Little Consolation

Inverness will face Hamilton Accies in the Play-Off final after nervously scraping past part-time Montrose who were eventually reduced to ten men when Blair Lyons was sent off after an off the ball incident in the 84th minute involving Morgan Boyes. Inverness had dominated throughout, but failed to capitalise on their possession, and as per the entire season failed to create much of note. The first half was livlier than the first leg, but the same problems showed up our lack of quality. We started with no wingers and Billy Mckay as usual in a withdrawn role. It's not worked all season, so why should it suddenly work now. A woeful first half ended goalless and it was on the hour and out of the blue when Billy Mckay prodded in from three yards to score the only goal of the game following a corner. Cammy Harper had smacked the outside of the keepers right hand post as he cut in from the left prior to this but chances were at a premium. We had to rely on the ever alert Mark Ridgers to deny Ali Shrive's vicious shot from 15 yards to keep us ahead as Montrose were still in the tie after 75 minutes, but that was the only real effort of note from the visitors although Ridgers was quick off his line in the first half to snuff out a through ball. With Lyon's red card went any hope Montrose had of taking the game further, but fair play to them and their vocal following for making a fist of it against a rank rotten Inverness side. It's little consolation to know we are through to the final play-off games against Accies, as we have big problems to iron out if we are to retain our Championship status. We won the battle today, but the war still has a long way to go.

Billy Mckay’s match winning goal today pic.twitter.com/UJ8hwdhnWt

— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) May 11, 2024

Captain Billy Mckay with the vital goal yesterday against Montrose

pic.twitter.com/tOpxXtIXMR

— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) May 12, 2024

It's Montrose that take all the plaudits, but it's Inverness that are still in the play-offs.

Wednesday May 15th
Championship play-off final, 1st leg
Hamilton Accies v Inverness CT
Live on BBC ALBA, kick-off 8.05pm

Saturday May 18
Championship play-off final, 2nd leg
Inverness CT v Hamilton Accies
Live on BBC ALBA, kick-off 5.30pm

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