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I thought we picked the right XI when I saw it - Ross has been inconsistent and Vincent, Tansey and Draper are all solid, expierenced players. I think Yogi thought we could impose ourselves on Hearts and run over the top of them. We started very well, dominating the midfield and pushing Hearts back - Draper had what looked like a great opportunity but he was stretching with his wrong foot and put it over. Hearts were trying to play on the counter and managed to mount some attacks but didn't really threaten us, at least in the initial stages. As the half got towards 20 minutes or so we stopped being effective and the game became scrappy in the middle. Our midfield three weren't on top of enough and Hearts kind of hustled and pushed their way into the game. They didn't really create any clear cut chances but had a couple of shots from distance, a header about two feet wide and got into some good positions. It was pretty frustrating for us not to be able to press home our early superiority but we managed to create a good opening for McKay, who tested McDonald from an angle towards the end of the half. We started the second half the way we did the first, on top and focusing most of our play down our right, where Watkins was very impressive. We were crossing the ball into the box but McKay couldn't buzz onto the end of much and it looked as though we weren't going to take advantage. That changed when Vincent tangled for the ball on the edge of the box and it rolled back to Tansey, who arrowed in a drive from 20 yards, a tremendous hit. It was the sort of the goal that Steven Gerrard scores, a peach. At that point we were in control and I would have backed us to go on and win. Hearts came back, which was inevitable, and pressured us. A clumsy collision between Shinnie and Warren (I think) put Hearts right midfielder clean in on goal but Brill made a great stop and the header was cleared off the line. However, shortly after that we were dealt a double blow when Warren was sent off for a second booking and after he trudged off the free kick was worked for Jamie Hamill to rattle it into the net. Yogi did the obvious and took off a winger for a centre half (Doran for Devine) but a minute or so later Hamill curled in a second free kick, a beauty into the top corner. It was absolutely gutting at this point for Caley fans. We hadn't played well but I think we had been the better side and to lose two goals and a man to set pieces was a massive blow. Personally, I was pretty despondant and didn't think we'd manage anything back. Meekings forced Hamill into a cracking save when he powered a header in from Tansey's corner and McKay also threatened with a header. We hadn't won a match from a losing position all season, I think, and I was basically resigned to defeat. The horrible feeling was compounded by shocking time wasting, diving and feigning by Hearts players. extremely frustrating to see. We pushed forward but weren't able to do anything and when we went down to nine men, when Meekings was red-carded for a trip to stop Hearts getting a breakaway I was certain we were for it. It wasn't a red card if you ask me, he tripped his opponent inside the Hearts half with players covering so it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity and it wasn't violent conduct, ie a kick. Our players were seething at it but it looked like we'd end the match howling at the injustice of it all and doing little else. Somehow we managed to get one last ball into the box and in the scramble Nick Ross, who'd actually done well when introduced I thought, squirmed the ball home past McDonald. It was a surreal moment, where I was sitting it looked like the ball was in the side netting and I thougth it was until Ross ran to our fans and someone launched a smoke bomb onto the pitch That was it for 90 minutes and we had the bizarre prospect of playing 30 minutes with nine men. We did this very well. Draper and Devine are about as makeshift a centre-back pairing as you could ask for but defended brilliantly, Draper was unorthodox but unpassable. We brought on Tremarco, who was solid and dangerous going forward, and then had Tansey, Ross, and Watkins sitting in the middle with McKay up front. We sat behind the ball and invited Hearts to test us, there isn't really much else to be done in this sort of situation. It was a strange spectacle, like a defence v attack training match. Hearts seemed burst from the equaliser and didn't offer much. Nick Ross and Billy McKay even managed to eke out a few half chances for us but we were going for penalties. It was noticeable that when the final whistle blew, Hearts players sank down but our players celebrated, we were the positive side mentally at this point. Shinnie hit a poor penalty but that was followed up by an equally pish one from the on-loan striker. Our following penalties from Tansey, Ross, McKay and Draper were perfect and it was Jamie Hammil, man of the match, two goal hero and 'streetwise professional', who had his saved bh Brill, a fantastic diving stretch. It was absolutely remarkable, an insane game. I wasn't drinking before it, or last night, and I just feel a buzz, I'm shaking even now. The only big, do-or-die game we've ever won was the Clyde match to secure promotion in 2004, we're the sort of side who ploughs thought rather than wins crunchers. It's just a remarkable achievement. I'm normally not someone to give this sort of thing too much credence but I thought our spirit carried us on today. To play with the discipline and control we did for thirty minutes and then to hold our nerve in the shoot-out was really driven by the togetherness of the group. We maybe should have beaten Hearts anyway, given our sides but we managed it because of how the team worked for each other and themselves I think.

From a very happy Hibby I just want to say thank you, thankyou, thankyou! Now go on and win it as rest assured the entire country will be wishing you well against the Dons. Your team team today were truly awesome.

A wholehearted Very Well Done from Skaville. What a magnificent effort from your lads today in the face of adversity: the location and time of game, and especially the performance of the clown with the whistle. Thistle were by far the better team over the piece and imho Justice was done. Am absolutely delighted for you guys, and more than a tad envious. A national Cup Final doesn't come along too ofter for us "diddy" teams, but is certainly a day to be cherished. Best of luck in the Final - probably at Pittodrie, knowing the SPFL --- Enjoy your day out where ever it is.. Hope there's a few sare heids in Inverness tomorrow

I'll just leave this here - the glove that saved Hamill's penalty. Karma indeed:

Just got back home after watching the game with friends in Oxfordshire. I missed almost half an hour at the start because of flooding near the Thames. It would have been a travesty if we had lost that. Warren's second yellow was hardly even a foul. Meekings was just stupid, showing a bit of immaturity. But against all odds we triumphed. That goal by Nick Ross may prove to be the most valuable in our 20 year history, and Tansey's strike was worthy of winning any match. What an inspired decision getting him back to ICT. And what about the penalties! All except Shinnie's were great. I guess we must have been practising. And Dean's two saves made all previous talk on here about replacing him with Esson for the shoot out look like so much nonsense. I can't tell you how proud I was of our extra time effort in denying Hearts. We even created the better chances in the second period. Heroes all, and very difficult to pick a MOM. I'd give it equally to the nine who finished the game.

It is time - a flotilla of support ships set sail from ports around Britain to pay homage to HMS Sneck, basking in the Firth of Forth - God bless her and all who sail with her - BRING IT FECKIN ON

I have been reliably assured by Neil Doncaster in person that the venue will be entirely neutral to both teams. He was pleased that Pittodrie would be available due to the home team not playing a league game that weekend.

Still trying to climb back down from the clouds. Such a spirited, legendary and inspirational performance from everyone of those boys out there. Rasper from Tansey and then after disaster struck we just kept plugging away. When Meekings got sent off (disgusting decision) I really thought that was it but as my Mother always says when its your day, its your day and when Nicky boy bundled in that equalizer I raced around the away end like a maddy, balling my eyes out like a wee bairn but I didnt care. The dream was all but snatched away and suddenly it became possible again. Extra time lasted an eternity but after Brill made that save at the start of it we held firm, kept the 4-3-1 formation firm (as ridiculous as it sounds) and in some respects were unlucky not to snatch the win. The penalties were well dispatched by all, Shinnie was unlucky with McDonald saving his well. Deano made 2 fantastic stops, in particular from Hammill wihich was a satisfying moment for all of us as we tolerated his taunts and time wasting throughout the game...turd! When Draper calmly tucked his away everyone just went mental, such a buzz and one I will never forget. Was a great experience being able to share it with friends and family alike was something special. Everyone of those boys that played out that half hour are legends and Yogi can happily brag being the first manager to guide an ICT team to a major final. Roll on 16th March!

Agreed. Not sure who it was, but a real credit to himself and his club. We should show respect to a man who showed respect to our players and club.

Agree with previous comment about 9 men beating 12. Every time a Hearts player fell over they were awarded a free kick. Every time the Hearts fans squeeled we had a man booked or sent off. Shocking display from the home referee. With 11 men we didn't really play to our potential, but when we went down to 9 the remaining players became almost super human. Hughes got the substitutions spot on. Nick Ross had the best game of his career. He was the difference maker IMO. McKay took on the entire Hearts back 4 by himself and came away with the ball most of the time. Draper, Devine, Shinnie and Tremarco were absolute rocks at the back. What a performance. Deano commanding the box under pressure and saving 2 out of 4 penalties. A performance for the history books! When we lost the semi last season our confidence never really recovered, hopefully this result has the opposite effect and gives us a shot in the arm!

This is the SFA rules we are dealing with, and you will do as they say or make up at any moment in time.

That was magnificent. To come from a goal and two men down to victory was titanic. It was effectively 9 men against 13 when you factor in the referee and Hearts 'home' advantage. I have had the misfortune to witness far too many poor refereeing performances in well over four decades of watching football but today's was quite the worst yet still we prevailed. Extra time was surreal. We were two men light yet were never seriously threatened. Testament to the energy and commitment of the players and the organisation of the coaching staff. Whilst Billy McKay may not have been at his clinically finishing best, I thought he was tireless today running for 120 minutes ploughing a lone furrow up front in extra time and still having the energy to blast an unstoppable penalty. An emotionally drained but immensely proud Caley Jaggy.... Hometown boy Nick Ross, whatever else you go on to do in your career you are now forever part of ICT folklore. A bold statement but given where we were after 94 minutes,this, in my view, is an even greater feat than Parkhead February 2000.

Outstanding back to the wall performance by the 9 men all hero's. Many thanks to CJT for bus organisation etc and to all the boys & girls in attendance for making it a top day. Unfortunately only down side, our bus toilet required gas masks every time someone opened the door, but hey we survived.

To steal one of Charlies titles................... http://caleythistleonline.com/page/index.html/_/reports-2013-14/hearts-v-invernessct-semi-final-r1123 Fantastic achievement :notworthy: :clapoverhead:

I think we should play the 4-3-1 formation for every game from now on!

Lou Reed himself couldn't have come up with a more perfect day. We even won the pub quiz in the Persevere in the evening. Feckin smug right enuff.

Quite enjoyed the ending of that game. Aye, quite good.

Just watched the You Tube video of the penalties and it looks like Danny Wilson came over during the celebrations to congratulate the Inverness team. That was magnanimous and is a credit not only to Scottish but world football. An amazing gesture after a very difficult season and such a difficult end to the game for Hearts. An example to all football professionals.

Has anyone been over to see how the Hearts fans are feeling? I'm guessing that winning v 10 men on 90 minutes, and then having another 30 minutes to brush aside 9 men, they might be somewhat disappointed. :laugh:

On my way bk south after the best game ever. First half was awful enough said besides the odd one or two chances. Second half what a game! Tansey great strike 1-0 and i thought this the chance to go on and put there young side to bed. Instead we hoofed it instead of playing on the ground and allowed them to come at us. Warren not sure but he had committed a few fouls and was walking a tightrope. The goal poor marking fouled us and it was back against the wall time. Hamill fk very good nothing Deano could do. But we had the best chance with 10 men but wonderful save McDonald. Meekings was frustration, harsh for red but poor tackle. With 9 men i thought it was over but Nick Ross thank you for giving the best high that could beat any drug. I was on the front row but wow what a rush cannot describe the euphoria. Extra time was our defence vs there attack but ironically it was us with the best chances and they seemed terrified of Billy and Nick as the only two to attack. Pens ended great after Graeme missed the first but plaudits to Deano after standing up to be counted. 12 months ago hearts looked unstoppable from the spot but Deano was huge. To win on pens is great after last season but that goal by nick will live long in the memory. Winning was great but the wild celebrations to take it into extra time was special. Great crowd, great result in very happly pissed on my train journey south roll on the final. Yessssssssssss

had inverness lost that game , serious questions would be getting asked of those 2 red cards . in the end the 9 of inverness were creating more chances than the 12 men of hearts . incredible stuff , the best team won and i hope they can go all the way and dump aberdeen in the final

Stunning, stunning, stunned! No voice left and utter admiration for "the famous nine" (name for North stand?) Heroes to a man...bring on Abdn

One family member, two iPads and FaceTime, and a rather late night....but Wowzers! Was that a game or what??? Ref blew it big style, but no matter, 9 men is enough for the mighty ICT. I think "300" should be the movie on the bus home, or maybe the Alamo? Lion Rampants in blue shirts.

Great day for a club that balances it books and seemingly has to fight against the odds to gain respect from the Scottish football fraternity. Maybe one day the media, authorities and other fans will start to give us the credit we deserve. TogetherNess.

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/invernessct/article5417908.ece

Considering the Dons players walked off the pitch the other week refusing to shake hands, that Hearts player deserves plaudits for his sportsmanship.

What do you mean ALMOST superhuman ?

He did!

Altogether now!! Happy ...happy talk

what an amazing game! literally had everything, best part of the match is when Jamie Hamill is walking up to take his penalty, taunting to the caley fans and then Brill saves it. Fantastic performance by the 9 players that played through the extra time - bring on Aberdeen

I watched on tv as I said I would. Firstly well done guys for a fantastic never say die performance. You made me feel so proud. Justice was done for the red cards. Firstly it wasn't Warren who committed the foul for his second yellow. It was Watkins. No wonder Gary was raging for being no where near the incident. Then Josh's red card was no worse than a yellow and certainly not as bad as Robinson's near leg breaker on Billy in 6 minutes.

What a game that even with 9 men and the officials against us we deservedly won, Great effort from all the players and a great day out for the fans, it really was Sunshine on Leith today! Looking forward to the final! :clapoverhead: :clapoverhead:

Quality cup tie and great to be in a major final. One step forward from last season and another entry into the ict history book. Well done lads and see you in the final.

Well we beat all the Odds location KO Time and the Referee what a joke he was Warren 1st booking fair enough second never a booking and Meekings no more than a yellow especially when you think that Hearts player only got a yellow when he felled McKay. I really thought we had lost the game after going 2-1 down but you have to hand it to the lads for digging and getting the equaliser in the dying minutes and then to hold out and actually create the better chances in extra time with 9 men was incredible. I thought that our boys would probably knackered that they would not be able to take Penalties but once again they rose to the occasion. This has to be probably our greatest victory. Pity Warren will miss the Final and we surely must protest Meekings Red Card

And given that a proportion of the Hearts fans only went cos it was being played in their own back yard, even McDiarmid would have been adequate!

Attendance was 12,600 i see. So much for Tannadice(14,000) not being big enough. Doncaster is a fecking clown n needs to be shot of!

The result was never in doubt.

Spent today at the foot of Nelson's Column...hoping for victory. Naelifts texting the action (for which, thanks!)...but I just knew when we grabbed the lead.... What was everyone nervous about? A great result and well done to everyone associated with ICT!

Pwoud, vewwy pwoud and quite pished. That was right up there with the best of the pele years. Caley100 got Deano's glove and we've all been getting photos with it in the Iona.

Just as well they didn't take my advice!

Absolutely fantastic performance - ICT heroes all.

Aberdeen will be tipped as favourite's to lift the trophy but after watching todays performance i truley believe ICT can win, they showed such spirit stamina & determination with just 9 men ..... WELL DONE ICT !! :ictscarf:

Believe .... believe....believe !

Nifty nine nullify the hearts. Fantastic result, a heart stopping moment I will enjoy forever. Well done the Team that doesn't give up. What was that poll about goalkeepers ? There is only Brill .........Well done that man. Graeme Shinnie missed that penalty to lull MacDonald into a false sense of security Tansey once again Welcome back and I know now why Ross was named NICK 'cause he certainly nicked that one. What do ICT do..................They believe

That was not good for the nerves at all, and I get more of the same tonight with the Broncos in the Superbowl. Like Charlie Christie, I was incredulous at the red cards, Warren's second yellow was barely a foul, and if it was then more Watkins than him, and Meekings....... well WTF. Warren is out of the final no matter what, yellows can't be appealed IIRC, but Meekings' red surely can. Couldn't complain about a yellow for the challenge, but he wasn't on a booking from before was he ? If that can get downgraded to a yellow then he would be available for the final, He and Devine handled Pittodrie the other week so wouldn't be worried about that pairing. Put up the effort an belief of today again and a first major trophy is possible.

That was exciting!! Great all round team performance. Well done ICT!

Well done ICT!!! Karma for last year lads :-)

I've woken up with a sense of excitement, expectation, and, if I'm honest, some apprehension. I cannot be there this time, but I wish all the ICT team, management and supporters a wonderful day out, ending of course with a deserved win against Hearts. I'll be with you in spirit, and indeed spirits before and after the match , which I'll catch on TV. Safe journey, and see you at the final.

May depend on the conditions and who's the convener so these may vary a bit from bus to bus - No planned toilet stops all buses will have toilets onboard. Probably around 30 mins, as far as I'm aware they're leaving after from Leith Links unless the police change that. Buses will return to where they picked you up, not much use leaving your car in Inshes and getting dropped off at the stadium!