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They never wavered.
Outnumbered, but not outclassed, Caley Thistle’s traveling support shook the proverbial fist at the Celtic juggernaut for the full ninety-six minutes of today’s Scottish Cup Final.
In the end, it was not to be for Billy Dodds’ men, but this Hampden experience — a first for many fans and another chapter for others — will live on in the memories of them all.
You would have imagined that Kyogo’s 38th minute opener might have knocked some wind out of their sails, but they kept on singing, cheering every tackle and every piece of play from their side.
Although the goal was eventually allowed, the suspense of a VAR judgement call on Abada’s goal, Celtic’s second which was suspected to be offside, almost seemed to spur the Inverness crowd on.
It came as no shock then when Daniel Mackay’s header was met with raucous celebration. The late goal brought Caley Thistle back into the game, and for the final few moments of the match, the crowd were kicking every ball.
Chants of “Inverness, Inverness, Inverness” rent the air as supporters’ last bastion of optimism took shape.
One fan eloquently put it, “We just need that one chance.”
It never came, but at full time, the runners-up were applauded like winners.
Oliver, 15, from Inverness was attending his second Scottish Cup Final today.
He said: “It was a good day out. To even get to Hampden is a success. It means so much to the club just to be here.
“I think if Celtic weren’t such a pressing team we might have got something out of it. Daniel Mackay made a big impact coming off the bench and gave us the boost with the goal.”
He hopes that the occasion and the cup final atmosphere can lead to more fans coming to support the team next season.
“The message I’d give to Billy Dodds’ and the team is to keep your heads up and try to do the same next season. Hopefully more people will be able to make it more games too on the back of a game like that today.”
George and Liz Clayton have been supporters of Caley Thistle since 1994 and could not hide their pride after watching the team turn out for today’s final.
George said: “I thought we played well in the first half but just lost a goal at the wrong time. Celtic didn’t have many chances at all.
“I thought our goal was probably the best of the game in the end. He took it really well.
“They are all good memories to me, they all do their best on the day. I am very proud of the time. Our players might not be as good as theirs, but our boys did exceptionally well.
Liz added: “They tried their best. We knew fine that Celtic were probably going to win but we are proud of our boys.
“Considering all the problems we have had with injuries, we’ve done pretty well to get to a cup final.
“I think it’s a day to be proud of your team. Well done boys, we will be there at the start of the next season! And you never know — we might be back at Hampden yet!”
