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Nipped along earlier in an attempt to catch some of the action. Total no go gaining access to the facility so ended up in a farmer's field with ymip Jr, a handful of Aberdeen fans and a former ICT player, all strugglling to make out a great deal. The Aberdeen fan we got talking to suggested we'd taken the lead early on - possibly through Shane Sutherland. Jay Emmanuel Thomas equalised for the dismal dons. Ten minutes into the second half the irate farmer decided to release his herd of cows into the field which necessitated a tactical retreat. We were then so far away it was again difficult to make out much of the action but looked like it ended 1-1. Couldn't really make out much of starting line-up but we seemed to start second half along these lines: Ridgers - Harper, Jevan Anderson, Fyffe, Carson, Gardyne, Hyde,Doran, AN Other, Walsh, Duku All in all a bit of a fruitless exercise but we seemed to be competing with dons throughout and can claim to have been part of possibly the smallest #caleyaway since we played the dons at the bararacks at Bridge of Don about 20+ years ago.

Maybe biased but a lot better than the nothing posted by our club yet. Seems to have been a worthwhile exercise on our part playing slightly stiffer opposition than our usual pre season opponents.

Anything but an Italy win will be a loss for football. Despite their undoubted wealth of talent England still can't play good football - the Danes easily passed the ball through them and only began to fade towards the end,as they subbed their best players off. Englands plan A, get it to Sterling wears thin pretty quickly, and if it wasn't for the pace of Kyle Walker they might have been in more trouble at the back. I respect how far Southgate has taken them, but his tactical limitations seem apparent as he has very creative players that are playing within a system that doesn't use them to the best of their abilities

Well done Scotty, a good job done.

ok, as time is of the essence I am going to reply back to the club and note that we will sponsor Harper's home shirt and also Lewis Hyde as he got more votes than all others. Aslo going to close off the sponsorship for this year at our current numbers.

I am familiar with the facility and drive past most days so am not surprised at the issues encountered. I actually know the 'irate farmer' and you were fortunate that it was cows released into the field! However, thanks for the long range report and your efforts are very much appreciated.

One to tell your grandchildren about when ICT are in the Champions’ League.

I doubt a lot of junior sides, even some League 1 and 2 sides, have the financial backing that Kelty have.

Few decent sides involved in the junior set up still and it would be nice to see them in another cup with the main 42 teams I know I won't get to many ICT games this year so I'm planning doing some groundhopping in the junior leagues

It was ridiculous that a country as small as ours had two separate codes, never the twain shall meet, of adult professional football. Wonderful to see the closed shop that was the senior league system being gradually opened up with the next step, from next season, being teams from the North Caledonian League or Junior Suoer League given the opportunity to play off with the team finishing foot of the Highland League provided the former meet minimum criteria. Just a pity that it took over a century of self protectionist, self interested, pulling up of the draw bridge to even begin the process.

I had successfully erased Jimmy Hill from my memory until I read your post!! I lived in England for many years, loved the area we were in (still not a patch on here though) and the people we got to know were great. It is just a shame the BBC (and at times ITV) forget they are broadcasting to the full country, not just to England. That’s what winds me up.

I wish that I could give you three quarters of a 'like'. I entirely agree with your first paragraph. I also entirely agree that the SPFL have ruined it over the last few seasons. However, I entirely disagree that it should be scrapped rather than reformed. It was once a great competition and could be again affording the clubs out with the top tier their only realistic opportunity of a national trophy and giving the fans of the finalists a great day out. Kick out the colts teams, keep it entirely within Scotland (plus Berwick) admit the juniors, find a decent sponsor and stop tinkering with the format and it could be a great and very worthwhile competition once again.

I still remember that toe poke !! I was (a lot) younger then and when I jumped high into the air in the living room my fist left a mark on the ceiling!

Italy v Spain. By far, the best game of the tournament so far. Pleased to see Itsly prevail but what a pity that wasn't the final.