It's County in the Cup

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have been drawn away to neighbours Ross County in the Scottish Cup fourth round. It's the first time the two clubs have met in the national competition, although Inverness have won at Dingwall before in the Scottish Cup.

The Caledonian Stadium upgrade work was well underway in January 2005 and the tie against St Johnstone was switched to Victoria Park Dingwall in what was the then manager Craig Brewster's first playing appearance for his new club. The game was almost called off after torrential rain and sleet fell throughout, but it just escaped the weather and Inverness edged out St Johnstone with Golabek heading the winner after 75 minutes, the ground resembling a Xmas card scene long before the end.

2021 people were at that game, I imagine there will be a somewhat much bigger crowd for this one with both clubs now plying their trade in the SPL.

There has been three cup games played between the clubs. Two Challenge Cup ties both being played in Inverness and both finishing 1-0 to the Caley Jags. The third cup game was a League Cup fixture at Victoria Park in August 2004. A Barry Wilson corner was met by the head of who else, but Ross Tokely and that was enough for Inverness to advance to the next round. 3315 were at that game where County had players like John Rankin and Don Cowie in their side. Inverness were blessed with Mark Brown, Ross Tokely, Grant Munro, Russell Duncan and Michael Fraser ................ Where are they now?

The most recent derby was the first ever SPL game between the two sides where Inverness eventually ran out 3-1 winners in a storming encounter. Early goals from Ross Draper and Richie Foran put Inverness in the driving seat before Ian Vigurs reduced the leeway with a well struck free kick. A tremendous volley from Aaron Doran settled the match near the end and the TV companies were pretty pleased with the offering from both clubs.

This draw has already whetted the appetite of both sets of supporters with County fans hoping for revenge for the SPL encounter and Inverness fans looking to keep County in their shadows. Bring it on.

So, derby day in the Highlands, and it's also derby day in the capital as Hibernian host Hearts in a re-run of last seasons historic Scottish Cup final. Another all SPL clash sees Motherwell take on Aberdeen.

The Rangers will welcome Elgin City and Inverurie Locos will go to Parkhead should they overcome Arbroath in their replay.

All cup ties will be played on 1st or 2nd December, unless otherwise stated as changes could be made to accommodate TV companies.

Mon the Caley Jags