Inverness have drawn with both Dundee United and Aberdeen in the post-six fixture round and we’re grateful that they have taken points from our European rivals. Motherwell struggled badly when the first top half barrier was achieved but ICT seem to have coped well so far. However, the talk in the Highlands is all about the next campaign. Season ticket renewals and new deals for players seem to be top priorities at the Caledonian Stadium at the moment backed up with the notion of a job well done for this term’s work.
Motherwell 2 ICT 0 - March 2014
ICT looked unfamiliar last time out with Foran, Vincent, Raven, Warren and Meekings all missing, yet it took a late goal from United to cancel their early opener. They still have an outside chance of reaching fourth place so Hughes will be keen to remind his charges that they still have work to do.
There were no reports of injuries in the Motherwell camp after the St Johnstone game so McCall will have a similar squad available. He’ll be telling his charges that they played well enough in the first half last Saturday but we clearly have a problem when defending a lead. It seems that we have to be three ahead to avoid the defensive panics that have characterised too many of our recent games.
Hollis will probably keep his place in goal and see the same back four in front. The main decision is likely to be the choice of a partner for Sutton. Last outing saw McFadden return to the staring eleven with Anier replacing him in the second half. At the start of the season it was Anier who started with Faddy providing the second half alternative.
The Tuesday clash between Aberdeen and United will have a bearing on the chase for the runner up place but there’s no doubt that a win has to be our target on Wednesday. The traditional end of season parade will have an added festive feeling if our European place is secured but in any event the players deserve heaps of praise for the entertainment they have delivered thus far.
They have shown an ability to produce the goods when it mattered (cups apart!) and so there’s every reason to suppose that we can get the passports out after a 2-0 win.
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