Dundee defeat “Really frustrating” as Dons’ slump to a 3-2 defeat
It was a frustrating afternoon as Dundee picked up their first win at Pittodrie since 15th of May, 2004 in a 3-2 victory. Aberdeen started off brightly where it took just 13 minutes for Aberdeen to fire ahead as Kevin Nisbet had his effort in the back of the net as Aberdeen looked as they could’ve had more. Aberdeen were reduced to 10 just before the break as Liam Morrison denied Dundee a goal-scoring opportunity as Leven quotes: “We stopped playing football, they equalise and then there’s the red card. We need to be better at dealing with a long ball. But he’s cut across him, I’m not sure what he can do and I don’t know why we’re punished twice. But we’ve got to take it on the chin.” Leven added: “We’ve got to take out chances and go two or three-nil up. But we get a wee bit nervy and stop doing what we did early on. That’s two red cards in two games – it’s not good enough.” Dundee were then awarded a penalty following the foul where Simon Murray made no mistake and slotted the Dees’ a way back into the match. Right before the break, Joel Cotterill had Dundee ahead on the brink of half-time to send the away end into mayhem after an attempt from very close range and made no mistake and gave Dundee the lead going into the break. Dundee had the better first half start but Kevin Nisbet midway through the second 45 had a free-kick from distance and whipped it high into the top left-hand corner to level up the game. Dundee found themselves in front once again as an absolute stunner by Ethan Hamilton from far out right into the top right-hand corner which was near impossible to stop with the amount of power on the strike which smacked the bar and rattled the back of the net to give the Dees’ a famous win in Aberdeen. Leven said: “I thought at times we were good in the second half. We get it back to 2-2 and it’s got to be a point in that game. We turn the ball over too easy, we’ve got to go up the line and gain territory. But we gave it away and don’t defend the shot.”
“I Can’t Dress It Up, It’s a Huge Blow For Us” – McInnes On Ageu as Injuries Pile Up
Hearts manager Derek McInnes labelled club record signing Ageu’s injury as a ‘huge blow’ following his side’s 1-0 win over Falkirk today. The Brazilian was due to start, but had to be replaced by Blair Spittal just minutes ahead of kick-off due to an injury sustained in the warm-up. And his manager is concerned about the impact his injury could have in addition to a growing list of missing players. “It was far from ideal for Ageu.” McInnes said post match. “The boy is distraught because I thought he would be playing in a position today that suits him today against a team who have a more technical game. “He has a thigh issue, he felt it shooting in the warm-up. We will get it assessed, probably have to get it scanned, but I can’t dress it up it’s a huge blow for us.” The 23-year-old has only made one start since arriving in Edinburgh last summer, with injuries wreaking havoc on the attacker’s season so far. But he is not the only player in Gorgie on the physio bed, with Derek McInnes also explaining Beni Baningime’s absence today. “He just felt his knee. “It settled really quickly, he can sprint fully, it’s just a wee bit of discomfort when he’s trying to change direction. “We think that will settle through treatment this week and hopefully he will be available, we’ve got six centre midfield players injured.” Stuart Findlay also had to be subbed off late on, but McInnes has belief that his central defender will be alright for next week. “I just always assume Stu’s going to be alright. “He’s been toiling a wee bit, we’ve been trying to get him through to next week’s game hopefully. “He’s not really trained this week, [Craig] Halkett’s been struggling a wee bit as well, so we are just trying to get them through these game’s just now and they can get that rest after the Aberdeen game.” Hearts host Aberdeen next week, before having a luxury of a weekend off amid a minor injury crisis due to their elimination from the Scottish Cup, whilst league rivals Rangers and Celtic face off against each other in an Ibrox quarter-final.
Match Report: Hearts 1-0 Falkirk
The Bairns traveled through to Edinburgh this afternoon to face Heart of Midlothian in round 28 of the Scottish Premiership. Falkirk got off to a quick start a left footed shot from Brad Spencer after 3 minutes was just wide of the post. Kyrell Wilson was next to test the Jambos with a shot outside of the box but it was comfortably saved by Schwolow Hearts had a chance with Alexandros Kyziridis as he cuts inside but the shot is deflected and then saved by Scott Bain. Blair Spittal had an opportunity from a free kick however it was blocked. The scoring was opened in the 45th minute a good ball through from Kyziridis finds Islam Chesnokov and a left footed shot finds the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the Jambos. Into the second half Hearts had a good opportunity through Claudio Braga and the shot just trickled wide of the right post. Falkirk were not giving up their fight either, a cross into the box from the left is sent out by Craig Halkett at full stretch. A moment of concern for the Jambos as he looks to be injured but after some minor treatment he was back up and going again. The corner was taken and a very close range shot for John McGlynn’s side a bit of a scuffle in the box and Schwolow has to tip the ball over the bar. The final opportunity of the afternoon came from the home side a free kick outside the box and Kyziridis steps up a strong shot and Scott Bain makes another important save. Another 3 point for the Jam Tarts and they are now 5 point clear at the top of the league. Celtic and Rangers play tomorrow and have an opportunity to hunt them down . Hearts- Schwolow (8), Halkett (8), Braga (7), Steinwender (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Magnusson (7), Spittal (7), Leonard (8), Kyziridis (7), Chesnokov (9). Substitutions- Kabore (5), Altenta (5), McCart (5) Falkirk- Bain (6), Adams (6), McCann (6), Donaldson (5), Spencer (5), Broggio (6), Stewart (5), Tait (6), Wilson (7), Lissah, (6), Miller (6) Substitutions- Marsh (5), Cartwright (6), Allan (5), Ross (5), Williams (6)
SNN Journalist’s Scottish Premiership Predictions
With the Scottish Premiership coming to a crucial point at the top of the table, our team made predictions for who they think will lift the trophy come May League Winners Rhys Livingstone: Rangers This has been the most exciting season in Scotland for as long as I can remember, but I do feel Rangers just have that extra bit about them in comparison to Celtic and Hearts. If Röhl keeps playing two strikers and the Ibrox crowd continue to get behind the team, I feel like that could be the difference maker for the title. However, domestically Celtic keep finding a way, and with the experience of Martin O’ Neill and new arrival Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, you can never disregard the current champions. Craig Baigrie: Rangers It’s a difficult one because there’s strong, genuine arguments for all three. However, Rangers’ performances of late have been stronger than Hearts and Celtic, Hearts are just waiting for Devlin and Shankland to return but I think they might drop too many before then. Then Celtic have really struggled to in recent weeks scraping wins in last minute. Just Martin O’Neill being there makes Celtic stronger but in higher pressure games I fear for them, and they have a packed schedule with Europe and the Cup. Cameron Caldwell: Celtic An unprecedented three‑horse title race will demand experience, and with four consecutive league titles behind them, Celtic may hold a slight edge. Martin O’Neill knows exactly what it takes to win in Scotland, and his January business has already injected fresh energy into the squad. The arrivals of Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, and Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain have each contributed to a surge of late goals. There is no question that Celtic still need to improve, but I believe they have the resilience to outlast McInnes’ spirited Hearts side and Danny Röhl’s resurgent Rangers. Liam Smith: Rangers I think Rangers will end up winning the league in this incredible title race as I don’t think Hearts will keep it up and manage to hold on until the end of the season and for Celtic, they haven’t done a great as we may have expected and Rangers are doing quite well to grind out results and have played quite well as of late after their really poor league start as well as getting big wins like they did against Hearts. It’ll be close but I see Rangers just edging it this season. Difference Maker Rhys Livingstone: January Signings I think the January signings on a whole has been a success for Rangers, and although it’s early days, the new boys have shown pieces of their qualities in recent matches. Rangers have spent a good bit of money in January, and it may be a key factor if they go on to win this title. But if I had to pick one player in general, I would choose Ryan Naderi, his presence has already brought positivity to the Rangers squad, and if him and Chermiti continue to play alongside each other, and he can keep finding the net like he done in Germany, it may be a concern for defences in the league. Craig Baigrie: Ryan Naderi I think if Rangers continue to play two strikers that’s what will make the biggest difference but Chermiti and Miovski have shown they can’t be trusted to score every week, Naderi had a good record in Germany if he starts to score like that here, he could be the striker Rangers need. Cameron Caldwell: Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain The Englishman has quickly injected real quality into his early appearances for the Glasgow giants. A last‑minute winner against Livingston, followed by a composed second‑half showing at Rugby Park, suggests that despite his injury‑plagued past, he may yet bring much‑needed calm and control to the Celtic midfield, especially in light of Arne Engels’ recent injury. Liam Smith: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain The former Arsenal and Liverpool man has had a bright start to his time in Glasgow as it does look to be a positive signing as Celtic aim for the title. He brings good amounts of experience from his time down south which will help Celtic in many ways. With Engles’ injury and Reo Hatate not performing to standards expected, he should become a solid player in that Celtic midfield.
Never fall in love with a loan player
They are heroes in the present but not always for the future How vital are loan signings to Scottish clubs? There have been 68 loan signings in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, and a lot of these players have already made serious impacts for their clubs. So, here are some exciting loan prospects from different teams in the league, that may well make a difference as we approach an exciting part of the season. Filip Lissah of Falkirk has been a key part of John McGlynn’s side this year. The on-loan Swansea defender is a key asset for how Falkirk are performing in the league so far, and with talent in both the attacking and defending field, he may well be a main factor if Falkirk get top six this season. Julian Araujo has certainly cemented his place in Martin O’ Neill’s squad for the time being. The Bournemouth loanee showed his quality in Celtic’s recent match against Kilmarnock, scoring a last-minute winner to keep The Hoops deep in the mix of this title race. He has been a key factor of Celtic’s winning run domestically since O’ Neill was reintroduced. Mikey Moore has progressed well under Danny Rohl. Coming to Scotland with huge pressure at such a young age, the Rangers support have been able to see Moore’s quality in recent weeks. Although the numbers do not do much justice for the Spurs loanee, he has shown a real spark in this title-chasing Rangers side in many games. At Fir Park, Stephen Welsh has been immense in Jens Berthel Askou’s side so far this season, and this has been rewarded with the most clean sheets in the league at this moment in time. Returning to Celtic for a brief period in January, Askou and the rest of the Motherwell squad would have been delighted to see Welsh return to Motherwell for the rest of the season. And if he keeps up this brilliant form until the end of the season, he may well end up on that flight to North America for the World Cup come June. Jacob Devaney of St Mirren, who only joined on deadline day, has been a shining light in a challenging time for The Buddies. The Man United loanee has captained the U21 Red Devils on many occasions this year and has already brought that maturity into his spell in Paisley. As the season comes to crunch time, clubs across the country will be looking for some of their star players to shine. And with a lot of loanees in the league, it will be a wonderful opportunity for some of those players to show their quality to both parent and current club.
Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians: Jags close gap on league leaders after dominant victory
Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians Stanway (23′) Ben Stanway’s first-half free kick was the difference for Partick Thistle, as they closed the gap on St Johnstone to three points. After league leaders St Johnstone’s goalless draw in Kirkcaldy, Mark Wilson’s side knew the gap at the top of the table could be cut to three points with victory over relegation-threatened Airdrie. The visitors settled well, but the Jags played like a side determined to close the gap. They produced the first major chance on the 10-minute mark, as Alex Samuel headed Logan Chalmer’s cross off the far post. The ball deflected into the six-yard box, and Airdrie scrambled clear. The visitors struggled to deal with Thistle, who seized control. Ts’oanelo Lets’osa drove at the backline in the 20th minute, the ball found its way to Patrick Reading, whose shot deflected away from Harry Stone’s net. Thistle deservedly opened the scoring three minutes later, after Jamie Barjonas hauled Tony Watt down on the edge of the box, Ben Stanway delivered a rasping free-kick into the top right corner. The goal warranted the Jags’ relentless pressure and closed the gap on St Johnstone at the summit of the Scottish Championship. Oisin Smyth forced a low save from Stone moments later, as they looked to turn the screw. Stone produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Let’sosa, who raced onto Tony Watt’s forward ball, and fired a left-footed strike high towards the goal. Lee Ashcroft headed wide from close range after the resulting corner. Wilson would have been pleased with his side’s response following a pedestrian opening ten minutes. The only negative was that they didn’t score more chances. Airdrie worked their best chance on the stroke of halftime. After breaking over the halfway line, Dylan MacDonald found space on the right-hand side of the box. With only Clarke to beat, the defender sliced his strike behind and perhaps should have done better. The rain began to pour in Glasgow’s West End, but the hosts picked up where they left off from the first period. Stone produced another tremendous one-handed save to deny Smyth from the edge of the box. The Northern Irish midfielder’s curling effort looked set to find the top right corner, but once again, Stone kept his toiling side in the game. Substitute Aidan Fitzpatrick burst into the game in the 64th minute and showcased electric pace, evading several white and red jerseys. His back post cross found Watt at the back post, but the striker could not divert the cross on target. Despite dominating the game, the hosts knew that a second goal would be pivotal for killing off any hope of an Airdrie comeback. Wilson withdrew goalscorer Stanway to a standing ovation with twenty minutes to play. The academy graduate produced an outstanding performance from midfield and may merit a Premiership move come the summer. Fitzpatrick threatened again with ten minutes to play, a whipped cross to the back post found the onrushing Daniel O’Reilly, who could only volley over from close range. The hosts closed out the game, reducing the gap at the top of the table to three points. It may have been an uncomfortable scoreline for Wilson to endure, but the victory was all that mattered. Airdrie remain in ninth, all in all, it was an afternoon to forget for the dismal diamonds. Partick Thistle: Clarke 6 Reading 6 Ashcroft 6 Smyth 6 Samuel 6 Chalmers 7 (56’) O’Reilly 6 McPherson 6 Stanway 8 (67’) Watt 6 Lets’osa 7 (83’) Substitutes: Fitzpatrick 6 (56’) Crawford 6 (67’) Turner 4 (83’) Airdrieonians: Stone 6 MacDonald 6 Strapp 6 McMaster 6 Mochrie 5 (79’)Henderson 6 McArthur 6 Thomas 6 (58’) Ross 6 McGrattan 5 (79’) Barjonas 4 (58’) Substitutes: Gallagher 6 (58’) McKinnon 6 (58’) Telfer 3 (79’) Mahon 3 (79’) Attendance: 3984
