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Inverness CTMatch Report
Match Report by Scott Gallacher, Communications Officer & Reporter
Stenhousemuir ran out 1-0 winners at Ochilview against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the William Hill League One, securing three hugely valuable points before the festive break.
The contest proved to be a tight and competitive affair, with the Warriors pressing well and looking to counter at pace. That approach would eventually pay dividends, as on his 100th appearance for the club, Matty Aitken provided the assist for Ollie Whyte, who slid the ball into the side netting to claim all three points.
Gary Naysmith made two changes to the side that started last week’s fixture against Montrose. Kelsey Ewen and Ollie Whyte were introduced to the starting XI, replacing Euan O’Reilly and Finlay Gray, who dropped out of the line-up.
It took 29 minutes for the first real chance of the game to arrive, as Ross Taylor jinked past the Inverness backline before unleashing a shot that Ross Munro did well to save.
Joseph Chalmers had the visitors’ first effort of the match shortly after, striking from distance, but his attempt sailed well over the crossbar.
A huge chance then went begging for Inverness when a ball into the box looked destined to be converted, but the effort was dragged wide of the target.
Half-Time: Stenhousemuir 0-0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Stenny carried their strong counter-attacking momentum into the second half when a perfectly weighted through ball from Mikey Anderson released Ross Taylor, though once again Munro was equal to it and smothered the danger.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute. Substitute Zeke Cameron, making his 100th appearance for the club, slid the ball wide to Matty Aitken, who in turn picked out Ollie Whyte inside the box. The forward kept his composure to find the back of the net.
Darren Jamieson was then called into action to preserve the Warriors’ lead, producing an excellent save to deny Calum MacLeod from distance, tipping the effort over the bar.
Stenhousemuir were reduced to ten men in the 84th minute when referee Lloyd Wilson produced a second yellow card for Leyton Grant.
Right at the death, Inverness almost found an equaliser as they threw bodies forward, with the ball rolling across the goal line at the back post before slipping through the legs of an onrushing attacker and out for a goal kick.
Two minutes of added time were played, but the Warriors defended resolutely to see out the contest and claim a superb three points against the league leaders.
Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 1-0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Match Preview
Match Preview by Scott Gallacher, Communications Officer & Reporter
Stenhousemuir return to Ochilview this Saturday as they welcome Inverness Caledonian Thistle in William Hill League One, with a 3pm kick-off.
The Warriors will be looking to bounce back following a 3-0 defeat away to Montrose last weekend. Goals from Graham Webster and a Callum Sandilands double decided the contest at Links Park, despite a competitive showing from Gary Naysmith’s side for large spells of the match.
Inverness arrive in impressive form, having recorded a remarkable 9-0 victory over Dumbarton in the KDM Evolution Trophy at the Marbill Coaches Stadium. Alfie Bavidge led the scoring with four goals, while Billy McKay added two. Further strikes from Calum MacLeod, Luis Longstaff, and a Ross Millen penalty completed the rout.
Caley Thistle have also been strong in league action, most recently claiming a convincing 4-0 win over Hamilton Academical, with goals from Mitchell Robertson, Chanka Zimba, Alfie Bavidge, and Billy McKay.
Inverness currently sit six points ahead of Stenhousemuir in the league, although they do so with a game in hand, and they travel to Ochilview on the back of an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
With the visitors occupying pole position, Saturday’s contest presents Stenhousemuir with an opportunity to close the gap on one of the division’s most in-form sides. The Warriors will also take confidence from their form at Ochilview this season, having lost only once at home this season in the league.
The last meeting between the two sides saw Stenhousemuir come away from Inverness with all three points following a 2-1 victory. Paul Allan opened the scoring from the penalty spot for the hosts, but goals from Matty Aitken and Ross Taylor turned the match in favour of the Warriors.
