Thrills and spills in the highlands

Victoria park
Source: JOD photography

It was the only option left. Edinburgh had become London price wise for four days. Hogmanay being a massive attraction and drive in the price hike. I scampered around for a place to stay for those four nights around new year's. Newcastle, Glasgow, Aberdeen, even remote areas like Fort William, nothing. It came down to Dundee or Inverness for affordable accommodation. I chose Inverness. After all that was sorted I was dealt a blow with Inverness Caledonian Thistle not having a home game. However as luck would have it, they were away just over the road in Dingwall, home of their Highland rivals Ross County.

So a highland derby? This needed to be done. Tickets were available and it was off to Dingwall we went on new year's eve. My first premiership game and it was a derby, brilliant. A chilly day in Dingwall with Inverness washed out it was probably a typical highland derby setting. Caley Thistle under Irishman Richie Foran were bottom, Ross County with a former Limerick striker (Curran) and Cliftonville star (Boyce) were sixth.

Derby setting
Source: JOD photography

After getting into Victoria park early to take in the build up the game kicked off at three on the dot. However it was nearly over after two minutes for myself and my friend. A smoke bomb was let off and my innocent friend got the blame from the investigating steward. Thankfully common sense prevailed and we were allowed to stay but missed Boyce giving County the lead.
The game was County's as they forced Fon Williams into a few key saves before Caley hit the back of the net with Carl Tremarco's diving header causing a roar from the opposite end of the ground. Caley didn't quite fill the away stand but were in good voice until Boyce's deflected cross/shot gave County the lead again.

Half-time arrived and with it darkness. Daylight not sticking around for the second half. A half with more drama. Foran made a double change near the hour mark and well, within minutes County hit them with a sucker punch. Martin Woods slotting past Fon Williams in the box. 3-1 and Caley looked shaken.

Ross County v Inverness CT
Source: JOD photography

They did try to rescue the game with County keeper Fox making a couple of stops. With Boyce having a stormer he remained a threat on the counter. Ten minutes remaining and a Caley lifeline, Fox could only parry a shot from outside the box and substitute Alex Fisher was quickest to pounce. 3-2 and a grand stand finish in store. Urged forward by Foran, Caley just couldn't force the ball home and referee Robert Madden sounded his whistle on the derby, County being the highland top dogs going into 2017.

After the game a surprisingly lax segregation saw Caley and County fans exchange pleasantries. "Going down, going down" being one with Caley fans wanting to get out and hope the winter break is put to good use. A few did want to show County fans they had a bit of fight left after what was a deflating result.

First highland derby and it was eventful to say the least. The next clash isn't till March by which time, given how congested the bottom of the table is, things will be different. Foran and Caley had better hope so.