Scottish Football Journey

Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness Caledonian Thistle

For my first visit to the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, it was to see history as it was the Spl’s first ever highland derby between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County. These sides have shown great progress coming from the part time Highland League, all the way to the top division and both teams deserve praise for this achievement. This game was on a Friday night and would be a long journey for me just going as a neutral fan. However I thought it would be a great game and I was to be proved right.

Everyone who has travelled through Inverness and north will have seen the stadium as it is situated right next to the Kessock Bridge. It is a stadium with 3 stands, two of which are identical, facing each other goal to goal. The Main Stand is a two tiered roof covered stand with 2 extra single tiered sections at either side which are not under a roof. The area opposite the Main Stand is unused unless the Old Firm are visiting, which there is some extra seats in a small area. The game kicked off at 7.45 and I left at 5.30 hoping to arrive around 7.30 but due to heavy traffic, I didn’t get into the game until 8.00. I chose to buy my tickets in the away section, hoping to experience a great atmosphere from the visiting supporters.

It was 1-0 to the home side when I arrived when Ross Draper connected with Graeme Shinnie's corner after pressurising the Ross County defence. County’s fans were still in great voice from my view, which was a great view with excellent leg room. They were trying hard to spur their team on for an equaliser but it was to be Inverness who would get the next goal. A defensive mistake from former Inverness defender Grant Munro allowed Richie Foran to push through on goal and he unselfishly squared the ball to Andrew Shinnie who placed the ball past Fraser. The Caley fans were loving this but the away fans were still showing tremendous support. They were almost awarded for their vocals when Richard Britain curled a free kick inches over the bar, to which had many of the away support cheering, including myself. There were to be no more goals in the first half as Caley applauded their team off after a dominant display.

For any team, it would be vital to get off to a good start early in the second half when 2 goals down, as it would set up a great half. This is exactly what happened when County won a free kick on the edge of the area. Iain Vigurs stepped up and curled a beautiful shot into the top left hand corner and sent the county fans wild. 2-1 and it was certainly game on. County were now pushing forward and played a lot of passing on the ground but were struggling to find a shot on goal. I found that the referee was giving far too much fouls, blowing his whistle for anyone that fell to the floor. It was ruining the game really as everyone wants to just see a game flow. County, despite dominating possession for the majority of the half, only had one real chance when the ball fell to Rocco Quinn at the back post but he shot straight at the keeper. Against the run of play, Inverness killed the game in spectacular style when substitute Connor Pepper flicked the ball to Aaron Doran who volleyed the ball into the bottom left corner and won Inverness the game. It probably was harsh on County who really had worked hard this half but it was a goal worth winning any game.

The referee blew his whistle and Inverness were the victors of the first every Highland derby in the SPL. From a neutral’s point of view, I thoroughly enjoyed this game and thought both sides were really working hard for themselves and their fans. A great spectacle for Scottish Football staged in a unique stadium which has excellent steak pies. A great first visit to the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium and a long journey home.