Stenhousemuir vs Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Match Report

 

The Warriors snatched a point from the jaws of defeat as they continued their push for the play-offs.

Inverness looked comfortable in the second half courtesy of a cracking goal from McKay. Though Inverness were in the driving seat the Warriors made sure the visitors only left with a point.

The Warriors weren’t without their chances in the match and two in quick succession from Meechan could have made all the difference. Though the Warriors left it late, we snatched a point as a result of an Inverness own goal.

Calamity in the Inverness back line was the source of Warriors jubilation 

Neither team really got going in the first 45 minutes, they both equally struggled to source a shot on goal, and it became scrappy towards the end.

The second half, however, became the polar opposite with both teams gunning for three points. Inverness took an early lead, but the Warriors cancelled that out in the 90th minute.

McKay opened the scoring for the visitors in the 55th minute after he was played through by a cute ball from Stewart. The striker made no mistake in rifling the ball into the top corner from a tight angle. 0-1

The Inverness striker had another opportunity to bag his second just three minutes later, but all credit must go to Deejay who made an unbelievable save to deny him.

The Warriors stayed focused and went about their business as usual and began to cause Inverness problems when going forward.

Meechan had two chances just minutes apart to pull the Warriors level. His header in the 67th minute flashed wide, then six minutes later his curling effort was well saved by the keeper.

The Warriors continued to pen Inverness back and their persistence paid off in the dying embers of the game. McLuckie’s beautifully delivered free kick caused mayhem in the box, O’Donnell was there to pick- pocket the keeper and force Gilmour to turn the ball into his own net. This was a goal that lifted the roof off Ochilview Park and a goal that sends us one point closer to the play offs. 1-1 

Manager Gary Naysmith: “We gradually started getting back into the game”

“The start of the second half was ok, there wasn’t much in the game. From our point of view, we’ve conceded a bad goal.

“For the last fifteen minutes, it’s probably the first time in a few weeks where I’ve been able to turn to Brown and feel that we were getting back to how we normally are.

“I thought the players were really good today. They stayed together, they hung in to the end and I’m delighted that we managed to get a draw.”

Sam Fisher: “I thought we fully deserved the goal”

“It’s a really tough game, Inverness are a full-time team, they are a good side. I thought first half we competed really well… second half they get the goal and it’s probably their first chance of the game.

“It’s a point at home against a good team and we will take it, and we will look forward to next week.”

This was a great point at home as we draw closer to the end of the season. With another massive game in our campaign next weekend, please make sure you join us in Dumfries when we take on Queen of the South. Remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Match Report by Louise Davidson 

Photographs by Thomas Gorman 

 

Preview

The Warriors continue their push for a play- off place as they welcome Inverness to Ochilview in their penultimate home game of the season.

This weekend the Warriors are keen to return to winning ways and register another massive three points in their push for a play-off position. Though results haven’t gone their way recently, the Warriors will be keen to put things right on Saturday.

Last time against Inverness we weren’t as successful as we would have hoped to be and were defeated on the road. This time around we aim to snatch our first three points of the season from Inverness.

The Warriors are also still searching for their first ever victory over Inverness, though they have only played them on seven occasions over the course of 29 years.

The weekend’s unpredictable opposition

Inverness’ form has fluctuated throughout the entire season: at the start of the campaign they found themselves in some difficulty at the bottom end of the table. As the campaign has gone on, the Highland side have pulled themselves three points clear of the relegation zone.

When looking at their fixtures from the entire season, Inverness have struggled to maintain a period of stability in their form. Some months they have only registered one victory, like they did in December, and other months they have gone without a single win (September).

The Highland side have been on the end of some thumping defeats as well as delivering some cracking results themselves. One constant in Inverness’ season, and a player who has helped them out of the relegation zone, is young midfielder Keith Bray. The 19-year-old midfielder on loan from Dunfermline Athletic has been instrumental for the Highlanders in front of goal. With nine goals and one assist this season, the youngster’s goal scoring threat will be one to be cautious of on Saturday.

The race for a play-off place is heating up and with both Queen of the South and Alloa Athletic hot on the Warriors’ heels, your support is more than vital as we aim to draw closer to a place in the Championship next season. Please make sure you join us at Ochilview this weekend and stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 3pm 19th April

Location: Ochilview Park

Match Preview by Louise Davidson