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Found 8 results

  1. It never came home.....but football is back. It's the start of a new season and we welcome fans back to the Caledonian Stadium with Peterhead our first visitors in a group 'A' League Cup encounter. The game is a 7:45pm kick off on Tuesday night and although it's restricted, there will be fans allowed to enter the stadium as covid regulations relax. The game can also be streamed live from ICTV for £10 Matchday Info & Streaming The new season brings new challenges with Billy Dodds now the man in charge of the dugout with Robbo 'upstairs' as Sporting Director. There's also some returning faces as well as some new faces. With a restricted pre-season, it looks likely that League Cup games will form part of our preparation to tune in the players for the challenge ahead. Three pre-season games saw an Inverness XI beat Clach 5-0, Forres 1-0 and draw 1-1 with an Aberdeen XI in a closed door friendly. I imagine it will be our standard low key start to the season with players still getting to know each other. It's difficult to determine who will and who won't feature this early in the season. Manny Duku, Reece McAlear, Michael Gardyne, Tom Walsh, Aaron Doran, David Carson , Sean Welsh, Cammy Harper, Shane Sutherland and both keepers have all been involved in pre-season games along with most of our young academy graduates but there has been no sign of Danny Devine, Wallace Duffy, Anthony McDonald, Robbie Deas or Billy Mckay yet, and still waiting for confirmation if the Kirk Broadfoot rumours are correct (player/coach). As an aside, I notice that Toddy scored twice for Dunfermline Athletic in a 4-2 win over Partick Thistle in his first competitive game for the Pars Peterhead have already played their opening fixture, a 2-0 defeat at Balmoor against Hearts on Saturday. Gary Mackay-Steven and Liam Boyce the scorers for the visitors with a goal in each half. Stirling Albion beat Cove 3-2 in group 'A' on Saturday as well. The other group 'A' game tonight is Hearts -V- Cove Rangers with Stirling Albion having the night off. Peterhead's starting XI v Hearts Wilson; Strachan, Mulligan, McDonald, Conroy, Ritchie, Ferry, McCarthy, Cameron, McLean, Payne. Subs: Cook, Kesson, Brown, Long, Lyle Latest News Kirk Broadfoot confirmation. Inverness Caledonian Thistle are delighted to announce the signing of central defender Kirk Broadfoot on a 1 year deal. As Head Coach Billy Dodds continues to build a squad with a blend of youth and experience, Kirk becomes his sixth summer signing alongside Tom Walsh, Billy Mckay, Manny Duku, Reece McAlear and Michael Gardyne.
  2. It never came home.....but football is back. It's the start of a new season and we welcome fans back to the Caledonian Stadium with Peterhead our first visitors in a group 'A' League Cup encounter. The game is a 7:45pm kick off on Tuesday night and although it's restricted, there will be fans allowed to enter the stadium as covid regulations relax. The game can also be streamed live from ICTV for £10 The new season brings new challenges with Billy Dodds now the man in charge of the dugout with Robbo 'upstairs' as Sporting Director. There's also some returning faces as well as some new faces. With a restricted pre-season, it looks likely that League Cup games will form part of our preparation to tune in the players for the challenge ahead. Three pre-season games saw an Inverness XI beat Clach 5-0, Forres 1-0 and draw 1-1 with an Aberdeen XI in a closed door friendly. I imagine it will be our standard low key start to the season with players still getting to know each other. It's difficult to determine who will and who won't feature this early in the season. Manny Duku, Reece McAlear, Michael Gardyne, Tom Walsh, Aaron Doran, David Carson , Sean Welsh, Cammy Harper, Shane Sutherland and both keepers have all been involved in pre-season games along with most of our young academy graduates but there has been no sign of Danny Devine, Wallace Duffy, Anthony McDonald, Robbie Deas or Billy Mckay yet, and still waiting for confirmation if the Kirk Broadfoot rumours are correct (player/coach). As an aside, I notice that Toddy scored twice for Dunfermline Athletic in a 4-2 win over Partick Thistle in his first competitive game for the Pars Peterhead have already played their opening fixture, a 2-0 defeat at Balmoor against Hearts on Saturday. Gary Mackay-Steven and Liam Boyce the scorers for the visitors with a goal in each half. Stirling Albion beat Cove 3-2 in group 'A' on Saturday as well. The other group 'A' game tonight is Hearts -V- Cove Rangers with Stirling Albion having the night off. Peterhead's starting XI v Hearts Wilson; Strachan, Mulligan, McDonald, Conroy, Ritchie, Ferry, McCarthy, Cameron, McLean, Payne. Subs: Cook, Kesson, Brown, Long, Lyle Latest News Kirk Broadfoot confirmation. Inverness Caledonian Thistle are delighted to announce the signing of central defender Kirk Broadfoot on a 1 year deal. As Head Coach Billy Dodds continues to build a squad with a blend of youth and experience, Kirk becomes his sixth summer signing alongside Tom Walsh, Billy Mckay, Manny Duku, Reece McAlear and Michael Gardyne.
  3. Rovers Return Rovers drew 3-3 with Inverness and won the penalty shoot-out to take the bonus point. Manny Duku scored twice for Raith and Danny Devine put into his own net. Shane Sutherland, a James Keatings (penalty) and Roddy MacGregor got the Inverness goals in what was a good work out for both sides. That was MacGregors first goal for the club, watch him go now. Inverness travelled to Kirkaldy for a Betfred League Cup Group A game against the form team in the Championship, Raith Rovers. The game was a 7:45pm kick-off at Stark's Park with both sides having only a slim chance of progressing, depending on other results. Here's the format for the competition:The eight group winners qualify for the next stage along with the four best placed second teams. There they are then joined by Scotland's Euro representatives in the second round; Celtic, Rangers, Motherwell and Aberdeen. The seeded teams in the last 16 are the four European clubs and the four group winners with the best records. The tournament reverts to a traditional knock-out format from the second round onwards, with ties decided by extra time and penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes. Here's how it went on the night....... For the hosts, midfielder DylanTait was suspended and Lars Lokotsch was cuptied. Rovers went without Iain Davidson, Kieran MacDonald, Jack Smith, Gozie Ugwu and Lewis Vaughan. John Robertson rested Nikolay Todorov, Roddy MacGregor and Robbie Deas, all three on the bench. Sean Welsh and Daniel Mackay were missing from Saturday's team and Kevin McHattie, Lewis Toshney, Miles Storey and David Carson are all still receiving treatment. Inverness looked pretty in pink as James Keating got the ball rolling on the artificial surface. First chance came after seven minutes for Raith as they broke on the left but a curled effort from Ethan Ross drifted just wide. Striker Manny Duku made Danny Devine look pedestrian as he cut in from the left and drilled low past Ridgers in ten minutes. They never heeded an earlier warning about his pace. James Keatings fired a long range dipping effort just over from almost forty yards as we responded to going behind, but another good ball into the visitors box just eluded Duku at the far post. Wallace Duffy did well to deny Duku at the expense of a corner from a great ball into the box on the right, the striker looked favourite to score. Soon after, Inverness broke forward on the right and Kai Kennedy sped forward before pinging a tremendous ball to the far post where Shane Sutherland nodded through the keeper to level the score. Devine did well to stop a foray forward with a well timed tackle but Raith fed another ball close to Duku's head, the ball bouncing through to Ridgers. Another tremendous tackle by Devine thwarted the ever eager Duku six yards out. What a tackle that was. Most of Raith's good work was coming down their left side and they were getting a lot of success with balls into the box just needing a touch, Duku lurking ominously inside our box. Brad Mckay looked to have caught his studs on the pitch and went down heavily as Raith broke forward, Devine having to concede a free kick twenty-two yards out by upending Ethan Ross, and getting a yellow for his misfortune. James Keatings was ruled offside as he tapped the ball in following a good move forward by Inverness involving Aaron Doran and Kai Kennedy five minutes before the break. Raith missed a penalty soon after when Duffy was adjudged to have fouled Musonda but Armstrong fired well over the bar. Justice done maybe as Duffy looked to have poked the ball from Musonda's toe. Duku was causing all sorts of problems with his pace and movement and Ridgers was forced into a save just on the interval and Brad Mckay eventually had to leave the park just before the whistle, being replaced by Robbie Deas. Half Time 1-1 No changes at the break and a bright start by Inverness as Thomson blocked a ball into the six yard box. A massive kick-out by Ridgers saw Thomson hoof the ball away from the edge of his box. Moments later Keatings almost scored but his rasping shot rose just over the bar from ten yards on the left. Big Raith defender Fernandy Mendy killed the corner flag, body blocking in the Marvin Andrews style. Solid lad, no messing. Some poor defending allowed Raith to break quickly on the left through Ethan Ross and it ended with the ball going behind Ridgers to put the hosts ahead. The ball apparently coming off Devine for an og. Meh! Kennedy did well down the right, but despite a close call for a penalty we had to settle for a corner. Good pressure from the Caley Jags and a header went just over from a corner, but we would not be denied a leveller. Tumilty impeded Roddy MacGregor at the far post as he looked certain to tap in and James Keatings tucked it away nicely. Two minutes later MacGregor won a free kick on the edge of the box. Keatings took the dead ball and he struck the post with a super curling shot, and MacGregor reacted quickest to tuck the rebound away. Inverness looked to be getting on top and Sutherland saw Thomson save down low. A dangerous ball across the face of the visitors box just needed a touch but it went abegging. Moments later Ridgers saved brilliantly from point blank range as Rovers tried to force an equaliser, Benedictus with the shot from six yards. Just on the ninety, Duku grabbed his second after a good knock down in the box by Mendy, our defence looking a tad static. Keatings might have done better from a great ball through the middle from Allardice, in fairness it wasn't an easy chance. We should have had a penalty in a late flurry and then Thomson made a miraculous double save from Kennedy and Todorov to claw away the ball from under the bar. Three corners followed for Inverness but the game ended 3-3. On to penalties for the bonus point, no use to either club but hey ho. Rovers scored their first three penalties through Hendry, Mathews and Armstrong before Spencer skied one. Inverness were poor in the shoot-out missing the first two with Kennedy also missing the last. Toddy - saved Keatings - xbar Deas - Goal! Allardice - Goal! Kennedy - wide Rovers win penalty shoot out 3-2 Cracking nights entertainment and great coverage by Raith Rovers TV. Take note Mr Gardiner, it puts Pixie Lott to shame. Here's the Highlights from Raith TV Post match Robbo https://fb.watch/1HGK9frWHh/ Date: 10/11/2020 Venue: Stark's Park, Kirkaldy Attendance: 0000 Referee: Steven Reid Raith Rovers: 3 (3 pens) Lineup: Thomson; Tumilty, Musonda, Mendy, Benedictus, Armstrong, Hendry, Duku, Matthews, Spencer, Ross Subs (not used): J MacDonald; Mahady, Arnott, Coulson. Scorers: Duku (11, 90), Devine (og 59) Booked: Benedictus (81) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 3 (2 pens) Lineup: Ridgers; Duffy, B Mckay (Deas 45+1), Devine, Harper, Doran Todorov (85), Vincent (MacGregor 33) Allardice Kennedy, Keatings, Sutherland Subs (not used): C Mackay; Nicolson, Fyffe, Hyde. Scorers: Sutherland (24), Keatings (pen 67), MacGregor (69) Booked: Doran (15), Devine (36), Allardice (79), Duffy (89) Sent Off: none a
  4. Keeper in the spotlight again Inverness won the game but all credit to East Fife for making this a tough tie. It took a penalty save by Cammy Mackay in stoppage time to keep us ahead after Shane Sutherland had opened the scoring in the second half. We had Mackay to thank for a wonderful save in the first half as well and he was my MotM. The final Betfred League Cup group A game was played out at an empty Caledonian Stadium with East Fife the visitors in our tier 1 covid restricted tie. The Fifers came North after losing narrowly to Hearts in midweek whilst we drew 3-3 with Raith Rovers. Hearts would progress to the next round from this group with Raith Rovers just missing out, let's find out what happened here.... The stream for todays game was free for everyone with Andy Bannerman on commentary and a cameraman controlling the camera. What a difference this made to the viewing experience. Well done ICTFC for getting this sorted. Brad Mckay, James Vincent, Wallace Duffy, Lewis Toshney, Kevin McHattie and Sean Welsh were all missing. Miles Storey made the subs bench after injuring his hamstring over a month ago. In comes Cammy Mackay and Harry Nicolson makes his competitive debut as Shane Sutherland gets more game time up front with Nicolay Todorov. East Fife's danger men were up front in Jack Hamilton and Ryan Wallace with eight goals between them this season. East Fife got the game underway in a vacant stadium, kicking towards the North Stand. Almost six minutes on the clock when a tidy dummy saw Kai Kennedy take the ball into the box but he couldn't get enough power on the shot and the keeper smothered the ball. Toddy was next to break into the box but was crowded out as he tried to get the ball away. Cameron Harper headed a dangerous ball to the back post behind for a corner in East Fife's first foray forward, but the defence cleared comfortably. Shane Sutherland snatched at a shot on the right side of the box but he dragged it across the goal and wide. A flurry of activity by the visitors saw Scott Allardice head clear but the follow up volley by Ryan Wallace was lashed well over the bar, high and wide. Good spell for the Fife side and they fired another long range effort a couple of yards over the bar. Toddy was thwarted on the eighteen yard line by a strong challenge by a Fifers defender. Series of good blocks by the Fife defence denies Inverness and it ends with MacGregor's shot taking a deflection and looping into the keepers arms. What a save from Cammy Mackay from point blank range to keep the score level. A header by Chris Higgins from six yards in a crowded box looked certain to score, great reactions from Mackay kept the ball out. Kai Kennedy was roving around the flanks causing problems for the defenders, winning free kicks wide right, but there were no takers for the crosses into the box as East Fife defend well. Aaron Doran did well to step inside his marker five minutes before the break but his shot from the edge of the box was well over. Most of the pressing coming from the home side but the Fife defence standing firm so far. Despite having plenty of the ball, it was the visitors that had the best chance of the half when they were denied by Cammy Mackay. In truth, Inverness looked void of ideas in trying to get behind a well drilled East Fife bus. Half Time 0-0 Striker Ryan Wallace was replaced at the interval by Thomas Collins. Probably bored by the game. Sutherland got a shot on target three minutes into the second half but it was too easy for the keeper then up the other end the Fifers headed narrowly over with a looping effort. Kennedy shot wide from around twenty-five yards but it fell away to the keepers left. Annoyingly, East Fife looked more dangerous than us at the start of the second half. However, the deadlock was broken when Sutherland rose highest to send a powerful header into the top of the net off a Cameron Harper corner. Back came the Fifers and a ball bobbled around our box before Mackay was able to gather. Mackay was quick off his line to save at the feet of the oncoming forward as the visitors stormed forward once more. The hosts then looked to get on top of the game and Kennedy sliced a volley over before he was replaced by James Keatings. Miles Storey made a complete arse of an effort when he went through looking suspiciously offside, but he sand danced around and lost the opportunity. What a numpty. A curling effort by Davidson went just over the bar as East Fife kept plugging away, still looking likely to get something out of this game. It's beginning to look a bit like watching Scotland play. We ended the game on the back foot, throwing bodies in the way and scrambling the ball away for a corner. But all was not lost as they were awarded a penalty in the 91st minute when Jack Hamilton was brought down by Robbie Deas. As I said, just like watching Scotland. And just like Scotland, the keeper saved the penalty from Hamilton brilliantly. What a save by Cammy low down to his left, similar to David Marshall, to earn the points as the game ended. Keepers are big news this week and Cammy Mackay was our hero with a crucial point blank save in the first half and a tremendous penalty save in time added on. Brilliant from young Cammy. Good performance from birthday boy Cameron Harper as well and a well taken header by Shane Sutherland won the game for us where we toiled to create for long spells. Facebook link for Robbo interview post match Date: 14/11/2020 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 0000 Referee: Chris Graham Inverness CT: 1 Lineup: C Mackay; Deas, Nicolson, Devine Harper, Doran (D Mackay 65), Allardice, MacGregor, Kennedy (Keatings 78), Sutherland, Todorov (Storey 65) Subs (not used): Ridgers; Fyffe, Hyde, , Keatings, Scorers: Sutherland (64) Booked: none Sent Off: none East Fife: 0 Lineup: Hart; Higgins, Murdoch (Watson 69), Dunlop, Denholm (Dunsmore 61), Slattery, Smith (Watt 69), Agnew (Newton 75), Hamilton, Davidson, Wallace (Collins 45). Subs (not used): Long; McLaughlin Scorers: none Booked: Agnew (33) Sent Off: none a
  5. Fay Fife For Footie It's the final Betfred League Cup game for Inverness this season with the team Fay Fife the visitors to the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday for a 3:00pm kick-off. No no no, not the Rezillos, but the football side from Bayview. Nothing at stake for either side with Hearts heading the group. Here's the other ones fae Fife........ More good news, or not, depending on your view, but this game will be available for free to watch through the spfl portal/matchday centre. The information can be found by clicking on the link in the twitter feed below or the link provided. Some might say we should be paid to watch it, however, it won't cost you anything and you can watch the sun setting in the west and follow the linesman head or cars going on to the Kessock Bridge. Don't say we didn't warn you, but yer no payeen anyhing mun, so no complaineen this week. Enjoy! Free Stream from ICTFC Information In all honesty, nothing really matters after the drama that unfolded on Thursday night when Scotland qualified for the Euros after doing it the Scottish way. Twenty-four seconds of the ninety to go and leading 1-0. Boom! Extra time with our backs to the wall and a nail biting penalty shoot-out saw new heroes emerge for another generation with our very own Ryan Christie right at the top of the tree. Congratulations Ryan, we are all so proud of you, none moreso than your olde daddy, Charlie. The downside of Scotland qualifying is that a whole nation is now walking around humming "Yes Sir, I can Boogie, Ach well, you can'y have everything; the good news is that this version is much better than Baccara's effort in 1977.......43 years ago! Meanwhile, back at the Betfred League Cup: East Fife come North after running Hearts close in their last game, going down 3-2 at Bayview. Jack Hamilton and Ryan Wallace scored for the Fifers as they fell just short despite being 2-0 down after just 3 minutes. Hamilton and Wallace are making a habit of scoring goals this season and will be worth keeping an eye on. Inverness did well at Stark's Park but had to settle for a draw. Raith took the bonus point as we fired three penalty blanks. We got ourselves into a winning position but, like Scotland, did it our way as the menacing Manny Duku equalised in the 90th minute. Nonetheless, it was a decent performance from Inverness who scored through, Shane Sutherland, his first on his return to the club, James Keatings from the spot and Roddy MacGregor, his first for the club. But for a tremendous double save from Raith keeper Robbie Thomson we would have won the three points, however, it is what it is. A good workout for both teams and game time for returning injured players. Unfortunately, James Vincent came off in the first half as did Brad Mckay who looked to catch his foot on the astroturf. OFFICIAL PREVIEW FROM ICTFC RETURN OF FANS BALLOT Latest team news: As noted in the official preview, Brad Mckay and James Vincent are out. Wallace Duffy is struggling but Miles Storey might make the bench. More game time for those that need it and also an opportunity for for the young team to make their mark. Finally, we are all Ryan Christie, what a legend, from this young loon..... To Scotland hero, take a bow RYAN CHRISTIE A nation is forever indebted to you
  6. League Cup Group A Back to league cup duty Tuesday night and it's a tough task ahead as we face Raith Rovers at Starks Park, Kirkaldy, the game has a 7:45pm kick-off. Usual covid restrictions with fans unable to attend although the action can be seen on Raith TV. The other Group A game features East Fife at home to Hearts, and that's the top of the table clash. Who knew? Rovers are romping along in the Championship with three wins and a draw. They are top scorers with fourteen goals, the latest a five goal drubbing of Morton on Saturday. They also put five past Queen of the South and are the form team at the moment. They sit above Inverness in Group A of the Betfred League Cup having beaten East Fife but losing 3-1 to Hearts who top the group. Raith have made this game available on a PPV basis, but first you have to log in to RAITH TV. Once logged in you can then select the PPV option for this game at the reasonable price of £9.99. Take note Hearts! While Raith were thrashing Morton on Saturday we were going down 2-1 at Tynecastle. We gave a resolute performance without over exerting Craig Gordon. However, Hearts were left clinging on in the final ten minutes after Aaron Doran glanced home a tidy header that had Gordon sprawling across his goal in vain as the ball nestled in the corner of his net. Rovers and John McGlynn have recruited wisely since promotion and look likely to maintain their push for a top four finish. Jamie MacDonald is between the sticks. Important player in our Scottish Cup win over Falkirk, but nonetheless an excellent keeper on his day. Reghan Tumilty, an experienced defender once of Ross County. Manny Duku, a man of many clubs, born in Amsterdam with an eye for goal. German Lars Lokotch is on loan from Livingston and is a handful for defenders. Defender Frankie Musonda comes in from Luton Town and midfielder Ethan Ross is on loan from Aberdeen. Gozie Ugwu is another burly striker who was at Pars once upon a time. The addition of these players along with youngsters stepping up and the remainder of last seasons promotion winning squad will see Rovers staying at the business end of the table throughout the season. Our injury list could only get better and we saw Shane Sutherland and Aaron Doran come off the bench with James Vincent and Danny Devine remaining seated. The next two League Cup encounters will give us a chance to ease these players back into match routines. It may be too soon for Miles Storey, Kevin McHattie, David Carson and Lewis Toshney but at least our bench is looking stronger. Here's Johnny.... With Hearts running away with Group A, it's a great opportunity for both clubs to test the water and this might be the occasion to do it before the teams meet again in a couple of weeks on Championship duty. I won't be reading too much into this result as Robbo has always said that the League Cup is not his priority although it's always nice to put on a decent performance and get some positives from the game. The eight group winners qualify for the next stage along with the four best placed second teams. They are then joined by Scotland's Euro representatives in the next stage. Celtic, Rangers, Motherwell and Aberdeen. The seeded teams in the last 16 are the four European clubs and the four group winners with the best records. The tournament reverts to a traditional knock-out format from the second round onwards, with ties decided by extra time and penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes. Meh, the League Cup, it's not for everyone..... Milestones & Memories Lest we forget, it's getting close to the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.... Many made the ultimate sacrifice. Many never came home. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them… Laurence Binyon
  7. Inverness CT v East Fife Betfred League Cup Group A Caledonian Stadium Saturday 14th November 3:00pm Unfortunately these will be closed doors games due to Covid19
  8. Loons 1 - 2 Inverness Liam Polworth had a first half penalty saved by Loons keeper Marc McCallum, who also made some excellent saves to deny Iain Vigurs, John Baird and Ricardo Calder after the spot kick. All the goals came in the second period with Forfar opening through Mark Scott. The lead was short lived and George Oakley and John Baird had Inverness in front six minutes later. That was how it finished, but it was not enough for Inverness to progress in the competition. Connor Bell signed for Inverness in the morning of this game and earned a seat on the bench, Jake Mulraney joining him. David Raven started at right back with Collin Seedorf injured, and Mathew Elsdon was at centre back with Gary Warren still injured. Immortal Howden Ender has this report for us, hot off the press............. A BRIDGE TOO FORFAR !! Well we bowed out of the Betfred Cup at far too early a stage. The Bairns were always going to be a tough nut to crack but we should have hit the nine points from the other three. John Robertson certainly played it down with – “We’ve had a decent League Cup without being hugely impressive – It’s been four matches against quality opponents (!!) that has put us in good stead for the league campaign and allowed us to gel and get fitness levels up”. Hopefully he really meant – “I have now had a chance to look at everybody and I know the way forward”. Station Park may be difficult to find but it is a homely wee stadium and the “astro turf” looks in very good condition. (OK I prefer grass maself). The wind was strong assisted by the intermittent spells of drizzle. We certainly played better when faced to play football against the elements in the first half. The second half became more of a punt which did not work well with the wind and the pitch. I note that the attendance was quoted at 517 but looked more to me. Good turnout from the Highlands – must have been 100-150. The Central Belters/Juanjo Away were well represented and driven to the game from Dundee by none other than a taxi driver called Bobby Mann. Me – I arrived there – by feckin car – 20 minutes before the kick off with Mrs Johndo and Mini IHE – stone cold feckin sober !! At least my grandson (Leighton) had a winning start to his ICT career. We totally dominated the first 45 as we had to play football in its true sense. We could have/should have gone in 3-0 up. The final ball/ the final strike was sadly missing. We played some neat stuff but basically fecked it all up at the close. Calder could have netted a hat-trick. Just after the half hour we had a chance to practically ease the game. Initially it looked like a soft penalty award and a trip on Baird but it was reported as being a hand ball. Not sure why Vigurs did not step up but it was left to Polly – possibly to boost his confidence (DOH). It was really a very poor strike and adds to our penalty taking woes. Four minutes after the restart Marc Scott put Forfar ahead. Perhaps Ridgers was partly to blame but David Cox made a fool out of Chalmers and the initial shot, well saved by Ridgers, should never have been allowed to be completed. Yngwie and I were joking earlier that Cox had enjoyed his summer holidays as he was clearly overweight. But then he tormented Chalmers which says it all. Perhaps that was a wake up call and at least we reacted. Five minutes later McCallum was at fault as he pulled out of a 50/50 with Baird. The ball went loose and George Oakley neatly tucked it away. Before you could say Inverness Caledonian Thistle a Polworth corner was headed on and John Baird hit a screamer at the back post. And the photo does not lie as Mini IHE shows his seerness by evidently predicting the outcome !! After that I was expecting a barrowload but we appeared to relax. Substitutions may not have helped but we were careless. We did not possess the killing off factor and nearly paid the price. So it was back to the 1984 Lounge for the Juanjo Away and a pickup by Bobby Mann. I headed to Camperdown Park to run the feckin dog, went to Tesco and had ma first feckin swally at 20.00 hrs. So feck the family it is Virgin Rail on my own from now on. SMILEYMOMETER RIDGERS Neither worried or inspired me. Looks like a decent shot stopper and a decent distributor but he needs to get nasty and start shouting more. RAVEN Nice to see him back. Looked good in the first half but outpaced on a few occasions by the speedy Scott. Looks more like a squad player. CHALMERS Disappointed. Taken to the proverbial cleaners by a fat Cox. Perhaps that was a Twiiter prediction ELSDON Looks the part but not the most mobile and looks very green and surprisingly not the best in the air. McKAY Thought he was going off in the first half as he appeared to have pulled a muscle. Expected more from him. POLWORTH Why does Robbo not realise that Polworth is wasted wide right - but there again where does he fit in ? He appeared to be given more of a roving role in the second half but we can do that at Forfar but ?!! The roving role however appeared to nullify both Vigurs and Draper VIGURS What was the abuse for ? Vigurs was a class above everybody else in the first half. A sweet left foot comparable with the taxi driver called Bobby Mann. Ran the game for 45 minutes. Faded in the second but the wind was with us and punts became predominant. My MOM by miles. DRAPER Some are stating that he is in second gear. He has always appeared to be in second or third gear to me. He linked well with Vigurs playing in front of him. We really, really need to hold on to him CALDER Calder was impressive but NOT a left winger or a finisher. Looks more like a polished wing back or deeper wide player - unfortunately much like Mulraney. But Tremarco and Calder together really is a juicy prospect. But again where do you play him Robbo ? OAKLEY / BAIRD I x2 Impressed by both Oakley and Baird. They are both pacey and thinkers. They are not on the same wavelength yet but the potential is definitely there. Both took their goals well. MULRANEY Mulraney to me was a breath of fresh air but also a greedy *******. Perhaps trying to impress too much but was more of an individual than a team player to me. BELL Bell did not have much time but looks like the perfect back-up fer Baird FCZ (Susan) . I think I was initially spooked by the Clach reports. He is gangly and awkward but he showed signs today that he can hold up and pass. At the moment a good back-up for Oakley. And he is much better than the Walrus. SO .. I am really worried about the lack of pace at the back. Seedorf and Calder at full backs may assist. Polworth is wasted and perhaps needs to be an initial back-up for Vigurs and Draper. Or what about Polly at right back and Seedorf forward. The front two picks themselves. Date: 29/07/17 Venue: Station Park, Forfar Attendance: 517 Referee: Gavin Duncan Forfar Athletic: 1 Lineup: McCallum; Travis, Bain, Malone, Munro, Mensing, Cox (Aitken, 79), Millar (McBride, 51), Lister, See, Scott. Subs (not used): King, Easton, Warwick, Gill, Kennedy. Scorers: Scott 49. Booked: Munro Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 Lineup: Ridgers; Raven, Mckay, Elsdon, Chalmers, Polworth, Draper, Vigurs, Calder (Mulraney 75), Oakley (Zschusschen 71), Baird (Bell, 84). Subs (not used): Esson, MacDonald, Cooper. Scorers: Oakley 54, Baird 55. Booked: Calder, Baird Sent Off: none a
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