Fan Review: Duncan Ferguson still unbeaten as Dunfermline hit woodwork 7 times
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Duncan Ferguson has extended his unbeaten start at Inverness Caledonian Thistle to six games after Saturday's 1-1 draw against Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park.
A Danny Devine opener was cancelled out late on by Dunfermline's Lewis McCann late on, however the Pars were frustrated not to equalise sooner after hitting the woodwork no fewer than 7 times throughout the match.
Attending Saturday's match at East End Park was Inverness-born and now Dunfermline-based Jason Muir (23), who has followed Caley Thistle to home and away games since he was young.
Despite the frustration of losing a late goal to the home side, Jason believes that a point was a fair result in reflection with Dunfermline coming close so many times.
"Looking back at the match, and particularly after the first half I would have been delighted with the point considering the pressure that Dunfermline put the ICT back line under, we were extremely lucky not to concede in that first half.
"In my time watching football, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that with the woodwork being hit 6 times by one team in one half of football.
"You’re thinking lady luck is on your side but being realistic, Dunfermline did deserve their equaliser based on the balance of the game."
Jason noted that goalscorer Danny Devine had a standout performance to help Caley Thistle towards their point on the road, while he was also impressed by Charlie Gilmour's presence in midfield.
"Danny Devine and Charlie Gilmour in particular had good games.
"Devine’s tackle in the first half to deny McCann being through one-on-one was fantastic and he was solid throughout and the finish for his goal was extremely tidy into the corner of the net.
"To take the lead with ex-par Danny Devine tucking the ball home from a set piece was extremely satisfying considering the pressure Dunfermline put us under.
"Charlie Gilmour seems to get better every week, which is a testament to him considering the injury problems he’s had over the last two seasons.
"I was sceptical about his signing in the first place but he’s really shown his worth, he does remind me of a Greg Tansey type player in the middle of the park and some of his passing on Saturday was sublime."
Living in Dunfermline, Jason has watched the Pars play on a few occasions this season and believes that the reluctance from Duncan Ferguson to change the team's shape made things difficult
"Dunfermline’s shape did stifle us a wee bit with the 3-5-2 just matching us up and they really pressed us early on.
"I’ve watched Dunfermline a few times this season as I stay in the area and they consistently play that shape.
"After the start, I would have expected Duncan Ferguson to alter us a wee bit as you could have really got at the Pars backline with two men up front finding room in the channels."
Jason also notes that the decision to go without a designated striker whle trying to hold on at the end also made life harder for the Caley Jags.
"The substitution to take Mckay off and then have Longstaff up front on his own to try and stretch the game didn’t really have much of an impact.
"We just seemed to sit in and that really played into Dunfermline’s hands unfortunately and you could sense the equaliser coming which of course had to go in via the post.
"the team needed someone to hold up the ball, get fouls and slow the the game down and Sheridan probably would have provided that."
With Caley Thistle now moving up to 7th and further clear of the relegation zone, Jason believes that the Christmas period will be crucial in defining the outcome of the 23/24 campaign for the team.
"I was happy with the point and it keeps the unbeaten run going under Duncan Ferguson, it keeps the momentum which is really important in the Championship as all teams continue to take points off each other every week.
"December will be a key month for us as we always seem to have a sticky spell at Christmas time but let’s hope we avoid that this year and it could really make or break our season.
"We are in a good place now and it’s important the team keep that going.
"If they do, I’m confident we will get a play off spot and a number of players in our squad know exactly what it’s about after the run we had 2 years ago.
"That will put us in a strong position and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the season will go."
If you are a Caley Thistle fan and you would like to share your thoughts on a league game this season, contact craig.mclean@hnmedia.co.uk for a chance to feature.
