North of Scotland Cup Final 2018

The Staggies lifted the NoS Cup after a five goal second half. The game was played in a mini tempest and County looked to have it all sewn up until a late rally by the Caley Jags, but they fell just short.

It was a wild afternoon that greeted the youthful sides from Inverness CT and Ross County for the North of Scotland Cup Final at Grant Street Park, Inverness, the home of Clachnacuddin.

Nathan Austin, Daniel Mackay and Riccardo Calder who were all substitutes against Morton were in the starting XI alongside squad players Jamie McCart and Charlie Trafford.

County had a pair of Dingwalls on from the start and it was Russell Dingwall that had the first attempt, his shot deflected for a corner. Minutes later keeper Ross Munro denied Riccardo Calder from close range with a superb reflex save. Calder was the man causing the early problems for County and Munro saved again as Calder let fly from 25 yards, the ball going behind for a corner.

County ventured forward and Maciver shot over, however the balls are taking a battering in the strong wind and another one disappears into the Merkinch landscape.

County coming more into the game as the half hour approaches and a Gallagher shot is saved by Daniel Hoban and R Dingwall pinged one just wide ten minutes before the break. County having the better of it as the half wears on and James Wallace hit the post from a free kick just outside the box. 

Half Time 0-0

The second half was only a couple of minutes old when Hoban had to make a double save to deny first Dykes, then Grivosti. The Dingwall men carried on where they left off in the first half, on the front foot and R Dingwall shot just over. Jack Murray was denied on the line by a tremendous block from Jamie McCart as County turned the screw.

Gunn and Macgregor swapped places for the Caley Jags and Charlie Trafford was yellow carded on the hour, but it was no surprise when County opened the scoring, albeit with the aid of a deflection. It was Tom Kelly that volleyed in from around fifteen yards after an assist from James Wallace.

County were awarded a penalty when Hoban brought down Maciver and was booked for his troubles before Dylan Dykes scored from the spot. Wallace was involved again in the build up with a tremendous run.

Morrison replaced Hastings as Inverness looked to get back into the game, but it was County that broke forward and Dykes netted his second of the game.

Inverness were thrown a lifeline a minute later when Ross Gunn scored and soon after Charlie Trafford headed home a Brown corner for the second to set up a grandstand finish.

Nathan Austin brought out a fine save from Munro but it was County that held on to lift the trophy.

Full Time 2-3

It must be an ICT thing, too little too late once more.

Congratulations to Ross County for winning the North of Scotland Cup after an entertaining final given the atrocious conditions the game was played in.

Here's the goals that won and lost the cup..............

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