KDM Evolution Trophy final

Inverness Look to Impress Against Raith

The KDM Evolution Trophy Final promises to be a fascinating contest as Inverness Caledonian Thistle take on Raith Rovers this Sunday at Partick Thistle’s Firhill, with kick-off at 4:10pm and live coverage on BBC ALBA. Both sides have taken very different routes to the final, but each arrives with genuine belief they can lift the trophy.

For Inverness, this final represents another major step in what has been a resilient campaign. Caley Thistle booked their place in the showpiece with a dramatic semi-final win over Ayr United, and there is a growing sense that they are a side built for big moments. Their journey to the final has been based on discipline, organisation and a willingness to dig in when matches become scrappy, qualities that are often decisive in Cup football.

The key battle may come down to who can keep more composed. Finals are rarely about style alone they are about who handles the occasion best. Inverness may look to frustrate and stay compact, while Raith will hope their quality in the final third can make the difference.

Inverness manager Scott Kellacher said:

“(the last match up) was a massive learning curve. we put ourselves in a position of making sure we had boys ready for the start of the season, we had to make a few changes and play a few players out of position that day, so it probably wasn’t a fair reflection on ourselves that day. We're unbeaten since December, which is not bad going. The boys have worked hard for it and hopefully we can finish the season strong and obviously Sunday, if we can try win that Cup it would be a very big bonus for the football club.”

Midfielder Paul Alan commented:

“Obviously it’s a game I want to be starting. To be honest I want to be starting every game, I think the gaffer knows that, but you know it’s not possible with the squad we’ve got. We’ve done really well in this Cup so far, so we’d love to go and win to get that silverware. I think the boys all deserve it and we’ve been really good this season so to have that bit of silverware before finishing the league would be brilliant.”

Kyle Sharkie, SFU Ops Team

Raith Rovers: History Beckons at Firhill 

On Sunday, both Raith Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle have the opportunity to become the joint most successful clubs in Scottish Challenge Cup history, alongside Falkirk’s record of four final triumphs. 

Firhill Stadium will host the 2026 edition of the KDM Evolution Trophy final, and both sets of supporters have reason to be confident ahead of the match. Raith Rovers have struggled for large parts of the season but have found success since the recent appointment of former Caley Thistle player Dougie Imrie. The former Greenock Morton boss has inspired the Stark’s Park side into fifth place and has some fans dreaming of a play-off finish, with just five Championship fixtures remaining. 

On the other hand, despite being in League One, Scott Kellacher’s side have been among the most in-form teams in the country this season and lead the third tier by a point, with the same number of matches still to play. 

Speaking to the media, Imrie spoke about the importance of the final for the side from Kirkcaldy: “We’re looking forward to the final. You know it’s a great occasion for everyone. It won’t be an easy game - Inverness are on a 16-game unbeaten run, so we know the difficulty of the challenge. 

“They’ve got an opportunity to be legends of the football club if they win. You know it’ll be the fourth time and equal Falkirk’s record.” 

The former Hamilton Academical midfielder was quizzed on rumours linking East Kilbride ace John Robertson with a move to Fife. While dismissing any involvement, Imrie added: “He’s had a fantastic season with East Kilbride, but like I said, there’s nothing been done, there’s nothing been spoken about. 

“Until anyone’s got a scarf above their head or there’s pen to paper, nothing’s ever done.” 

Focusing on the present, the 42-year-old boss was delighted to have his captain, Scott Brown, return from injury just in time to lead the team out for the final. Brown was on the losing side in this match with Raith in 2023 and wants to right those wrongs this time around, he added: “Not many people get the chance to lead their team out in a final. I’ve already done it before, but sadly we got beat. But yeah, it’s a good chance to rectify that. It’s been a difficult season, and it would be a good chance to make the season a lot more memorable for the players and supporters.” 

Ethan Barlow, SFU Ops Team