Scottish Championship REVIEW 21 Aug 2026: Bavidge Strikes Late to Deny League-Leading Partick at Inverness

Inverness Caledonian Thistle denied Partick Thistle a perfect start to the Scottish Championship season, Alfie Bavidge's late equaliser securing a 1-1 draw in the Highlands. Seb Drozd had put the visitors ahead in the first half, finishing in the 17th minute, and Partick held that lead until Bavidge struck in the 89th minute to make it 1-1. The draw was exactly what the pre-match model had forecast, putting the draw at 42%.

Partick arrived top of the table having won both their opening league games without conceding, while Inverness had drawn their first two matches of the campaign, both goalless, meaning they were still searching for both their first league win and their first league goal of the season going into the game. Head coach Scott Kellacher had pointed to his side's firepower from the promotion-winning League One campaign as reason for confidence, saying he expected that scoring form to return: "I think we were the top scorers in Scotland last season, scoring 115 or 116 goals, which is a phenomenal return. This year will be harder, up against better defences, but we've had opportunities in our games in the Championship."

Bavidge, on loan at Inverness from Aberdeen, had talked up the value of home advantage before kick-off, saying: "The travel is never nice for other teams coming up, but we take pride in trying to make this place a fortress. That gives you a massive advantage in a really tough league." Kellacher had also warned that Partick would "come here and back themselves to win the game," while stressing his own side needed to "make sure we're solid as a team" as well as entertaining. Inverness had gone unbeaten in their previous 24 home league matches before this game, and the draw extended the run.