2025 AD

 

Inverness have a big cushion over the automatic relegation spot at the moment as we approach the final Admin Derby of the Season from Hell. At the moment we have an eighteen point advantage over bottom club Dumbarton. However, let's not lose site of the fact that the Sons have a superior goals for total than us. We are the third poorest goals for side in League1. On the plus side, we have the third best defensive record in the league. Dumbarton gave Arbroath a hard time in their re-arranged fixture in midweek before going down 2-1. If you haven't seen the opening goal from the Sons' Michael Ruth yet, take a look at his free kick. Boom! What a stunning strike, and in off the bar! Beware the angry Son. The downside of their battling performance in midweek was that the game was played in a monsoon on a ploughed field. I hope the pitch recovers in time for this weekend. We had our own stunning goal last week when a Savage diagonal > Devine volley > and Bray diving header bulleted into the net to earn us a valuable point in a lack lustre display against Montrose.

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Match/Ticket/Travel Info

Update from the Supporters Trust Meeting

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2025

Mar 8th	League (League 1)	?	A	?
Jan 4th	League (League 1)	2 - 0	H	1,894

2024

Oct 26th	League (League 1)	1 - 3	A	872
Aug 3rd	League (League 1)	1 - 1	H	1,439

2023

Jul 18th

League Cup

1 - 2              A

594

2018

Apr 18th	League	1 - 0	A	392
Apr 14th	League	5 - 1	H	2,355
Mar 24th	Challenge Cup (Final)	1 - 0	N	4,602

2017

Dec 16th	League	1 - 0	H	2,103
Sep 23rd	League	1 - 2	A	594

Prior to 2017 we only met twice, in 2002 and 2007 with Inverness winning both League Cup encounters. 2002 was our first meeting and who else but Dennis Wyness and Paul Ritchie were the scorers in a 2-0 win at the Caledonian Stadium.

The first ever meeting of these clubs and it was a one sided affair in front of 667 fans. Despite Dumbarton's lofty position at the top of Division 2 they were outclassed by Caley Thistle. In 12 minutes Stephen Grindlay blocked a Charlie Christie shot with his legs after the born-again striker took full advantage of a half chance in the box. Six minutes later Grindlay palmed away a 20 yard shot from Barry Robson. Christie limped off in 21 minutes and was replaced by Paul Ritchie. Two minutes later Dennis Wyness played a one-two with Russell Duncan then pulled his shot wide. The opener came just a minute after that when Robson found Wyness in the box and he scored from 10 yards after a neat 'Wyness Shuffle'. Four minutes into the second half Ross Tokely fired wide then Robson curled a shot over the bar. In 52 minutes Grindlay saved his side once more when he tipped over a Richie Hart drive. In a rare Dumbarton foray upfield a minute later Craig McEwan hit the side netting from 12 yards. Ritchie headed over then saw a shot cleared off the line by David Stewart before he scored with a blistering 16 yard drive in 71 minutes. Robson and Duncan came close towards the final whistle but the Dumbarton defence held out. 2-0 flattered Dumbarton and they had Grindlay to thank for keeping the score down.

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 W D  ?  /

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 next 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. The Stenhousemuir fixture was postponed and is re-arranged for March 11th. We went to Kelty and came away with a narrow 1-0 win thanks to Alfie's 5th goal in 7 appearances. Montrose proved to be stubborn opponents and it took a superb diving header from Keith Bray to rescue a point in a rather turgid encounter after Sandilands had opened the scoring in the first half. Off to Dumbarton on Saturday and at home to Stenhousemuir on Tuesday night...

Latest Team News from within: Luis Longstaff was helped off the park last weekend against Montrose with a hamstring injury and will be going for a scan to assess the damage. It looks likely that he will miss out. Scott Kellacher is also wary of the pitch at Dumbarton and that will determine his selection and style.

 

Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Table ahead of the final Admin Derby of the season 1. Arbroath  27 15 4 8 45 29 49 2. Stenhousemuir 26 13 5 8 39 26 44 3. Cove Rangers 26 12 5 9 43 31 41 4. Alloa Athletic 27 10 10 7 39 32 40 5. Q.O.S. 27 10 5 12 28 32 35 6. Kelty Hearts 26 9 7 10 31 27 34 7. Montrose 27 7 10 10 28 35 31 8. Annan Athletic 27 7 6 14 29 51 27 9. Inverness CT 26 11 8 7 29 28 26 10. Dumbarton 27 5 8 14 34 54 8

Michael Ruth's sublime free kick. Pick that one out...

Free-kick perfection 😮‍💨

📸 @Dumbartonfc's Michael Ruth with one for the cameras pic.twitter.com/fm9hdfttS4

— SPFL (@spfl) March 5, 2025

 

 

Last Six: D  L  L  L  L  L  

<<<This was their Starting XI v Arbroath.

Not great results for Dumbarton over the last half dozen games. February was a poor Month for the Son's. It all started innocuously with a home draw v Alloa (1-1). It was all downhill thereafer. Losses at Annan (2-1), a tough one to take at home to Montrose (2-3) and defeat at Cove (2-1) March has seen two home defeats by Stenhousemuir (1-3) and Tuesday night against League Leaders Arbroath (1-2). It's been a tough run for the Son's but don't be fooled, they won't go down without a fight and trounced us 3-1 the last time we were here in Scott Kellacher's first game in charge.

Top scorer is jointly held by Carlo Pignatiello and Michael Ruth with six goals each. Like us, the January sales were not really for Dumbarton: Loan in: Owen Hayward, goalkeeper (Falkirk); Milosz Sliwinski, goalkeeper (Queen's Park). Looks like they will be putting two in goals against us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Son's fans can be seen watching a previous encounter perched precariously on the 'Rock' basking in the sunshine as the eagles kept their distance circling overhead.

The Sons moved away from Boghead in 2000 and Dumbarton Football Stadium, locally known as 'The Rock' was officially opened on 2nd December 2000, and they kicked off in style with a 3-0 win over Elgin City. It's an imposing landscape with the Rock and Dumbarton Castle next to the ground. It has a capacity of 2020 and it's had many names since it opened as the Strathclyde Homes Stadium and kept that title for eleven years. It's now tagged as the Marbill Coaches Stadium since last July.

It’s great to win games when the team hasn’t played well. Yet again Big Musa came up with crucial saves to keep us in it. 

 

Complete and utter limbs at the goal. What an amazing feeling. Rest of game was frustrating on a horrific pitch. 

What a celebration. What a club! 

3 hours ago, snorbens_caleyman said:

"SOME CHICKEN! SOME NECK!"

Definitely not Duncan Ferguson, speaking after the 15 point deduction.

Another Churchill quote!

And another reminder of what a disastrous appointment Duncan Ferguson was… and of the self satisfaction of Scot Gardiner’s claims about his role in making it.

Edited March 8Mar 8 by Charles Bannerman

49 minutes ago, Charles Bannerman said:

Another Churchill quote!

And another reminder of what a disastrous appointment Duncan Ferguson was… and of the self satisfaction of Scot Gardiner’s claims about his role in making it.

You guys must have the history books out tonight or the Churchill quotes are impressed in your memory   I thought snorbens was making "cock a leekie soup" 

2 hours ago, Charles Bannerman said:

And another reminder of what a disastrous appointment Duncan Ferguson was… and of the self satisfaction of Scot Gardiner’s claims about his role in making it.

And who was it that oversaw all of that? 🤔

Delighted to see the team and coaches getting the rewards for their hard work and determination. They can now set their sites on 7th spot and a win on Tuesday will achieve that as well as open up a wee gap on Annan.

There's a bit to go yet, but the turnaround in our season (on the pitch) is stuff of legends.

Just wanted to wait 24 hours to let it sink in being in 8th place before adding a note. 
When we were deducted 15 points and dumped at the bottom of the league and in the early stages Admin I must admit I was a bit worried this could be too deep a hole to climb out of. The contribution and impact that A Savage brought at this time should not be underestimated. He brought crucial stability that allowed the football side to survive and start the challenge of fighting their way to stay in the league. Dumbarton’s fall into Administration helped our own cause significantly. 
Whilst C Christie’s unquestionably energy and experience has been a cornerstone of any footballing direction taken, its time to give proper and full credit to Scott Kellacher (particularly), coach Billy and the players for getting to the lofty position that we find ourselves today. Quite remarkable in my book and may well be looked upon in 10 years time as one of the clubs greatest achievements. 
We are not safe by any means yet as staying in 8th place has to be earned. However today seems a lot more lighter than the past 6 months. 
bc

Edited March 9Mar 9 by big cherly

Although nothing has been accomplished yet, getting into a position of relative safety in the utter binfire that is league 1 will not on its own be a great achievement. 

After all the pain endured, successfully exiting the administrative process will be something to look back on in years to come as a defining moment - as long as we let the right one(s) in.

What's it all about Alfie?

 

Let's not start congratulating ourselves yet. As I've said many times before, this usually leads to a harsh dose of reality in the next game.
It's not guaranteed that we're getting anything off Stenhousemuir on Tuesday - they've won 5 in a row, with a better goals for/against tally than us. They were no match for us last time, but with 47 points Gary Naysmith, an ex-pupil of my old school btw, must be doing something right.

Here's what it's all about...

Alfie Bavidge’s last minute winner yesterday 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iYhJVQPAqG

— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) March 9, 2025

20 minutes ago, The Mantis said:

Let's not start congratulating ourselves yet. As I've said many times before, this usually leads to a harsh dose of reality in the next game.
It's not guaranteed that we're getting anything off Stenhousemuir on Tuesday - they've won 5 in a row, with a better goals for/against tally than us. They were no match for us last time, but with 47 points Gary Naysmith, an ex-pupil of my old school btw, must be doing something right.

It's a big psychological step to get up to 8th but agree we cannot get too rocky or complacent. The job has still to be finished but I'm confident we will get 8th at least in the end 

Oh my god that pitch is diabolical!

3 hours ago, The Mantis said:

Let's not start congratulating ourselves yet. As I've said many times before, this usually leads to a harsh dose of reality in the next game.
It's not guaranteed that we're getting anything off Stenhousemuir on Tuesday - they've won 5 in a row, with a better goals for/against tally than us. They were no match for us last time, but with 47 points Gary Naysmith, an ex-pupil of my old school btw, must be doing something right.

I'm congratulating the team for overhauling the 15pt penalty and getting us properly back into fighting territory. As I said, still a way to go, but that's an achievement worth marking in itself.

Something to push on even more from and definitely not something to be complacent about.

 

Forgot to mention - Brannan looks a great signing, and apparently that was his first ever senior game. Played at right back and obviously tired a bit late on. Got booked first half for a rather robust challenge.

Edited March 9Mar 9 by The Mantis
Autocorrect

9 hours ago, The Mantis said:

Forgot to mention - Brannan looks a great signing, and apparently that was his first ever senior game. Played at right back and obviously tired a bit late on. Got booked first half for a rather robust challenge.

He came off the bench last week against Montrose and looked good. He’d played in a semi final for Kilmarnock Under 18s the day before the Montrose game. 

22 minutes ago, Robert said:

He came off the bench last week against Montrose and looked good. He’d played in a semi final for Kilmarnock Under 18s the day before the Montrose game. 

Cheers Robert. Wasn’t there last week but I remember reading about the U18s now. So it was his first start anyway. 

What a brilliant weekend away that was!

Got to Dumbarton from London Gatwick good and early [early enough to have breakfast in MacDonalds!] ...then took in the Scottish Maritime Museum [where a delightful lady told me all the history about the shipyard and Denny boat testing tank], a walk up the coast past the ground to the Castle [where an equally delightful lady took me around the castle and told me a great story about Robert the Bruce's heart!]...

Enjoyed a drink in the bar, with a Manchester City supporter ticking off another Scottish football ground

Anyway....

Always thought this was going to be a gritty match, the pitch hardly helped, it seemed almost impossible to play a true ball [esp for poor old Nolan!]. Generally we were much the better side, especially in the first half, yet Dumbarton had the more dangerous chances [in the second half], Dibaga and the bar saved us a couple of times, which made the last 10mins decidely nervy especially with Dumbarton winning late corners. But in the end Bavidge came up trumps and I experienced 'limbs' as everyone went bonkers with delight. It was lovely to share the full time celebrations with the team...and what a great turnout from our fans. Well done everybody

Playing Brannan at the back to allow Bray to play further forward helped mitigate the absence of Longstaff. I must say we did very well to get Savage last year and Dibaga/Allan this, and Gilmour really is becoming a worthy successor to some quality midfielders we have had in the past...and obviously the signing of Bavidge is the one that saves our season [unless things go strangely awry]

To cap off a great weekend both Palace & Sutton United won, I got upgraded at my hotel, and had the entire row to myself on my plane back home....A weekend of football doesn't get much better than that [other than winning the Cup]

Sounds ideal Eagle. I always enjoy reading of your journeys and weekends away. You are a credit to the club support with your massive efforts to attend and Im glad you returned home having witnessed a victory.