Robert

Hibs penalty loss to Morton has been changed to a 3-0 defeat after they were found guilty of playing a suspended player. That’s at least three of the seven top league teams failing to get out of the group stages: Hibs, St Johnstone and St Mirren.

Ticketing information for Saturday’s game: https://ictfc.com/ticket-info-cove-rangers-h-23-07-2022 Given we can win the group, and maybe even secure a seeding for the next round, hopefully there is a good crowd.

Good to see Lewis Nicolson extend his contract. I’ve liked what I’ve seen of him and he could become a real asset to us: https://ictfc.com/lewis-nicolson-signs-new-contract

Who’s getting negative? Moog commented on his situation, which is understandable and I commented that I will miss the livestreams of our away games. Both comments were factual rather potential negatives.

Gringo, BBC reporting the crowd as 871 rather than 571. I’m sure it was 8xx they announced in the ground last night.

I really enjoyed being able to watch our away games on the livestreams as I can seldom make those games. However, we are back to where we were before Covid, so the combination of the BBC Sport app, this site and open all mikes keeps us in touch with how games are going until we hear feedback from those present. Don’t give up Moogthurso, we all need your optimism from last season!!

I agree in part. When we were 1-0 up, Albion tested us and created a few chances, with MacKay making a few saves. Had they scored, it would have been interesting to see how we would have responded. The second goal came at the right time and made it a comfortable evening, particularly when we got the two early goals in the second half. We kept possession relentlessly in the second half, trying to engineer an opening, which was good to see. I still think we need a natural right back. Carson is a big player for us, but on occasions it is clear he is playing out of position and the Albion sub who came on and played on the left wing had the beating of him in the latter stages last night. I’m optimistic for the season ahead, but think the Championship is very open this season. A good start is essential, and avoiding anything like “Gardyne-gate” and a bad slump at any time is key. There is still a risk that teams come in for some of our assets, Deas being a prime example, although I think we have planned for that risk by bringing Delaney in. Anyway, I can’t wait for the first league game.

The club’s report along with the goals and interviews is now on line. Harper’s free kick is definitely worth seeing again, whilst Duffy’s run and Harper’s pick out of him for the third must be a move off the training ground. And what was Harper doing that far up the pitch when Duffy’s long ball found him for the fourth? Good goals and hopefully a lot more to come this season! https://ictfc.com/match-report-ictfc-4-0-albion-rovers-19-07-2022 And my apologies to Cammy MacKay: rather than the 6 I said last night, there were 7 Academy Graduates involved in the match: MacKay, Harper, MacGregor and Mackay started, with Hyde, Cairns (for his debut) and Nicolson coming off the bench.

Nathan Austin for Kelty tonight.

A great start with Mckay’s early goal, but Albion were competitive in the first half and we needed Harper’s excellent free kick to make things comfortable at half time. The two early goals made the second half very routine (Duffy’s came from an excellent set piece and his run into space was brilliantly picked out by Harper),and we must have had 80% of possession in the second half. We looked like we wanted more but the changes broke the game up a bit, and we were lucky when Albion hit the woodwork twice in one rare foray forward. A job well done on what turned into a very wet night. Harper was the pick for me whilst of the new players, Delaney looked comfortable and Shaw looked a tricky player. Cairns and Nicolson will have enjoyed their game time too, and brought the number of Academy Graduates used in the game to six. Next up Cove and a chance to get full points in the group. Our goal difference got a boost too, so the group is there for the taking.

I believe there is, but got that second hand.

Ross Gunn has joined Brora from Rothes.

HT 1-0 FT 3-0 ICT Mckay Albion Paton Crowd 748

The seeded teams for the last 16 are the five clubs in Europe plus the three group winners with the best records. The other five group winners plus the three runners up with the best records are unseeded.

Iain Vigurs for Cove and Andrew Shinnie for Livingston today.

Two away wins today with 10 man (again) Livi coming from behind to beat Cove 2-1 and Albion Rovers going to Kelty and winning 2-0, a bit of a surprise. We can’t be complacent about Tuesday’s game against Albion as they’ve run Livi and Cove close before today’s win, but three points will have us in pole position to get out of the group.

BBC Sport is now reporting the crowd as 944.

This is now on the club’s website: https://ictfc.com/loch-ness-monster-hunt-scuppers-first-floodlight-system-in-scotland

Ticketing details finally released for our two home games next week. It is Main Stand only for home fans: https://ictfc.com/ticket-info-premier-sports-cup-home-games

Our under 20 team drew 0-0 with Lossiemouth tonight. A Lossiemouth fan said we were nothing special although our numbers 3 and 6 were the stand outs. Ridgers was in goal.

You’d think they’d film it from a better angle. Even the poor footage can’t take away from Mackay’s play at both goals, and what a pass by Allardice. The club’s report: https://ictfc.com/match-report-livingston-1-2-ictfc

https://mobile.twitter.com/snsgroup/status/1546951134123900937/photo/1 Little wonder their ‘keeper got sent off when you see this!

The first competitive ones I’ve noted this season were two for Toddy tonight for Dunfermline against Buckie.

A nervy ending but job done. Well done guys. I look forward to hearing what those at the game made of it.

Livingston have missed a penalty. They put it over the bar after a foul by Oakley gave the spot kick away.