Despite dominating possession and chances, Caley Thistle fails to score against Annan Athletic.
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In a gripping encounter at the Caledonian Stadium, Caley Thistle faced off against Annan Athletic, only to find themselves on the wrong end of a frustrating draw. Despite dominating the match with a staggering 17 attempts at goal compared to Annan’s mere two, the home side was unable to find the back of the net.
This result leaves them precariously close to the relegation zone in League One, with only a two-point cushion separating them from danger.
Dominance without reward
Head coach Scott Kellacher expressed his disappointment following the match, echoing sentiments similar to those of Jose Mourinho after a recent European exit.
Kellacher stated, “I don’t think we could ask for more out of the boys. They gave us absolutely everything.” The statistics from the match tell a clear story: Caley Thistle controlled two-thirds of possession and forced six excellent saves from Annan’s goalkeeper, Jamie Smith. Yet, despite their efforts, they were left to rue missed opportunities, including a disallowed goal and a penalty claim that went unheeded.
Frustration in front of goal
The match began with a swift strike from Annan’s Paul Smith, catching the Caley Thistle defense off guard. From that point on, it was a tale of missed chances for the home side. Players like Paul Allan and Billy Mckay had clear opportunities to equalize, but their efforts either went straight to Smith or missed the target entirely. The most agonizing moment came just before halftime when Allan’s volley struck the post, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief.
Looking ahead amidst injury concerns
As Kellacher prepares for the next match against Alloa, he faces the challenge of managing player fitness. The absence of key player Alfie Bavidge, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, adds to the coach’s woes. “We are starting to pick up wee injuries now which makes it harder,” Kellacher noted. The team must now focus on recovery and strategy as they aim to secure their place in League One. With seven games remaining, every point is crucial, and Kellacher remains optimistic, stating, “Would I have taken two points above Annan at this time in the season? Yes, no question.”
