Leaderboard

Wow...what a game! After that first 45minutes, when we were lucky to not be 4 or 5 nil down. As the saying goes though you have to score when you're dominating the game, and St Johnstone didn't score enough. I can understand the line-up when you consider that neither Chalmers or Smauels have stayed on the pitch for the whole of any match, and Allardice had played less than 5 minutes in 4 months. In theory playing 3 CB's at the back using Welsh was partly to compensate for not having Devine to partner Broadfoot, and gave us 5 at the back or 4 in midfield to suit passages in play. Also with no Sutherland, a way had to be found to occupy the St Johnstone backline [although Hardy is a bit slow and weak at times]....Whatever the plan was, it didn't work in a spectacularly bad way, and I started to think it might be a blessing as there is no way that line up survives in the Premiership. Dodds therefore deserves great praise for reorganising at half time, and despite what the Sky commentators were saying, you could see we had taken back some of the control of the game from the restart. We were a completely different side in the 2nd half. Samuels made a real difference, he is probably playing the best in his entire career, a decent run in the team and he is developing some strength, control and intelligence to go with his undoubted speed. Chalmers worked hard in defence as well as being a bright spark around the front line. Going to a back 4 with Welsh back in the midfield with some complacency from St Johnstone started the process of regain parity, so for me I felt we were going to get a goal back before we actually did. Allardice added calmness when he came on, let's hope he has no reaction to the game and is available for Monday. As for McAlear, given that he has been a bit 'off-the-boil' during the run in and play-offs, those goals were sublime. Despite the Sky commentators narrative, if Samuels was offside [I don't think he was] then it was marginal, whilst McKay was already getting up from being headbutted by McCart, which may have swayed the ref's thinking not to stop the game. Davidson's moaning about the goal has more to do with realising he had perhaps thrown the tie away, especially after taking off Hallberg and Middleton when he did. McAlear's free kick really was a thing of beauty {the free kick came from another decent build up from Caley too] I would not have been surprised if we had pinched a 3rd goal [but that would be greedy of me] The 2nd leg is definitely up for grabs now, with Devine returning, meaning Deas can go to the left back position to nullify the threat of Rooney, perhaps with the help of Chalmers. Dodds will be wondering if Allardice is up for starting bearing in mind this leg could go to extra time [I'd probably start with Hyde], which if it happens might be harder on Caley than St Johnstone [legs-wise]. I suspect the strategy has to be to score first, so Samuels might also start. This leaves the likes of Duffy, Harper, Hardy and Doran to come on later along with Allardice to try and keep St Johnstone at bay. BTW great to see such a decent crowd in, for such an important game, lots of home support including the young crew on the West stand, to counteract a large St Johnstone following. We can definitely do based it on what I saw in the 2nd half and with reinforcements for the return leg, but it could feel like the longest 90mins. or 120 [Dear God no!] of our Caley lives.

These Friday night matches have been pretty incredible. They often are when we are involved, for whatever reason. Arbroath get a 2 player head start, SaintJohnstone get a 2 goal head start. Yet here we are going into the play off final 2nd leg with a decent chance.

You can see what Dodds was thinking - that they'd come at us strongly (correct) and so we needed to hold them first (didn't work!) and then bring on the artillery (worked better than anybody could have imagined at halftime!). But I do think that, given our injuries and refereeing casualties, the best we could hope for before the game was to to be able to go to Perth still in it, and with a chance to pull off something remarkable. And, by some miracle or other, the players did it. They are going to be on a high over the weekend so that is the best preparation for the game we could have hoped for. You feel that the game could go either way now, and that is itself a real achievement.

I don't remember it being announced but it looked north of 5,000 to me. When I watched the match back on TV it was great not to be able to read the lettering picked out the seats for the first time since goodness knows when.

The first half has completely been erased from my memory by the second half - what a night. Well done boys, Billy Dodds and all involved. That is what we go to games to see. The atmosphere was electric in the crowd, and the noise in the stands was as supportive as the lads could have hoped for. Thanks to the club for all the tickets gifted to young players and school pupils this week. I know for a fact that the youngsters from Dalneigh had a ball. These are our future season ticket holders and I'm sure they will return after last nights excitement. Great to see that lots of the youngsters were female - ICT are really raising the profile of women's football in the city and surrounding area. Best of luck for Monday - wish I could go - get those pink strips on and gie them laldy down in Perth.

That was astonishing from Macalear. A fantastic shot into the roof of the net, and five minutes later a free kick which would grace any Champions League or World Cup game. Where do they summon up this amazing never-say-die attitude from? Samuels was outstanding in his running and creating of chances too. And I was delighted to see Allardice back, he can make an immense difference in the middle of the park. I think we have our team sorted for Monday. If we can just resist the pressure they will put us under from the off, we can grow into the game as we did tonight and give them some real headaches. After thinking we were down and out of it at half time, quite amazing that we have a real chance in a cup final of a game that, once again, as underdogs we have nothing to lose by really going for it. As long as we can defend for our lives too. Bring it on. We have sown the seeds of doubt in them now, let that sink in and gnaw at their self-belief over the weekend!

Had to listen to the radio commentary (thank you BBC!) while working so looking forward to seeing the 2nd leg on the telly. No matter what the outcome on Monday night I couldn’t be prouder to be a CaleyJags fan at the moment. Following that drastic spell in the season when everything seemed to be going so wrong the turnaround in the latter stages of the regular season and the sheer effort expended throughout the playoffs has been quite exceptional. Billy Dodds does indeed merit great plaudits for this (extremely impressed with his post match interview admitting he got the initial tactics wrong) but it is obviously a tremendous effort from everyone at the club. The passion, guts and determination shown in the face of adversity has been outstanding. Well done all you’ve done yourselves proud, just one final push on Monday and you’ll do it - thanks for the ride

Still grinning inanely today! Half time I really thought we’d blown it. We looked smaller, slower and devoid of any idea of what to do. Welsh at centre half was used at beginning of season and there is some sense in having there for his range of passing….but not last night. He looked so much more effective in midfield. The big change came with getting the width to the team and putting StJ on the back foot. Allardice made a huge difference as did Chalmers and Samuels looked electric. there’s no way we’ll play that badly again and with devine back we will have our usual shape back. There must be some real belief in that squad that they can do this now. off to watch the highlights….again! can you imagine a midfield with MCAleer, Allardice and MacGregor next season!

I rewatched the match on TV this morning at that free kick was every bit as stunning as it looked at the time. Unlike the match at Gayfield which was littered with them, there was only one real moment of controversy. We were perhaps a little fortunate with our first goal. Samuels may just have strayed offside but, if he did, it was marginally. Some referees might have stopped the match for a head knock but the laws of the game permit them to use discretion and Billy had clearly been fouled. Both the referee and the standside assistant got a clear view of the incident and could see that both players were moving and that Billy was actually back on his feet and, as it turned out neither were injured. The cut back from Samuels and the finish from McAlear were sublime. What was most revealing of all was the reactions of both managers in their respective post match interviews. Dodds was honest and candid and conceded that our initial problems were down to him getting it wrong with team selection and formation. In stark contrast, Callum Davidson did not accept at all that he bore any responsibility for the capitulation with his failure to react to our changes and his own inexplicable substitutions instead blaming a single refereeing decision which, as I indicated above, could have gone either way. As it happens, I think Madden had a good game feeling it necessary to weild only one yellow card in what was a competitive and hard fought game. The Perth Saints are clearly rattled whilst we have gained some confidence and composure. I hope that the boys are given the day off todsy followed by a light training session tomorrow including a spot of penalty practice before travelling down the road on Monday with, assuming we get our team selection and tactics right from the outset, every bit as much of a chance of spending next season in the Premiership as our hosts. Finally, great credit to the large crowd who stayed behind the team even when things were looking hopeless.

I really enjoy Friday night football. I'd happily go every Friday night.

Wow! It looked amazing in the ground but even better seeing all the angles. That tops his goal of the season against Dunfermline. I doubt we can keep him for next season but hopefully he gets a club that gives him game time and the chance to realise his potential.

Going to really miss these really exciting Friday night games personally

I’d start Welsh ahead of Doran as the three in the middle worked when Allardice came on and we need to be competitive against their 5. I hadn’t realised young Mackay was Dan’s brother. Hope he turns out as influential as Dan did for us.

This team As has been stated, we were abysmal for a vast majority of the game and have to thank Ridgers (again) for keeping us in it, that save at 0-0 was excellent but the one from Middleton was even better (he 100% got a touch to it by the way) and the one where he saved his own blunder on to the bar was as crucial :). We've criticised Billy quite a bit this season (especially during our dreadful run) so he rightly deserves praise this play off campaign for making the right changes at the right time and also applaud him for admitting he got the starting formation wrong tonight, it's clear that we have to go 4-4-2 on Monday and keep it tight for as long as possible :D. Ridgers Carson Broadfoot Devine Deas Doran McAlear Allardice Chalmers McKay and Samuels. Subs: Mackay, Harper, Hyde, Welsh, Nicolson, Hardy and either Strachan or Dan Mackay's bro. That would be the team I'd go with though I'd be amazed if Billy dropped Welsh. As I posted on Facebook, COME ON LADS, ONE FINAL PUSH !

The planet's are aligning ️

It's only just sinking in that we are still in this tie. Abysmal first half had me wondering about going to perth on monday. What a turnaround. Good looking crowd too......anyone know. Popped into the Innes to catch up with some old faces but no one there that I knew. Shame. But what a night......another one from our great wee club.

We showed St Johnstone too much respect by changing our formation and going 3 5 2 to match them. It just didn’t work and credit to Dodds for admitting he got it wrong. Going to 4 4 2 made us competitive and stopped St Johnstone outclassing and overrunning us and we got a foothold in the game and then, in my biased opinion, a deserved equaliser, and we came so close to sneaking a winner. I’ve not watched it back so can’t comment on the offside but I was pleased the ref let the move continue when McCart went down and what a finish by McAlear. It’s nice to get the rub of the green after recent events. As for the equaliser, what a strike by McAlear. He’d had a poor first half but that is forgiven. I felt Allardice made a big difference when he came on. He added a calmness and always found a pass. Hopefully he is fit enough to start on Monday. Samuels had a great 45 too. What a mix of emotions we have as Caley Thistle fans. Outclassed and lucky to only be 2 down, but then getting back in it. We’ve shown we don’t need to fear St Johnstone so time to kick on and overcome the odds once again on Monday. I hope we take a big, noisy crowd down the A9.

Dodds admitted post match that he’d got the shape wrong (stating the bleeding obvious perhaps, but at least he didn’t make excuses)

Especially as so many Central Belt pundits have constantly written us off as a bunch of turkeys.

The first half we were farting against thunder! Once Scott Allardice came on we were a much improved side pushing forward and looking dangerous and got two well deserved goals, the second a cracker The ref was decent and let the game flow, the stewards were good not chasing the kids away from the wall behind the goal and our home support was the best all season

There is no doubt that we were utterly abysmal in the first half and were very fortunate indeed to go in only the 2 goals down with our promotion hopes hanging by a thread rather than completely ended. There is also no doubt that, by and large, the St Johnstone players are more talented and skillful than ours but they cannot come close to matching us for resilience and determination. That was a Herculean effort in the second half and great credit must go the the manager for his half time substitutions and change of tactics. Who can fail to mention Reece McAlear's two stunning goals. That free kick was positively Ronaldoesque. Special mention as well for Austen Samuels who, after a sticky start, is getting better and better and has played a huge part in getting us this far in the play offs. Ordinarily, a draw would we a good result for the away team in a two legged tie but I am in no doubt at all who will be the happier group of players and coaches this evening. I rember, half a lifetime ago, a Caley team coming from 2 goals down against St Johnstone to force a replay in Perth to which they brought over 3,000 fans. It would be great if we could match those numbers while avoiding the eventual outcome. St Johnstone remain favourites to win the tie but our squad will be boosted by the return of at least 2 influential players and the confidence gained from turning the first leg around. One more huge effort required but we can still do this !

A breif tribute to Richard Gordon who retires today from his role as presenter of Saturday Sportsound. Despite never having played the game at any professional level, he is one of the most knowledgeable and least biased sports journalists in the country despite, unlike many of his Central Belt colleagues, is quite happy to be entirely open about which team he supports and with a passion. He was also quick to give us praise and credit whenever we merited it and, again unlike many of his colleagues, Jim Traynor in particular comes to mind, he was never condescending or patronising towards us. I hope that he enjoys a long and happy retirement.

Depending on your pre match plans (i.e. if you have none) you could park at The Glover Arms which is about a 15 minute walk from the ground and this will allow you a quick exit back onto the A9 after the game. You would need to come off at the new junction, go around the back of the ground and crematorium and then head out on the Crieff Road for a little bit.

What was most revealing of all was the reactions of both managers in their respective post match interviews. Dodds was honest and candid and conceded that our initial problems were down to him getting it wrong with team selection and formation. In stark contrast, Callum Davidson did not accept at all that he bore any responsibility for the capitulation with his failure to react to our changes and his own inexplicable substitutions instead blaming a single refereeing decision which, as I indicated above, could have gone either way. As it happens, I think Madden had a good game feeling it necessary to weild only one yellow card in what was a competitive and hard fought game. This from @Kingsmills is spot on. From what I've seen on social media no Saints fan is complaining re the goal standing but all are blaming Davidson for being complacent. We watched the game with my pal who is a St J fan - that wasn't awkward at all Looking forward to Monday with a sense of trepidation...

As the Cup Final looms, I am sure that you will all join me in sending the thespians' traditional wish to the most theatrical of referees. Break a leg, Willie!

Or with Steve Paterson who was a master of them in his day.

Agreed. I am sure that Dodds will be emphasising this to our players. I would also emphasise this in every broadcast or print interview before Monday, in the hope that it gets through to the St J players. "They are more used to losing than we are. They are fighting to keep their place, while we can only go upwards." And so on. Mind games didn't end with Ferguson and Wenger

Hopefully…..

If we go up, he might be persuaded

Thanks to Scotrail looks like It will be impossible to get back on Monday night unless leave early for the last bus. Ahhh typical!!

To be fair, he acknowledged his mistake and rectified it.

We were all astounded with the lineup and formation, it was mind boggling. We needed to give Rooney something to think about, but we let him have the run of the right wing in the first half, it was only when Chalmers came on that we gave him something to think about, and having Welsh, our best midfielder, playing in the back four, was a huge blunder by Dodds. But credit to Dodds and the players, we turned it around. First goal, Samuels was offside, but we played to the whistle and Macalear scored a great goal, and then he steps up and scores one of the best free kicks I have ever seen. For me, we must start the game on Monday with the team and formation that ended the match, with Devine coming back in for harper. Having Allardice and Welsh in the middle is a must now, and we mustn't be so passive. We could be 90 minutes from the top league, so let's believe, we know that if we put some pressure on them, they are there for the taking.

After the shambles the last game you are right Yngwie

Not sure if anyone mentioned it yet but our first goal should not have stood. Played should’ve stopped for a head knock and also Samuels was offside (not 2 yards offside like Callum Davidson says, but a wee bit offside). About time we got a wee bit of good fortune from the match officials.

I say, what happened? Roll on Monday.

I’m enjoying Christmas much more than I was expecting

When I saw the starting 11 I was doubtful without Samuel's and Chalmers.We were rubbish for the first half, no width and long high balls as usual to the two smallest players up front.Second half was totally different.Great subs,delighted to see Allardyce back as he calmed the team and showed experience.Two brilliant goals by McAleer. Well done ICT.Please don't start like that on Monday.

Great result. Don't know why Dodds didn't start Chalmers or Samuels