his fourth goal in five appearances. Alas it was a bridge too far at Arbroath last week and we went down losing three without reply. Last weeks game v Stenhousemuir was postponed and it's off to Kelty this weekend.

No news is good news so we will assume that there are no fresh injury worries.

Pos	Team	Pld	Gd	Pts
1	Arbroath	23	13	40
2	Cove	24	12	38
3	Stenny	24	9	38
4	Alloa Ath	25	5	34
5	Queen of Sth	25	-6	32
6	Kelty Hearts	23	5	31
7	Montrose	25	-4	30
8	Annan Ath	25	-18	27
9	Inverness CT	24	0	22
10	Dumbarton	24	-16	08

 

Last Six: W L  D D L  L  

An early Xmas present for the Maroons as they beat Queen of the South with Cunningham scoring twice. However, their next game they drew a blank going down 2-0 at Dumbarton. Two draws followed at Montrose and Stenhousemuir with no goals in either game. Into February and defeats to both the Athletics has seen Kelty slip up somewhat as they now sit nine points off the top of the table. Only one win in six for Kelty. Ross Cunningham is top scorer in League1 with 11 goals. Scott Williamson has 7 goals but he has returned to Queens Park. Scott Allan is still at Kelty.

January Sales In: Charlie Mulgrew, head coach; James Lyon, midfielder; Jamie Watson, defender. Loan in: Blaine McClure, midfielder (Rangers); Liam McLeish, forward (Queen's Park).

Out: Michael Tidser, midfielder/manager. Loan ended: Samuel Cleall-Harding, defender (Dundee United); Scott Williamson, forward (Queen's Park).

19 hours ago, STFU said:

Talking to a couple of locals and even with their humble setup there's some fear that they have major financial issues. They were of the view that the money from us was budgeted for getting them through the season.

Considering we have no money, that's some risk. 🤔

21 hours ago, STFU said:

They were of the view that the money from us was budgeted for getting them through the season.

Despite the fact that another team in administration would lift us out of the danger zone, for sure, I would not wish the situation our club has been in on anyone.

I also think it would take away a bit the monumental efforts that our team have put in this season to escape the drop, which has been nothing short of amazing.

Something is very wrong in the lower leagues system, that so many clubs are struggling. Like any other business, clubs must learn to live within their means.

16 minutes ago, CaleyHedgehog said:

Something is very wrong in the lower leagues system, that so many clubs are struggling. Like any other business, clubs must learn to live within their means.

This is the business model of most of Scottish football (not just the lower leagues TBF) only most fans are too blinded to see it. Majority of clubs are in debt and its wiped out or covered by soft loans from director(s) - plenty clubs are one death or external business collapse from plunging into admin. Biggest shock is that so many are literally hanging on by the smallest margins every year.

Not immediately affecting us but an Arbroath win might keep Kelty in our sights.

 

42 minutes ago, tm4tj said:

Not immediately affecting us but an Arbroath win might keep Kelty in our sights.

 

The more teams in touching distance the better as any of them could go on a wee run.

 

Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Arbroath 2-1 Kelty Hearts 1. Arbroath 25 13 4 8 40 28 43 2. Cove Rangers 25 12 5 8 42 29 41 3. Stenhousemuir 25 12 5 8 36 25 41 4. Alloa Athletic 26 9 10 7 37 31 37 5. Q.O.S. 26 10 5 11 28 31 35 6. Kelty Hearts 25 8 7 10 30 27 31 7. Montrose 26 7 9 10 27 34 30 8. Annan Athletic 26 7 6 13 29 48 27 9. Inverness CT 25 11 7 7 28 27 25 10. Dumbarton 25 5 8 12 32 49 8

It was the best result for us tonight when the teams at the top get points and keeps others in touching distance.............but we have to keep winning!

It's clear we need to score more goals. Since the demise of Duncball and his ultra caution which for its credit did yield a strong defence we are conceding a lot more. Therefore although we are more creative and forward thinking its putting new pressures on the team to require more goals.

Bavidge has been a great bit of business and God knows where we'd be without him but it's getting harder for him to get space and play with the opposition aware of his threat.

Several disagreed when I stated Billy was done before the season so now is the time for him to show otherwise and consolidate our push up the table. We've a teenager come in and score more in a month than our seasoned pro all campaign.

If we get hit occasionally by 3 or 4 but the setup and tactics are winning more games and putting more points on the board overall then so be it.

I think we have a decent balance and I'd be reluctant to change it given that it's working and has us on track to safety.

The key at the moment is being absolutely focussed on beating Montrose. Nothing else matters.