Inverness Caledonian Thistle made history yesterday after reaching the final of the Scottish League Cup in dramatic fashion.
Fans in the Highland capital were celebrating last night after their team reached the ultimate stage of a major cup competition for the first time.
Caley Thistle were 2-1 behind and reduced to nine men against Hearts at Easter Road, in Edinburgh, but fought back to level the tie with a last-minute, injury-time equaliser before winning 4-2 in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The club – formed only 20 years ago – will now face Aberdeen in the final on March 16 and fans across the city will be hoping they can bring home the silverware.
The win brings the Caley Jags equal with rivals Ross County, who reached the Scottish Cup final in 2010.
Provost Alec Graham was among the 1,600 supporters who made the trip to Edinburgh yesterday. He said: “It was a terrific match, a terrific result and a historic moment for Caley Thistle because it’s the first final they’ve got through to.
“To win after being down to nine men is just incredible. It was absolutely nerve-wracking.
“To be down to nine men and score in the last 30 seconds to equalise and then to hold out for a half an hour against Hearts and then win on penalties was just amazing.
“Cup finals are always very difficult but I’m always hopeful of a win.
“It’s great to be in the final and to have the chance to bring home the League Cup.”
Laura Grant, vice-chairwoman of the Caley Jags Together supporters club, was among those who made a very early start for the 12.15pm kick-off in the capital, but she said the win made it all worth it.
Speaking shortly after the final whistle, she said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic. It was phenomenal. The boys did great and we are all so pleased to be in our first major final.
“I was fairly confident we would win. We did it the hard way, as usual, but what a result.
“We did it against the odds, taking a decent crowd despite the problems caused by the early start and lack of public transport. I was up at 4.45am to get here but it was worth every minute.”
The supporters club organised 10 buses for the game, although many travelled south the night before.
Brian Mackintosh, assistant steward at the Greig Street social club, said he had taken on extra staff to cope with the expected party last night when the fans and players returned.
The long-term supporter, whose father and brother both played for Caley, said the win was a “fantastic result”. He added: “A few years ago, I could never have imagined this.
“We’ve taken names for the buses to the final already.”
At least one other pub in Inverness is also planning to transport fans down to the final.
Rory Munro, owner of The Gellions, in Bridge Street, said he planned to run buses to the game and already had several supporters signed up.
He added: “We want to get behind the local team. All the guys drink in here and they are a great bunch.”
Inverness city leader Councillor Ian Brown said: “It’s really excellent news. That’s their first final. We have got to go there and be really confident that we are going to win.
“It would be great to have the chance to bring back the cup.
“Ross County have been there so it’s certainly our turn. It’s great for the city.”
Comment, Page 34
Match Report – Pages 65-68