Polis on the offensive


Just like buses.  None for ages then four come along at once.  Yes, it's the fourth Highland Derby of the season at Dingwall if they can get the water off the pitch.  ***GAME OFF***

But, be aware everybody, the Northern Constabulary   are on the look out for offensive behaviour from either sets of fans and some common phrases from previous fixtures will be deemed offensive and you could find yourselves missing out on the action and handing over your hard earned all for the sake of a few choice words.........PC gone mad methinks.  See official spiel @ http://ictfc.com/new...ict-2nd-january

Inverness will first foot the global Energy Stadium on the 2nd of January for the first game of 2013, a 3:05pm kick off, and if it's half as good as our last visit it will be a cracker of a game.

The three previous meetings this season have seen Inverness come out on top, but they have all been close games which could have gone either way with both sides having periods of ascendency during the ninety minutes.  The first encounter at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium saw the hosts eventually overcome County when Aaron Doran fired home a spectacular clincher to seal all three points.  Ross Draper and Andrew Shinnie putting the hosts in control before the break, but County came back strongly in the second period when Vigurs scored early and pressed for an equaliser before Doran ended the scoring.

Then came the cup games, and what drama they produced. An incredible 3-3 game at Dingwall ended with Butcher punching the air, and Adam's almost punching himself after a hectic finale saw the game levelled, won and drawn in dramatic fashion. The replay was less hectic, but it was a nervy Inverness that saw off another County fightback and eventually earn the trip to Kilmarnock in the next round, Billy McKay doing the needful either side of a superb Ian Vigurs counter.

The one thing you can be sure of, the game will not lack a bit of passion or drama and on the tight Dingwall park then this will be another one not for the faint hearted.

All this, of course, will be subject to the weather being lenient enough after County's last fixture against Hearts on Saturday was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.  Nothing new at Dingwall then, their pitch has a history of call off's and with the weather since last Saturday, don't hold your breath.

***Latest Team News***

Nick Ross managed a few minutes at Perth after his lengthy lay off, but Chris Hogg and Simon King remain long term victims.  Mathew Cooper will continue to fill Josh Meekings central defensive role should Josh fail to pass a fitness test on his groin.  Foran and Andy Shinnie were subbed at Perth but should be fit for this game.  Aaron Doran was apparently suffering from manflu at Perth, that could explain his reluctance to take on a defender, so hopefully he will pull through.  Terry Butcher expects another "blood and snotters" encounter with "last man standing" the winner.

Ross County news is harder to assemble as Derek Adams keeps it close to his chest.  Stuart Kettlewell is still out and Adams has released fringe players Russell Duncan, John Bateson, Kurtis Byrne and Keeper Joe Malin, looking to free up some cash for incoming players in the January sales.  Steven Craig has now become a permanent fixture at Partick Thistle after signing on at Firhill for the rest of the season.  Young Alex Cooper has featured recently and looks set to continue.

tm4tj Prediction:-  I expect no quarter to be given or asked for and we will probably have to endure another second half onslaught.  We will do well to remain unbeaten over County this season but I will go for a 1-1 draw.  :ictscarf:

Happy New Year from all at CTO