Peterhead 0-2 Caley Thistle reaction: Scott Kellacher praises ‘angry’ players after returning to top spot in League One

Scott Kellacher reckons his angry Inverness players proved a point as their 2-0 win at Peterhead lifted them top of League One with three games to go.

On-loan Aberdeen attacker Alfie Stewart’s long-range free-kick put ICT in front at the end of a hugely competitive first half against their fifth-placed hosts, whose promotion hopes have all but been dashed.

A range of chances were missed by Inverness before Chanka Zimba got the all-important second goal they deserved.

It means, ahead of hosting bottom team Kelty Hearts on Saturday, ICT are one point clear of Stenhousemuir with three games to go.

They also face a trip to East Fife before finishing at home to Hamilton.

Stenny are away to Cove Rangers this Saturday before playing Alloa Athletic at home and Montrose away.

A controversial late Stenhousemuir penalty denied ICT a win in a 1-1 draw at Ochilview on Saturday and the pressure on Caley Thistle in this Balmoor clash.

‘We were hurting and angry’

Kellacher told The Press and Journal he saw his players display a real determination that they would not settle for anything less than a victory after three successive league draws.

He said: “I could not have asked for any more. I am delighted. We were good in the first half, created plenty of chances and we got the first goal through a sensational free-kick from Alfie Stewart. He has that in his locker.

“There was a different side to us tonight. They were hurting and angry and wanted to make a point by being on the front foot.

“In the last while, we have come away with draws when we’ve been good in the first half and not so good in the second half, or vise versa.

“This time, we were good for the full 90 minutes.

“When we are like that, teams won’t live with us. We need to be on the front foot and believe in ourselves more at times.

“It’s a big win for us, to clear the hurdle of trying to turn draws into wins by getting a second goal.

“But listen, Stenhousemuir are not going away. This will go all the way. They deserve to be fighting for this title, as we are.

“We need to be ready for the battle. We have three massive games, as they have. You have got to enjoy it and be excited about it.

“I must say also that our fans were excellent again. The players feed off their energy. They create a brilliant atmosphere. I’m grateful to them all.

“We need the fans on Saturday. Let’s get a big crowd in for the Kelty game and we will have a real go.”

Blue Toon co-boss praises Stewart

Peterhead remain seven points behind fourth-placed Queen of the South, who come calling this Saturday.

Co-manager Jordon Brown explained that Stewart, who was on loan with the Blue Toon in 2024, gave the title chasers the edge.

He said: “It was almost last chance saloon for us in terms of a must-win game. We asked them to leave nothing out there and for 40 minutes we competed really well.

“The first goal in these games in always so important. Inverness have so much quality and we analysed them from Sunday onwards. They have almost two players for each position.

“They showed us respect and pretty much went with the same line-up which drew at Stenhousemuir on Saturday.

“The first goal came from a dead ball, which is disappointing. The free-kick was a long way out, but we know first hand that Alfie Stewart has got that quality.

“He was outstanding in the last game we played against Inverness and he was the difference-maker along with Alfie Bavidge.

“We never got started in the second half, but that was maybe the second game in four days catching up with us. We’re missing several key players, but Andy McCarthy and Cammy Smith are two hugely experienced players for us who can help on nights like that.

“We actually showed a good reaction after losing the second goal and we kept going. I am never going to fault our guys’ efforts having got this far at this stage of the season.

“We’re still mathematically still in it, although it will be hard to catch Queen of the South, who we play on Saturday. We will recover as best we can and try to take the game to them.”

[Source: Press and Journal]