County down Dundee for first away win in 15 months
Venue: Dens Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 15:00 An inspired Noah Chilvers put Dundee to the sword to ensure a first away win for Ross County since September 2023. Chilvers made his first goal for the club count with a pinpoint finish from outside the box. Dundee’s sloppiness in possession made their attempts at a comeback all the more difficult as Mo Sylla was caught out by Chilvers to put Josh Nisbet in on goal and stretch their advantage. With the game already lost, the home side could not keep their discipline, Josh Mulligan’s foul on Nisbet giving County a penalty with Jordan White making no mistake from the spot. Chilvers had attempted the miraculous in trying to catch Trevor Carson off his line from halfway but it could only land on the roof of the net. Mulligan was the first to make Ross Laidlaw work with as the County keeper parried the effort to keep the visitors at bay. Ronan Hale had come close to adding a second but Carson did well to deny the striker. An afternoon of attempted wonder goals continued with Sylla, whose volley from outside the box dragged just wide. Unfortunately for Tony Docherty his side spent most of the game defending for their lives, Ryan Astley put his body on the line to keep Ryan Leak out. The result means 10th place County sit just a point behind Dundee. Attendance: 5, 207 Line-Ups: Dundee: T. Carson, B. Koumetio, A. Portales (S. Kelly 46′), R. Astley, J. McGhee (F. Roberston 46′), J. Mulligan, L. Cameron, M. Sylla, S. Tiffoney (E. Ingram 68′), O. Adewumi (S. Palmer-Houlden 68′), S. Murray (C. Main 68′) Substitutes: S. Braybrooke, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, C. Main, J. McCracken, S. Palmer-Houlden, F. Robertson, H. Sharp, J. Vetro Ross County: J. Amissah, R. Leak, K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon, C. Randall (c), J. Grieves (J. White 60′), A. Denholm (J. Nisbet 34′), M. Efete, N. Chilvers (C. Telfer 79′), R. Hale (E. Brophy 78′) Substitutes: S. Allardice, E. Brophy, J. Brown, J. Hamilton, V. Loturi, J. Nisbet, J. Reid, C. Telfer, J. White Referee: Don Robertson
Aberdeen’s woes continue as Kilmarnock score four
Venue: Rugby Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 15:00 Aberdeen’s abysmal form continued as Kilmarnock made sure they returned north without a win in seven games. In the face of a difficult season, Kyle Vassell stepped up to open the scoring for the home side, meeting Fraser Murray’s cross but needing a second stab at the ball to get it over the line. David Watson surrounded by three Aberdeen defenders finished a Danny Armstrong cross to deflate Jimmy Thelin’s men. Substitute Innes Cameron put paid to the visitors’ hopes with a deft chip after Murray continued to dazzle for Derek McInes’ side. Bruce Anderson’s finish in added time ensured it would be an even longer trip back to Aberdeen, who should have no qualms about the final score. The signs were there from the off with the Dons looking unrecognisable from the side that had been neck and neck with Celtic just weeks ago, David Watson putting the first big chance of the game wide was the start of an onslaught. Duk made a goal line clearance to prevent Joe Wright from putting Killie ahead. Nicky Devlin had a chance for the visitors but could not put his attempt on target. Bobby Wales continued his breakout season with an impressive performance but his cross late in the first half was unfortunate to not find a target to prod in a second. Dimitar Mitov continued to show why he has been an inspired signing despite the poor run of form, a fantastic save keeping out Murray from distance. The Kilmarnock forward could have scored not long after his first but could not direct his shot goal bound. With three points in their pocket the home side moved to within five points of the play off places. Attendance: 6, 846 Line-ups: Kilmarnock: R. McCrorie, C. Ndaba, J. Wright, L. Mayo, B. Lyons, F. Murray (O. Bainbridge 89′), L. Polworth (K. Magennis 84′), D. Watson, D. Armstrong (L. Donnelly 84′), K. Vassell (c) (B. Anderson 84′), B. Wales (I. Cameron 84′) Substitutes: B. Anderson, O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, I. Cameron, L. Donnelly, G. Mackay-Steven, K. Magennis, R. McKenzie, K. O’Hara Aberdeen: D. Mitov, J. MacKenzie, A. MacDonald, S. Rubezic, N. Devlin, G. Shinnie (c) (K. Nisbet 68′), S. Heltne Nilsen (A. Palaversa 61′), T. Keskinen (L. Clarkson 60′), J. McGrath, Duk, P. Ambrose (S. Morris 61′) Substitutes: R. Doohan, J. McGarry, G. Molloy, S. Morris, K. Nisbet, L. Clarkson, A. Palaversa, D. Polvara, E. Sokler Referee: Calum Scott
Celtic hand Motherwell a Boxing Day pummelling
Venue: Celtic Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 15:00 Motherwell were powerless to prevent a Celtic rout as the Glasgow side ended the day with a twelve point lead at the top of the table. Aston Oxborough was the guilty party as he caught an oncoming Yang Hyun-Jun to gift Celtic a penalty minutes before the first half ended which Arne Engels duly converted to open the scoring. Celtic’s unrelenting pressure continued to pay dividends when Daizen Maeda doubled the home side’s advantage, reaching Liam Scales’ glancing header first with a headed ball of his own. Perhaps more fortunate with their third, Oxborough could do nothing when Nicolas Kuhn’s shot from outside the penalty area was deflected by Kofi Balmer. Reo Hatate added the cherry on top as he mazed past Motherwell’s defenders to fire in the fourth and final goal of the evening. An ever present Maeda came close to breaking the deadlock early on, when he found himself in the path of McGregor’s deflected shot but couldn’t get the beating of Oxborough. Calamity soon followed when the Japanese forward attempted to slot the ball past the keeper but was denied by an outstretched leg as bodies flew in to deal with the follow up, the visitors able to clear their lines. Maeda was once again involved to cut a low ball across to Idah but the striker’s attempt lacked the conviction to give his side the lead. Motherwell came close when Marvin Kaleta’s header from a cross was accidentally saved on the line by his teammate and former Celtic player Tony Watt. Engels was dangerous on set pieces throughout but his free kick in the second half could not dip in time to test the man between the posts. Line-ups: Celtic: K. Schmeichel, G. Taylor (Alex Valle 78′), L. Scales, C. Carter-Vickers, A. Ralston, Paulo Bernardo (R. Hatate 63′), C. McGregor (c), A. Engels (L. McCowan 72′), D. Maeda, A. Idah (K. Furuhashi 63′), Yang Hyun-Jun (N. Kuhn 63′) Substitutes: K. Furuhashi, R. Hatate, N. Kuhn, L. McCowan, L. Palma, V. Sinisalo, A. Trusty, Alex Valle, S. Welsh Motherwell: A. Oxborough, S. Blaney, K. Balmer, D. Casey, E. Wilson, L. Miller (c), H. Paton (S. Nicholson 72′), M. Kaleta (S. O’Donnell 79′), T. Maswanhise (Jair Tavares 79′), T. Sparrow (A. Halliday 63′), T. Watt (A. Stamatelopoulos 63′) Substitutes: M. Ebiye, L. Gordon, A. Halliday, K. Hegyi, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, A. Stamatelopoulos, D. Zdravkovski, Jair Tavares Referee: Ross Hardie
Retiring Gayle breaks Hearts in Edinburgh derby
Venue: Tynecastle Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 12:30 Hibernian fans will be begging Dwight Gayle to reconsider his retirement at the end of the season after his derby winner pushed the Leith side to just four points off the play-off places. Using all of his nous, the 35 year old met Nicky Cadden’s fantastic cross with the slightest touch to take the ball past Craig Gordon. A Kye Rowles own goal put Hibs in front after just nine minutes, deflecting Josh Campbell’s header past a helpless Gordon. The visitors looked to have shot themselves in the foot when Rocky Bushiri’s own goal allowed Hearts to draw level against the run of play after the defender mishit his attempt to clear Lawrence Shankland’s header. Despite being under the cosh for large parts of the game, Neil Critchley’s men had opportunities to get themselves on the scoreboard beforehand. Musa Drammeh could not put James Penrice’s cross on target, heading far wide of Jordan Smith’s goal. His next attempt was improved, albeit slightly, hitting the target but failing to trouble the keeper. Aside from the header leading to the goal, Shankland endured a frustrating afternoon, firing a couple of shots straight into Smith’s arms. Hearts were fortunate not to go two when Gordon spilled Nicky Cadden’s low driving shot from outside the box, the home side’s blushes spared by Hibs not having a poacher to profit from the mishap. The Scotland international quickly made amends using almost every part of his body, denying Chris Cadden with his legs and later flinging himself to meet goal bound attempts from Campbell and Elie Youan before his chest kept Cadden out once again. With the defeat Hearts drop back to 11th in the table, just two points off the bottom. Attendance: 18,726 Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, C. Halkett (L. Boyce 85′), D. Oyegoke, B. Baningime (M. Boateng 78′), C. Devlin, B. Spittal (Y. Dhanda 70′), L. Shankland (c), M. Drammeh (K. Vargas 79′), J. Wilson Substitutes: M. Boateng, L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, A. Forrester, J. Grant, A. Salazar, K. Vargas Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 77′), N. Cadden (J. Obita 85′), J. Newell (c), (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 69′), N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Campbell, E. Youan (D. Gayle 68′), M. Boyle Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Referee: Nick Walsh
Hibs win big, Glasgow City stretch lead and more in SWPL Round-Up
All the action from the weekend’s SWPL 1 football … Rangers suffered a second consecutive loss in a shock 3-0 defeat at home to Hibernian, having been undefeated up until last weekend. Hibs meanwhile continue their impressive season, sat only two points behind rivals Hearts with a game in hand. Glasgow City extended their lead at the top of the table to five points after thrashing bottom side Dundee United 7-0, with Lisa Forrest and Katie Lockwood both bagging a brace. Despite ending their Champions League campaign without a point, Celtic recovered to thump Spartans 5-0 at Ainslie Park. They remain a distant nine points off the top of the table. Looking to cement their top six credentials, Motherwell held Hearts to 0-0 draw at home. The visitors will no doubt be frustrated to not leapfrog Rangers with a win. Montrose recorded their first league win since September as they defeated Queen’s Park 1-0 courtesy of a Morgan Hay own goal in the second half. Finally, Partick Thistle and Aberdeen saw their fixture at the Balmoral Stadium postponed due to high winds, the game was called off just a few hours before kick-off was due to take place.
Birthday boy Penrice helps send St Johnstone bottom
Venue: Tynecastle Park Date: 22/12/24 Time: 15:00 Hearts responded to the their humiliating midweek exit from the Europa Conference League to earn a crucial three points and ensure St Johnstone fell to the foot of the table. After just fifteen minutes a towering header from Penrice, celebrating his 26th birthday, met Adam Forrester’s long ball into the box to open the scoring. Penrice soon found himself giving out gifts after his handball in the box allowed substitute Graham Carey to level the score eight minutes after the break. Hearts responded just five minutes leader when Blair Spittal met a cleared header from a corner and lashed home the winner from outside the box. The home side had the lions’ share of chances throughout the encounter. James Wilson had an opportunity to put Hearts ahead after cutting past Josh Rae to find an empty goal, albeit at a difficult angle, but the shot was lacking the right connection as it fizzled to allow the Saints to clear. Hearts were denied again later in the half as Bozo Mikulic’s mishit clearance fired straight at his own goal but a reflexive save from Rae was able to keep the score down. Rae was called into action multiple times after that, first when Penrice’s shot met Lawrence Shankland’s head, but the striker could not get the requisite power to trouble the keeper before denying Kenneth Vargas and Alan Forrest with a double save late on. Adama Sidibeh wasted his side’s best opportunity of the game, driving the ball forward holding off the Hearts defence only to send his attempt wide. Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, D. Oyegoke, A. Forrester, B. Spittal (K. Vargas 80’), M. Boateng, C. Devlin, M. Drammeh (A. Forrest 61’), L. Shankland (c) (L. Boyce 94’), J. Wilson Substitutes: L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, J. Grant, C. Halkett, A. Salazar, M. Tait, K. Vargas St Johnstone: J. Rae, A. Raymond (G. Carey 46’), B. Mikulic, J. Sanders, A. Essel (D. Keltjens 83’), B. Kimpioka, J. Holt (c) (M. Smith 83’), S. Sprangler, D. Wright, M. Kirk, A. Sidibeh Substitutes: A. Brookfield, G. Carey, B. Dair, F. Franczak, D. Keltjens, M. Kucheriavyi, J. McPake, R. Sinclair, M. Smith Referee: John Beaton
Boyle on target as resurgent Hibs down Dons
Venue: Pittodrie Stadium Date: 21/12/24 Time: 15:00 Hibernian continued their impressive turnaround to pile further misery on Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen as they dropped to third behind Rangers, following a sixth game without a win. Topi Keskinen opened the scoring as the Dons dominated the opening stages of the game but an error from Rubezic allowed Martin Boyle to tee up Elie Youan to level the score just four minutes later. Keskinen was unlucky not to double his tally, first after a delicate Leighton Clarkson chip saw unable to untangle himself and finish and not long after when his curling shot from outside the box rattled the post. An unmarked Nicky Cadden lashed home a second for the visitors by the far post after a pinpoint cross from Boyle. Defensive mishaps were once again Aberdeen’s undoing in the second half, far too open in the midfield as Boyle, in yet another involvement, was on the end of a Nectarios Triantis pass into space for only his third goal of the season. The win sees David Gray’s side move of up to a season high eighth place. Attendance: 18,375 Line-ups: Aberdeen: R. Doohan, J. MacKenzie, G. Molloy, S. Rubezic, N. Devlin (S. Morris 77’), G. Shinnie (c) (A. Palaversa 77’), S. Heltne Nilsen (Duk 77’), T. Keskinen, L. Clarkson (D. Polvara 59’), J. McGrath, E. Sokler (P. Ambrose 59’) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, Duk, A. MacDonald, J. McGarry, S. Morris, K. Nisbet, A. Palaversa, D. Polvara, T. Ritchie Hibernian: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 51’), N. Cadden, J. Newell (c) (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 60’), N. Triantis, C. Cadden (J. Obita 88’), J. Campbell, E. Youan, M. Boyle Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Referee: Steven McLean
Cerny finish rescues wasteful Rangers against Dundee
Venue: Ibrox Date: 21/12/24 Time: 15:00 Vlaclav Cerny’s second half finish saw Rangers defeat Dundee to leapfrog Aberdeen into second. Despite a dominant performance which saw the home side hit the crossbar four times, it was only Danilo’s pass to unleash Cerny on an impressive run and dribble past Trevor Carson that proved the difference. Ianis Hagi was the first to strike the woodwork, his thundering effort bouncing off the top of the bar. Captain James Tavernier was next, his free kick from distance agonisingly close to give Philippe Clement an opener as Dundee clung on for life. Cerny came close before the break, Hamilton able to keep the midfielder out. Rangers should have come away from this fixture comfortable winners but for Hamza Igamane being kept out by Jordan McGhee on the line and hitting the crossbar with a point blank effort later on. They were almost punished for their profligacy in front of goal but Finlay Robertson could not convert. Attendance: 47,208 Line-ups: L. Kelly, Jefté, R. Pröpper, D. Sterling, J. Tavernier (c), I. Hagi (R. Yilmaz 84’), N. Raskin, M. Diomande, H. Igamane (C. Dessers 84’), Danilo (N. Bajrami 62’), V. Černý (R. McCausland 75’) Substitutes: N. Bajrami, L. Balogun, C. Barron, J. Butland, Ó. Cortés, C. Dessers, K. Dowell, R. McCausland, R. Yilmaz Line-ups: T. Carson (c), B. Koumetio, A. Portales, R. Astley, J. McGhee, F. Roberston, S. Tiffoney (J. Vetro 65’), L. Cameron, M. Sylla, J. Mulligan, S. Palmer-Houlden (S. Murray 65’) Substitutes: J. McCracken, S. Braybrooke, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, C. Main, S. Murray, H. Sharp, J. Vetro Referee: Matthew McDermid
Oisin Smyth earns ten man Saints three points in Dingwall
Venue: Global Energy Stadium Date: 21/12/24 Time: 15:00 Oisin Smyth’s fantastic free kick gave St Mirren an important 2-1 win in awful weather despite Scott Tanser’s sending off early in the second half. Alex Iacovetti had given the visitors the lead against his former club in the first half when keeper Jack Hamilton failed to push Oisin Smith’s tame free kick into safety. County responded just 29 seconds into the second half when Michee Efete was quickest to his blocked effort following a Noah Chilvers cross. Despite going into the break a goal down, County were dominant in large spells, let down by a lack of accuracy. Chilvers sent a free kick from a promising position wide before Ronan Hale failed to trouble the Ellery Balcombe with an ambitious overhead kick. Already feeling the heat after conceding an equaliser Stephen Robinson looked on as Scott Tanser earned himself a second yellow after a crunching challenge on Aiden Denholm to leave his side with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage the Saints pushed for a winner, Oisin Smyth not far from giving them one, his attempt curling just wide. Jonah Ayunga’s introduction an added edge up front, the Kenyan international forcing Hamilton into making a strong save. Akil Wright had a golden opportunity for County but could only skew Kacper Lopata’s cross wide as the side fell to their fourth consecutive defeat. Cowie’s men face difficult games against Dundee and Hearts as they sit just two points off the bottom of the table. Smyth’s set-pieces separate sides Since moving from Oxford United the Northern Irishman has hardly been the first name on the team sheet, today was just his second start of the season. It’s fair to say he made the most of it in the Highlands. His first free kick, whilst hardly thunderous, put the keeper under enough pressure to see the ball land at the feet of a grateful Iacovetti. The second was textbook despite the blustery conditions, curling his effort from outside the box past a hapless Hamilton to give his side the win. He has to bide his time this season, but with a goal and an assist tonight Smyth has Stephen Robinson yet another head scratcher ahead of home fixtures against Rangers and Dundee. Lack of goals haunt County With just fourteen goals this season, Don Cowie’s side’s lack of creativity in the final third continues to harm any chance of becoming a top six side. Ronan Hale has been the main source of goals with five but he cut a isolated figure this evening, not getting the necessary service to cause damage, his desperation epitomised in the wildly inaccurate overhead kick in the first half. One month ago they were three points behind St Mirren in sixth, driven by an ability to pick up points here and there. Now that gap has stretched to nine as sides around the bottom of the table continue to earn crucial points of their own, Hibernian beating Aberdeen tonight. Efete’s goal was much deserved but the side needed to capitalise on the reduced numbers of their opponents, their failure to do so means they will drop into the relegation play-off place whatever the score when Hearts welcome St Johnstone tomorrow. What the managers said Ross County boss Don Cowie: “St Mirren go down to ten men, the game’s perfectly poised for us to step through and get a valuable three points. At that moment in time we did nowhere near enough to go and win the game. “[They] dealt with the conditions so much better than us and we did not test them considering they were down to ten. “The results have not been good enough over the last six weeks and maybe the players are feeling a little low in terms of confidence.” St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson: “I think the character shown was superb. It was a real tough game in the conditions I’m sure Don said the same. “We started really poorly in the second half but our response to that was terrific. “Oisin starts and scores a wonder goal and sets the first one up. He’s a boy I believe will get better and better with each game and more football matches.” Attendance: 3,271 Line-ups: Ross County: J. Hamilton, C. Randall (c), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon (J. Reid 68’), S. Allardice (A. Denholm 46’), J. Nisbet (E. Brophy 69’), M. Efete, N. Chilvers, R. Hale, J. White Substitutes: J. Amissah, R. Leak, V. Loturi, M. Sheaf, J. Grieves, A. Denholm, C. Telfer, E. Brophy, J. Reid St Mirren: E. Balcombe, R. Taylor, A. Iacovetti, M. Fraser, S. Tanser, K. Phillips, O. Smyth, E. Bwomono, G. Kiltie, M. Mandron (J. Ayunga 77’), R. Idowu (A. Gogic 76’) Substitutes: P. Urminsky, J. Ayunga, A. Gogic, J. Scott, C. Boyd-Munce, D. Adeniran, L. Kenny, C. Penman, E. Mooney. Referee: Iain Snedden
Wróbel produces stunning hat-trick as Glasgow City leapfrog Rangers to top table
Venue: Petershill Park Date: 15/12/24 Time: 12:10 Glasgow City 3 N. Wróbel (’41 ’56 ’65) Rangers 0 Natalia Wróbel was the star of a dominant display from Glasgow City with a hat-trick to dispatch Rangers. A first defeat of the season sees Jo Potter’s side lose their spot as SWPL leaders. City’s first half dominance was rewarded in the 41st minute when Rangers’ Jenna Fife and Leah Eddie’s miscommunication outside the box saw Wróbel pounce on the defensive howler first, chipping the ball into the net to break the deadlock. A powerful finish allowed Wróbel double the lead and her tally just ten minutes into the second half when Katie Hill attempted to clear the danger in the Rangers box but couldn’t get enough on the ball, leaving the goal at the City forward’s mercy. The hat-trick was completed just nine minutes later as Rangers were once again unable to properly get the ball out of the box before the Poland international put paid the game over. The teams looked evenly matched in the opening exchanges but the home side began to exert dominance, Wróbel coming close with a curling shot from outside the box that could not find its way on target. City began to push higher up the pitch and chances to take the lead soon followed with Nicole Kozlova’s flying ball across the face of goal only missing a head to open the scoring. Rangers facing intense pressure managed a chance of their own, Jodi McLeary’s cross deflected by Katie Wilkinson on target but it was comfortably dealt with by keeper Lee Gibson. Limited to a few chances by their dominant hosts, Rio Hardy was unable to test the keeper with a rare opportunity early in the second half. Fife produced a stunning save to deny City’s Wróbel from doubling her lead minutes later, the forward relentless in pursuit of further goals. The hosts were agonisingly close to adding a fourth but for another point blank save from Gibson to deny Brenna Lovera. Both sides were separated by a mere point before kick-off but by the time the whistle brought this fixture to an end, they looked miles apart. What the managers said: Glasgow City boss Leanne Ross: [On going top of the table] “That was the objective for the day in terms of bouncing back from what we felt was a disappointing result on Wednesday. “It’s always a real battle between the two teams, we’re close in terms of the qualities that we have but I think today, in the conditions, we battled a little bit more and our quality came out a little bit more than Rangers did today. “Really pleased for [Natalia Wróbel], she had a couple of opportunities during the week. […] We spoke about after the game and I just said if she keeps putting herself in those positions and keeps working as hard as she can, her qualities will bring her the goals and she’s proven that today.” Line-ups: Glasgow City: L. Gibson, A. Muir (L. Evans ’68), K. Smit, S. van Diemen, C. Warrington, N. Wrobel (K. Lockwood), H. Lauder (c) (M. Fulton ’86), A. Gambone, N. Kozlova, B. Lovera (L. Forrest ’86). E. Whelan Substitutes: A. Easdon, J. Love, M. Fulton, K. Lockwood, W. Forsblom, A. Anderson, L. Evans, M. Foley, L. Forrest. Rangers: J. Fife, N. Docherty, L. Eddie (L. Rafferty ’72), K. Hill, J. McLeary (L. Arnot ’46), K. MacLean, O. McLoughlin (C. Devlin ’46), C. Cornet, B. Hay (M. McAulay ’65), R. Hardy, K. Wilkinson (K. Howat ’65) Substitutes: V. Esson, L. Rafferty, T. Middag, C. Devlin, K. Howat, M. McAulay, L. Arnot, S. Ewens, C. Lafaix. Referee: Alex Shepherd
