Appearances & Goals To Date
Starting Lineup
Youngest Player: | Liam Polworth (23 years 92 days) |
Oldest Player: | Gary Warren (33 years 151 days) |
Average Player Age: | 27 years 320 days |
Domestic Players: | 5 (45.45 % of starting eleven) |
Matchday Squad
Youngest Player: | Jack Brown (16 years 167 days) |
Oldest Player: | Ryan Esson (37 years 302 days) |
Average Player Age: | 26 years 61 days |
Domestic Players: | 7 (38.89 % of matchday squad) |
First Team Debuts
Milestones
Dave the Rave signs off with defeat at Paisley: David Raven played his 188th and final game for Inverness today as Robbo's side faced Championship leaders St Mirren.
Inverness were limited somewhat and were without player of the season so far as Coll Donaldson who limped off after the Livi game failed to make it. Iain Vigurs was suspended and Collin Seedorf made the bench. On the plus side, Nathan Austin started and Gary Warren came in at centre back. Joe Chalmers also took to the pitch after a heavy knock in the Livi game. The biggest surprise I suppose was John Baird starting ahead of George Oakley.
Gavin Reilly started ahead of Daniel Mullen and Celtic's new signing Lewis Morgan was playing as a loan player for the Buddies.
Four and a half thousand fans would watch this one with St Mirren eager to stretch their lead at the top and Inverness hoping to get closer to the play off zone.
It took less than ten minutes for the line-up to change as Nathan Austin limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, Oakley replacing him.
St Mirren were first to threaten seriously when Lewis Morgan played in Smith but Liam Polworth blocked, Kyle Magennis blazing the free ball over. At the other end Aaron Doran set John Baird through but he shot wide.
A goal was coming though and no surprise that top striker Gavin Reilly opened the scoring from a tight angle after Cammy Smith set him free for his 20th of the season.
Doran shot straight at the keeper as Inverness looked for a way back into the game and Joe Chalmers came close with a shot from distance that was near but just wide.
The Buddies almost scored a second when Stelios cracked the bar with a tremendous effort after 26 minutes.
After that let off, the closest Inverness came to drawing level was another strike from Chalmers, but it was another strike that went wide and St Mirren ended the half in the Inverness box with Smith being blocked.
Not out of this one yet, still all to play for in the second half.
Half Time 1-0
Five minutes in and Doran almost levelled after a short corner from Polworth was laid off by Raven. A couple of minutes later a Polworth cross was scooped away by Craig Samson with the aid of the post and Inverness players enquired if the ball was over the line. The answer was given as no.
Inverness had stepped up a gear and Doran saw a shot blocked with Raven's cross put behind for a corner. Brad Mckay headed over from the set piece.
Mark Ridgers had to look lively to save a Cammy Smith shot as St Mirren broke forward and they forced a couple of corners in quick succession as the game opened out. Or maybe they heard Falkirk had just scored a fourth goal against Dundee United. Unbelievable Geff.
More danger for Inverness as Daniel Mullen came on to replace Ian McShane with around twenty minutes left.
Oakley had a superb chance but his effort was straight at Samson. With fifteen minutes to go, Jake Mulraney came on to replace Aaron Doran.
Ten minutes left and Morgan drew a corner on the left side after some good play. Ridgers fouled as ball ends up in the net and Connor Bell swaps places with John Baird.
Reilly almost slides in number two but Morgan's cross just evades him as the home side try to close out the game.
With five minutes left Connor Bell is denied at the back post as Samson saves and in the final minute Oakley headed just wide.
Full Time 1-0
Great effort by Inverness but St Mirren are in heaven as news from Falkirk is that the Bairns have scored a sixth against the Arabs as Wilie Collum ends the game in Paisley.
Not too much damage done below Inverness with Brechin drawing and Dumbarton losing, however the Falkirk result was a surprise. We have made little progress above us in recent weeks and the play off positions, although still attainable, are looking less likely at the moment.
David Raven leaves with the best wishes for all his work at Inverness and who can forget his fantastic contribution in our cup winning season. It's been some journey for David and this was his 188th appearance for the Caley Jags. He didn't score many goals for us, but when he did, they were important and his strike against Celtic will linger forever in our hearts. He also bagged a beauty in a derby against Ross County from outside the box. A stunning strike not to be forgotten. He is also a talented musician and as the cup was paraded around Inverness, Dave was able to hold a tune with the best of them. A true gent and a pleasure to be around. He outstayed John Hughes and made his way back into the squad when things were looking bleak and here we are today after 188. All the best David.
Match report written by tm4tj