The ICTFC team were on fire yesterday, keeping their play-off hopes alive by banging in five goals at home against Dumbarton.

Nathan Austin was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick in the 5-1 victory.

Some have said it’s all down to the new mascot, Lionel Nessie, who made his first appearance before the Irn-Bru Cup Final that was also against Dumbarton.

But we know it’s the players who have been real super stars on the park since they lifted the silverware.

Now the team is aiming to make it a hat-trick of wins over the Sons, who they meet again on Tuesday.

In the preview of yesterday’s game, Manager John Robertson said: “We look at the double header against Dumbarton. If we can win both, then we can set up an incredibly exciting last week of the season.

“As it stands, it’s in our own hands as we know that, if we win our remaining games, then we will finish in the play-offs. That’s the long-term target but the initial target is to win the home match against Dumbarton and prepare to go down to their place to try and win again.”

And there was good cheer all round yesterday at the stadium. We had a full house in the hospitality area as it was Ladies Day.

A great day was had by all as the guests enjoyed football in the sunshine, as well as visits from John Robertson and Lionel Nessie. There was also a raffle with prizes from the Kingsmills Hotel, Loch Ness by Jacobite, Red Poppy, Loch Ness Country House, Eastgate Centre, Michelle at Time Salon, DE Coaches, Simpson’s, Tennents, and Lush.