Difficulties away from home continue as Dundee hold Rangers to draw

Venue: Dens Park                                                                 Date: 09/01/25                                                         Time: 20:00pm Rangers’ woeful away record continued as Dundee battled to well earned draw, leaving the visitors with just 13 points from a possible 33 on the road. It was a nightmare start for Clement’s side as Josh Mulligan made the most of a blocked Scott Tiffoney effort to square the ball to Oluwaseun Adewumi who fired Dundee ahead just five minutes in. Having struggled to break down a well organised defence, Rangers found joy just nearly half an hour later as Hamza Igamane’s pass into the feet of Vaclav Cerny finished a rapid counter attack. Rangers were however fortunate to go into the break one apiece with returning loan signing Aaron Donnelly making his presence known from the off, denied only by flying bodies in front of goal. Struggling to find the target, Ridvan Yilmaz endured a torrid evening, firing a distant effort well over the bar as Dundee looked resolute in defence. Cerny came close to adding a second, denied by the outstretched arm of one Trevor Carson before skewing the rebound. Dundee never looked like settling for a point and they were close to getting all three but Adewumi’s double was denied by the offside flag. As the second half wore on Rangers seemed to lose confidence in their ability to find a winner, Igamane a rare brightspark saw his effort parried to safety by Carson. Meanwhile the home side continued to punish sloppy passing, Julien Vetro racing down the right hand sand and feeding the ball to a well placed Adewumi whose effort lacked the requisite accuracy to trouble Liam Kelly. Almost reproducing the goal from nothing, Mohamed Diomande rattled the crossbar from 30 yards with a well beaten Trevor Carson’s feet planted beneath before Jefte put his headed effort just above the woodwork. Donnelly face of dogged Dundee With a squad about as threadbare as they come, Tony Docherty found himself flipping through his roladex to fill out a side needed to put two keepers on the bench. But off the back of tonight it looks as though he’s plucked the perfect name in Aaron Donnelly, who made his second debut for the club after his loan spell last season from high flying Nottingham Forest. The Northern Ireland international epitomised everything the manager wanted from his players, brave in attack and solid in defence. Attempts on goals were denied by some last ditch defending whilst he continued to get the better of his opposite man at the back, making his satisfaction known after denying Oscar Cortes in a duel. Docherty will pray Donnelly can stay fit as the side edges ever closer to the top half. Out of ideas, out of steam Despite having four more outfield players on the bench, not to mention the exorbitant financial gap between the sides, it was Rangers who looked to be on their last legs this evening. Whilst they have experienced injury problems themselves, giving first starts to centre backs Nsiala tonight and Leon King last week, the problems look far greater around them. Jefte and Yilmaz both let the ball slip out of their feet in almost Sunday League levels of ball control and Hamza Igamane was often too desperate in his attempts to create chances for his side as Ianis Hagi had a night to forget before being hooked at half-time. There are still plenty of games to be played this season, including six this month but Rangers are already turning to Europe for salvation as they hope to banish their away day hoodoo. If they can’t find a cure, Clement will find himself answering more and more questions about his future at the club. What the Managers had to say   Attendance: 8,606 Line ups: Dundee (3-4-2-1): T. Carson (c), A. Donnelly, C. Robertson, R. Astley, E. Ingram, C. Garza (S. Braybrooke 78′), M. Sylla, J. Mulligan, O. Adewumi, S. Tiffoney (S. Palmer-Houlden), S. Murray (J. Vetro) Substitutes: S. Braybrooke, L. Graham, C. Main, J. McCracken, S. Palmer-Houlden, H. Sharp, J. Vetro Rangers (4-2-3-1): L. Kelly, Jefte, C. Nsiala, R. Propper, R. Yilmaz (R. McCausland 81′), M. Diomande, C. Barron (Danilo 66′), I. Hagi (R. Matondo 46′), N. Bajrami, V. Cerny (O. Cortes 87′), H. Igamane Substitutes: O. Cortes, C. Dessers, K. Dowell, M. Munn, L. King, R. Matondo, R. McCausland, Danilo, B. Rice Referee: Calum Scott

Imperious Oxborough keeps Killie to stalemate

Venue: Rugby Park                                                                   Date: 08/01/25                                                      Time: 19:45pm   Aston Oxborough proved the difference as Kilmarnock struggled in front of goal, a result that left the home side two points off both the top six and relegation play off place. With a shot that would set the tone for the evening, Marley Watkins sent what should have been a simple finish from Fraser Murray’s low cross well wide. Motherwell were often forced into last ditch defending, captain Liam Gordon preventing Watkins getting on the end of Corrie Ndbaba’s ball into the box. Aston Oxborough did his part, denying Fraser Wright’s header from Murray’s corner with a brilliant save. His opposite number Robby McCrorie was called into action soon after, diving low to keep out Tony Watt. There was jubilation on the home bench when Brad Lyons put his side in front but joy soon faded as VAR judged the captain to have strayed offside. Lyons continued to push for a goal but his curling effort dipped a fraction too late, landing on the roof of the net. Kilmarnock continued to hammer on Oxborough’s door, Murray’s corner again came close to providing the opener but for a double clearance from Gordon and the keeper himself. Next it was the crossbar’s turn to deny Derek McInnes the three points, Lyons rattling the woodwork from another excellent Murray set piece. Watt fired another effort into McCrorie, whose evening was relatively straightforward compared to Oxborough who produced another fine save to deny Watkins. Killie front men struggle It’s fair to say this season has been a struggle for some of last year’s standout performers. Having bagged a combined 18 goals on their way to a European place last year, Marley Watkins and Darius Vassell have managed just 5 this season. It is difficult to pinpoint what exactly has seen the forwards look a shadow of their former selves, making the task of reaching the top half all the more complicated. Vassell remains injured but Watkins’ struggle to score a first league goal since October was epitomised by a wayward shot in the opening stages of game that would see only 3 of Killie’s 18 shots hit the target. Fortunately for McInnes, Bruce Anderson is enjoying a standing season, averaging over a goal every two games. Sitting just two points above the relegation play off place, the manager will need others to step up. Motherwell defy difficult results to maintain pace Part of what makes the Premiership so special is that it really the case that anyone can beat anyone (unless it’s Celtic). Nobody will know that better than Stuart Kettlewell, whose side have lost as many games as they have won (nine) but still remain just three points off Dundee United in third. With just one win in their last six and rivals constantly tripping up over themselves, Motherwell continue to look among the favourites to finish in the top half. Tonight, the crucial point was earned by Aston Oxborough who, after two seasons sitting patiently on the bench, has looked every bit of the 1.96m colossus he is between the posts. Unfortunately football remains a team sport and 0-0 draws will not get you into the European places. Especially when that position is threatened by a rampant Hibernian, now with four wins in six and five points behind. Come Saturday, both sides will meet in Edinburgh and Motherwell have an excellent opportunity to put some real distance between themselves and the rest.   Attendance: 4,601 Line-Ups: Kilmarnock (3-4-2-1): R. McCrorie, R. Deas, J. Wright, L. Mayo, C. Ndaba (B. Anderson 78’), L. Polworth, K. Magennis (J. Burroughs 65’), B. Lyons (c), B. Wales, F. Murray (D. Armstrong 77’), M. Watkins Substitutes: B. Anderson, D. Armstrong, O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, L. Donnelly, G. Mackay-Steven, R. McKenzie, K. O’Hara, D. Watson Motherwell (3-4-2-1): A. Oxborough, D. Casey, L. Gordon (c) (P. McGinn 58’), K. Balmer, E. Wilson, A. Halliday (K. Andrews 76’), D. Zdravkovski, M. Kaleta (S. O’Donnell 76’), J. Vale (T. Sparrow 63’), T. Maswanhise (M. Ebiye 76’), T. Watt Substitutes: K. Andrews, S. Blaney, M. Ebiye, K. Hegyi, P. McGinn, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, C. Slattery, T. Sparrow Referee: Don Robertson

Rodgers Hails Celtic’s ‘Brilliant’ Fans as Leaders Dig Deep to Extend Premiership Lead

Rodgers Praises “Brilliant” Celtic Fans as Leaders Extend Dominance   Brendan Rodgers hailed Celtic’s “brilliant” supporters for their role in a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Dundee United that pushed the Scottish Premiership leaders 16 points clear at the top. The Celtic manager, who had called for patience following criticism of backward passes in their recent win over St Mirren, was effusive in his praise for the Parkhead faithful after goals from Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate secured a crucial three points. “The crowd were brilliant because it can get a bit edgy. We’re a support, bless us, that frets and worries a wee bit,” Rodgers admitted. “But that support was so important tonight. On such a cold evening, the fans turned up in numbers, gave the team great backing, and that pushed us over the line.” Rodgers also addressed fans who had chanted about potential transfer target and former Celtic player Kieran Tierney during the St Mirren game, which he felt was disrespectful to current left-back Greg Taylor. This time, the fans shifted their focus, singing about a range of Celtic greats, including Henrik Larsson, Odsonne Edouard, and Victor Wanyama. “It was just the kitman who missed out on a chant, I think,” Rodgers joked. “It’s all part of the dance here, isn’t it? My job is to put the best team on the pitch, win consistently, and keep everyone smiling.” A Game of Two Halves Celtic dominated the first half, enjoying 84% possession and pinning United deep into their own half. Despite their early dominance, clear-cut chances were at a premium, with goalkeeper Jack Walton largely untroubled until a defensive error gifted Celtic the breakthrough. Richard Odada’s misplaced pass put teammate Vicko Sevelj under pressure, allowing Luke McCowan to pounce. Walton could only parry McCowan’s effort into the path of Maeda, who gleefully fired home. The second half saw a rejuvenated Dundee United take the game to Celtic. Auston Trusty clipped the bar with a header, while Celtic substitute Kyogo Furuhashi went close with a header of his own. United’s Glenn Middleton forced a sharp save from Kasper Schmeichel at the other end. As time ticked away, Celtic substitute Paulo Bernardo produced a clever dummy, setting up Reo Hatate to seal the win with a composed finish following a well-worked move. Rodgers Reflects on Challenges Reflecting on the match, Rodgers acknowledged the demands of Celtic’s schedule: “I can’t fault the players. They’re giving everything in a really challenging period. Once we weathered the storm, we finished strongly.” United Show Resolve Despite Defeat Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin commended his side’s resilience, despite a second consecutive league defeat. “The players definitely weren’t at 100% in terms of energy, so we had to adapt the gameplan to conserve what we had,” he explained. “But they kept going, which was really pleasing. We had a couple of chances to put the ball into dangerous areas, but nothing quite fell for us.” United’s defensive organisation and determination kept them in the contest far longer than the first-half dominance suggested. Despite struggling to hold possession early on, they grew in confidence after the break and caused Celtic moments of concern. Celtic’s Title March Continues While the result extended Celtic’s commanding lead at the top, Rodgers will be aware of areas for improvement. The late injury to Nicolas Kuhn during the warm-up disrupted preparations, with his replacement Hyun-jun Yang unable to replicate Kuhn’s usual impact. Strengthening the squad in key positions may be a priority for the January window. For now, though, the league leaders march on, with the fans’ unwavering support and the team’s grit ensuring their supremacy remains unchallenged.     Key Points Celtic maintain their 16-point lead with a 2-0 victory over Dundee United. Rodgers praises fans for their patience and support in a tense encounter. Maeda and Hatate provide the crucial goals on a challenging evening. Dundee United show resolve, underscoring why they remain third in the league.   Line-Ups: Celtic (4-3-3): K. Schmeichel, G. Taylor, A. Trusty, C. Carter-Vickers, A. Johnston, A. Engels (Paulo Bernardo 80’), C. McGregor (c), L. McCowan (L. Palma 76’), D. Maeda, A. Idah (K. Furuhashi 62’), Yang Hyun-Jun (R. Hatate 62’) Substitutes: K. Furuhashi, Paulo Bernardo, R. Hatate, N. Kuhn, L. Palma, A. Ralston, L. Scales, V. Sinisalo, Alex Valle Dundee United (4-4-1-1): J. Walton, W. Ferry, R. Graham, D. Gallagher (c), E. Adegboyega, G. Middleton, V. Sevelj (R. Docherty 46’), R. Odada (L. Stephenson 59’), K. Fotheringham, K. Trapanovski (S. Dalby 60’), J. van der Sande (M. Thomson 78’) Substitutes: S. Harding, S. Dalby, R. Docherty, D. Richards, L. Stephenson, O. Stirton, R. Strain, M. Thomson, M. Ubochioma Referee: Kevin Clancy