Woodside Sports Complex
Today at Woodside Sports Complex was the last game of the North Region Division 1 season involving Glentanar and Inverness City. For City, the task was simple, win the game and they win the league. However, the Irony of an Inverness win would be that although they would be crowned champions, they would also be demoted due to failure to meet the deadline to have their pitch at Bught Park ready for next season. Glentanar though, were not going to lie down and would prove to be a tough task for the highlanders.
For me, it was a struggle to find the pitch using my google maps app on the Ipad. However, the satellite version on the internet allowed me to find the pitch no bother. The sun was shining and there was silence when I got out the car, leading me to think no one was here. However, the pitch was a bit further to walk than I thought.
Inverness started off the better side, as you would expect from a side chasing their second consecutive league championship of Division 1, having been denied promotion last season due to not owning their own pitch. They won a couple of corners but couldn’t find the goal or test the keeper, with Glentanar defending their lines well. Glentanar’s left midfielder was played through on goal and probably would have scored, had it not been for the linesman’s flag rising for offside, which I thought was harsh. The same player got another chance not long after but his shot was straight at the keeper and his spectacular effort of a rebound went just wide, leaving the City keeper frustrated at the lack of marking from his defenders. Inverness though, were enjoying lot of possession as they played a lot of 1-2’s with each other and tried to find men in the box, but there was no attacking threat. As the half drove on Glentanar were gradually coming into the game and it was to be them who took the lead not long before half time. A through ball to their number 9 allowed him to hold off 2 defenders and play the ball through the keeper’s legs and into the net, much to his delight after missing a similar chance not long before. Inverness pushed for a late equaliser but it was Glentanar who went into the break as leaders.
The second half started in dramatic fashion. A quick Inverness attack saw their wingman and forward play a 1-2 near the goaline and the ball was played into the box to the other striker who put the ball into the net, but the whistle had already gone for offside. The City players were furious but I could not be sure of the decision, as I was at the other end of the pitch. The game turned into a possession game for the majority of the next 20 minutes with little chances created. A long free kick was smashed just wide by the Glentanar central defender, a 25 yard shot was put wide by their right midfielder also wide, a header from Inverness’s number 8 wide and many more chances put off target. Inverness were getting frustrated at these missed opportunities but their luck changed when they won a penalty due to their attacker being brought down in the box. Number 4 stepped up to hit a beautiful shot into the top left corner of the net leaving the keeper with no chance despite guessing the right way. This sparked the Inverness players and fans into wild celebrations and they were ready to push for a winner. However, a through ball to Glentanar’s number 7 left everyone thinking he was offside except the linesman and the wingman placed his shot across the goal and into the bottom corner. The City team and management staff were absolutely furious with the linesman and referee, who gave the goal so late on in the game. Despite this late goal, Inverness were not going to give up and they were awarded a second penalty in the 90th minute when the ball was floated over the defence to the oncoming attacker, who was brought down inside the box. This left the referee with no choice but to award the penalty and send off the oppose, who had no objections to the referee’s decision. The same player, number 4, stepped up to take the penalty and placed it in the same position as his first, sending the keeper the wrong way. 2-2 and 4 minutes were still to play! Inverness thought they had won it with their next attack but the Glentanar keeper made a brilliant save from a back post header. However, from the resulting corner, the ball met the head of the Inverness forward who bulleted it into the back of the net to send the city players, fans and staff absolutely mental. You could really see what this meant to them. The ref blew his whistle and Inverness were champions again! 
A great game to watch as a neutral and Inverness fan. Both teams really gave their all and it was to be Inverness’ day as their showed a true championship winning performance. So for my first visit to Woodside Sports Complex, I’ve managed to see something I’ve never experienced before; a team winning the league and getting relegated at the same time. The pitch itself was in great condition for an end of season game. The complex is like any other complex with 3 rugby pitches surrounding what’s no more than a football pitch with a surrounding barrier. Congratulations to Inverness City FC!
