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Valiant Effort Ends in Penalty Loss It was a case of taxi for the Caley Jags at The Home of the Set Fare Arena after a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat when Stephen Kelly swept in the final spot kick to put us out of the Challenge Cup. Danny Devine and Charlie Reilly were missing for the Caley Jags but Keith Bray returned to the starting XI with Jack Newman taking the gloves. Jake Davidson was part of a five man midfield. Livi had former Caley Jags players Samson Lawal and Andy Shinnie starting with Reece McAlear on the bench. David Carson was missing for Livingston. Paul Allan scored his first goal for the Caley Jags in the tenth minute as he headed in an inviting cross from Luis Longstaff. Stevie May levelled after seventeen minutes and top scorer Scott Pittman edged the hosts ahead. However Charlie Gilmour equalised almost immediately in an entertaining first half. No further scoring in the second half and it went to penalties with the hosts prevailing 5-4 Meh! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Most expected this to be a stroll for Livi but it was Inverness that were first to threaten when Billy Mckay's shot from distance was saved by Pitaluga. Stevie May saw a header saved by Jack Newman before Inverness went back up the park to open the scoring through a Paul Allan header into the bottom corner off a great ball in from Luis Longstaff. The lead was short lived as Stevie May equalised seven minutes later with a low shot in off the post from inside the box, assisted by Scott Pittman. May and Shinnie returned the compliment ten minutes later to leave Pittman with an easy header. However, Charlie Gilmour scored from close range to level matters two minutes later. Minutes later Pitaluga had to tip an effort from Billy Mckay over the bar. Just before the break, Samson Lawal, Andy Shinnie, May and Clarke set up a chance for Pittman but his header was too close to the keeper and easily dealt with by Newman. In an open first forty-five, Inverness had given Livi a run for their money as the whistle went with the score level. HALF TIME: 2-2 No changes at the interval but Gilmour got an early booking for a high challenge on Shinnie. May fired a thirty-yarder just wide as the hosts threatened and at the other end Pitaluga pulled off a tremendous double save to deny Adam MacKinnon and Longstaff's follow up was also blocked. With twenty minutes remaining, Keith Bray's cross was knocked over by MacKinnon from the edge of the box. Lawal mishit an effort at the other end and was subbed moments later along with Shinnie. Livi upped the intensity and Montano headed over before fellow substitute Liam Sole was denied by Newman and Clarke's effort on the rebound was blocked. With the pressure mounting on the visitors defence Shinnie headed over. Jack Newman received treatment for a leg injury as we went in to overtime. Despite the late pressure it ended all square and penalties would decide who goes into the hat for the draw. FULL TIME: 2-2 Livingston win penalty shoot-out 5-4, scoring all five penalties (Shinnie, McGowan, Winter, Yengi & Kelly) ICT: Davidson Gilmour Savage B Mckay Thompson Saved by Keeper We lost didn't we... Date: 12/10/2024 Venue: Almondvale Attendance: 0943 Referee: Colin Steven Livingston: 2 (5 pens) Manager: David Martindale Lineup: Pitaluga; Clarke (Yengi 84), Nottingham, McGowan, Finlayson, Lawal (Montano 72), Pittman, Kelly, Shinnie, May (Winter 71), Smith (Sole 55) Subs (not used): Prior; McAlear, Green, Muirhead, Stark Scorers: May (17), Pittman (28) Booked: Smith (26) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 (4 pens) Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Newman; Bray (Thompson 84), W Duffy, Savage, Nolan (Strachan 63), Longstaff, Davidson, Gilmour, Allan (MacLeod 63), MacKinnon, B Mckay Subs (not used): Dibaga; Ewan, C Mackay, Ferguson, Brooks Scorers: Allan (10), Gilmour (30) Booked: Gilmour (52) Sent Off: none a

Another Blank Massive financial hurdles were put to one side as we went down to the Greenversity Stadium, or Gayfield as we all know it, for this Scottish League 1 fixture against Arbroath. With both sides getting off to a cautious start in the league this fixture between last seasons relegated pair might give an indication if either of them are capable of challenging for a play-off place at the top end of the table or will it be a few seasons in the doldrums, or administration or worse. Flynn Duffy, Lewis Nicolson and Ethan Cairns were missing. Charlie Reilly came in on loan from Dundee this week met his new team mates today for the first time and Started up front with Billy Mckay. Arbroath were without Scott Stewart and Tam O'Brien with co-manager David Gold and Ross County's young on loan defender Dylan Smith in their starting XI. The other co-manager Colin Hamilton, Ali Spalding and Calum Gallagher were all on the injured list. After a goalless first half where Inverness were looking the more likely, Reilly opened the scoring. Unfortunately it was Gavin Reilly for Arbroath. Another Saturday, another game slips away. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An early shout for a penalty in the first minute when Watson brought down debutant Charlie Reilly but nothing given. A recycled ball after a corner in the eighth minute offered Paul Allan a chance but Aidan McAdams somehow clawed away his header destined for the bottom corner. Charlie Reilly looked eager to please and the keeper had to deny his effort from outside the box. Billy Mckay might have done better after getting behind the defence but the keeper made a good block to deny the ageing striker. Arbroath's first effort of the game came in the 28th minute with a powerful Fraser Taylor shot from the centre of the box but it was straight down Musa Dibaga's throat. Ten minutes before the break, Luis Longstaff was next to have a go after cutting in from the right, but his shot was kept out by McAdams assisted by his post before the resultant corner was cleared. Just before the break Mckay missed the target and Charlie Gilmour had a shot blocked as the visitors finished the half with a flourish having had the better of the first forty-five. HALF TIME: 0-0 Substitute Quinn Coulson went close minutes after coming off the bench as he bent an effort just wide. Ryan Dow's reverse pass allowed Gavin Reilly to score with a tidy curling shot from the edge of the box to open the scoring for the hosts. Minutes later, Charlie Reilly hit the post for Inverness with twenty minutes remaining. Everything in our favour seems to be against us. Reilly and Mckay had both been substituted for the final throws of the game and as it slipped from our grasp Cameron Ferguson saw an effort from outside the box blocked and he shot wide in the 90th minute. Keith Watson was given a second yellow in time added on, and that brought about a yellow card for Arbroath coach Jimmy Boyle as well. It was just another Saturday as we failed to score again and after 96 minutes the full time whistle ended another disappointing day for the Caley Jags. That's three wins on the trot for the Smokies and, erm, just one win in nine for us. FULL TIME: 1-0 From CTO Heartbroken and Embarrassed. A totally broken club. How long has it been since anything to do with ICT brought a smile to your face? Missed chances and lose a goal, same old story. Desperate, miserable, awful. What a mess. We play mostly part time teams with a pro squad and we still can't score. The buck rests with the manager. That's the first round of nine games played ------- And we sit second bottom of League 1. Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Kelty Hearts 9 9 15 2 Stenhousemuir 9 2 14 3 Alloa Athletic 9 1 14 4 Queen of South 9 0 14 5 Montrose 9 3 13 6 Arbroath 9 0 12 7 Cove Rangers 9 -1 11 8 Annan Athletic 9 -8 10 9 Inverness CT 9 -1 9 10 Dumbarton 9 -5 6 Highlights from Arbroath FC TV Date: 05/09/2024 Venue: Gayfield Attendance: 1381 Referee: Craig Napier Arbroath FC: 1 Manager: Colin Hamilton & David Gold Lineup: McAdams; Smith, Wilkie, Watson, Bisland, Gold (Slater 62), Taylor, Sinclair (Coulson 46), Flynn, Dow (Callaghan 86), Reilly (Murray 80) Subs (not used): McConnell; Scorers: Reilly (67) Booked: Watson (55, 90+3) Sent Off: Watson (90+3) Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Dibaga; Davidson, Devine, Savage, Nolan, Longstaff, Gilmour, Allan (MacLeod 64), MacKinnon, Reilly (Brooks 75), B Mckay (Ferguson 80) Subs (not used): Newman; Duffy, Bray, Ewan, Thompson Scorers: none Booked: Reilly (53) Sent Off: none a

Bore Draw Stenhousemuir came North for the first time since 1998 on League business when a Mike Teasdale brace won the day after Ian Little had opened the scoring for the Warriors in front of 1414 fans. Brian Thomson has been our all time top scorer against them with seven goals including a hat-trick in a 5-1 rout in 1997. Hope he has taken his boots along for this one. In an instantly forgettable first half, the only highlight was a brilliant penalty save from Musa Dibaga to keep the score level with opportunities non-existant for both sides. The closest we came was when Davidson shot just wide when we broke forward. The second half produced more of the same with neither side able to find the finishing touch. Another point and another game without a goal. Whatever way you spin it, it's another dire performance which won't encourage many fans to come back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A chilly afternoon with the threat of rain dampened the atmosphere and to be honest it must have got to the players who produced a dire first forty-five only brought to life by a superb penalty save from Dibaga. Nothing wrong with the strike, but the keeper guessed right as he dived full length low to his right to deny Matty Yates. The rest of the half was disjointed and Jake Davidson was the only other one that went close ten minutes before the interval. Half Time: 0-0 The second half was no better with half chances and missed opportunities. Anderson glanced a header a yard or two wide and Yates shot wide as the Warriors threatened to take control. However with defences on top it was unlikely that anyone would score and James Nolan lifted a shot over the bar after good work down the right flank by Longstaff and lay-off's from Billy Mckay and MacKinnon. Nobody could hit the target and Brooks dragged a long range shot two or three yards wide. MacKinnon had an effort blocked from close range from the edge of the six yard box. Highlight of this half was a tremendous block by Jake Davidson as Ross Meechan looked favourite to score. Unfortunately it was the same old same old as we struggled badly to create enough and take any chances that did come our way. Full Time: 0-0 Poor fare at the Caledonian Stadium as we huffed and puffed our way around the park to little effect. Great save from MotM Musa Dibaga to deny Matty Yates but that was all there was to cheer. We did have an early penalty claim brushed aside, as Billy Mckay seemed to be barged off the ball and another in the second half when Duffy appeared to be pushed in the box going for a cross. Either way, a draw was about right, but two poor teams on display. OCG on CTO: Well that was dire possibly even worse than last week. Does DF ever try to play football that suits the players he has? Does he even know that we need to win anymore? Most exciting bit was good natured banter with the Stennie keeper! Finding it harder and harder finding any positivity these days. Can you imagine what it will be like watching football like this when it's minus 3 and dark by full time!! More match reaction to follow Big Musa with a big hand <<caleyjags.com>> Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Queen of the South 8 4 14 2 Alloa Athletic 8 3 14 3 Montrose 8 4 13 4 Kelty Hearts 8 5 12 5 Stenhousemuir 8 0 11 6 Inverness CT 8 0 9 7 Arbroath 8 -1 9 8 Cove Rangers 8 -3 8 9 Annan Athletic 8 -9 7 10 Dumbarton 8 -3 6 Date: 28/09/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1601 Referee: Peter Stuart Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Dibaga; W Duffy, Davidson, Devine, Savage, Longstaff, Gilmour, MacLeod (Allan 69), Nolan, MacKinnon, B Mckay (Brooks 68) Subs (not used): Newman; Strachan, Ferguson, Ewan, C Mackay, Thompson Scorers: none Booked: Devine (17), B Mckay (56) Sent Off: none Stenhousemuir: 0 Manager: Gary Naysmith Lineup: D Jamieson; Meechan, Buchanan, Bilham, Wedderburn (Alston 55), Berry, Ewen (Tomlinson 75), Aitken, Banner, Anderson, Yates (O'Reilly 88) Subs (not used): Trialist A (Hogarth), Trialist B (Cameron). Scorers: none Booked: Berry (45) Sent Off: none a

Wasps Sting Back Inverness were without Charlie Gilmour, Flynn Duffy, Paul Allan, Ethan Cairns and Lewis Nicolson for the trip to Alloa although Jack Newman, Luis Longstaff and Keith Bray have returned to the squad after injury. Alloa have plenty experience in their ranks, notably Conor Sammon and Kevin Cawley and went in to this encounter off the back of a superb win over Partick Thistle last weekend in the Challenge Cup. Sammon started on the bench with Cawley joined by Luke Donnelly up front. Danny Devine gave Inverness an early lead with a tremendous birthday boy volley into the corner. After the interval, Calum Macleod added a second, drilling home, but a few minutes later we were level when substitute Sammon and Luke Donnelly scored for the Wasps. Despite a frantic last twenty minutes, that's how it ended. (2-2) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once the early posturing was over, it was a birthday gift from Danny Devine as he lashed in the opening goal from twenty-two yards in the seventh minute to give the visitors the perfect start. What a strike from Danny into the corner off the post. Boom and Happy Birthday! Musa Dibaga saved from Cameron O'Donnell two minutes later at the expense of a corner and Billy Mckay put a header wide after fifteen minutes. Adam MacKinnon was denied by PJ mid-way through the half when the keeper parried his strike away for a corner. On the stroke of half time Adam Brooks went through at an acute angle but his effort was saved at the near post and Mckay was then blocked before MacKinnon shot over from a tight angle. Alloa were seeing plenty of the ball in the opening half but it was the visitors that went in at the break a goal to the good and good value for that lead. HALF TIME: 0-1 No changes at the interval and it was a lively re-start two minutes in when PJ had to deny Mckay from a tight angle. Following an Alloa corner, Big Musa had to deny Morgyn Neill and at the other end Calum MacLeod burst forward and saw his effort tipped onto the post before the rebound was cleared. Billy Mckay went close again after the hour before substitute Stefan Scougall forced Big Musa into a good save. A minute later MacLeod gave us some short lived breathing space following a swift break forward as he drilled the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner, however Conor Sammon quickly pulled a goal back with a great header three minutes later into the top corner finishing a well built move from back to front. Moments later it was all square when Donnelly looped a ball behind Dibaga after a long throw from Taggart and a touch from Sammon. Having been well in control we were now under the cosh but despite some hairy moments towards the end it finished all square. FULL TIME: 2-2 Disappointing to throw away a two goal lead after being in control for over an hour. Two great goals scored but we will be not be happy with our defending at Alloa's goals. Most of us would have taken a draw before kick-off, but the manner in which we capitulated will need addressed. Both managers appeared to be yellow carded in the final minute. Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Table after todays games 1. Alloa Athletic 6 2 4 0 7 5 10 2. Q.O.S. 6 3 1 2 6 4 10 3. Kelty Hearts 6 2 3 1 9 6 9 4. Montrose 6 2 3 1 6 3 9 5. Stenhousemuir 6 3 0 3 10 10 9 6. Inverness CT 6 1 4 1 5 5 7 7. Cove Rangers 6 2 1 3 9 10 7 8. Annan Athletic 6 2 1 3 6 10 7 9. Dumbarton 6 0 6 0 10 10 6 10. Arbroath 6 0 3 3 4 9 3 Date: 14/09/2024 Venue: Recreation Park Alloa Attendance: 0778 Referee: George Calder Alloa Athletic: 2 Manager: Andy Graham Lineup: Morrison; Taggart, McKay, Neill, Thomson, Hetherington, Virtanen (Sammon 64), O'Donnell, Buchanan, Donnelly, Cawley (Scougall 64) Subs (not used): Ogayi; Graham, Nevans Scorers: Sammon (70), Donnelly (73) Booked: Virtanen (54) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Dibaga; Nolan (C Mackay 82), W Duffy, Devine, Savage, Longstaff, Davidson, MacLeod, MacKinnon, B Mckay (Bray 69), Brooks (Ferguson 86) Subs (not used): Newman; Strachan, Ewan, Keogh, Thompson Scorers: Devine (7), MacLeod (67) Booked: MacLeod (31), Nolan (78) Sent Off: none a

First win for the Caley Jags Another controversial week in the life and death of the Caley Jags culminated in a home fixture against Queen of the South at the Caledonian Stadium. A couple of new faces were acquired prior to kick-off with four faces missing, Newman, Longstaff, Bray and Cairns. In came Connall Ewan and James Nolan. Kai Kennedy was in the Doonhamers squad. A first half goal from Billy Mckay in a turgid encounter was enough to secure all three points. A bit of pinball around the visitors goal ended with Billy scoring from close range. Referee Gavin Duncan was the focal point of many a strange decision as he ignored two big penalty claims for the hosts, and a brilliant goalline clearance from an Adam Brooks effort kept Queens in with a chance. Despite a late flurry from Queens we held on for our first win of the League 1 campaign. The downside of these industrial challenges today was that both Duffy's left the field injured, Flynn on a stretcher. Duncan Ferguson was also redcarded for continuallly questioning the referee's decisions. One in particular when Brooks was booked for simulation instead of being awarded a penalty. Baffling incompetence from the ref! On the plus side, the pitch looked in fantastic condition. Full Time: 1-0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The points were more important than the performance. However, it was encouraging to kick-start our season today and put us only three points off the pace in the table. Billy Mckay beavered away on scraps and got his reward in the first half and Brooks was unfortunate a couple of times. Musa Dibaga did not have too much to deal with, but he seemed to read situations well and took the pressure off the defence with some good catches under pressure, especially when Queens were hurling massive throw-ins into our penalty box in the final quarter of the game. Devine and Savage were solid in the heart of the defence but it was disappointing to lose both full backs to injury. Todays scores on the doors in League 1 Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Kelty Hearts 5 5 9 2 Stenhousemuir 5 3 9 3 Alloa Athletic 5 2 9 4 Queen of the South 5 1 7 5 Inverness CT 5 0 6 6 Montrose 5 0 6 7 Annan Athletic 5 -4 6 8 Dumbarton 5 0 5 9 Cove Rangers 5 -3 4 10 Arbroath 5 -4 3 Date: 31/08/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1703 Referee: Gavin Duncan Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Dibaga; W Duffy (Nolan 67), Devine, Savage, F Duffy (Ewan 75), Davidson, Gilmour, Allan (MacLeod 46), A MacKinnon, B Mckay, Brooks (C Mackay 79) Subs (not used): Rebilas; Strachan, Thompson, Ferguson, Keogh Scorers: B Mckay (19) Booked: Brooks (48), Devine (63) Sent Off: none Queen of the South: 0 Manager: Peter Murphy Lineup: Stewart; Hewit (Johnston3 43), MacIntyre, Hannah, Douglas, Lyon, Dickenson, Kennedy (Doherty 85), Luissint (Walker 58), McKechnie, McIntosh. Subs (not used): Hogarth; Willis, Church, Rogerson, McLinden, Ross Scorers: none Booked: McKechnie (19), Johnstone (70) Sent Off: none a

Mar0-0ned Table toppers Kelty Hearts welcomed the Caley Jags to New Central Park, and this was not just for a training session. Musa Dibaga retained the golves with Jack Newman possibly requiring surgery on his knee and Luis Longstaff is out for a month with a thigh injury. New signing Paul Allan was on the bench. Some 0-0 draws are not as dull as the scoreline might suggest. Well, unfortunately this was not the case here as both sides were reluctant to take the game to their opponents which resulted in a game as dull as dishwater. The visitors did look marginally more industrious, but it would be stretching the imagination somewhat to suggest that we should have won. Billy Mckay shot over from the edge of the box in our best only moment of the first half. Musa made a couple of routine saves and one from a fierce shot but he was not overly exerted. Adams in the Kelty goal had even less to deal with although part of that was down to our inability to get shots on target. In truth, neither side deserved to win, and in the same vein, neither side deserved to lose, so stalemate it was and a point apiece. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thankfully, the wee social club was the focal point of the Johndo Awayday as olde faces gathered to remember our fallen comrade. Great to meet up with Isla and Gareth and remember the past and also some well kent faces from better times, Iain Coia, the Wyness Shufflers and many more. Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Matchday 4 1. Kelty Hearts 4 2 2 0 6 1 8 2. Alloa Athletic 4 2 2 0 5 3 8 3. Q.O.S. 4 2 1 1 4 2 7 4. Montrose 4 1 3 0 3 2 6 5. Annan Athletic 4 2 0 2 4 4 6 6. Stenhousemuir 4 2 0 2 5 6 6 7. Dumbarton 4 0 4 0 7 7 4 8. Inverness CT 4 0 3 1 2 3 3 9. Arbroath 4 0 2 2 3 7 2 10. Cove Rangers 4 0 1 3 5 9 1 Date: 24/08/2024 Venue: New Central Park, Kelty Attendance: 0692 Referee: George Calder Kelty Hearts: 0 Manager: Michael Tidser (player manager) Lineup: Adams; Mercer, O'Ware (Thomas 46), Flatman, Paterson, Allan, Tidser (B Owens 47), Cunningham, McCarvel, Johnston, Williamson Subs (not used): Adamson; Miller, L Owens Scorers: none Booked: Paterson (37), Mercer (45+4), B Owens (90) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Dibaga; W Duffy (Brooks 63), Devine, Savage, F Duffy, Davidson, MacLeod (Allan 73), Bray, Gilmour, B Mckay (Ferguson 85), A Mackinnon, Subs (not used): M MacKinnon; Walker, Strachan, Corner, C Mackay, Thompson Scorers: none Booked: W Duffy (31), Gilmour (68), F Duffy (75) Sent Off: none a

New Start Same Problems The first game after the olde CEO was prized from his oligarchy bubble saw a decent crowd turn out in appreciation of the efforts of Alan Savage to right the wrongs. It won't happen overnight, but the first steps have been taken to put some life back into the ailing Caley Jags. On the park, Musa Dibaga replaced the injured Jack Newman in goal with emergency loan keeper from Clach Martin MacKinnon on the bench. Keith Bray kept his place with Adam Brooks on the bench. Montrose were the visitors and they are a more settled side although Michael Gardyne was suspended with former Inverness youth player Matheus Machado starting. Both teams were looking for their first win of the League campaign. Kane Hester scored after twenty minutes but on the interval Montrose were reduced to ten men when Sean Dillon was sent off. After the break it was one way traffic against the ten men and no surprise when Adam MacKinnon equalised. However the winning goal eluded us and it was a point apiece. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was an overcast, breezy and somewhat chilly afternoon with an Autumnal feel about it as the teams emerged from the tunnel, Inverness in their new strip, the visitors in white tops with black shorts. Prior to kick off Captain Billy Mckay was presented with a wee memento on reaching 300 appearances for the Caley Jags, not to mention his 112 goals for the club. The first action saw Keith Bray's shot deflected at the expense of a corner when he spun on the edge of the box and tried to get his shot away in the seventh minute. Twenty minutes in and what a finish for the opening goal. Former Elgin player Kane Hester opened the scoring with a tremendous strike into the top corner from a tight angle after his miscontrol seemed to deceive Danny Devine to give the visitors the early advantage. Machado was booked a minute later. Billy Mckay came close to levelling the scores after half an hour when Cammy Gill turned his shot across the keeper onto the post with his fingertips. It was a half littered with fouls and Luis Longstaff shot over ten minutes before the break. Sean Dillon headed over at the other end before he received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Billy Mckay. How dare he on his 300th appearance! That was on the interval to leave the visitors to face the second half a man short but a goal to the good. HALF TIME: 0-1 Mathew Strachan replaced Flynn Duffy at the start of the second half and Gill denied Longstaff shortly after. The other Duffy was hooked for Callum MacLeod ten minutes into the half and Mckay was again foiled by Gill as he shot from inside the box. It was turning into a procession towards Cammy Gill and Longstaff and Gilmour had a go before Adam Mackinnon equalised just after the hour, drilling home from outside the box. He almost scored a second momnents later. Mckay would not find that elusive strike as Gill saved again and Gilmour was blocked before Davidson should have done better at the back post. MacKinnon had another couple of attempts ten minutes from the end and Mckay was denied for the 300th time by the keeper in the top corner. We plugged away until the end but try as we did, the winning goal eluded us and it ended all square. FULL TIME: 1-1 A disappointing result but we did create enough chances to win three games. However, as has been our downfall over the last few seasons, we struggle to get the ball in the net. Great for Adam MacKinnon to get his first goal, and with a bit of fortune he could have scored another couple. Overall the concensus of opinion is that it is a bit of improvement on recent dire performances but we still have a long way to go. Let's not forget we played against 10 men for the whole of the second half. Doofers Dad summarised neatly: Of course it is very disappointing to not to beat a 10 man part time team at home, but I felt there were a lot of positives yesterday. We laid siege to their goal for lengthy periods in the second half and created more chances than we have for a long time. It got the crowd going and was quite exciting to watch. (Dunc, please take note.). A mixture of very narrow misses and weak efforts meant we couldn't find the winner but it could just have easily have been a victory by 3 or 4 goals. How that would have changed the mood! Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Table after today's draw with Montrose 1. Kelty Hearts 3 2 1 0 6 1 7 2. Q.O.S. 3 2 1 0 4 1 7 3. Annan Athletic 3 2 0 1 4 3 6 4. Alloa Athletic 3 1 2 0 4 3 5 5. Dumbarton 3 0 3 0 5 5 3 6. Montrose 3 0 3 0 2 2 3 7. Stenhousemuir 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 8. Inverness CT 3 0 2 1 2 3 2 9. Cove Rangers 3 0 1 2 3 6 1 10. Arbroath 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 If you can make out what is being said, you are better than me... Sort this out, the wind did the same last time. Can just about make it out in the interview, but it sounds like keeper Jack Newman has gone back to Tannadice for treatment. Sounds like he could be out for some time. Date: 17/08/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1902 Referee: Alastair Grieve Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Dibaga; W Duffy (MacLeod 55), Davidson (Thompson 86), Devine, Savage, F Duffy (Strachan 46), Bray, Gilmour, A MacKinnon, Longstaff (Brooks 77), B Mackay (Ferguson 86) Subs (not used): M MacKinnon; Walker, Keogh, C Mackay Scorers: A MacKinnon (63) Booked: F Duffy (40), Gilmour (45) Sent Off: none Montrose FC: 1 Manager: Stewart Petrie Lineup: Gill; Williamson, Quinn, Masson (McKenzie 59), Steeves, Hester (Maciver- Redwood 70), Dillon, Lyons (Trialist 70), Hannah (Shrive 58), Brown, Machado (Smith 77) Subs (not used): Mathews; Scorers: Hester (20) Booked: Machado (22), Dillon (34 & 45+1), Masson (38), Steeves (72), Smith (87) Sent Off: Dillon (45+1) a

Too Little Too Late Inverness added their two new signings to their squad which meant Keith Bray was benched with Wallace Duffy returning to the starting XI and Musa Dibaga as back up keeper on the bench. Annan had one change with Josh Dixon replacing Paul Smith in midfield. Jack Newman had the only notable save of the first forty-five denying Aidan Smith after ten mintes. Other than that it was Annan on top without overly threatening. After the interval Annan were awarded a penalty after fifty minutes and Tommy Goss duly scored from the spot. That was the difference between the sides as Annan took all three points despite a late charge from the visitors. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Plenty of early posturing and the first action for the keepers saw Jack Newman save brilliantly from an Aidan Smith header in the tenth minute as Annan came close to the opening goal. Inverness' first effort followed soon after as Adam Brooks shot over from a tight angle. Annan were controlling the pace of the game in the first quarter and forced three corners to no avail. Smith again went close on the half hour when he shot just wide. Josh Dixon shot over from the edge of the box ten minutes before the break and Wallace Duffy picked up a yellow for abruptly stopping an Annan attack. Half Time: 0-0 Danny Devine gave away a penalty five minutes after the restart when he fouled Tommy Goss who got up to slot home the spot kick into the bottom corner. Luis Longstaff fired a free kick over the bar and Billy Mckay was denied by the keeper after a turn and run from Longstaff. Almost a tap in for Smith but for a great interception by the defence. Devine headed wide from a Charlie Gilmour free kick as we tried to get back on level terms. A double denial for Inverness as Gilmour's effort was well saved then Devine hit the underside of the bar from the recycled ball as we entered the final ten minutes. Bray shot wide as we pushed for an equaliser with Annan looking for the final whistle. Annan were by now hanging on by a thread and a couple of late corners for the visitors came and went before the final whistle ended the siege. Full Time: 1-0 More detail to follow>>> Date: 10/08/2024 Venue: Galabank Stadium Attendance: 0386 Referee: Alex Shepherd Annan Athletic: 1 Manager: Wullie Gibson (player manager) Lineup: J Smith; Gibson, Dixon (K Fleming 89), T Muir (Quintongo 70), McGowan, Todd, R Muir, Goss (Stevenson 89), Kilsby, A Smith, Zaid (Barnes 79) Subs (not used): G Fleming; Maxwell, Quigg Scorers: Goss (50 pen) Booked: McGowan (51) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Newman; W Duffy (Thompson 83), Davidson, Devine, Savage, F Duffy (Strachan 83), Mackinnon (Bray 74), Gilmour, B Mckay (Ferguson 74), Brooks (MacLeod 46), Longstaff Subs (not used): Dibaga; Walker, Keogh, C Mackay Scorers: none Booked: W Duffy (37) Sent Off: none a

Men v Boys At the neutral venue of Glebe Park, and with a larger than life gap in the away support, Dundee, who were already qualified, made a couple of changes with young defender Luke Graham starting. However hot striker Simon Murray was on from the start with Curtis Main waiting on the bench. Danny Devine had recovered sufficiently to start but Jack Walker was rested after his head knock. Ethan Cairns and Lewis Nicolson are still missing and Niko Ujdur is finally off to Hampden today. 1-0 to Dundee in the first minute. Do we need to get the calculator out? If you answered yes, then that was the correct answer. Five up at the break Dundee cantered home scoring a further goal ten minutes before the end through Portales to round off the scoring. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dundee scored with their first attack; Palmer-Houlden flicked on to Murray who looped the ball over the keeper and into the net and five minutes later Murray shot from outside the box but the keeper tipped it over the bar. Mulligan played in Murray who lifted the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net after 18 minutes. As expected, Dundee totally dominated the opening twenty minutes with Inverness hanging on at times and a third goal came from Seb Palmer-Houlden in the 23rd minute after he stole the ball from the defender and then slipped it past the keeper into the net. Robertson then played Murray in and he put the ball through the keepers legs and into the back of the net. There was more to come in a disastrous first half for the young team as Palmer-Houlden found a brilliant finish into the bottom corner of the net after being played in by Ingram. Half Time: 5-0 The chase is on but we'll need pushbacks. Nightmare first half but it eased a bit in the second before Cameron’s ball into the box found Portales who headed into the back of the net with ten minutes left. Goodbye League Cup, thanks for having us! It's not for everyone... More reaction to follow. We lost didn't we... Date: 27/07/2024 Venue: Glebe Park, Brechin Attendance: 1057 Referee: John Beaton Dundee FC: 6 Manager: Tony Docherty Lineup: Carson; Ingram, Graham, Portales, Robertson, McGhee, Mulligan, McCowan (Cameron 46), Sylla (Astley 65), Palmer-Houlden (Main 58), Murray (Tiffoney 58) Subs (not used): McCracken; Sharp, Richardson, Lochhead Scorers: Murray (1, 18, 29), Palmer-Houlden (23, 41), Portales (79) Booked: none Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Newman; Davidson, Bray, Devine, Savage, Strachan, MacLeod (Thompson 77), Gilmour (Keogh 80), B Mckay (Ferguson 77), Longstaff (C Mackay 80), Brooks (Corner 46) Subs (not used): Rebilas; Nixon Scorers: none Booked: Savage (67) Sent Off: none a

Howden Enders Farewell With the sad passing of the Immortal Howden Ender, the outcome of this game was immaterial. Johndo had travelled all over Britain to watch his beloved club and also into Europe when we went to Astra Giurgiu of Romania. Sadly, this morning he passed away suddenly and everyone at CTO passes on our our deepest condolences to his family friends and extended family at this saddest of times. He did witness Inverness lift the Scottish Cup and was looking forward to the club getting back on track after the financial woes. Sadly, he will never know, but his legacy will live longer than those at the helm just now. Johndo was Captain of the HMS Sneck a vessel he guided through stormy waters and the doldrums. It just won't be the same without you and your Smileymometer after the games, or your pre-season five-a-side tournaments RIP Legend! Arbroath won the bonus point after winning the penalty shoot-out following a goalless 90 minutes, but that was of secondary importance tonight. This was Johndo casually lying on the goal line after we won promotion by beating St Johnston 3-1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A couple of early corners came to nothing for the visitors in the first two minutes, and in an even start to the game, both keepers were called into action over opening twenty minutes, Newman saving from Innes Murray and McAdams denying Calum Mackay. Ryan Dow passed up a good opportunity after half an hour but he shot narrowly wide of the home goal frame. Jack Walker was stretchered off with a nasty head injury after a lengthy stoppage before the interval and he was replaced by Charlie Gilmour. On the resumption of play, Shae Keogh had an effort saved by McAdams in the visitors goal but it remained goalless at the interval. HALF TIME: 0-0 Billy Mckay, Luis Longstaff and Ben Corner came on after the break but it was Arbroath who started the second half with intent. Newman saved from Mark Stowe and Tam O'Brien headed close to the post following a corner. David Gold was crocked with twenty minutes left and he was unable to continue ten minutes later leaving the visitors down to ten men for the final fifteen. Jake Davidson tried his luck but shot wide with the clock ticking down and Billy Mckay shot over with two minutes of normal time left. FULL TIME: 0-0 Penalty Shoot-Out for the bonus point goes to the visitors 3-5 with a full house. Arbroath: Murray Callachan Stowe Wilkie Bisland 5 Inverness CT: B Mckay Longstaff Savage Gilmour 3 Date: 23/07/2020 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 0794 Referee: Stewart Luke Inverness CT: 0 (3 pens) Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Newman; Bray, Davidson, Walker (Gilmour 42), Savage, Strachan, C Mackay (Longstaff 46), MacLeod, Keogh (B Mckay 46), Thompson (Ferguson 71), Brooks (Corner 46) Subs (not used): Rebilas; Nixon Scorers: none Booked: none Sent Off: none Arbroath: 0 (5 pens) Manager: Jim McIntyre Lineup: McAdams; Steele, Wilkie, O'Brien (Walker 60), Bisland, Slater, Gold, Callachan, Dow (Stowe 45+6), Murray, Spalding Subs (not used): Hemfrey (gk) Scorers: none Booked: Stowe (90+1) Sent Off: none a

Young Guns N' Roses Welcome to the Jungle. For the second year in a row Bonnyrigg Rose came calling in a League Cup group stages encounter. Last season when we had selection choices we edged them 2-1 thanks to a first half brace from the discarded Aaron Doran. It would be a much more difficult task this season with the young guns on the park...... or would it. Inverness cruised to a 3-0 half time lead thanks to crisp strikes from Adam Brooks, Keith Bray and Luis Longstaff in an entertaining forty-five full of neat one touch possession football. With the job done at the break, the second half was an anti-climax with few opportunites and rakes of substitutions which put paid to any thoughts of flowing football and copious amounts of goals. Good win for the young guns who were applauded off the pitch at half time, something unheard of last season. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A grey day at the Caledonian Stadium with a sparse crowd in attendance, brought about by the stubborness of the suits to listen to the fans, saw Inverness get the game underway. Plenty of slick passes coupled with good ball retention led to a smart opening goal when Brooks flicked home Mathew Strachan's inviting cross from the left wing. Only moments earlier, a curling cross come shot from Luis Longstaff missed the back post and striker in equal measures. Inverness continuued pressing the visitors and scored a deserved second when Bray held off a challenge in the box to turn and shoot into the bottom corner. On the half hour, Brooks was denied a second when keeper Tom Ritchie pushed his shot onto the post, and minutes later the keeper denied him again. Number three came when Longstaff made his way into the right side of the box before shooting low into the bottom corner. An enterprising opening half and a deserved advantage at the interval as applause broke out around the inside of the ground. Half Time: 3-0 The second half was in stark contrast, but we can't complain at the score. Nothing of note happened after the break apart from Cameron Ferguson getting booked for, well, doing nothing. Danny Devine took a head knock and was replaced after an hour. Hopefully just a precaution as he will be an important player for us this season. All five subs were used by both sides which broke up play in the second period and it was Inverness that got their first win of the season. Full Time: 3-0 Really good win for our young team with some good performances all round. Adam Brooks looked lively and could have had a hat-trick. Mathew Strachan and Calum MacLeod never put a foot wrong and pinged in some dangerous crosses. Luis Longstaff was the pick of the older heads and will be a useful player in League 1. Keith Bray took his goal well and did some sterling work along the right side of the park from back to front. 682 in attendance and one on the bridge. Not great, but given the way the club has treated players, fans, sponsors etc then hardly surprising, in fact maybe more than was anticipated. The same fixture last season had 1077 fans attending and nobody standing on the bridge. With Annan beating Arbroath 0-3 and Dundee not playing today, it looks like our League Cup campaign will be over after the Group Stages. That means a weakened squad will probably see out our final two group games against Arbroath on Tuesday night and Dundee next weekend to allow us to prepare better for the League 1 campaign. a

Uncomfortably Numb Shambolic Inverness have hit their darkest day since their formation in 1994 after being relegated to League one by virtue of being humiliated and embarrassed by Hamilton Accies at the Caledonian Stadium. Yes, you read that right, embarrassed by Hamilton Accies. It had been predicted for months that this was the poorest side that Inverness have fielded since the early days. Nobody listened, especially the board and the blame lies squarely with them. Duncan Ferguson is not blameless in this saga, his style of play and lack of knowledge of the lower reaches of the Scottish game have been there for all to see. Loan deals no better than what we already discarded, and players with no heart for the battle. Players played out of position, strikers that can't strike, defenders that can't defend and a lack of leadership on and off the the park is the perfect recipe for relegation. And so it happened, not a surprise, but still sickening given our financial plight. I'm not sure many regular fans still have the energy to get behind this regime. We are all looking for wholesale changes, but will it happen. If they have any decency then they will walk tonight, turn off the lights and lock the door behind them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Despite Inverness needing to get off the mark quickly, it was Accies that killed the tie inside the first fifteen minutes with strikes from Kevin O'Hara and Lewis Smith. Cammy Kerr reduced the leeway with a good strike from distance, but O'Hara struck again with a penalty before the break to diffuse the revival. We struggled to create anything of note and this reporter could not stomach any more and left the stadium. I'm told Alex Samuel pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but like the rest of the season it was too little too late. A lovely day ruined by a game of football! FULL TIME 2-3 ACCIES PROMOTED 5-3 on aggregate. Good luck to them. League 1 for Inverness next season. Comfortably Numb! Nothing for us to get excited about, so here's Accies celebrating their return to the Championship. All we can do is hang our heads in shame having let the name of Inverness Caledonian Thistle down More match reaction to follow when I get over the humiliation>>> Date: 18/05/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2800ish Referee: Euan Anderson Inverness CT: 2 (3) Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher, Boyes, Savage (Alex Samuel 46), Longstaff (Austin Samuels 77), Kerr, Lawal, Anderson, Harper, B Mckay (MacGregor 71), Pepple (Brooks 80) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Duffy, Ujdur, Scorers: Kerr (31), Alex Samuel (90+8) Booked: none , Sent Off: none Hamilton: 3 (5) Manager: John Rankin Lineup: Lyness; Tumilty (Hewit 46), Owens, McGowan, Longridge (Kilday (62), Henderson (Rose 89), Barjonas (MacDonald 21), Williamson, Martin (Murray 89), O'Hara, L Smith, Subs (not used): J Smith; Hastie, Hendrie, Winter Scorers: O'Hara (8, 41 pen), L Smith (12) Booked: Tumilty (43), Williamson (51), Martin (82) Sent Off: none a

Little Consolation Inverness will face Hamilton Accies in the Play-Off final after nervously scraping past part-time Montrose who were eventually reduced to ten men when Blair Lyons was sent off after an off the ball incident in the 84th minute involving Morgan Boyes. Inverness had dominated throughout, but failed to capitalise on their possession, and as per the entire season failed to create much of note. The first half was livlier than the first leg, but the same problems showed up our lack of quality. We started with no wingers and Billy Mckay as usual in a withdrawn role. It's not worked all season, so why should it suddenly work now. A woeful first half ended goalless and it was on the hour and out of the blue when Billy Mckay prodded in from three yards to score the only goal of the game following a corner. Cammy Harper had smacked the outside of the keepers right hand post as he cut in from the left prior to this but chances were at a premium. We had to rely on the ever alert Mark Ridgers to deny Ali Shrive's vicious shot from 15 yards to keep us ahead as Montrose were still in the tie after 75 minutes, but that was the only real effort of note from the visitors although Ridgers was quick off his line in the first half to snuff out a through ball. With Lyon's red card went any hope Montrose had of taking the game further, but fair play to them and their vocal following for making a fist of it against a rank rotten Inverness side. It's little consolation to know we are through to the final play-off games against Accies, as we have big problems to iron out if we are to retain our Championship status. We won the battle today, but the war still has a long way to go. It's Montrose that take all the plaudits, but it's Inverness that are still in the play-offs. Wednesday May 15th Championship play-off final, 1st leg Hamilton Accies v Inverness CT Live on BBC ALBA, kick-off 8.05pm Saturday May 18 Championship play-off final, 2nd leg Inverness CT v Hamilton Accies Live on BBC ALBA, kick-off 5.30pm Date: 11/05/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2089 Referee: Alan Muir Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher, Boyes, Savage, Duffy (Gilmour 76), Kerr, Anderson (Lawal 46), Harper, McAllister (Longstaff 47), B Mckay (Brooks 66), Alex Samuel (Pepple 75) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Ujdur, Devine, MacGregor Scorers: B Mckay (59) Booked: Pepple (90) Sent Off: none Montrose FC: 0 Manager: Stewart Petrie Lineup: Gill; Williamson (Brown 60), Quincy, Dillon, Steeves, Webster, Machado (Hester 61), Gardyne (Masson 68), Graham, Lyons, Callaghan (Shrive 68) Subs (not used): Mathews; Watson, Hermiston, Batchelor, Craig, Scorers: none Booked: Graham (88) Sent Off: Lyons (84) a

Utter Drivel Inverness had a couple of fresh injury concerns ahead of this first Leg play off encounter at Links Park, and with the effect an artificial surface can have on recovering players James Carragher and Sean McAllister were benched with Samson Lawal getting a rare start. Alex Samuel had recovered from his face knock and will be our main target up front. Montrose had top scorers Kane Hester, Blair Lyons and Graham Webster on from the start with chief assister Michael Gardyne probing and providing the ammunition. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A bright start for Montrose as they ventured into the Inverness box a couple of times in the opening few minutes without troubling Mark Ridgers in goal. The visitors looked edgy on the unfamiliar surface and found it difficult to get forward, but that's nothing new for us to be honest. In the ninth minute Ridgers pulled off a brilliant save low down to his left to deny Graham Webster after determined work by Blair Lyons down the left. Webster got plenty power on his shot but Ridgers did enough to put the ball behind for a corner. Bit of pinball in the box after the corner but Ridgers eventually mopped up the loose ball. Fifteen minutes in and it's the hosts that are making all the early running with Inverness opting to pass sideways and backwards. Half an hour gone and the current Championship side have failed to muster a decent attempt on goal. Shockingly poor display from us, a spinning turn and drag from Samson Lawal our only highlight. Ridgers was called into action again as he denied a deflected shot from Kane Hester and then we had to look sharp to block another effort from him before scrambling the ball out for a corner. Meanwhile we continued to play possession football which has never won anything and troubled no defence ever. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz. Rudely awoken from my slumber by an effort from Alex Samuel slipping by the post five minutes before the break as we eventually tried something. Oooft, almost on the interval and Lawal smashed a tremendous strike from over twenty-five yards but it smacked the junction of the bar and out to safety. Bit of a stramash in the home box as Pixie Lot followed a seagull heading towards the Inverness box. When Pixie caught up Montrose were awarded a free kick in their own box. We woke up briefly as half time approached but up until then it was shockingly poor. No urgency, no direction, no hope of staying up if this continues. HALF TIME: 0-0 Samuel got the first proper effort of the second half away as he shot from the edge of the box , but Cammy Gill was equal to it as he saved low down to his right. Montrose responded and Danny Devine did well to block a fierce shot on the edge of the Inveness box from Shrive. The pace of the game had thankfully picked up since the interval and Billy Mckay was close to linking inside the home area. However it was Montrose that went close again through Lyons. On the hour Duffy replaced Savage and Callaghan came on for Shrive. Ridgers easily gathered a flicked header as Montrose threatened from a free kick. Lawal found himself with the ball at his feet 10 yards from goal but he hastily stabbed his shot goalwards and Gill gathered comfortably. Ridgers did likewise as Webster tried a first time volley with twenty minutes left. Another free header from a free kick bounced past Ridgers' post as Inverness struggled to make any headway. With fifteen minutes left Carragher and McAllister entered the game. Inverness were reduced to hoofing the ball anywhere out of defence as Montrose looked to up the pressure. Another really poor gutless performance from Ferguson's side who will have to do much better if they are to stay up. Utter drivel springs to mind. FULL TIME: 0-0 All to play for on Saturday, but don't hold your breath... However, if we continue like this, it will be our final game this season. Best performer for us was Samson Lawal, the only bright spark on the field. Alloa 2-2 Hamilton was the other semi-final score tonight. On this evidence, I doubt either side will be quaking in their boots. Delighted not to lose aren't we... Some folk are easily pleased! Date: 07/05/2024 Venue: Links Park, Montrose Attendance: 1043 Referee: Chris Graham Montrose FC: 0 Manager: Stewart Petrie Lineup: Gill; Steeves, Dillon, Quinn, Graham, Webster (Williamson 78), Shrive (Callaghan 60), Brown (Machado 78), Gardyne, Lyons, Hester (Hermiston 85) Subs (not used): Mathews; Masson, Cochrane, Batchelor, Craig Scorers: none Booked: Steeves (45+3) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Kerr, Devine, Boyes, Savage (Duffy 60), Longstaff (Carragher 77), Lawal, Anderson (McAllister 77), Harper, B Mckay (MacGregor 83), Alex Samuel (Pepple 83) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Ujdur, Austin Samuels, Brooks, Scorers: none Booked: Anderson (30) Sent Off: none a

Play Off Despair Ahead of kick off it was out of our hands with Queens Park holding all the aces. To escape the play offs, we had to better what Queens Park did against Airdrie. First and foremost we had to ensure we did not lose and hope that the Spiders dropped points at Hampden versus the Diamonds on the last night of the regular season. Both sides were missing some important players for this game with Morton undefeated in their last five visits to the Caledonian Stadium. It was a lovely evening for a game of football, what could possibly go wrong? Well, what did go wrong was Queen's Park beat an understrength Airdrie 2-0 at Hampden, therefore despite beating Morton 3-1, Inverness head for the play-offs. Morgan Boyes opened the scoring with a thumping volley after half an hour. Kirk Broadfoot benefited from slack defending to level before the break then proceeded to earn the wrath of the home support with an embarrassing celebration in front of the North Stand. Cammy Harper relieved Billy Mckay of penalty kick duties and duly slotted home from the spot ten minutes after the break. The scoring was completed just after the hour when Sean McAllister drilled home into the bottom corner. Robbie Muirhead had been sent off for simulation then taking a wee fit to himself and was promptly sent off after 58 minutes just after Harper had knocked in his penalty kick, probably aggrieved that he never earned a spot kick for his dramatic dive. When news of Queen's Park going two up filtered through to the North Stand and the familiar tactic of sideways passing reared it's ugly head, the home fans turned their frustration to the main culprit, and chants of Gardiner Gardiner GTF rang round the home end. So, it's off to meet the Gable Endies for us on Tuesday 7th May with the return at the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday 11th May. Full Time 3-1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alex Samuel was injured after 69 minutes and that will be a blow should he miss out in the play-offs. Hopefully just a precaution. Samson Lawal looked up for it when he came on and gave us another dimension. Cammy Harper did brilliantly to ignore the distraction attempts by keeper Ryan Mullen before slotting the penalty in. Robbie Muirhead. What a tool! Having been booked he then put himself in the referee's face before angrily leaving the pitch and kicking anything within his reach. How's yer toes this morning ya rocket? We're in the play-offs, aren't we>>> Just the goals>>> Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Montrose here we come... 1. Dundee Utd 36 22 9 5 73 23 75 2. Raith Rovers 36 20 9 7 58 42 69 3. Partick Thistle 36 14 13 9 63 54 55 4. Airdrieonians 36 15 7 14 44 44 52 5. Morton 36 12 9 15 43 46 45 6. Dunfermline 36 11 12 13 43 48 45 7. Ayr United 36 12 8 16 53 61 44 8. Queens Park 36 11 10 15 50 56 43 9. Inverness CT 36 10 12 14 41 40 42 10. Arbroath 36 6 5 25 35 89 23 Tuesday May 7th Championship play-off semi-finals, 1st leg Montrose v Inverness CT Alloa Ath v Hamilton Saturday May 11th Championship play-off semi-finals, 2nd leg Inverness CT v Montrose Hamilton v Alloa Ath Wednesday May 15th Championship play-off final, 1st leg Lowest-ranked team at home in 1st leg Live on BBC ALBA, kick-off 8.05pm Saturday May 18 Championship play-off final, 2nd leg Highest-ranked team at home in 2nd leg Live on BBC ALBA, kick-off 5.30pm Date: 03/05/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2914 Referee: Craig Napier Inverness CT: 3 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher, Boyes, Savage (Devine 69), Longstaff (Lawal 50), Kerr, Anderson, Harper, McAllister (MacGregor 77), B Mckay (Duffy 77) Alex Samuel (Pepple 69) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Ujdur, Austin Samuel, Brooks Scorers: Boyes (30), Harper (56 pen), McAllister (62) Booked: none Sent Off: none Morton: 1 Manager: Dougie Imrie Lineup: Mullen; French, Broadfoot, Power (Bearne 64) Waters, Crawford, Blues, Gillespie (Wilson 80), Muirhead, Quintongo (McGrattan 64), Oakley Subs (not used): Murdoch; Scorers: Broadfoot (41) Booked: Gillespie (52), Power (55), Mullen (56), Muirhead (58) Sent Off: Muirhead (58) a

Out of our hands now This was our most important game of the season and a tough one at the best of times. No major changes from the defeat at home to Raith Rovers although Aaron Doran had twisted his knee and is done. Sean McAllister started and Billy Mckay captained the side with Devine and Lawal on the bench. Dunfermline are safe in no mans land but will want to end their season with a flourish at home. Kane started up front for the Pars with Jakubiak and O'Halloran on the bench. Surprise surprise it ended all square after goals from Benedictus and Inverness substitute Aribim Pepple who saved Billy Mckay's blushes after the striker once again failed to strike from the spot. Alas, Queens Park ensured Arbroath's tools stayed on the floor with a 5-0 thrashing of the Smokies. A must win next week or it's the play-offs for us. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The penultimate game of the season, unless we drop into the play-off games, kicked off on a bright afternoon at the KDM Group East End Park with Dunfermline getting the game underway and Kyle Benedictus booked within two minutes. It was a cagey opening littered with fouls. First serious attempt in the game came from Chris Kane after twenty minutes when he was denied by Ridgers from close range and moments later the big keeper also saved from Paul Allan as he shot from outside the box. Owen Moffat looked lively and his shot from left side of the box was saved down low by Ridgers with Kane looking to snap up any loose ball. Fifteen minutes before the break and the hosts were getting on top but a James Carragher header reminded them that the visitors were still in the game, Mehmet tipping over for a corner. Five minutes before the break Alex Samuel was denied by Mehmet. Two minutes later Benedictus opened the scoring after he latched onto a ball bouncing around the Inverness box to head home. Allan shot over on half time and a stoppage time corner for Inverness came to nothing. Half time at EEP and news filtering through that Queens Park are thrashing Arbroath 3-0. Meh! HALF TIME: 1-0 No changes at the break as the visitors restarted the game and Mathew Todd saw an effort from the right saved by Ridgers at the expense of a corner five minutes in. Ooooft! Out of the blue, penalty to Inverness conceded by Moffat with a hand ball. Taken by Billy Mckay and as at Inverness, it was a Sunday Pub League penalty saved by the keeper. FFS!!! Todd fired well over as the Pars looked for a second goal with half an hour left for Inverness to salvage something from a shocker of a season, Sean McAllister shot wide from inside the box. With twenty minutes left Aribim Pepple replaced Savage and Jakubiak replaced Kane. Substitute Pepple did well as he pulled Inverness level in the 75th minute from six yards, his first goal for the club in 13 limited appearances, and moments later Roddy MacGregor replaced spot kick sinner Billy Mckay. Pepple was denied a second by Mehmet and McAllister had one deflected into the keeper as Inverness went for broke. Dunfermline made it an edgy finish with three corners in quick succession but it ended all square, the fourth draw between the sides this season. FULL TIME: 1-0 It ended in disappointment for the 319 visiting fans with news that Queens Park had hammered Arbroath 0-5. To rub salt into the wounds, Sheridan and Welsh were amongst the scorers. It's out of our hands now, but it's a must win next Friday and hope Queens Park falter. Inverness play Morton and Queens play Airdrie. A draw might be enough, but it's a long shot. I'm not convinced that Billy Mckay was the right man to be taking that penalty, his second failure from the spot in successive games against the Pars. Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Big night next Friday 1. Dundee Utd 35 21 9 5 69 22 72 2. Raith Rovers 35 19 9 7 53 42 66 3. Partick Thistle 35 14 13 8 62 50 55 4. Airdrieonians 35 15 7 13 44 42 52 5. Morton 35 12 9 14 42 43 45 6. Dunfermline 35 11 11 13 40 45 44 7. Ayr United 35 12 7 16 50 58 43 8. Queens Park 35 10 10 15 48 56 40 9. Inverness CT 35 9 12 14 38 39 39 10. Arbroath 35 6 5 24 35 84 23 Date: 27/04/2024 Venue: East End Park Attendance: 5317 Referee: Alan Muir Dunfermline: 1 Manager: James McPake Lineup: Mehmet; Fisher, Benedictus, Edwards, Fagan-Walcott, M Todd (A Tod 62), Moffat (McCann 78), Allan, Hamilton, Ritchie-Hosler (Welch-Hayes 78), Kane (Jakubiak 69) Subs (not used): Little; Holmes, Breen, Chalmers, A Tod, O'Halloran Scorers: Benedictus (41) Booked: Benedictus (2), A Tod (90+1) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1( B Mckay penalty missed 55mins ) Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher, Boyes, Savage (Pepple 70), Longstaff (Lawal 79), Kerr, Anderson Harper, McAllister, B Mackay (MacGregor 76), Alex Samuel Subs (not used): C Mackay; Duffy, Devine, Austin Samuels Scorers: Pepple (75) Booked: Carragher (24) Sent Off: none a

Massive three points Dom Thomas missed out again for Queens Park who had former Inverness Captain Sean Welsh and Cillian Sheridan starting with Will Tizzard back in defence. James Carragher and Remi Savage were missing from the heart of the visitors defence who had Luis Longstaff and Aaron Doran getting a rare start. Just under 1500 fans rattled around inside the national stadium for the proverbial six-pointer at the bottom of the table with Inverness looking to get out of the play-off place and Queens one point ahead at the start of the game. In a tense first half Cammy Harper scored a stunning free kick after Cillian Sheridan had handled 25 yards out. Boom! That's how it ended despite QP upping their game in the second period as Inverness kept them at bay. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hampden Park was rocking as the game got underway and there was an early corner for the Spiders after Luis Longstaff blocked an effort from Jack Thomson in the second minute. Billy Mckay was fouled on the edge of the box but the free kick was wasted by Cammy Kerr who fired well over the bar. Sean Welsh had an effort blocked from the right side of the box after twenty minutes. With little happening in the opening exchanges, the visitors opened the scoring out of the blue through Cammy Harper direct from a free kick. Top corner from Harper from around twenty-five yards. What a strike to grace Hampden Park. Mckay shot over after being fed towards goal ten minutes before the break. Alex Samuel was denied by Ferrie five minutes before the interval as the keeper saved in the bottom corner to deny the striker from distance. On the stroke of half time Ruari Paton shot over and it remained 1-0 to the Caley Jags. HALF TIME: 0-1 Queens made two changes at the break with Robson and McKinstry replacing Tizzard and Carse. Ridgers saved a thumping low effort from Cillian Sheridan after the restart and Welsh headed wide followed by Jack Turner being denied by Ridgers as Queens Park showed their intent after a poor first forty-five. Sub McKinstry was next to try as he shot wide, but the pressure was mounting on the visitors goal. Ferguson made his first change of the afternoon, replacing Longstaff with Samson Lawal. The wee midfilder saw no takers for a cut back after Mckay sent him into the box. Ridgers saved from Paton as Queens looked to get back on level terms. Mckay saw Ferrie stop him and Paton was denied another twice by Ridgers as the clock ticked down. Inverness held on to take a valuable three points home in the relegation battle. Check pulse..... And breathe... FULL TIME: 0-1 What a strike from Cammy Harper to lift us above Queens Park. Immortal Howden Ender summed up like this: Well I wouldn't exactly say that it was comfortable but we looked in control for the most and survived some hairy moments. Ridgers wasn't really tested but that is due to the back four being simply immense. Devine was absolutely outstanding and Boyes, Duffy and Harper were close behind. What a free kick from Harper which turned out to be the winner. Kerr played in a strange position in a cross between a full back and wing back. Anderson outshone Longstaff although committment was never in doubt. Billy would have had a comfortable brace in days of yore. Samuel is a McGinn version of a centre forward and sure knows how to win a foul. Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts We have scraped ourselves into eighth. Still work to do yet though. 1. Dundee Utd 33 20 8 5 68 22 68 2. Raith Rovers 33 18 8 7 52 42 62 3. Partick Thistle 33 13 12 8 58 50 51 4. Airdrieonians 33 15 6 12 44 38 51 5. Dunfermline 33 11 9 13 39 44 42 6. Ayr United 33 12 6 15 50 57 42 7. Morton 33 11 8 14 40 42 41 8. Inverness CT 33 9 11 13 37 37 38 9. Queens Park 33 9 9 15 43 56 36 10. Arbroath 33 6 5 22 34 77 23 Date: 13/04/2024 Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Attendance: 1463 Referee: Alan Muir Queens Park: 0 Manager: Callum Davidson Lineup: Ferrie; Thomson, Wilson, Tizzard (Robson 45), Longridge, Turner (Mauchin 74), Welsh, Carse (McKinstry 45), Scott (Williamson 84), Paton, Sheridan (McLeish 74) Subs (not used): Wills; Bruce, Fox, Bannon Scorers: none Booked: Welsh (86) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Duffy, Devine, Boyes, Harper, Longstaff (Lawal 55), Kerr, Anderson, Doran (MacGregor 77), Alex Samuel, B Mckay (Pepple 80) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Ujdur, Austin Samuels, Brooks Scorers: Harper (25) Booked: Doran (76), MacGregor (85) Sent Off: none a

Smokies Kippered On a blustery day more akin to AA Milne and Winnie the Pooh, Arbroath and Inverness battled it out to see who would get the final nails hammered into their coffins. Arbroath were in the last chance snug in the last chance saloon, whilst Inverness have one foot in the grave. I don't believe it! Arbroath tried everything, they even took their own wind with them. However, they had Murray, Bird and Slater on from the start but O'Brien missed out. Zak Delaney also started for the Red Lichties. A bright opening spell saw Alex Samuel denied twice inside five minutes. Once by a combination of Max Boruc and his crossbar, the second by Boruc on his own as Samuel got his shot away from inside the box. Wallace Duffy got the goal we deserved on the interval as he drove across the keeper from the right side of the box to put us in ahead at the break. Leighton McIntosh restored parity on the hour as he drilled home from eighteen yards, but Alex Samuel won the points with a late strike to all but relegate ten man Arbroath who had Ricky Little sent off. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arbroath were on the back foot from the off as Inverness had the wind at their backs and Austin Samuel was unlucky not to open the scoring in the fourth minute as he turned and shot from the edge of the box. However Max Boruc brilliantly tipped his shot onto the bar. A minute later he got on the end of a ball in the box and forced another save from Boruc as we looked like turning the Smokies over. Max Anderson was also thwarted by Boruc when through on goal when Anderson should have been bulging the net. Despite our superiority, we struggled thereafter to create that premium opening until the stroke of half time when Wallace Duffy drilled in from the right side of the box. Unfortunately we lost Remi Savage to injury just before the goal and he was replaced by Danny Devine after an accidental kick in the face from Kerr. Half Time: 1-0 Just after the break Billy Mckay saw an effort saved from fifteen yards. However, we made heavy weather of a Smokies foray forward and Leighton McIntosh levelled the game fifteen minutes into the second half with a great strike from the edge of the box. Devine headed badly wide when his threepenny bit head nodded astray as we looked to get our noses back in front and Samuel was denied by Boruc as he ran through on goal, the keeper doing well to deny the striker for the third time. Boruc punced away a Cammy Harper free kick Arbroath were reduced to ten men when persistent fouler Ricky Little was dismissed. Alex Samuel got the goal his tenacious display deserved as he won a ball into the box he had no right to win. He then turned and lashed it home from fifteen yards on the left side of the box, I think he enjoyed that one. Great finish from the wee battler. FULL TIME: 2-1 Alex Samuel scored his fifth goal for the Caley Jags and his first since his hat-trick against Raith Rovers at the end of January. He was the difference between the sides today as Arbroath struggled to cope with his aggressive style which eventually led to his winning goal. Good to see the much maligned Wallace Duffy scoring as well, his second in a couple of weeks having also netted at Tannadice. Sadly for Arbroath they will now be relegated at the end of the season unless they perform a miracle. More match reaction to follow>>> Date: 06/04/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2223 Referee: Colin Steven Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher, Boyes, Savage (Savage 44), Duffy, Kerr, Anderson, Lawal (Longstaff 73), Harper, Samuel, B Mckay (Doran 88) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Ujdur, MacGregor, Brooks, Pepple Scorers: Duffy (45+1), Samuel (80) Booked: none Sent Off: none Arbroath: 1 Manager: Jim McIntyre Lineup: Boruc; Walker (Lyon 64), Slater, Little, Murray (Dow 73), Gold (McKenna 34), Mackinnon, Delaney, Bird (Stowe 73), Stewart, McIntosh Subs (not used): Gaston; Steele, Teale, Jacobs, Robinson Scorers: McIntosh (61) Booked: Little (31), Little (76) Stowe (85) Sent Off: Little (76) a

Big Trouble Down the Dump Billy Mckay was back in the starting XI along with Samson Lawal with Pepple dropping to the bench and Shaw out for the season. Both teams had seven on the bench with Roddy MacGregor getting a rare seat. Scott Robinson scored the only goal of the game just before the break. Inverness were reduced to ten men after Cammy Kerr was sent off just after an hour. Despite creating more opportunities, the win just evaded us. Meh! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Partick got the game underway at Firhill and Alex Samuel was first to have a go in the fourth minute but his effort was blocked. Cammy Kerr was also blocked ten minutes later and Cammy Harper shot over as the visitors saw the better of the opening exchanges. Billy Mckay shot wide before Mark Ridgers was brought into action to deny a Brian Graham glanced header. Samuel had another attempt blocked before Wallace Duffy hit the bar with a header following a corner kick. Mckay saw his shot from the edge of the box saved by Mitchell and at the other end Scott Robinson clipped the post from close range before Brian Graham shot over five minutes before the interval. The pressure was building on the visitors and after 41 minutes Robinson opened the scoring from the centre of the box after the first effort from Ben Stanway rebounded back to him. Disappointing end to the half with Kerr booked for alleged simulation which upset Ferguson and some promising openings went begging. HALF TIME: 1-0 After the break Mckay was blocked in the box after good work by Max Anderson and Kerr was unable to get his shot away from the rebound as Inverness looked to get back on level terms. Fitzpatrick responded at the other end but shot just wide and minutes later his shot from a tight angle was saved by Ridger's. On the hour, Kerr shot wide from the right side. That would be just about his last contribution to the cause as he was sent off after 66 minutes for fouling Aidan Fitzpatrick. Samson Lawal had an effort held by keeper Mitchell as we looked to get back on level terms. Samuel was denied by Mitchell with fifteen minutes left and Lawal had another effort saved by Mitchell. After 97 minutes, the game ended in defeat for Inverness. FULL TIME: 1-0 Good effort from the ten men but effort doesn't translate into points. With Queens Park losing to Morton, no ground has been lost to them, but there are only five games left to save our season. Dunfermline also beat Arbroath so no change in the bottom three. Some visiting fans expressed their frustration at our plight after the final whistle when Ferguson came over to them. It didn't end well after an angry exchange. It didn't end well for Gary Bollan either as he was red-carded after the whistle. Here's what the managers said on BBC Sport: Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan: "This stage of the season it's about results, not performance. You want performance and results but I think what we've done is we've played a lot better and lost. I would give credit to Inverness because they played some good stuff. It's a massive three points." Caley Jags manager Duncan Ferguson: "I'm not sure if it's inside the box or it's not inside the box, but it's absolutely a free-kick. It's an easy decision and then they counter attack and that's it, they score from there. It should have been a penalty if it was inside the box or it's a free-kick on the edge of the box and then [the referee] compounds the problem by then saying to Cammy Kerr that he's simulated the first yellow card. It's a clear free-kick." Here's Dunc>>> Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Table after yesterday: Smokies in action in midweek 1. Dundee Utd 31 18 8 5 59 21 62 2. Raith Rovers 30 17 7 6 49 38 58 3. Partick Thistle 31 13 10 8 57 49 49 4. Dunfermline 31 11 8 12 37 41 41 5. Morton 30 11 7 12 37 34 40 6. Airdrieonians 29 11 6 12 34 34 39 7. Ayr United 30 11 5 14 43 54 38 8. Queens Park 31 9 9 13 43 50 36 9. Inverness CT 31 7 11 13 34 36 32 10. Arbroath 30 6 5 19 32 68 23 Big week ahead for the Caley Jags... Tuesday 2nd April Arbroath FC v Airdrieonians Saturday 6th April Airdrieonians v Greenock Morton Dunfermline v Partick Thistle Inverness v Arbroath FC Queens Park v Dundee Utd Raith Rovers v Ayr United Date: 30/03/2024 Venue: Firhill, Glasgow Attendance: 3371 Referee: John Beaton Partick Thistle: 1 Manager: Kris Doolan Lineup: Mitchell; McMillan, Muirhead, McBeth, Milne, Neilson, Stanway (Alston 75), Lawless, Robonson (Mackenzie 90+3), Fitzpatrick (Ngwenya 80), Graham Subs (not used): Stewart; Loney, Horn, Campbell Scorers: Robinson (41) Booked: McBeth (79) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher (Brooks 90), Savage, Boyes (MacGregor 90+1), Duffy (Doran 58), Kerr, Anderson, Lawal, Harper, B Mckay (Pepple 78), Alex Samuel, Subs (not used): C Mackay; Devine, Ujdur Scorers: none Booked: Kerr (45+2), Kerr (66) Sent Off: Kerr (66) a

Good Point for the 252 Hopes amongst the Caley Jags support were at rock bottom ahead of this one with the threat of relegation looming large. With all hands to the pumps, Shaw, Boyes and Ujdur were brought back into the squad whilst not really 100% fit. Shaw started as did Pepple and Boyes with Billy Mckay, Lawal and Danny Devine dropping to the bench. Cammy Harper was given the Captain's armband today. It's a daunting task going to the lions den to face title favourites but underdog is our preferred tag. Anyway, 252 of them turned up at Tannadice in eternal hope and Duffy heightened the intensity only for Louis Moult to level things up. That's how it ended, a result we would have bitten your hand off before kick off. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Inverness got the game underway on a decent afternoon for a game in the City of Discovery. Alex Greive and Nathan Shaw exchanged efforts at either end of the ground, both going wide. Inverness took an early lead through Wallace Duffy after a cross into the box from Aribim Pepple was parried by the keeper out to Duffy who stroked a left footer into the empty net. Kevin Holt headed wide as United responded and Mark Ridgers pulled off a big save when he denied Ross Docherty and when the ball came back into the box Glenn Middleton headed wide. Ross Graham replaced the injured Holt after twenty-three minutes. The gamble to play Shaw failed and he was replaced by Samson Lawal before half an hour had been played. Ridgers pulled off another crucial save low down to keep our noses in front after Tony Watt ran through towards goal. The pressure on the visitors goal was mounting though and substitute Graham shot over from a Middleton cross two minutes later. Kai Fotheringham headed over after a corner ten minutes before the break. We forced a couple of corners five minutes before the interval. Just on half time Alex Samuel glanced a Cammy Kerr free kick wide and at the other end Ross Docherty saw his deflected shot held by Ridgers. Half Time: 0-1 No changes at the interval for the visitors but striker Louis Moult replaced Liam Grimshaw for the hosts. Cammy Harper had no takers for his whipped cross and Fotheringham shot over as United burst forward and when Max Anderson countered Pepple saw an effort blocked as he went forward. Substitute Moult bounced a shot over Ridgers from just inside the Inverness half. Great vision from the United striker but Inverness will be disappointed with that one. Declan Gallagher hit the post with a half volley and Graham was denied in the follow-up by Ridgers as United threatened to take control of the game. With twenty minutes to go Ridgers saved a Docherty header as the hosts pushed for an advantage. Billy Mckay replaced Pepple for the final twenty minutes. Into the final ten minutes and Tony Watt shot over the bar. It was backs to the wall stuff for the majority of this game and the plan to take something from Tannadice hung by a thread going into the last few minutes. Our MotM saved from Chris Mochrie as the clock ticked down. A late flurry for Inverness almost gave us the win when James Carragher's shot was cleared away from the line by Docherty and Lawal's powerful drive was tipped behind for a corner, alas it ended all square with Inverness seeing out the game in United's half. Full Time: 1-1 Hard earned point for the Caey Jags with Mark Ridgers a busy man this afternoon. Gary Bollan was booked alongside James Carragher at United's goal as they firmly believed that Cammy Kerr was fouled in the build up to the strike. The video is not conclusive, but my best guess is that Kerr was fouled and Moult turned round and thumped the ball away fully expecting a free kick to be given. However, instead of a free kick, he got a goal. Sickener to be honest. The managers spoke to BBC Sport after todays draw: Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "The goal we concede is a disaster from our point of view. It was a wonder goal to equalise. [Inverness goalkeeper] Mark Ridgers is everyone's man of the match today, which speaks volumes. It's not good enough from our perspective, it feels a bit like a defeat. It might be a valuable point on the board but we should be getting three points." Inverness CT manager Duncan Ferguson: "We were absolutely outstanding. It took a wonder goal to beat our goalkeeper. We did very well and managed the game well. We could feel the stadium was edgy. On another day, we might have nicked it. Nobody gave us a chance here, bar us. I was well pleased with a point. It doesn't matter who wins round about us, it's about us." Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Table after todays games 1. Dundee Utd 30 17 8 5 57 21 59 2. Raith Rovers 29 17 7 5 49 36 58 3. Partick Thistle 30 12 10 8 56 49 46 4. Airdrieonians 28 11 6 11 33 32 39 5. Dunfermline 30 10 8 12 34 39 38 6. Morton 29 10 7 12 35 34 37 7. Queens Park 30 9 9 12 43 48 36 8. Ayr United 29 10 5 14 41 53 35 9. Inverness CT 30 7 11 12 34 35 32 10. Arbroath 29 6 5 18 30 65 23 Just the goals for now>>> We got a point didn't we>>> Full Highlights>>> Date: 23/03/2024 Venue: Tannadice Park, Dundee Attendance: 7567 Referee: Chris Graham Dundee United: 1 Manager: Jim Goodwin Lineup: Walton; Thomson, Gallagher, Holt (Graham 22), Grimshaw (Moult 45), Fotheringham (Cudjoe 58), Sibbald, Middleton, Docherty, Greive (Mochrie 75), Watt Subs (not used): Newman; Macleod, Glass, Meekison, Tillson Scorers: Moult (55) Booked: Middleton (44) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher, Duffy, Boyes, Savage, Shaw (Lawal 29), Kerr, Anderson, Harper, Pepple (B Mckay 71), Alex Samuel (Brooks 77) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Ujdur, Devine, Austin Samuels, Doran Scorers: Duffy (12) Booked: Pepple (25), Boyes??? 56) Carragher (56), Kerr (78), Gary Bollan assistant manager (56) Sent Off: none a

Butcher's meet not enough for sad Caley Jags In the presence of the great man himself, Inverness and Ayr locked horns at the relegation end of the table. A far cry from the euphoric scenes when Inverness were in seventh heaven after winning the First Division back in 2010. This game took on a more sinister roll after Dunfermline trashed Dundee United 3-1 last night to move four points above Inverness in the table. A win for either side here could prove pivotal come the business end of the season. Defeat may start the downward spiral for either side as they could become detatched from the peleton above. Inverness had to put the Battery Farm debacle behind them and concentrate on the job in hand on the park. At the end of the day the only word I have after this display is despondency. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A beautiful afternoon for a kick about in the Highlands was ruined by a rubbish game of football. Inverness were down to the bare bones with only six subs, mainly the walking wounded on the bench. The visitors had Frankie Musonda as captain and a strong starting XI with an equally strong bench that included Logan Chalmers, Jamie Murphy and Aiden McGeady. Inverness as they do started brightly. A long free kick from Savage caused problems in the first minute before being cleared and a couple of minutes later keeper Clarke let a shot squirm under him and narrowly missed going in at his far post. However, our usual ten minute flurry only lasted until that ball slipped past the post. Ayr dominated the half thereafter and took an early lead through a poked effort from Stanger on the line or possibly an own goal from Anderson after we failed to clear our lines on Ayr's left flank and gave the ball away too easily. The industrious Alex Samuel had our best moment when he guided a volley just over the bar. Alas, we were absolutely honking for the rest of the half, unable to string one pass together and constantly gave the ball away. Fortunately on the stroke of half time we were thrown a lifeline from the spot. Fair play to Billy Mckay for grabbing the ball and slamming it into the net for an undeserved but welcome equaliser. Given the abuse he and his son took after he missed his penalty against the Pars, this was a sweet moment for a legend. After the interval nothing changed. We continued to fail to create anything and Ayr continued to look the more likely to score again. There wasn't a lack of effort. However a lack of tactical nous and quality were in abundance. Ayr always looked like breaking clear and we always looked pedantic and predictable and turned backwards at every opportunity. Is that a lack of confidence or a lack of quality. Probably both. Predictable Ayr took all three points when Bryden knocked home in front of the Ayr fans to complete our demise. Although there was still half an hour to go, nobody in the home support could see us scoring and they amused themselves by taunting security and anyone else that would listen. Mark Ridgers kept us close with a big save ten minutes from the end as we feared the worst. Cammy Harper did eventually fire a great ball across the box near the end but there were no takers as it flashed across the goal a yard from the line. Therein lies the difference. When Ayr did that in the fifth minute, Stanger scored from practically on the goalline. As it was, we played out the final half hour without otherwise threatening and Ayr took all three points back home. FULL TIME: 1-2 Having sat through one of the worst games for many a year there is little to hope for now apart from Arbroath to keep losing because we certainly appear to find it difficult to win. We have no game changers in our squad and our manager is playing the wrong type of anti-football to help our cause. Big Dunc thought we were the better team. Pleeeeeaaase, give me a break! We were second to everything and Ayr were always one step ahead of us after the first three minutes. SHOCKER springs to mind. Highlights from Ayr United as we appear to be too embarrassed to put our own highlights up We lost didn't we>>> Date: 16/03/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1979 Referee: Iain Snedden Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher (Doran 69), Devine, Savage, Duffy, Kerr, Lawal (Pepple 69), Anderson, Harper, Alex Samuel, B Mckay Subs (not used): C Mackay; Brooks, Austin Samuels Scorers: B Mckay (45+3 pen) Booked: Carragher (11), Pepple (87) Sent Off: none Ayr United: 2 Manager: Scott Brown Lineup: Clarke; McAllister, Musonda, Stanger, Sanders, Syla, McHugh, Bryden (Amartey 70), Dowds, Willoughby (Murphy 62), McKenzie Subs (not used): Albinson; McGinty, McGinley, Tomlinson, Dempsey, McGeady, Chalmers Scorers: Stanger (5) Bryden (61) Booked: Murphy (68) Sent Off: none a

Billy Answers His Critics On the injury front we go from bad to worse. This time our midfield engine room has been disrupted with Charlie Gilmour out for the season and Nathan Shaw out with a hamstring injury to add to those already on the treatment table. Samson Lawal, on loan from Livi, comes into the squad. Both sides had sparse benches. Morton had doubts ahead of this clash over main striker George Oakley, midfielder Iain Wilson and keeper Ryan Mullen. As it happened, all three missed out as did. Jai Quitongo. With Robbie Muirhead on the park, they would still pose a formidable threat up front and long throw expert Lewis Strapp will provide plenty of ammunition for him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What a start for Inverness and Billy Mckay, who answered his abusers from last week by opening the scoring in the second minute, firing into the top corner after an assist from Cammy Harper. Robbie Muirhead looked to respond but Mark Ridgers was equal to his effort in the fifth minute. Ten minutes before the interval Sean McAllister curled in a low free kick from the edge of the box to double our advantage and open his scoring account at Inverness. Plenty of bookings but no further scoring saw Inverness pick up a vital three points in the relegation battle although we still remain in ninth spot but only two points from Dunfermline in fifth. FULL TIME: 0-2 What a crucial result that is after Arbroath won last night. Only two points separate 5th and 9th. Two excellent goals from Inverness in the first half paved the way for victory to end Morton's tremendous unbeaten run of fourteen Championship games. The hosts had a flurry of activity around our box towards the end of the game with Robbie Muirhead heading just wide and from a corner the ball was headed off a congested line aswel. They also had a goal disallowed in the 90th minute after a scramble in our box. However, Inverness held out for their second consecutive clean sheet to make it four games without defeat to remain seven points above Arbroath. We won didn't we>>> Here's wee Dougie>>> Date: 02/03/2024 Venue: Cappielow Park, Greenock Attendance: 1933 Referee: Graham Grainger Morton: 0 Manager: Dougie Imrie Lineup: MacDonald; French, Baird, O'Connor, Strapp, Crawford, McGrattan (Broadfoot 54), Power (Gillespie 86), Blues, Garrity (Bearne 76), Muirhead Subs (not used): Murdoch; Waters Scorers: none Booked: French (45+1) Power (60), O'Connor (76), Muirhead (88) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Duffy, Carragher, Devine, Savage, McAllister (Brooks 84), Kerr, Anderson, Harper, Alex Samuel (Doran 79), B Mckay (Pepple 69) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Austin Samuels, Lawal Scorers: B Mckay (2), McAllister (34) Booked: Carragher (45), Duffy (45+1), Kerr (48), Savage (88) Sent Off: none a

Devine intervention after Billy's penalty shocker A hugely depleted Inverness squad were cobbled together to face Dunfermline Athletic in a crucial wrong end of the table clash tonight. We had the possibility of jumping up to fifth had results all gone our way tonight as long as we did our job on the park. A long shot given our home form this season, but nonetheless still a possibility. That never aged well. The table is crying out for a team to go on a good run and challenge those that have had it too easy so far this season. Chris Kane missed out for the visitors which was a bonus for us. Alex Samuel, Billy Mckay and Wallace Duffy all started for Inverness which left us with no midfielders or defenders on the bench. A calm but chilly night greeted the teams at the Caledonian Stadium. It was all downhill after that. From the moment Billy Mckay saw his bland penalty dollied into Mehmet's arms in the first half, this game had 0-0 written all over it. And so it came to pass. It might have been an away win had we not conjured up two incredible goalmouth clearances in the first half. One a brave headed clearance from possibly McAllister that required some smelling salts to get him back on his feet and the second a sublime sliding clearance almost on the line by Danny. A sort of Devine intervention of the highest order after Jakubiak had rounded Ridgers to slot the ball into the seemingly empty net. Enter Danny with impeccable timing to thwart the burly striker. The second half deteriorated into an error ridden farce with neither side capable of stringing two passes together and a no scoring draw was more than the football on display merited. There was a couple of minutes when the ball never touched the ground as it was continuously kicked and headed vertically. Both sets of fans wondering if there were any footballers on the park or was this a new anti sport designed to close football stadiums for good. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Apart from the penalty save, both keepers could have sat in the Innes Bar and had a pint, such was the lack of penalty box entertainment. Wallace Duffy took a nasty injury to his arm but he remained on the park after treatment. However he might be missing next weekend after this. Also struggling at the end was Nathan Shaw who might have a hamstring problem. Unsavoury abuse being thrown around at the stadium towards one of our players' son. Not acceptable in the least. Highlights might be a tad misleading... Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts We've had better seasons... 1. Dundee Utd 25 15 6 4 49 16 51 2. Raith Rovers 25 15 6 4 44 33 51 3. Partick Thistle 25 10 8 7 50 44 38 4. Morton 25 10 7 8 34 28 37 5. Ayr United 26 9 5 12 38 48 32 6. Airdrieonians 24 9 4 11 25 29 31 7. Queens Park 26 8 6 12 38 44 30 8. Dunfermline 25 7 8 10 28 34 29 9. Inverness CT 26 6 9 11 30 32 27 10. Arbroath 25 5 5 15 25 53 20 Date: 27/02/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1958 Referee: Gavin Duncan Inverness CT: 0 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Kerr, Duffy, Carragher, Devine, Savage, Shaw (Doran 78) McAllister, Harper, Alex Samuel, B Mckay (Pepple 90) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Austin Samuels, Brooks Scorers: none Booked: Carragher (60), Devine (88) Sent Off: none Dunfermline Ath: 0 Manager: James McPake Lineup: Mehmet; Edwards, Hamilton, Fagan-Walcott, Todd (Moffat 74), Otoo, McCann (Holmes 28), Summers (O'Halloran 45), Welch-Hayes, Allan (Chalmers 45), Jakubiak, Subs (not used): Little; Sutherland, Fenton, Benjamin Scorers: none Booked: Allan (30), Henderson (66) Sent Off: none a

Harper saves the day After last night's result at Firhill, this game took on an even more significant role with far reaching consequences for teams caught up in the collateral damage. To add insult to injury at Firhill, Partick can feel particularly aggrieved after an astonishing display of incompetence by the match officials who should be asked to resign with immediate effect. Brian Graham had two perfectly legitimate goals chalked off by shockingly poor refereeing decisions. I couldn't care less about Graham or Partick, but those decisions could be crucial come the end of the season and neither Arbroath or ourselves will be happy about the end result borne out of sheer incompetence, 3-1 for Dunfermline. Gayfield is a difficult enough place to go to with a full squad, therefore Duncan Ferguson had his work cut out today with a number of players unavailable including the suspended Max Anderson and a depleted bench of four outfield players. However Alex Samuel returned to the starting XI with Billy Mckay dropping to the bench. Arbroath were without Tam O'Brien but top strikers Michael McKenna and Leighton McIntosh were on the bench with new loan signing Charlie Reilly and defender Ricky Little. Plenty of half chances but not enough on target to overly trouble the keepers at the interval with Boruc the busier goalie. Inside the last ten minutes and MacKinnon scored from close range after a corner. It looked like time was running out but Cammy Harper drilled in an equaliser for a deserved share of the points. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A six pointer if ever there was one kicked off on a bright afternoon and Kyle Robinson saw an effort blocked in the opening minutes. Inverness responded and Kerr, Shaw and Gilmour all had shots blocked around the hosts box. Cammy Kerr brought Boruc into action direct from a free kick with twenty minutes gone. Cammy Harper was denied by Boruc at the expense of a corner. Kerr was again denied by Boruc, his low shot was well saved by the keeper after good work by McAllister. The chances were racking up for the visitors and Bim Pepple went very close. The shooting practise continued with Harper firing just over the bar from outside the box fifteen minutes from the break. David Gold shot wide for the Smokies as half time approached and the hosts upped the pressure on Mark Ridgers' box with Innes Murray firing a free kick wide. HALF TIME:0-0 No changes at the interval but Ricky Little replaced Hamilton ten minutes into the half after a clash with Alex Samuel who was booked. Aaron Doran then replaced the injured Gilmour and Billy Mckay replaced Pepple. Arbroath also brought on the big guns with Bird and McKenna joining the play. Substitute Charlie Reilly shot wide and Alex Samuel did the same at the other end. A penalty appeal for Inverness was ignored. Possession was swinging towards the hosts as we entered the final fifteen and yellow cards looked like they were going out of fashion. Arbroath opened the scoring following a corner when Adam MacKinnon, on loan from Ross County, scored from close range. Ridgers saved from Reilly and Alex Samuel had one attempt close and another saved by Boruc as we tried to salvage a point. In a frenetic finish, Nathan Shaw had a shot blocked and Kerr fired wide before Cammy Harper shot home to earn a point, but not before McKenna shot over right at the death. Phew, and breathe! FULL TIME 1-1 We left it a tad late but eventually got the point we deserved with Harper's strike into the bottom corner from outside the box. Boom! More detail and reaction to follow. Highlights from Arbroath FC TV We drew didn't we>>> Date: 24/02/2024 Venue: Gayfield, Arbroath Attendance: 1539 Referee: Kevin Clancy Arbroath FC: 1 Manager: Jim McIntyre Lineup: Boruc; Walker,Teale, Hamilton (Little 54), Stewart, Gold (McKenna 66), MacKinnon, Murray (Reilly 58), Dow, Slater, Robinson (Bird 66) Subs (not used): Gaston; Stowe, McIntosh Scorers: MacKinnon (82) Booked: Slater (37), Little 77), McKenna (80) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Kerr, Carragher, Devine, Savage, Shaw, Gilmour (Doran 58)), McAllister, Harper, Pepple (B Mckay 63), Alex Samuel Subs (not used): C Mackay; Duffy, Austin Samuels Scorers: Harper (90+4) Booked: Alex Samuel (49), Kerr (76), Devine (83) Sent Off: none a

KerrPlonkers Inverness boss Duncan Ferguson was without Luis Longstaff, Wallace Duffy and striker Alex Samuel through injury although Austin Samuels was on the bench alongside Nikola Ujdur, Danny Devine, Aaron Doran and Roddy MacGregor amongst others. On paper it was a team bereft of attacking options. (what's new I hear you say). McMillan and Diack missed out for Partick Thistle but plenty of other threats on the park including Graham, Lawless, McInroy and Fitzpatrick. Cammy Kerr opened the scoring half an hour in to open his own account at Inverness, a welcome goal for the home fans, albeit at the South Stand end of the stadium. Be patient I hear you say and we were rewarded with a North Stand goal from Remi Savage ten minutes after the interval. Another ten minutes later and Fitzpatrick shot in from twelve yards to throw Partick a lifeline. Brian Graham converted a penalty but Nathan Shaw restored our advantage two minutes later. Unfortunately, the man we love to hate, Brian Graham, slammed in a volley after some head tennis to end the scoring and Max Anderson saw red in time added on. Meh, some game but a disappointing outcome despite the goals at the home end. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The visitors set the ball rolling and the hosts looked spritely in the opening exchanges with Billy Mckay having an effort blocked. However Partick looked dangerous going forward and Brian Graham had a couple of efforts after quarter of an hour, Ridgers doing well to deny Brian Graham's first effort, the second one was headed off target by the big striker. The corner count and possession had all but levelled off after twenty-five minites with clear opportunities difficult to come by. Having just said that, Cammy Kerr opened the scoring just before the half hour with a strike from distance into the bottom corner. Five minutes later Nathan Shaw fed Mckay on the edge of the box but the striker shot over. Charlie Gilmour was next to have a go but he missed the target as well. As half time approached Jamie Sneddon saved well from on-loan Everton youngster Sean McAllister as he shot goalwards after good play by Mckay. HALF TIME: 1-0 After the break Partick went on to the front foot and Kerr McInroy went close from outside the box after a Partick corner. Doran and Devine replaced McAllister and Mullen and three minutes later a Doran corner was headed in by Savage to double our lead. Aidan Fitzpatrick pulled one back for Partick, shooting home from twelve yards. Another twelve yard effort drew Partick level. This time from the spot after Nathan Shaw had fouled Robinson in the box. Brian Graham made no mistake. Shaw made amends two minutes later shooting home from inside the box. Alas, the scourge of Inverness, Graham, levelled again four minutes from the end as he volleyed into the top corner. FULL TIME: 3-3 BishBashBosh said on CTO: Highlight of first half was a pass back to Ridgers, I think he hit his clearance into their player and ball spun into air on our bye line. Ridgers is now facing the north stand and attempts a hoof of the ball over the stand. Total fresh air kick resulting in him then heading the ball out for a corner. You couldn’t make it up. Anderson red card was straight out of the ref pocket, no second to think. Anderson first touch for a pro footballer was so poor today, the ball rising into the air as he tried to control it many times. That was what happened for the sending off as he raised his boot into the players head to get the ball. The Partick guy went down clutching his head. Once the red was shown he miraculously recovered and didn’t require hospital treatment. Robert on CTO: We started on the front foot, with none of the back and fro passing that’s dominated our recent performances. Kerr’s goal was a cracker, calmly taken after a great pass by McAllister, and we deservedly led at the break although we had some nervous moments. Partick came out flying in the second half and our second was against the run of play, and we were then let down by poor defending for their first and getting caught napping at a free kick and conceding the penalty. I thought we were done for then, but credit to the players for lifting themselves and taking the lead again, and we should have gone 4-2 up but Pepple went alone when he should have played Harper in. We then conceded, meaning its twelve points we’ve lost late in games. Satan won the quote of the day: I am glad we've strengthened at the back Highlights from ICT>>> We scored goals didn't we>>> Date: 17/02/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2215 Referee: Grant Irvine Inverness CT: 3 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Kerr, Carragher, Chilokoa-Mullen (Devine 51), Savage, Harper, Shaw, Gilmour, Anderson, McAllister (Doran 51, Ujdur 90+3), B Mckay (Pepple 68) Subs (not used): C Mackay; MacGregor, Samuels, Brooks Scorers: Kerr (27), Savage (54), Shaw (79) Booked: Shaw (45) Sent Off: Anderson (90+2) Partick Thistle: 3 Manager: Kris Doolan Lineup: Sneddon; Williams (Adeloye 84), Muirhead, Neilson, Milne (O'Reilly 88), Lawless, McInroy (Robinson 68), Bannigan, McBeth, FitzPatrick, Graham Subs (not used): Stewart; Mitchell, Ngwenya, Alston, Stanway, MacKenzie Scorers: Fitzpatrick (64), Graham (77 pen, 86) Booked: Fitzpatrick (65), McBeth (88) Sent Off: none a