tm4tj

Inverness pay the penalties The tax man may well be looking to recover £1.4 million pounds in fines from Rangers, but it was Inverness that were left to pay the penalties on the park as refereeing in the SPL reached a new level of incompetence. The sheriff was knocking on the door at Ibrox last week but it was a cowboy that went by the name of Norris that decided the outcome of this tense shootout. Two second half penalties were the deciding factor in this one as current SPL champions Rangers benefited from two crucial decisions by the referee that kept Inverness rooted to the foot of the table, with manager Terry Butcher calling in to the ref's locker room for a wee chat after the game. Jelavic buried the first penalty after Ross Tokely was deemed to be the perpetrator of a heinous crime; he tackled Steven Naismith in the box and the ref pointed to the spot, much to the bewilderment of three quarters of the stadium. To add insult to injury, Ross Tokely was sent packing for making the tackle. A second penalty followed soon after and Esson made a fabulous one handed save but Edu reacted sharpest to slide the rebound home to secure all three points for the Gers. This was a disappointing way to let the points slip away as Rangers, for all their possession, found the Inverness back line much more robust than the previous weeks sloppy performers. With the game finely poised and Inverness beginning to venture up the park the hammer blows were delivered on the hour mark and eight minutes later. Up to that point, neither keeper had been called upon to make any telling contributions as defences were on top, and Rangers squandered any half chances that came their way. The linesman chalked off a goal early on for the visitors as Jelavic knocked home an Edu touch, a bit like Tade last week, had he not interfered the goal would have stood, but the flag brought the away fans celebrations to an abrupt halt. 13th Aug 2011 Tulloch Caledonian Stadium I.C.T. 0 - TEAM: Esson, Piermayr, Tokely, Hogg, G.Shinnie, Tudur-Jones (Ross 65), Hayes, Tansey, Doran (Sutherland 73), Foran, Tade (Aldred 60) SUBS: Tuffey, A.Shinnie, Morrison, Laing Booked: Piermayr (5), Foran (59), Tansey (81) Sent Off: Tokely (59) RANGERS 2 - Jelavic (pen 60), Edu (68) TEAM: McGregor, Goian, Broadfoot, Bartley (Perry 33), Wallace, Edu, Ness, Davis, Ortiz (Wylde 74), Naismith, Jelavic SUBS: Alexander, Fleck, Healy, Hutton, Hemmings Booked: Bartley (26), Edu (44) Sent Off: Edu (75) Referee Euan Norris Attendance 6623 The rain earlier in the week had relented and gave way to a wonderful sunny afternoon with a slight breeze to keep the fans cool as the game kicked off early. Rangers enjoyed the bulk of the pressure with Inverness sticking to a game plan, and everything was going to plan. The fact that neither keeper was involved in the game was down to both defences restricting the attackers to half chances and long range efforts. Aaron Doran rushed a first time effort after a quick break forward by the home side but his limp effort was easily gathered by McGregor in the Rangers goal. Tade almost poached a goal after a short back pass by Bartley but McGregor reacted quickly to smother the attempt. The closest Inverness came to breaking the deadlock was when Foran slid towards a ball fizzed across the Rangers box by Doran, but he was just short of connecting with the ball. Rangers tried in vain to convince the referee they were due a penalty as arms seemed to get in the way of the ball, but the ref ignored their pleas for now. The game had been scrappy at best, but it was poised on a knife edge as half time came and went with the home fans happier with the score so far. Half Time 0-0 The second half continued along the same lines, Rangers being handed the ball, Inverness taking it back off them, and so it continued right up until the hour mark when Mr Norris decided enough was enough and took the law into his own hands. Naismith scampered into the box as the villain Rossco approached him. He slid into the challenge and that was enough for the ref as he pointed to the spot, and promptly dispatched the aforementioned villain. Jelavic made no mistake from the resultant penalty as he whistled the ball past Esson, 1-0 to the visitors and worse was to follow. In sixty eight minutes Aldred came in behind Goian as he made his way towards the byeline, but still within the confines of the penalty box. His dying swan act caught the eye of the official and once again he pointed to the spot. Esson did hand off the initial attempt brilliantly and could feel aggrieved that his defenders were second to the rebound as Edu knocked the ball home. The game looked beyond Inverness although they never gave up as the ref then evened the numbers on the park by having Edu withdrawn for a second booking as he hit Nick Ross late. The introduction of Shane Sutherland almost produced a goal but he was snuffed out in the box as he pulled the trigger. He looked to be a more potent attacking option than the preferred Tade who had earlier been replaced by Aldred as Butcher shuffled the pack in light of Tokely's dismissal. Naismith could have totally cheesed everybody off had he poked home a third, but he dragged his shot across the goal from the same spot Tokely had interupted his previous run; maybe he should have let him try his luck. That was about it as Rangers held off a spirited Inverness challenge, but the story of the day was the penalty kicks that decided the outcome. Full Time 0-2 Best for Inverness were along the back line with Ross Tokely dominant until his early bath. Graeme Shinnie was superb and Chriss Hogg was back to his best. Owain Tudur-Jones was posted missing along with Greg Tansey today, surprising really as they were on a big stage and given the glimpses so far this season they certainly underachieved today. Penalties apart, the other disappointing aspect of the game is our continuing lack of ability at throw-ins ......................... sort it. Basement battle already next week as Inverness head to Aberdeen in what will now be seen as a crucial game by both sides this early in the season.

Injury hit Jags square up to SPL Champions. Inverness have new injury woes after last weeks game at Dunfermline with news that defenders Kenny Gillet and David Proctor are likely to be sidelined for at least a month. This comes on top of the problems for tough anchor man Lee Cox who has not responded quickly to treatment on his groin injury. Young Josh Meekings was already ruled out after a nasty pre-season injury (ankle) and our unknown quantity, striker Billy Mackay will also miss this game. On the plus side, Graeme Shinnie is fit and raring to go after stomach problems curtailed his involvement at the end of last season, with Butcher declaring that he would have been on the bench at Dunfermline had he not already had sufficient defensive cover there. Our goal scoring issues eased at the weekend with three hitting the back of the net, and news that Shane Sutherland scored a hat-trick against Brora Rangers in a 3-5 NoS Cup game on Tuesday night will have heartened the Caley Jags fans. Andrew Shinnie scored a brace as the Inverness side held off a determined challenge from Brora to claim a place against either Clach or Halkirk in the semi's. Ally McCoist will bring his Rangers squad North without Algerian international Madjid Bougherra who has signed for Qatar champions Lekhwiya for £1.7m. The Gers were not on SPL duty at the weekend, a friendly with Chelsea taking priority over league business. McCoist has had a bumpy start to his managerial career at Ibrox; an opening day point against Hearts and a win over St Johnstone interspersed with being dumped out of the Champions league by Swedish outfit Malmo has set tongues wagging. Nonetheless, Rangers are the current SPL Champions and their resources are much greater than that of their hosts this weekend, you would expect that to favour the Glasgow side, however, titles have been won and lost at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium and I expect Terry Butcher will have his players fired up for this one, especially now that the chips are down. Mind and set your alarm clocks the night before for the 12:45 kick off. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Proctor has been checking this one out for us....................................... Caley Thistle entertain Rangers tomorrow at Caledonian Stadium and neither team have been in the best of form in recent weeks. Both sides also have the disadvantage of injury worries. Inverness were involved in a six goal thriller last week at East End Park against Dunfermline Athletic. Fans would have been frustrated watching a team that lacked the spark of previous games. Supporters are also beginning to show concern of the lack of success up front with the Caley Jags only scoring three goals in three games. Terry Butcher is also faced with a defensive dilemma, with two fresh injuries in the back four this week and the ICT gaffer is still trying to find the right defensive combination following the departure of Grant Munro. Rangers last competitive game was disastrous. Both Madjid Bougherra and Steven Whittaker were both sent off in Rangers’ Champions League exit to Swedish Champions Malmo. Last weekend The Gers took a weekend off SPL competition to lose 3-1 in their glamour friendly against Chelsea. The jury is still out for new manager Ally McCoist, who will be looking to allay any doubts of his worthiness for the manager’s position. Inverness CT manager and former Rangers captain Terry Butcher claims his team have no fears of facing the SPL Champions. "The Old Firm don't hold any fears for us. This is a match to be relished and really enjoyed. We want to beat them, as simple as that." Rangers boss Ally McCoist is expecting a tough match tomorrow, but hopefully one his side will overcome, "Terry's team is organised and full of fight and we know we'll get a tough match on Saturday. Hopefully we can build on our last SPL fixture at St Johnstone and continue to improve our performance." Team News The Caley Jags injury worries mainly lie with their defence. David Proctor and Kenny Gillet (both hamstring injuries), Lee Cox (groin) and Josh Meekings (ankle) will all give Terry Butcher a selection headache. Striker Billy MacKay will also miss tomorrows game due to an ankle injury. Rangers are also missing Sasa Papac due to a chest infection. David Weir and Steven Whittaker are also likely to miss the game. History The first official meeting between the two clubs occurred in March 9th 1996 in a Scottish Cup tie. The game was meant to be a home match for ICT but the SFA had it moved from Telford Street Stadium to Dundee United’s Tannadice due to safety concerns. The Rangers squad that night featured legends Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup as well as Rangers boss Ally McCoist. Rangers won the much hyped tie 3-0. More recently Caley Thistle played a major part in the demise of Ranger’s manager Paul Le Guen. On a cold night in December 2006 Rangers threw away a 1-0 lead to eventually lose 2-1 thanks to a last minute John Rankin supergoal. Le Guen would leave Rangers 8 days later. Key Players Andrew Shinnie (Inverness CT) – Shinnie joined Inverness in the summer having being released by Rangers. If Andrew is featured in Terry Butchers plans tomorrow, the chance to get one over on his former club may spur him on to a great performance. Gregory Tade (Inverness CT) – Tade had a poor game against Dunfermline. The former Raith Rover is still yet to score for Caley Thistle. The Frenchman was known for sensational performance in big games while at Starks Park. Could tomorrow be one of these games in a Caley Thistle shirt? Steven Naismith (Rangers) – Naismith is Ranger’s top goal scorer so far this season with two goals from two games. The Scotland international may attempt to continue this form at the Caledonian Stadium. David Healy (Rangers) – Joined Rangers last season. With Rangers having failed to secure the services of David Goodwillie and the return of Kenny Miller, Healy is in with a chance of establishing himself as a key part of the Rangers squad. With Ally McCoist still keen to prove himself in the Rangers dugout and Caley Thistle’s young squad keen to show off for the television cameras. Both sides should be keen to prove themselves. Could this be ICT’s first win of the season? Or will McCoist continue to silence the Ibrox critics? ***Latest team news ahead of this televised clash has Inverness without the afore mentioned fivesome, although Butcher will have no hesitation throwing Graeme Shinnie into the action should that be deemed his best option. Austrian Thomas Piermayr can also play right or left back which might allow Ross Tokely to return to full back and give Tom Aldred the centre back slot alongside Chris Hogg. Doran and Ross look like they are vying for the same starting position and Hayes is getting more game time under his belt after last seasons injuries. Owain Tudur-Jones will benefit from more time with his new team mates although Greg Tansey seems to have hit the ground running with a brace last weekend. One of the biggest decisions for Butcher will be to select the front man to benefit from Richie Forans knock downs. Will Gregory Tade be persevered with or will one of last seasons success stories Shane Sutherland be the preferred option. Shane has been overlooked for a starting position since the arrival of Tade and he must be disappointed with that considering he did nothing wrong in his time on the park last season. With Shane there is always the threat of a goal and the unexpected could happen. Rangers have lost the services of Madjid Bougherra (transferred) and Sasa Papic (chest infection) while veteran defender David Weir is struggling to make this one. Red card villain Steven Whittaker might play through the pain barrier with a suspected broken toe. Jelavic has been touch and go this week but may be winning his fitness battle. Prediction :- This could be a taxing time for Rangers providing Terry Butcher has done some serious team bonding this week. Last weekend the players were at sixes and sevens due to the number of new faces around. However, Rangers themselves have not been setting the heather on fire and a repeat of the 1-1 scoreline from last season is on the cards as long as the Inverness defence can unite and play as a unit. Greg Tansey has shown his worth driving forward from the midfield and he can also take a mean free kick. Jonny, get yer dancin shoes on.................

Inverness labour to make a point at Dunfermline. Inverness came from behind twice and then eventually let the lead slip from their grasp to earn their first point of the season in a six goal thriller at East End Park. Andy Kirk opened the scoring for the Pars in the first half but Greg Tansey levelled immediately after the break. Kirk again put the Pars ahead only for Hayes to equalise and then Tansey nodded the visitors in front, but a scorching free kick from Martin Hardie gave the Pars a share of the points in the 90th minute. Gregory Tade showed his eagerness to score by knocking Richie Foran's header into the net, unfortunately for Gregory, because he got the last touch on the ball this ruled him offside and the goal was chalked off. This endeared the big striker more to the Dunfermline fans as he was a target for the boo boys having played for local rivals Raith Rovers last season. At the end of the day a draw was probably a fair result as the more the game wore on the more Inverness looked to be taking control of the game, but it was Dunfermline that looked the likeliest in the first half and deservedly went in ahead at the interval. On the plus side for both teams, they both scored goals today and for Inverness it's the first point on the board. As expected, Aaron Doran took over from Nick Ross and Chris Hogg would start ahead of Tom Aldred at the back pairing up with Ross Tokely. Tade was again tasked with the job of scoring the goals alongside captain Richie Foran. Piermayr and Gillet were the wing backs with Hayes, Tudur-Jones, Tansey and Doran the midfielders. Utility player David Proctor had an unlucky day. He had replaced the injured Kenny Gillet before half time but he was himself replaced by Aldred after taking a knock with an hour played. Our roving reporter Proctor will have a full match report ready for you when he has time to draw breath after this high scoring tussle............. 6th Aug 2011 East End Park, Dunfermline Dunfermline 3 - Kirk (26,52), Hardie (90) TEAM: Gallacher, Thomson, McCann, Keddie, Potter, Mason (Graham 84), Cardle, Hardie, Burns, Barrowman, Kirk (McDougall 75) SUBS: Smith, Dowie, Willis, Thomson, Young Booked: Thomson (30), Barrowman (79) Sent Off: none I.C.T. 3 - Tansey (46,83), Hayes (76) TEAM: Esson, Tokely, Hogg, Gillet (Proctor 39 (Aldred 60)), Piermayr, Tudur-Jones, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, Tade, Doran (Ross 74) SUBS: Tuffey, A.Shinnie, Morrison, Sutherland Booked: Tokely (13), Piermayr (49), Tansey (90) Sent Off: none Referee Stephen Finnie Attendance 3378 Inverness Caledonian Thistle secured their first point in the SPL this season with a six goal thriller against Dunfermline. The Caley Jags may however be frustrated at their defence, having conceded another last minute goal. It only took three minutes for Ryan Esson to be tested. The goalkeeper saved a powerful point-blank Andy Barrowman shot following a corner. It was perhaps a sign of things to come. Esson was kept busy as Cardle slipped a ball wide to Thomson who stung the keepers palms as he beat away the powerful drive from the right side of the box. Cardle was causing problems and he was denied a scoring touch as Chris Hogg magnificently blocked his attempt from 10 yards with Dunfermline firmly in the driving seat. Caley Thistle had started slowly. A weak Greg Tansey shot from inside the box was all that challenged Paul Gallacher in the first ten minutes. It would take until the 25th minute for the Dunfermline keeper to be properly tested. As Gallacher saved a brilliant Greg Tansey free kick, palming away the curling effort; Martin Hardie would show him how to do it properly in the 90th minute. It wouldn’t be long before the ball was at the other end of the park. Andy Kirk received a pass into the box from former Inverness player Andy Barrowman and slipped it past Ryan Esson to make it one nil. The Inverness defence badly exposed as weak challenges by Tokely and Hogg let the Pars in on goal. ICT were forced to make a change 40 minutes in as Kenny Gillet was stretchered off the park. David Proctor came on to replace him. As the half time whistle went The Caley Jags were losing and it looked like it might stay that way. Half Time 1-0 Inverness equalised just after half time. Quick feet by new signing Greg Tansey saw his shot deflected off Alex Keddie as he turned his back on the shot and the ball looped high into the net. The Scouser’s first competitive goal for the club, thankfully not his last of the game. The level score was not to last. Several minutes later Andy Kirk headed in a Cardle cross to regain the lead, again the visitors defence were all at sea as Kirk was left isolated when he nodded home unchallenged from six yards. Gregory Tade was ruled offside when attempting to tap in a Richie Foran headed chip that was destined for goal in the 67th minute - much to the delight of the Dunfermline fans who mocked Tade all game. Foran was not best pleased. Thankfully Jonny Hayes was in the box to score a real poachers effort after the keeper spilled a Tudur-Jones 25 yard effort. Hayes was first to react to slip it past Paul Gallacher. Nick Ross, who disappointed last week entered the contest and he was unfortunate to see his drifted shot narrowly miss the Pars goal as Inverness were now beginning to turn the screw. It wouldn’t be long before the visitors would take the lead. In the 82nd minute Greg Tansey scored his second by crashing into the net after Foran had headed the ball back across goal. Tansey was unable to celebrate his goal as he was lying motionless in the Pars net. All it took was a hard slap from Captain Richie Foran to wake him up. Eight minutes later Martin Hardie was fouled by Chris Hogg about thirty yards out. Hardie took a blistering free kick that Ryan Esson had no chance of saving. For the second week in a row ICT conceded a last minute goal for the Pars to secure a point. Full Time 3-3 Inverness boss Terry Butcher was delighted to get a point, but he admitted they were lucky to get a point, “I will need a couple of drinks to have a look at that one again, that's for sure. We have been very lucky.” He said. “We've been nowhere near the standards that we set before, but have got a point out of the game and scored three goals” said Butcher. Caley Thistle secured their first point and score their first goals, however due to goal difference they still remain bottom of the league. Could they surprise Rangers next week for their first win of the season? Questions are being asked of the defence, it would appear that Terry Butcher will need to find his full time back four as that is six goals in two away games already, and with Gillet and Proctor struggling for fitness, more changes will be likely for next weeks early kick off against Rangers.

SPL Freshers looking to end lean spell against Inverness. East End Park is the venue this weekend as a pointless Caley Jags head to the Kingdom of Fife to take on last seasons First Division Champions, Dunfermline Athletic. The Pars were idle last weekend as their game with Celtic was re-arranged due to the SPL bending over backwards to accommodate Celtic who had more important stuff to do. It seems that the Dublin Super Cup has priority over SPL fixtures. This meant that the Pars had to twiddle their collective thumbs as the rest of the SPL had to get on with the early start, although Inverness could not take advantage of this and remained rooted to the foot of the league without a point and without a goal. It was not for the want of trying though as we scrambled around the Hibees box without managing to beat the keeper or the referee. Whilst Inverness suffered a very late blow with O'Connor's goal from a scuffed shot, the general concensus of opinion is that the new look squad played fairly well and it may just be a matter of time before we reap the rewards from the incoming players. There was definitely a lack of fluidity and cohesion, but the nucleus is there for the making of a talented squad with the additions of the Austrian and Welsh contingent to add to Aldred and Tansey who have started steadily for the Jags. Oh for a striker to capitalise on the numerous balls being flung into the opposition box. I'll leave the rest for our very own Proctor to tell you as he get's off the mark with his first preview of the season................. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Team News Striker Billy MacKay and defensive midfielder Lee Cox are looking doubtful with ankle and groin injuries respectively. Josh Meekings will also be out having not recovered from an injury sustained in pre-season. Gregory Tade has been ruled fit for the game having picked up a knock last week against Hibernian. New signing Chris Hogg could feature in the squad while Aaron Doran may start his first full match since signing from Blackburn Rovers. Dunfermline could be without Kevin Rutkiewicz if his thigh injury does not improve in the next 24 hours. Steven Bell and Nicky Finn will definitely miss Dunfermline’s second home game of the season. History This fixture has produced much drama in recent history. In 2009 Inverness CT’s first game after being relegated to the First Division took place at East End Park. Lee Cox scored a dramatic last minute winner on his debut. Caley Thistle would go on to win the league. Dunfermline were relegated on a rainy day in Inverness in season 2006/2007 when a Rory McAllister free kick spilled out of on loan keeper Dorus De Vries’ hands into his own net. De Vries would break down in tears at the end of the game. The two sides met in the 2004 Scottish Cup semi-final. Dunfermline won the replayed tie 3-2 at Pittodrie. The sides drew 1-1 in the first game at Hampden Park. Former ICT manager Craig Brewster was named man of the match that night having netted the Par’s second goal. Dunfermline would lose in the final to Martin O’Neil’s Celtic. Key Players Pat Clarke (Dunfermline) – Clarke has been told he can find another club. He may have a point to prove if brought on. As Caley Thistle fans found out last season against Celtic, playing for your career can make you do incredible things. Andy Barrowman (Dunfermline) – The former Inverness player didn’t have the best of times at Caledonian Stadium. Barrowman will be keen to score against his old club. Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) – Tansey has looked lethal at set pieces in his short time at Inverness. He has the potential to cause the Dunfermline defence problems. Tansey dramatically struck the post with a free kick a fortnight ago against Motherwell. Will his next shot be as unlucky or will it be ICT’s first goal of the season? Gregory Tade (Inverness CT) – The French giant spent last year at Dunfermline’s local rivals Raith Rovers where he caused the Pars much grief. Tade is known for his work ethic and ability to run for an entire game. Will Saturday be his first SPL goal? Current Form shows that neither club has opened their goals for account in the SPL this season. In the Pars' opening fixture they found the going tough against a lively St Mirren. They had keeper Paul Gallacher to thank for keeping the scoreline blank, while Inverness were being thumped 3-0 at Motherwell. Inverness remained goalless after last weeks game against Hibs, as Dunfermline had the day off. Dunfermline however, did score a couple of goals against Annan Athletic in the Scottish Communities League Cup as they ran out 1-2 winners with goals from a couple of Andy players, Barrowman and Kirk. Summary These two sides have been touted for relegation by several pundits. Both teams will be keen to prove the Scottish football media wrong. The SPL new boys have a squad full of journeyman who are used to the SPL dogfight. While the visitors have a squad with ten new signings. Most of whom are young, hungry and keen to impress. Who will triumph? Youth or experience? Terry Butcher has remained upbeat despite the disappointing start to the campaign, and rightly so as his reshaped squad appear to be very close to hitting it off and has indicated that someone will be on the end of a hammering one day soon. The one downside has been the lack of a predatory striker to sieze on the half chances that the wing play has created and with Billy Mackay still injured the onus will be on Gregory Tade to open his account as an Inverness player. Let's hope he can make a start tomorrow against his former Fife derby opponents. Difficult one to predict this, with Dunfermline out to impress in the SPL and Inverness still to kickstart their season. With that in mind, we might have to settle for a share of the spoils although if Butcher is right in his assessment of his new squad, then we could take all three points back to the Highlands.