Charlie Christie - Last Saturday was the most enjoyable this season
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Last Saturday was one of the most enjoyable this season as both Caley Thistle and Bournemouth recorded valuable wins which moved both clubs out of the relegation zones of their respective leagues.
After a slow start to the match at home to Ayr, David Wotherspoon’s opening goal for ICT after half an hour totally changed the dynamic of the match as goals often do and incredibly, we headed up the tunnel for the half-time break three goals to the good. Ayr manager Lee Bullen must have been scratching his head as to the turn-around in the game.
But, in truth, Ayr hadn’t really tested Mark Ridgers in goal when on top in those opening exchanges and Duncan Ferguson and Gary Bollan’s very positive start at Inverness was maintained.
I then watched son Ryan play in the live television match on Saturday evening hoping my good day would continue and, to my delight, it did. Bournemouth started the match positively testing Nick Pope in the Newcastle goal twice in the opening two minutes and that start set the tone for the first half as Bournemouth played some of their best football of the season so far.
It wasn’t until the hour mark that Bournemouth’s good play was rewarded as Dom Solanke took advantage of a fortunate break to open the scoring and he added a second 12 minutes later to secure the win.
The performance from both the Bournemouth team and from Ryan individually was excellent and going into the international break on the back of that win will be a huge boost to the club and to Ryan.
It coincided with him signing a new four-year contract at the south coast club which gives him security in his career and for his new family.
n This week I attended the funeral of one of North Football’s true characters Alex Young.
‘Youngie’ was the first team trainer at Caledonian in the Highland League under manager Peter Corbett in the mid-1980s and was hugely respected by both me and every player in the team.
His quick-witted manner and larger than life personality made him fantastic company before and after matches and his repartee with Peter in the changing room was legendary. He loved players with a good work ethic and wasn’t slow at telling players that they weren’t doing enough for the team if he felt they were not contributing enough.
Alex played in the Highland League in the 1960’s, initially for Inverness Thistle before moving to
Nairn County and was a superb servant throughout his career. He maintained his involvement in the
game after his playing days and it was fitting to see the incredible turn-out on Wednesday from so many people involved in football.
