Inverness CT Stun Partick Thistle in Dramatic Challenge Cup Penalty Shootout

14 January 2026 Sports

Scottish Challenge Cup Delivers Cup Upset

In a thrilling Scottish Challenge Cup encounter on 13th January 2026, League One Caley Thistle shocked Championship Partick Thistle with a penalty shoot-out win after a 3-3 draw to reach the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup. The match, held at Firhill Stadium in Glasgow, showcased the unpredictable nature of cup football as the lower-league side defied expectations to progress in the competition.

Match Details and Significance

Partick Thistle went head to head with Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 13 Jan 2026 at 19:45 UTC, with the match being part of the Challenge Cup, Playoffs. This fixture represented a significant challenge for both sides, with Partick Thistle currently sitting second in the Championship and pushing for promotion, whilst Inverness CT compete in League One. Inverness are three-times winners of this non-Premiership competition, with Partick yet to win this silverware, adding extra motivation for the Highland club.

Key Match Events

The match was filled with drama from start to finish. Ex-Caley Jags ace Logan Chalmers fired Thistle ahead before Kyle Turner’s penalty was saved soon after to keep it at 1-0. Inverness fought back when ex-Hibs full-back Oscar MacIntyre headed home his first goal for the club since signing last summer. Quickfire second half goals around the hour mark from debut signing from Hamilton Academical Cale Loughrey and Alex Samuel seemed to have earned Partick a spot in Thursday’s quarter-final draw. However, Mckay slotted home another goal to make it 3-3 with six minutes to go to take it to spot-kicks, which they won 4-2.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

This result represents a significant achievement for Inverness CT, who overcame a two-division gap to eliminate their opponents. The victory demonstrates the competitive spirit of Scottish cup football and provides momentum for the League One side as they continue their campaign. For Partick Thistle, despite the disappointment, they can refocus on their primary objective of securing promotion to the Scottish Premiership. The match will be remembered as a classic cup tie that exemplified determination and fighting spirit from the underdogs.