Late Motherwell Equaliser Stuns Rangers at Fir Park
Motherwell 1-1 Rangers Longelo 87′ , Tavernier 14′ Rangers dropped points for the 3rd straight opening league fixture after a spirited Motherwell comeback Following an entertaining 2-2 draw between Kilmarnock and Livingston, Fir Park was the venue for the 2nd match of the season. It was the away side who started quicker, enjoying the better of the opening exchanges. James Tavernier was the first to test the Motherwell goal, unleashing a whipped free-kick that Calum Ward comfortably gathered. A slick passing move soon followed, with Raskin linking up neatly with Danilo, who then laid the ball off to Gassama. While Gassama’s strike showed promise it lacked the necessary curl to trouble the keeper. Danilo was next to try his luck, but his powerful shot on the edge of the box clipped the crossbar. Rangers’ early pressure deservedly paid off in the 13th minute, summer signing Joe Rothwell’s inviting corner was met by the leaping James Tavernier. The club captain is entering his 11th season for the Ibrox side and will look to remain a key cog for the upcoming campaign. Jens Berthel Askou is aiming to implement a new footballing philosophy at Fir Park as his side played out from the back at every opportunity. While this ambitious approach led to them losing possession on occasion, there were positive signs for the new manager. Their best chance arrived in the 22nd minute when Jack Butland spilt Emmanuel Longelo’s tame effort, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos pounced on the rebound, but his close-range effort was blocked. Rangers maintained their sustained pressure for the remainder of the first half, racking up eight corners in the process. Despite their dominance, they were unable to register any further clear-cut chances. Motherwell seized control of the second half’s opening exchanges. Calum Slattery delivered a whipped free-kick that eluded Jack Butland, but Elijah Just was unable to direct his header towards goal. Slattery then drove effectively at the defence, sliding a ball through to Stamatelopoulos, only for Djiga to make a crucial block. Paul McGinn, captaining the home side for the first time since January, then forced a low save from Jack Butland after finding space inside the box. Rangers manager Russell Martin responded with tactical changes after the hour mark, bringing on Cyriel Dessers and Lyall Cameron. The latter was making his debut and nearly made an immediate impact when the ball fell kindly to him on the edge of the box, but his driven shot was comfortably saved by Calum Ward. Motherwell’s persistent pressure culminated in a deserved equaliser in the 87th minute. Elijah Just chested the ball down to Emmanuel Longelo in the box, who then drilled a low finish into the corner. Askou’s side were impressive for much of the second half, clearly trusting their manager’s style of play and consistently creating scoring opportunities. Rangers increased their tempo after conceding. They linked play well on the right, though Bajrami’s subsequent cross was cleared. Motherwell had a final chance to win the game when a through ball put Tom Sparrow in space, but Jack Butland got down well to make the crucial stop. Overall, the game was a brilliant spectacle – frantic, high-tempo, and with the occasional error. Russell Martin’s Rangers showed promise in the first half but visibly struggled in the second. There is work to be done if they are to close the gap on Celtic, especially with a UEFA Champions League third-round qualifier against Viktoria Plzen scheduled for Tuesday. The Steelmen can take significant positives from their second-half performance as they prepare for their next league fixture away to St Mirren next weekend. Motherwell: Ward, Koutroumbis, Gordon (O’Donnell 71’), McGinn, Longelo, Watt, Slattery (Slattery 90’), Maswanhise, Just (Balmer 90’), Fadinger, Stamatelopoulos (Said 79’) Bookings: Watt 60’ Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons, Rothwell (Barron 73’), Diomande (Cameron 63’), Raskin (Bajrami 73’), Dowell, Gassama, Danilo (Dessers 63’) Bookings: Cameron 65’ Aarons 90’ Tavernier 90+2’ Attendance 10,616
Billy Davies in Managerial Return as New Morton Technical Head Coach Set to Cover Absent Dougie Imrie
Billy Davies is today set to return to the dugout, as Morton’s new Technical Head Coach steps in to cover for manager Dougie Imrie, who is absent from the Championship opener due to family matters. Davies will be pit against a Dunfermline side managed by Neil Lennon in this opening weekend clash at Cappielow. He confirmed his return to football with the Ton only weeks ago, taking on a role that sees him working alongside current manager Imrie, who has held the post in Greenock since 2021. This marks Davies’ first involvement in Scottish football since leaving Motherwell in 2001, having gone on to enjoy spells in the English game with Preston, Nottingham Forest, and Derby County, the latter earning promotion to the Premier League under his guidance. A former Dunfermline player, Davies, who has even been linked with the Scotland job in the past — revealed in an exclusive interview with SNN Sports that he had been scheduled to interview for the Rangers job shortly after their return to the Premiership. The move ultimately never materialised. Now in his new role at Morton, Davies is demonstrating his willingness to step in and support Imrie whenever needed, as he goes head-to-head with a coach today who has won all there is to win domestically in Scotland, both as a player and manager. Morton finished sixth last season, one place above Dunfermline, who showed a marked improvement in results following Lennon’s appointment. Imrie also holds the current bragging rights, having led the Ton to a 2–0 win over the Pars on the final day of last season. Morton described Davies’ appointment on their official website as a “clear message of intent ahead of the new campaign,” while Dunfermline recently tied Lennon down to a new two-year deal following the expiry of his short-term contract. Today’s encounter offers both sides an early chance to lay down a marker in what promises to be one of the most competitive Scottish Championship seasons in recent years.
Our Writers Predict the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership
The William Hill Premiership is looming, with the opening weekend starting with Killie hosting the newly promoted side of Livingston on Saturday and concluding with the blockbuster clash on Monday when Aberdeen visit Hearts. Fresh optimism, big questions and plenty of intrigue await. Will Celtic continue their domestic dominance? Can Hearts, Hibs, or Aberdeen close the Old Firm gap? And who’s facing a scrap at the bottom? The transfer window is still open, and predictions may hinge on late window shenanigans. However, our team of journalists has examined all 12 clubs and offered their early predictions for this season. Aberdeen Callum Hart – 4th I’m tipping them to finish 4th. Cameron Caldwell – 7th Guaranteed European football until January will be a double-edged sword for Jimmy Thelin’s squad. Balancing these demands with the busy domestic calendar will be a struggle. Jack Cranmer – 5th Jimmy Thelin pulled off a shock by guiding Aberdeen to Scottish Cup glory and European group stage qualification. However, that European run could become a burden. The squad is decent, but its depth is questionable. Thursday-Sunday football has hurt clubs like Hearts, and Aberdeen may suffer similarly. Recruitment has been shrewd, but whether it’s enough to maintain a top-four challenge remains to be seen. Mack Kelly – 5th They have had a lot of activity in the transfer window this season, and Thelin is now properly putting his stamp on the squad. I think European football this season will act as a derailer for the Dons and hold them back in the table. That said, I can see the Reds going on a run in the Conference League. Michael Shuel – 5th The Dons have been busy in the transfer market, but losing Jamie McGrath on a free is a blow. Hopefully, their recruits can prove effective. The extension of Alfie Dorrington’s loan is a good move, as he will continue to develop into a top defender. They hope to continue last season’s success, which saw them pick up silverware. Ryan Niven – 5th Inconsistent last season, and with the addition of European football, I feel the Pittodrie club will struggle. Scott Bradley – 5th Despite the historic Scottish Cup win against Celtic last season, we can’t forget the Dons had a poor second half of the season, only managing to win five of their last 26 league games. The Dandies played in Europe under former boss Barry Robson, and they struggled to cope with that Thursday-to-Sunday schedule; the same could happen this season. Celtic Callum Hart – 1st Celtic still seems to be the better team between them and the Rangers; however, I think the gap will be closer this year than last. Cameron Caldwell – 1st While there’s still work to do in the transfer market, Celtic’s established core should be consistent enough to secure their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title. Jack Cranmer – 2nd Celtic remain favourites, but a storm may be brewing. Brendan Rodgers’ recent comments hint at dissatisfaction with the club’s backing during the summer window. Nicolas Kühn’s departure is a blow, and while Benjamin Nygren appears a capable replacement, it’s hard to argue he’s an upgrade on an in-form Kühn. If he stays fit, Kieran Tierney will be an improvement on Greg Taylor, but that’s a big ‘if’ across a 50+ game season. Up front, serious concerns remain: Jota won’t be fully fit until late in the campaign, Adam Idah is still unconvincing, Kyogo Furuhashi still hasn’t been truly replaced, and the new options lack the quality Celtic have had in recent years. Rodgers has a track record of third-season stagnation, and if he’s not backed, he could walk. If that happens, chaos could open the door to a Rangers resurgence. Mack Kelly – 1st It will be much tighter at the top end of the table this season, but I think the squad’s quality and experience will deliver the Celtics’ fifth consecutive title by no more than six points. Michael Shuel – 1st With the Rangers experiencing a tactical revolution (or mess, as some could call it) and the mastermind Russell Martin joining, the Celtics should be scared. Not really. It will take time for Rangers to gel, and the Hoops have too much quality in all areas of their squad. Could they do with more wingers now? Sure. But that’ll come. Are there question marks around Adam Idah? Look, he will still get 15-20 goals this season. If that’s what you call a flop (even at a staggering £9m), then so be it. Ryan Niven – 1st With the Rangers being rebuilt, Celtic will bring home another title. However, their lack of transfer business so far makes me believe it’ll be a closer title race than last season. Scott Bradley – 2nd Despite winning a double last season, Brendan Rodgers’ men have dropped in form and standards over the last few months. There doesn’t seem to be a real buzz and excitement surrounding the Scottish champions at this moment in time, and the lack of transfer business is a concern, especially amongst the Celtic faithful. I believe this will be Rodgers’ last season, and if he loses the first Old Firm game at Ibrox, the alarm bells will start ringing. Dundee Callum Hart – 12th After Dundee’s poor start to the campaign, I think it’ll continue into the league season. Cameron Caldwell – 12th Steven Pressley hasn’t been a manager since 2019. This lack of recent experience could prove problematic for a Dundee team that only narrowly avoided relegation last year. Jack Cranmer – 12th I don’t want to be too harsh on Steven Pressley; he’s done his homework at Brentford, but alarm bells are already ringing. Losses to Airdrieonians and Alloa in the League Cup, plus a narrow win over Lowland League Bonnyrigg Rose, don’t inspire confidence. Their recruitment, mainly from English lower leagues and loans from Brentford youth, looks risky. Pressley’s man-management has also been questioned, and losing Josh Mulligan and Lyall Cameron won’t help. If results don’t pick up soon, the
