tm4tj
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Everything posted by tm4tj
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Sorry fer pittin ye aff, I wis rushin. It was indeed 3-0. I was also at that Nairn Dundee game.
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Township discrimination? It's all about Sneck. Telford Street Rock Festival 7/18/1970 Inverness Caledonian Football Park Scottish Blues & Progressive Music Festival Taste were headlining, that's Rory Gallagher to those that missed him. Inverness Thistle v Falkirk much postponed Cup Match.............eventual score 0-4 Inverness Thistle 3-0 Kilmarnock Scottish Cup game. Caley 0-5 Clach something like the NoS Cup semi final replay The sharp bend at the bottom of Drimossie Brae with the big tree de-barked every weekend. aye memories memories
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I'm in, I can fill big Boabies boots..................and his shirts if they have shrunk a bit.
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Me too. There may have been some underlying issue, but on the whole he performed poorly. He has probably injured his pride after that performance. Still, overeall, he has been one of the many shining lights throughout the season so far.
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Nah, that was pretty much it. We did have an offside goal and it was offside. Templeton did dive and he was booked for it. Duncan shot too close to keeper at the end. We created very few off target chances to be honest. We were crapping ourselves at the end as Hearts forced three or four corners in injury time, but we held firm. They on the other hand were much more creative and should really have won the game. But they never. They flashed two or three across the face of the box, Templeton rattled the post and fizzed another belter a couple of feet wide. Our chances were not as clear cut and we tended to fizzle out in the last third. Hayes was pathetic and never helped Duff out. He should have been hooked earlier. This left us toiling with a passenger. Esson was definitely the busier keeper and had to make the more difficult saves. Cox was another who has had a better day at the office. Too often in the wrong place but they all stuck to their task and a draw was hard earned and almost believable.
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Great atmosphere and some good chants yesterday. The Rossco one was sharp as a tack. It certainly helps when we get squashed into a corner and everyone is singing from the same book. The record books show that we drew 1-1, that will do for me. Jonny Hayes was extremely disappointing yesterday. He never appeared until around the hour mark when he suddenly woke up and ran. Unfortunately, Rooney had seen his piss poor display up to that point and never gave him the ball, and that about summed up Jonny's day, after last week, this was one for him to forget. Still, well done everybody, who would have thought we would have been sitting fourth in the league around Xmas, although I have to say that with games in hand, Killie, United and Well will be breathing down our necks. Enjoy it while we can.
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Ginger Jaggy has now had his match report published. Roads were not good around Perth to Pitlochry on the way home but all is well now. Ginger jaggy's match report
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Dundee United, stunning result and stunning goals and no more than we deserved on the day.
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Aye, burst pipes at half nine in the morning meant I missed the pre-match entertainment. Never left Inverness until 11:45. Pipes are burst somewhere under the floorboards under the fitted kitchen units..............nightmare. Water turned off for now so
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Spot on about Hayes. He had a shocker. Looked sluggish and struggled to get going until about an hour into the game. Templeton on the other hand looks to be a tremendous prospect and he packs a punch for a wee guy. Shame about Russells effort near the end. He broke forward and Russell had options, but the defence opened up for him and he tried his luck from twenty five yards, but hit it too straight at the keeper. We worked very hard for this point and stopped the form team in their tracks. All our best performers were at the back. Granty, Rossco and Duff were supreb, while Jonny was still basking in the glory of his super strike last week. Difficult to tell about our goal at the far end of the ground, but Munro headed goalwards and seemed to be claiming it, although there appeared to be a melee in front of the goal line. Hearts spurned what opportunities they had and created a few chances, but flashed them across the box with no takers and ended the game with a flurry of corners which we did well to repel. Great point from a difficult encounter.
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Christmas cheer for Terry & Mo Inverness completed the full house of achievements after a draw at Tynecastle with a stubborn defensive display to thwart Hearts attacking threat. Hearts were restricted to dozens of long range efforts after coming from behind to deservedly earn a draw against the away day specialists from the Highlands. Grant Munro opened the scoring after some debate as to who had the last touch, but big Kevin Kyle restored parity with an expertly taken penalty after Stephen Elliott was upended by Ryan Esson, who was yellow carded. No doubt about the decision, and no doubt about the resultant spot kick as Esson went the wrong way. 18th December 2010 Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh HEARTS 1 - Kyle (25 pen) TEAM: Kello, Jonsson, Palazuelos, Bouzid (Stevenson 19), Zaliukas, Black, Templeton, Skacel, Mrowiec, Kyle, Elliot SUBS: MacDonald, Barr, Elliot, Novikovas, Glen, Thomson - Booked: Templeton (23) INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE 1 - Munro (17) TEAM: Esson, Tokely, Munro, Shinnie, Duff, Cox, Hayes (Odhiambo 84), Duncan, Ross (Innes 90), Foran (Sutherland 76), Rooney SUBS: Tuffey, Golabek, McBain, Sanchez - Booked: Duff (12), Esson (24) Referee Brian Winter Attendance 12994 Ginger Jaggy was there......................................... The final away league game of the season saw us pick up another creditable point, which confirms that Caley Thistle have gone unbeaten for the calendar year of 2010. A few weeks ago we drew at Parkhead to remain unbeaten for a year and today we got that whole calendar year, and what a year it has been for everyone connected to the club. Today's game was a hard battle with us gaining a point after a very dominant display by Hearts, especially in the second half. In the first half we started the game the better side as we settled on the ball early and passed it around neatly. Hearts looked a little hesitant and that was about to hurt them. In the seventeenth minute some sloppy hearts play allowed Inverness to streak forward and win a free kick outside the box, as Eggert Jonsson impeded Foran. The delivery was a decent one from Duncan, and with some criminal marking, Grant Munro powerfully headed home a free header from twelve yards. To the away fans it seemed a little bit of a scramble with Adam Rooney making a nuisance of himself in the six yard box. We didn't care though. One nil up and looking good the travelling support were in great voice against the backdrop of a fairly subdued home support. But after the goal Hearts stepped up a gear and then from then on they dominated the match possession wise. The first major incident saw David Templeton burst into the box and go down. Brian Winter correctly penalised the striker amid the howling and booing from the home fans, and gave the young lad a yellow card for diving. But it wasn't long before they did get a penalty. Some neat build up play saw a lovely ball played inside by Kyle for Stephen Elliott to latch onto just before Ryan Esson could get there. Elliott tried to round Esson as he came out, but he only succeeded in knocking the ball too far, unfortunately Ryan had committed himself to the challenge and upended Elliot with his follow through. Just a yellow to our relief but the spot kick was comfortably put away by big Kevin Kyle. After that there was really only one team that looked like winning. Templeton who was flagged a major danger before the game hit a fantastic 25 yard screamer that beat Esson all ends up but unfortunately for the Hearts faithful it failed to beat the post as it smacked off it and out of play to our relief. Ryan Stevenson an early substitute for Ishmael Bouzid tested Esson for the first time with a decent shot from just outside the area. Esson who has had a great season between the sticks pulled off a great save to beat the ball away, to the chorus of Scotland's number three by the away contingent. Hearts created a few more half chances but we went in at half time all square in what was an entertaining first half. Half Time 1-1 Hearts were quicker on the uptake in the second half, pressing Caley Thistle from the first minute. The dangerous Templeton was again involved latching onto a pass from Kyle, but he narrowly dragged his shot wide. Next up was Kyle himself but he blazed high and wide from a decent position. But it would be harsh on Inverness to say that the second half was about Hearts having some shooting practice – Which they failed miserably- Inverness looked dangerous on the counter attack and got themselves into some decent positions. Nick Ross – my man of the match for the lung bursting runs that he did – had an excellent game and it was as a result of one of these runs that the travelling support thought had put us in the lead. Ross' run was stopped with a foul and the resultant free kick ended in the net. Not too dissimilar to our first goal, Hearts defended poorly and allowed the flick to reach Rooney who confidently put the ball home. Unfortunately our celebrations were short lived as the offside flag went up. As the game progressed further into its final stages Hearts pressed more and Caley Thistle started to drop deeper. Templeton had another effort which narrowly went off target and then Rudi Skacel raced clear down left and his shot across Esson narrowly missed the target if not even shaving the post. Rooney was a lone man now and all our clearances just kept returning like a boomerang. Calum Elliot was introduced for his name sake Stephen and he almost won it when his flick was saved by Esson's foot on the line. Hearts huffed and puffed at the death but we almost snatched an unlikely victory when Russell Duncan drove forward. With four players to choose from the space opened up for him and he had a go himself. The effort was too direct at the keeper and was well saved by Kello, but it was comfortable really. The whistle sounded after a flurry of corners for Hearts deep into injury time to round off a great 2010 with Caley Thistle away from home, which sees us still unbeaten going into the new year and in the heavenly heights of fourth place in the SPL. Great defensive performance from Inverness to stop Hearts six game winning run and keep our away record going. All the heroes were in defence with Munro, Tokely and Duff getting to grips with a very lively Hearts attacking threat bolstered by the giant Kevin Kyle. Duff in particular recovering well from receiving an early booking to halt the energetic Templeton on numerous forays forward. Ginger Jaggy has Nick Ross high on his list, I'll plump for our goal scoring centre back and former captain Grant Munro who never put a foot wrong, and also a goal saving block in the last ten minutes to avert a certain goal. Hearts look a good bet for at least third place. Some excellent attacking options , and for a wee guy, David Templeton packs a pretty ferocious shot. He will be some player when he grows up. Not since the days of Colquhoun, Robertson and Crabbe have the Jambo's had the luxury of such a potent attack, and with Kevin Kyle playing the Joe Jordan role, then things are looking up down Gorgie Road. Enjoy your turkey guys, you have certainly earned it, and thanks for the early Xmas cheer. -
here here, or is it hear hear, or here hear, or even hear here????????
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Bit frosty in the Sneck this morning, -6 as I scraped the car ready for Embra. Diggers here I come.
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Cheers scarlet. The guys spend a lot of time and effort writing up some of these articles, good to know that someone appreciates them. Ducks still here. Tough game this one, Hearts are the big form team.
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Hearts Preview now published on Main Page. ginger jaggy was your author this week. Cheers Jaggy Hearts Preview 18th December
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Xmas cracker on the cards The SPL's two form teams meet in the capital this Saturday. Inverness will be looking to make it a calendar year without an away league defeat, and Hearts are out to extend their six game winning streak. Something must give in the Tynecastle cauldron, and Inverness gaffer Terry Butcher knows that this will be one of the most difficult fixtures for his away day marvels to take anything from. The one consolation for the fans is that this game should ease the pain of the Xmas shopping bill. Inverness will be looking to return the compliment to Jim Jeffries' side at Tynecastle after a rather flattering 1-3 scoreline in Inverness gave the Jambo's all three points in the first meeting this season. Heart's victory at Fir Park in midweek has put them within three points of second place Celtic, albeit with an extra game played, and a healthy goal difference of plus fifteen. Inverness, deservedly, find themselves rubbing shoulders with the big boys in the top half of the league at the moment. Much credit for this has to go to the away form which has lifted us to fourth position and on twenty six points, six adrift of Hearts. The weather has already claimed two SPL games this weekend as the snow returns with a vengeance. Rangers game with St Mirren was called off on Thursday after it was discovered that the plumber forgot to lag the pipes; deary me. Extensive water damage within Ibrox is the reason for this postponement. Aberdeen were saved the embarrassment of losing again by having their game with Motherwell called off because of the freezing weather. No conspiracy either, as Well have dropped their case against Brown doing a runner to the Dons, so it looks like a good move all round. The Tayside derby at Perth will have a pitch inspection before a decision will be made. All in all, an exciting afternoon's entertainment is surely lined up, one way or another, so, get your credit cards ready for a hectic weekend in Edinburgh, and look ahead to the match as our own ginger jaggy put's pen to paper for your pleasure. Our Year so Far What a year we have all had as Caley Thistle fans. At the start of 2010 we were in about the same position that we are now. The only difference was that we were fourthin the First Division and seemingly destined to continue to play in that league coming into this Christmas. But for Inverness, fairytales have come true, and there have been a few fairytales over the piece. Dundee were on their way to being crowned champions by this time last year with their dominance looking like gaining them promotion. But come May, and an unbeaten run that spanned 21 games, which included a fair chunk of what will be remembered as the away day invincibles, Inverness had turned the division on it's head. The title was celebrated by everyone of a Caley Thistle persuasion and the next challenge was to make a good start to life back at the top table of Scottish football. Remarkably, we now find ourselves here, fourth place in the SPL and within touching distance of third place and a possible dream of Europe. We have had our ups and downs, but we have to give the management of Terry and Mo and the players our greatest gratitude for the rollercoaster of a year that is 2010. There have been a few defeats, but on the road they have been invincible with two well documented stories to tell at both old firm grounds. We even managed to secure a first home league victory over Aberdeen. Ibrox was exceptional, but Celtic Park was the more difficult task; 2-0 down on the anniversary of our last away league defeat. Other teams may have wilted and shipped more goals; not our boys. Caley Thistle is made of sterner stuff and we completed the not undeserved comeback which means thet the record books state :- Inverness Caledonian Thistle were unbeaten for a year away from the Highlands on league duty. Recent form & key players This weekend we make our last visit down south for 2010 when we visit Tynecastle to play third place Hearts. The Jambo's have had a great season so far and have really picked up the pace in the last six matches. They recorded four successive 2-0 wins which included the defeat of Celtic at Tynecastle. Last weekend they thumped desperate Aberdeen 5-0 in front of new boss Craig Brown. On Tuesday night in a rearranged fixture at Motherwell, Hearts came away with a 2-1 win and that puts a little daylight between us and them. They have been on fire recently with an abundance of attacking options. The Jambo's have scored fifteen goals in the six game winning run for the loss of a solitary goal. New strikers Kevin Kyle and Steven Elliot have brought goals to the side, but two of the biggest threats have come from the flanks. Home grown talent David Templeton is having a stormer of a season at the age of only 17. He has scored 5 goals from the wing and that is aided by another 7 on the opposite side from returning hero Rudi Skacel. They will be the danger men this weekend, along with the giant, Kevin Kyle. As for us we go into the game unbeaten in our last 5, recording victories over Aberdeen, Hamilton and Hibs with two creditable draws against the old firm. 2-2 at Parkhead and 1-1 in the Highlands against the blue half last Saturday. Best striking display for Inverness was the 4-2 victory over Hearts city rivals Hibernian. Adam Rooney scored ICT's first ever hat-trick in the SPL that day and he is second top scorer in Scotland behind Kenny Miller. Over the six game period, we have scored 13 goals losing 9 in the process. Hearts have the best record out of the head to head games, winning 10 and losing 3 of the 17 encounters so far. In fact Caley Thistle have failed to record a result against the Jambo's in our last 5 matches. The last of these coming back in September with Hearts taking all three points from the Highlands with a decent 3-1 win in what was a frustrating game for the home side. Inverness will be looking for the Irish trio to complete another away day without defeat. Jonny Hayes scored a stunning goal last weekend and Adam Rooney is looking dangerous, and with Foran regaining match sharpness all looks well for Butcher's lads. The last Inverness win was at Tynecastle on the 22nd of December 2007 when we recorded a 3-2 victory. Graham Bayne scored the decisive third goal in a high octane thriller. A superb Russell Duncan daisy cutter and a John Rankin penalty had Inverness on top, but a Berra header threw Heart's a lifeline. Keeper Kurskis saw red for the Jambo's in the 87th minute then Velicka equalised in the 90th minute, also from the spot, before Bayne struck deep into time added on with a thumping drive from the edge of the box. One to remember The game that provides us with the most smugness though, is surely the Cup game at Tynecastle in 2002. Inverness went down to Tynecastle as massive underdogs but repeated the Feb8th scoreline as they sent Hearts tumbling out of the Scottish cup with another major scalp in the bag. ICT were still in the first division and were not expected to trouble Hearts, but when the chips are down, we seemed to raise our performances to match that of the SPL teams. Ross Tokely stunned the home fans when he volleyd the ball over a flailing Antti Niemi to open the scoring. Great strike from Rossco from within the box, timed at 26 minutes. On the stroke of half time, Gary Wales scored against the run of play to level the game. After the break Inverness legend Dennis Wyness sent a rasping shot into the net to restore the visitors lead and substitute David Bagan sealed the win after sprinting the length of the park before slotting the ball home. This was Hearts first home defeat in the Scottish Cup since 1982, and they had some big names on display. Craig Levein was the manager and Antti Niemi, Thomas Flogel, Andy Webster, Stephane Mahe, Steve Fulton and none other than Ricardo Fuller, now at Stoke City leading the line. The Inverness ones were less well known, but they were all heroes to us. Tokely, McBain, Munro, Golabek and Duncan remain at Inverness from that game. Personal Reflections This will be my first time at Tynecastle and I hope that we can upgrade the statistics and record a morale boosting victory just before Christmas. Various supporters from other clubs have told me that Tynecastle is one of the best away days, so come what may, Im going to enjoy it. Hopefully though we can continue our away run and pick up a result against the form team in Scotland. It will be a tough game but with both teams in good nick, we will see a cracker of a Christmas special. I am confident that we can at least get a draw from this one and I would like to say to all Caley Thistle fans, HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR AND HOPEFULLY SEE SOME OF YOU ON SATURDAY. Ginger Jaggies Prediction:- 2-1 Caley Thistle, a tight encounter but I think we can edge it. tm4tj is not so sure and would be happy with a draw, 1-1. ***Latest Team News*** Butcher has no fresh worries over his squad prior to this game. Gil Blumenshtein is back training although not ready for this one. Proctor, McCann, Gillet and Innes are still unavailable, but Nick Ross is fit again after his ailment last week saw him sent home before the Rangers game. Graeme Shinnie has extended his contract with Inverness Caley Thistle until the summer of 2013, another piece of good news to add to the extension of Nick Ross' contract earlier in the week. Terry Butcher is delighted that both of these youngsters are pinning their allegiance to Inverness and speaking on the official website he said "I'm pleased to see another local teenager earning a professional contract." "There's plenty of talent there, but they have to be ready to grasp their opportunity when it comes in the way that Nick and Graeme have done." Marius Niculae lost out to Inverness after his dispute over transfer fees was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. This reversed an earlier decision by Fifa's dispute resolution chamber, which favoured the Romanian. It is believed that the Romanian will contest this decision which could amount to £130,000 in fees plus costs. To compound his week, Dinamo Bucharest will be releasing Niculae shortly. He is contemplating moves to play in China. Jim Jeffries was missing a couple of players for the midweek game at Motherwell due to a last minute illness problem. Ex-Inverness midfielder Ian Black missed out along with Icelandic star Eggert Jonsson. Both are expected to be available for this weekend. Darren Barr and Ryan Stevenson filled their boots against Well. Lee Wallace (knee), Andrew Driver (thigh) and David Obua (groin) are working their way back to full fitness but are not ready for action. Suso Santana (knee) and Jason Thomson (ankle) are ruled out.
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There is a Turkish referee called Mustafa Kamil
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I agree with sorted. Too many people on here are too quick to spout off before knowing the facts. Sometimes better to stay mute than go down the wrong track, and all it does is add fuel to the fire and then the bandwagon fills up. If I don't know enough about something, I don't post about it, simples. As far as winning the case is concerned, great, well done. As far as first victory in Europe, no, that was in Denmark against FC Nordsjælland, 0-1. Think it was Proctor that scored. And..........to round off his week of bad results, Marius is set to be released by Dinamo after a return of 3 goals this season. He may be heading to China to try his luck. Dinamo will allegedly free up £10k a week by releasing him, or will that be Euro's, who knows. It must all be true, I read it in the Sun newspaper. Nae luck Marius.
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Absolutely missy. I have watched it so many times I thought we had won the game 76-1. A proper beast of a goal.
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Report now published Rangers match report
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Hayes Humdinger A Jonny Hayes cracker in the first half was offset by a Kenny Miller goal in the second as Caley Thistle and Rangers shared the spoils at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium. A late penalty save from Ryan Esson after a James Beattie swan dive means that ICT's home form continues to improve. The proverbial game of two halves as Inverness stamped their authority on the first forty five with what only can be described as a stupendous strike from little Jonny. He drifted forward having received a throw out from the alert Esson, and despite Duff offering himself wide, Hayes cut inside and sent an unstoppable shot with the outside of his left peg high past the despairing dive of Scotland keeper Allan McGregor. Sky Sports noted this one at 34.7 yards, it did not do it justice. Here's Jonny..... Rangers had to up their game after half time and this they did, pushing Inverness onto the back foot and Miller finished superbly with a one touch and shoot exercise to slot the ball past Esson from the edge of the box. Ryan Esson then showed why he should be pushing for a Scotland call by diverting Miller's spot kick after Beattie dived artistically to win an undeserved penalty. A number of chances were then scorned by both sides, but Rangers held on to secure a point. 11th December 2010 Tulloch Caledonian Stadium INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE 1 - Hayes (31) TEAM: Esson, Tokely, Shinnie, Munro, Duff, Cox, Duncan, Hayes, Odhiambo (McBain 76), Rooney, Foran (Sutherland 90) SUBS: Tuffey, Golabek, Sanchez - Booked: Foran (40), Duncan (44), Tokely (69) RANGERS 1 - Miller (57) TEAM: McGregor, Whittaker, Weir, Bougherra, Papac, Foster (Wylde 79), Davis, McCulloch, Weiss (Beattie 46), Miller, Naismith SUBS: Alexander, Cole, Fleck, Loy, Hutton - Booked: Foster (43), Weir (44), Miller (75) Referee Calum Murray Attendance 6799 The home side had to do a hasty shuffle of the pack before the start of todays game as rising U21 star Nick Ross was sent home suffering from tonsillitis. This was the only change from the side that drew 2-2 with Celtic a fortnight ago, with Eric Odhiambo given the nod to play in the back up strikers position. Walter Smith brought out the big guns for this trip North with Whittaker and Papac restored to the side and Algerian International Madjid Bougherra back to fitness in the heart of the defence. The tricky Weiss started ahead of Beattie, who was to play a major part in the second half. Rangers took to the field in a rather garish red and white striped shirt, pass me the sick bag. Inverness started briskly with Eric Odhiambo looking eager to impress, making darting runs at the Rangers defence in the first few minutes. The final ball though was not forthcoming. Adam Rooney passed up the first real opportunity of the match in the ninth minute as he cut in from the right after latching onto an Odhiambo feed. Rooney had left Weir in his wake as he bore down on McGregor, but the keeper did well to block Rooney's effort, although the young striker might feel he could have done better. Ranger eventually ventured forward and the energetic Naismith looped a header harmlessly over Esson's bar after breaking clear from his markers in the box. A midfield battle ensued, with Inverness dominating the play although Rangers were now starting to gain some more ball time. The only notable piece of brilliance came when Jonny Hayes spun like a whirling dervish to leave three Rangers players spellbound in the midfield. His next piece of magic surpassed that though. Thirty minutes gone and Rangers were beginning to come to grips with the game. That was about to change though, and when the goal came, it was one to remember. The move which led to the goal, started with a Rangers attack. A dangerous ball into the Caley Jags penalty box was brilliantly chested down by Ross Tokely into the security of Ryan Esson's arms. He wasted no time in releasing the ball to little Jonny. He was still in his own half some thirty yards from his own goal line. Stuart Duff made himself available on the right as he overlapped the wee man. But Jonny had idea's of his own as he meandered forward on the right side. He crossed the halfway line with Duff still sprinting ahead but what we then witnessed was a goal right out of the top drawer. Jonny ignored his runner and dipped his shoulders inside. Duff by this time had caught the defenders eyes as he headed towards the South Stand. Jonny was by this time eying up McGregor in the Rangers goal 45 yards away. A few more short steps from Jonny Hayes saw him release the ball with the outside of his left boot from 35 yards, in the inside right position. The ball went like a rocket, swerving high into the far right corner of Scotland goal minder McGregor's net via the inside of the post. Euphoria in the home stands and Jonny danced his own version of the Irish jig to celebrate his stunner, with Cox and Duncan doing some nifty footwork as they joined in. This stung Rangers into a bit more urgency and Munro blocked an effort by Lee McCulloch from the edge of the box. Corners came and went for Rangers and then a spate of bookings in the run up to half time. Foran, Foster, Duncan and Weir were all noted by Callum Murray as a minor fracas broke out. Foster then clattered Shinnie as desperation set in. As half time neared, Odhiambo had the last attempt when he dragged a shot wide of McGregor's goal. The whistle blew for half time with Inverness deservedly ahead, but would Walter Smith allow his champions to deliver the same inept performance in the second half? Half Time 1-0 The answer was obvious from the restart. Weiss was the fall guy, and he was replaced by another fall guy, James Beattie; more later. Rangers showed more urgency and looked far more menacing with Naismith causing the home defence problems. Esson saved a vicious swerving 25 yard effort from Davis, and Miller shot over as Rangers upped their game. The Inverness defence were now working double shifts as the visitors threatened to take the game by the scruff of the neck. A spate of corners followed but Tokely and Munro held firm. Inverness were now on the back foot and sitting deeper and deeper, any clearances were just coming straight back at them. A goal was coming, and come it did as Scotland striker Kenny Miller fired an excellent 20 yarder in off Esson's left hand post. Davis had engineered the ball to Miller who wasted no time in hitting the ball low and hard past the diving Caley Thistle stopper. To their credit, Inverness responded to that set back well and Rooney once more tested McGregor, but once again the keeper came out on top saving his drilled shot from 12 yards. Hayes made McGregor work again as his TV save tipped the wee mans header over the bar. Rangers players were now starting to drop like flies all over the park and they procured a series of free kicks from the generous Calum Murray. Ross Tokely glanced a header over as Inverness kept the tempo high. Rossco was then harshly booked after the ball hit his hand while he sprawled on the deck, unbelievable refereeing really, maybe Lennon was right after all. The pressure was mounting on the Inverness rear-guard again and Naismith should have done better as he lifted the ball a couple of yards over the bar, when scoring looked an easier option. Kenny Miller talked himself into Murray's jotter after mouthing at the official over a trivial decision. The only surprise was that it took the ref so long to do it. Eric Odhiambo's day had started brightly but he faded as the game wore on and it was no surprise when he was hooked for testimonial man, Roy McBain with Butcher looking to get to grips with the midfield again. The afore mentioned James Beattie conned the ref into awarding Ger's a penalty with a blatant dive. The camera never lies I'm afraid James. You should be ashamed of yourself. Duff pulled back from making a challenge inside the box, but Beattie continued with the pretence of being tripped and spreadeagled himself inside the area. However, Ryan Esson saved Beattie's blushes by knocking Miller's spot kick over the bar with his trailing legs, having been sent the wrong way by Kenny. Justice done and Smith was not amused. The last ten minutes saw chances at both ends. Miller dragging a shot wide and at the other end, McGregor saved bravely as Foran tried to get on the end of a cross then throwing himself at the feet of Cox to prevent the home side snatching the points. Three minutes of added time came and went and the final whistle was greeted by a round of applause from the home fans, proud of the days effort from Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Full Time 1-1 tm4tj Man of the Match should really be going to Jonny Hayes for his Irish Jig. His goal was sublime and will long be cherished around these parts, and maybe even in half of Glasgow. But for his overall contribution I am swayed to giving Stuart Duff the prestigious accolade. Kevin McCann will find it difficult to break into the side if he ever recovers from his injury. Good game with a bit of everything thrown in, it's what Saturdays are for. Next week, it's time for Xmas shopping in Edinburgh, and a spot of footie to ease the pain. -
Preview now published on main page. Game on
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Game on...................... Reigning SPL Champions and current leaders in the title race, Glasgow Rangers, will be at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium for this Saturdays early kick off (12:45). Rangers bowed out of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw in Turkey saw them fail to qualify for the latter stages, but they won the consolation prize of a place in the Europa League of 32. Walter Smith is adamant that the Ataturk Stadium in Bursa was his last attempt at the Champions League as he looks to wind down his managerial career. At domestic level, and fresh from their Champions League encounter with Turkish champions Bursaspor, Rangers will be looking to exact some form of revenge for the points dropped in Glasgow, when Inverness scored a late leveller to secure a draw at Ibrox, after recovering from a defensive first half to put Rangers on the back foot in the second period. Apart from Alloa and Peterhead, every other Scottish club had last weekend off as a blanket of snow covered the landscape and caused chaos with travel plans up and down the country. The SPL took the precaution to postpone all games in midweek to alleviate the problems and given the Arctic like conditions which still prevail, this was probably the right call at the time, although many grounds would have been playable had the green light been given to go ahead with the fixtures. The blank weekend and wintery weather has meant no outdoor training for the Highlanders, although they did make use of the indoor facility at Dingwall to keep the players on their toes, but nothing compares to match sharpness. Butcher was underwhelmed by the SPL call off''s and considering the Caley Jags were looking to continue their impressive recent form, his frustration was understandable. The latest news on the weather front is that the efforts to clear the pitch at Inverness has been successful and the match will go ahead unless the weather deteriorates severely. Unfortunately the games at Parkhead and Tannadice have already been postponed, citing police advice on the grounds of safety as the reason for the early call-offs. The fate of the game at New Douglas Park between Hamilton and Hibernian will be decided by a pitch inspection on Friday. A number of SFL games have also fallen victim to the conditions. Head to Head These two clubs have played each other 16 times since ICT stepped up to the SPL. Overall, Rangers have won 8 times, ICT 3 times with the other 5 games being drawn. As is the way with Inverness, we have fared better away from home with 2 wins and 4 draws yielding a healthy 10 points, with Rangers gaining 13 points by virtue of an extra victory. The Gers are leading the goal scoring at Ibrox by 12 goals to 6, with a 5-0 trouncing being a major factor in this. All the goals in that game came in the first half with Kris Boyd scoring a 14 minute hat-trick by the 28th minute of a one sided half. Two of the main characters that day are no longer at their respective clubs, Boyd and Brewster. But, it's the home form that has been the major disappointment for Inverness with only 1 win and a draw out of 7 attempts. The draw was achieved at our surrogate home in Aberdeen as Graeme Bayne scored the opener for Inverness in the third minute before Prso equalised for Rangers early in the second half. This incidentally was Craig Brewster's first point as manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the 5th of December 2004. In December 2006, Charlie Christie went one better as a thunderous John Rankin volley on the run nestled high behind McGregor to seal a marvellous comeback for the home side against Paul le Guen's Rangers. Nacho Novo had scored from the spot before Darren 'machine' Dods equalised just before half time. Inverness pressed hard for the winner and Rankin had rattled a post before his stunning injury time strike lit up the chill December evening. A goal fit to win any game, and he proved it was no fluke by repeating the feat against Falkirk the week after, possibly even bettering it. Recent Form Inverness are having their best first phase in the SPL ever. Sitting fourth today having amassed a credible 25 points from 15 games, thanks mainly to the remarkable away record of 5 wins and 3 draws, and of course, zero defeats. The home form has been erratic but a decisive victory over Hibernian could be the turning point in the fortunes at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium. 2 wins, 4 defeats and a draw have frustrated Butcher and Malpas, not to mention the home support who can get edgy at the best of times. They don't come much tougher than the current SPL Champions and it is a big ask to continue the form that saw Hibs sent packing, but confidence is growing and the team are itching to get on with the task after last weeks enforced lay off. Rangers had a run out in midweek against Bursaspor, and their SPL form has seen them top the division at the moment. A fantastic opening run of 9 straight league wins came to an end at Ibrox as Inverness took the first points from Walter Smith's side this season in the 1-1 draw. The defensive first half plan from Inverness kept the score down to 1-0 courtesy of an Edu error ridden half volley. Inverness took the game to Rangers in the second half and could easily have secured all three points but for an incredible McGregor save from Richie Forans downward header. As it was, substitute Eric Odhiambo secured a point as he poked home the equaliser with nine minutes left, no more than ICT deserved. Since we broke the sequence, Hibs have been to Ibrox and stunned everyone with a tremendous 0-3 humbling of the Gers, but 37 points from 14 games has them looking down the table at the rest of the clubs. Top scorers away from home with 19 goals and Kenny Miller firing on all cylinders, this will be a stern test for Butchers charges. Team News Inverness are slowly shortening the long term crocks list. McCann, Gillet, Proctor and Innes are the ones causing most concern, although most of these guys would be seen as squad players as opposed to shoe in first choice options. Only Gillet would be knocking on the door for a start, but given the assured displays from young Graeme Shinnie, he may have to bide his time when he is free from injury. Both Shinnie and Ross have recently signed on again and that is excellent news for the Caley Jags fans. Ryan Esson is one of our most consistent performers and he will be an important player against the leagues most prolific side away from home. Stuart Duff looks composed in the right full back berth and Ross Tokely and Grant Munro are forming a formidable centre back pairing. The midfield minders of Cox and Duncan will surely start against Rangers, both of these guys did exceptionally well at Parkhead a couple of weeks ago, protecting the back four and prepared to attack when required. The providers of Hayes, Ross and Foran may well have to do a bit more defensive work than normal, but no one will roll up the sleeves more and relish this task than captain Richie Foran. Jonny Hayes' pace will be an asset on a heavy pitch and U21 cap Nick Ross gets stronger with every game played. This may well leave Adam Rooney a touch isolated, but again, this is a role he has grown into and his upper body strength has seen him out-muscle some startled defenders in the SPL. Rangers completed their Champions League duty with a draw at Bursaspor. Kenny Miller scoring a spectacular left footer on the turn to show why he is leading scorer in Scotland at the moment, although Rooney may have something to say about that. In goal, McGregor has shown that he is the number 1 for Scotland this season with some outstanding saves, notably denying Foran at Ibrox. David Weir continues to defy the age barrier and his experience has been vital for Rangers at times this year. Madjid Bougherra will give the defence a more accomplished look about it and his pace is beneficial at both ends of the park. Former Killie youngster Steven Naismith has realised his potential and looks to have benefited from his move to the Glasgow club. Another consistent performer for the champions since he joined them has been ex-Fulham player Steven Davis. The Irish international playmaker was in fine form in the last encounter at Ibrox in the first half before Inverness managed to stifle his surges forward. With Papac and Edu struggling for fitness it looks as though Kyle Hutton could continue to help out. tm4tj Prediction With the home form causing concern, this could be a difficult one to predict. Rangers look to be heading towards another SPL title while Inverness will be looking to stay in the top six for the first time. With Terry Butcher stating his allegiance to Inverness for the immediate future, this should give the players and fans a lift and hopefully keep the home form on the right track. Defeat would not be a disaster given ICT's solid start to the season, but we are capable of taking something from this one. An unchanged and willing squad will give everything for the cause and I am going to take the soft option and go for a scoring draw. I will also predict that Mark Wright will not be invited into hospitality after his claims last week against the good name of ICT fans; on yer bike Essex boy. ***Latest News*** Inverness look set to start with same side that drew 2-2 at Celtic to keep the undefeated away league record going. David Proctor has gone from 'bambi' to bovine. He has been receiving calfs blood injections in an effort to finally clear up his recurring hamstring problems. Gillet, Innes and loan star McCann also miss this one. Rangers have doubts over Edu, Lafferty and Papac, although Papac will return to the squad after suffering concussion against Hibs. He has been having headaches since the 3-0 defeat; I'm no surprised. Bougherra came through the game in Turkey without any reaction, and Whittaker looks set to take over from Foster, should Smith decide to change it. Hamilton v Hibs game now off due to pitch deemed unplayable at New Douglas Park. Craig Brown and Archie Knox look set to be announced as new Aberdeen management team after they resigned from their position at Motherwell. Killies Russian born midfielder Alexei Eremenko has won the SPL player of the month award for November. The impressive Eremenko has shown excellent distribution skills and is highly rated down Kilmarnock way. He is on loan from Ukranian club FC Metalist Kharkiv, via Finnish club FF Jaro.
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Easy mistake to make.
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Pitch was about a third clear about half an hour ago.
