Celtic Freeze Falkirk on Martin O’Neill’s Return
Celtic got back to winning ways with a 4-0 win over Falkirk as Martin O’Neill returned to the Parkhead side’s dugout for the first time since 2005. A first half Johnny Kenny double followed by goals from summer signings Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti helped the defending champions cut the the gap on Hearts to six points, after the league leaders drew 2-2 away to St. Mirren. It was only the second time Martin O’Neill had came up against Falkirk in his career, with the other encounter in 2004 seeing Celtic score double the number scored tonight, in an 8-1 cup victory. There was fan protests outside Celtic Park’s main stand prior the match versus the club’s board, but once on-field matters commenced, Celtic looked in total control. Benjamin Nygren missed a one-on-one earlier in the first half, but the Swede’s second strike of the game half an hour in rebounded off the post and striker Johnny Kenny was first to react, firing home to score his second goal of the season. Falkirk’s best chance at getting back into the game was just a moment after the opener. Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi’s strike took a slight deflection from the edge of the box, but it was well held by Kasper Schmeichel. But just ten minutes after his first, there would be a second for Kenny. Anthony Ralston looped a ball in from deep, and Nygren again made it easy for the Irish international as his headed pass was nodded into the Falkirk goal by Celtic’s number 24 to put them two goals ahead going into the break. Tired of being provider, Nygren got his own name on the scoresheet. Marcelo Sarrachi’s tame volley was pushed out by former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain, but only went as far as Celtic’s top scorer who bagged his fifth league goal of the campaign having been at heart of the other two goals previously. The home side made it four with 18 minutes to play. Substitute Luke McCowan from deep in his own half spotted the run of Sebastian Tounekti, who beat a sliding Liam Henderson to the ball and scored his first goal at Celtic Park since joining from Swedish side Hammarby on deadline day. Martin O’Neill marks his first managerial gig in six years with a result, with him and Shaun Maloney in the hot seat until the Celtic hierarchy find Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after the Northern Irishman’s shock resignation on Monday night. The result is Celtic’s first win in three league contests, having lost to Dundee and Hearts consecutively before tonight. The Hoops face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday, before travelling to FC Midytlland of Denmark for Thursday evening Europa League action. As for Falkirk, tonight marks their first defeat in four having not tasted defeat since the back end of September. They host a Kilmarnock side on Saturday who fell to a 1-0 home defeat tonight to Aberdeen. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Ralston 5, Trusty 6, Scales 6, Sarrachi 7, Nygren 6 (McCowan 66′ 4), Engels 5, McGregor 6 (Hatate 76′ 1), Forrest 7 (Balikwisha 61′ 2), Kenny 8 (Maeda 66′ 3), Tounekti 7 (Osmand 76′ 2) FALKIRK: Bain 3, Adams 6, Allan 4, Henderson 4, Lissah 4 (Hart 62′ 2), Miller 5 (Agyeman 62′ 2), Tait 4, Arfield 4, Spencer 5 (Cartwright 68′ 1), Ross 4 (Williams 46′ 4), Samuel-Ogunsuyi 4 (Graham 62′ 2)
In-Form Hearts Travel to St Mirren Eyeing Ninth Straight Victory
St Mirren host Hearts this evening at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley in what promises to be a pivotal encounter for both sides. Hearts arrive on the back of an excellent win against Celtic, while St Mirren will be looking to halt a difficult run and reignite their campaign on home soil. Hearts currently sit top of the Scottish Premiership table, having played nine games, registered eight wins and one draw and remain unbeaten in the league so far. They have scored 22 goals and conceded just 7, giving them a goal-difference of +15. Their strong form reflects the confidence within the squad and the impact of manager Derek McInnes since the campaign begun. By contrast, St Mirren have found life more challenging this season. They are currently ninth in the table after nine games, picking up two wins, three draws and four defeats to amass 9 points, with a goal-difference of -4 (6 goals scored, 10 conceded). Although the season is just getting started, the Paisley side will feel the pressure to deliver a positive result at home to a visiting Hearts side. This evening’s fixture pits Hearts’ relentless momentum against St Mirren’s determination to reignite their season. The visitors will aim to extend their unbeaten run and tighten their hold on first place, while the Buddies will be desperate to turn recent frustrations into fuel and remind the league of their quality on home turf. St Mirren will be without Alex Gogic tonight through suspension and their manager will watch on from the stands after being shown red against Aberdeen last weekend. Hearts have no major injury reports within the current and consistent starting lineup.
Hibernian 0-1 Rangers: Late Penalty Save Pushes Rohl’s Rangers to Third
Hibernian 0-1 Rangers Danilo (5′) Danilo’s first half strike secured back-to-back victories for Rangers, as they recorded their first away league clean sheet in 25 games. The home side threatened in the third minute, Nicky Cadden was released into acres of space on the left of the Rangers box, but Jack Butland blocked the fullback’s low strike. The visitors raced into the lead moments later. Danilo gathered a Youssef Chermiti square pass on the edge of the box and drilled a left-footed shot past the outstretched Raphael Sallinger. Sallinger had to react swiftly in the 8th minute, tipping Mikey Moore’s bouncing strike behind for a corner as the visitors searched for a second. Jayden Meghoma had enjoyed a positive opening 20 minutes; lots of Rangers’ good play came down his left side. Miguel Chaiwa replaced Chris Cadden, who was booked, and had faced a torrid time defending Meghoma’s attacking threat. Hibs almost responded on the half-hour mark. Grant Hanley rose from a corner and headed down towards the near post, but Jack Butland reacted quickly to tip it away. The home side is unbeaten in 16 home league games, but struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening period. John Beaton blew his whistle to bring an even first half to a halt, but it was Danny Rohl’s side who had come up with the crucial moment so far at Easter Road. Hibs looked for an immediate equaliser in the second half. Chaiwa worked his way to the byline, flashing a low cross which Thibault Klidje couldn’t force home. The second half had lacked chances, and Gray rolled the dice with a triple substitution, including the introduction of Martin Boyle, who has eight goals against Rangers. Hibs were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute. Connor Barron collided with Junior Hoilett in the box after James Tavernier’s slip. But Butland got down low to his right with a strong hand to divert Jamie McGrath’s penalty, and maintain the visitors’ slender advantage. The second half had lacked clear chances, but the save felt like a massive moment for the Ibrox side. Hibs threatened again in injury time. Chaiwa delivered a whipped cross from the right, and substitute Josh Campbell powered a header inches wide. The win was Rangers’ first clean sheet in 25 away league matches. The win lifts Rohl’s side into third place; they face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon. Defeat Hibs breaks their run of two straight league wins; they travel to Livingston on Saturday afternoon. Hibernian: Sallinger 6 Bushiri 6 Hanley 6 Iredale 6 C Cadden 5 Mulligan 6 Barlaser 6 N Cadden 6 McGrath 6 Klidje 5 Bowie 5 Substitutes: Chaiwa 6 Hoilett 6 Boyle 6 Youan 6 Rangers: Butland 7 Djiga 6 Souttar 6 Cornelius 6 Aarons 6 Meghoma 7 Raskin 6 Barron 7 Moore 6 Danilo 7 Chermiti 6 Substitutes: Tavernier 6 Gassama 6 Aasgaard 6
Jimmy Thelin and Aberdeen make the trip to Ayrshire to face Kilmarnock
Aberdeen make a trip to Ayrshire in which has proven tough for the Dons’ as pressure mounts on Jimmy Thelin. Kilmarnock haven’t started badly so far this campaign as the Ayrshire side sit 8th only two points off of top six. However, they have only picked up two league wins this season with four draws and three defeats for the Ayrshire side. Aberdeen on the other hand, they have had a poor start to the season as the Dons’ sit 11th just one point off of bottom of the league Livingston. They have also just had the two wins as well the one draw and six defeats in the process. Pressure has been building on Jimmy Thelin since Sunday as Killie look to continue to put the pressure on Jimmy. Form Kilmarnock have lost their last two matches despite them being very tough. The Rugby Park outfit lost to league leaders, Hearts 3-0 before being defeated to Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday. Their last league victory came at the start of October, defeating St Mirren 2-0. Aberdeen however, they were defeated at home to Hibernian 2-1 in a game which was full of drama with Hibs showing their class in the Granite City. Aberdeen picked up their only two wins recently defeating Dundee 4-0 and a very last gasp winner by Marko Lazetic to secure the win at St Mirren. Last meeting The last time these sides met, Aberdeen ran away 1-0 winners in February thanks to a late Oday Dabbagh goal securing Aberdeen the win. The last meeting in Ayrshire between the sides, Killie won 4-0 on Boxing Day last year to give the Killie support a late Christmas gift. Aberdeen have had very bad luck in Ayrshire as the Dons’ haven’t manage to secure a win at Rugby Park since 2020 with Ryan Hedges and Sam Cosgrove sealing a 2-0 against 10 man Killie. Stats Kilmarnock have found their shooting boots, scoring 7 goals in their last five. The sides have not drawn in the last 13 meetings. Aberdeen have netted on 8 occasions in their last 5. On loan winger, Karlsson has created the most chances for the Dons’ (4). Killie top goal scorer is David Watson with three goals and Lazetic for the visitors with two goals. In this meeting, Aberdeen have won 52, Kilmarnock have won 36 as well as 23 draws. Kilmarnock have won their last four home meetings with Aberdeen although Stuart Kettlewell has lost 8 in his last 11 meetings with Aberdeen.
