Fir Park, September 22nd 2009

Motherwell 3 Inverness CT 2

By Chris

For a Celtic supporter Fir Park is a bittersweet place to visit. I've witnessed a 7-1 victory with Larsson at the peak of his powers contrasted with demoralising agony when we were defeated and subsequently handed Rangers the title on a final day drama. [For an Oxford fan and a St Mirren fan... meh, not so much - Ed]

This 3rd round league cup tie between Motherwell and first division Inverness was our first evening trip of the season, our 10th in total. As a relative veteran of visiting Fir Park I was somewhat surprised at how impressed Kieran and Jamie were with the stadium, although Kieran was a little put off with the infamous 'Keep Cigarettes Away From The Match' sign that dominates one of the stands.

There was a horrific moment pre-match when it was revealed there was no hot water available (I know times are tight in Scottish football but being unable to afford a kettle is a tad worrying). We had to make do with a pie and Capri-Sun and no, it's not a good combination.

Motherwell have made an impressive start under new boss Jim Gannon but it was Inverness who started the brighter in this without really threatening the home side's goal. The 'Well snatched the lead just after the half hour mark when Robert McHugh headed home but they failed to capitalise on their advantage and Caley drew level 20 minutes from time with a simple set piece goal. However they were quickly reduced to 10 men but managed to drag the game into extra time.

Motherwell regained the lead through an o.g only for Inverness to fight back once again through a Grant Munro header. Just as it looked like we were going to enjoy a penalty shoot Motherwell's Ross Forbes took centre stage with a lovely run and blistering finish to seal their place in the 4th round.

It had been an enjoyable game, tempered somewhat with sitting in rickety wooden seats for 120 minutes but that's us a quarter of the way through this epic trip. Kudos especially tonight to Jamie for a battling performance in limping his way through Motherwell town centre at night - that takes a brave man.

Journey - 5/10
Pie - 7/10
Bovril - 0/10
Ground - 6/10
Game - 6/10