Hibs move eighth with win as County give up two penalties in two minutes
Venue: Easter Road Date: 14/12/24 Time: 15:00 Ross County were the architects of their own downfall as they gave Hibernian a second opportunity from the spot following Nicky Cadden’s saved effort, Elie Youan making not mistake this time to help his side to three points. The result means Hibs take a massive leap up the table to eigth, leapfrogging Don Cowie’s side in the process. Elijah Campbell’s quick thinking opened the scoring for the visitors after Scott Allardice’s header hit the post just three minutes in. Hibs responded in the fifth and final minute of added time of the first half, Dwight Gayle flicking on a Junior Hoilett cross past keeper Jack Hamilton. Following his goal, Youan was again the hero, teeing up Josh Campbell to seal the three points in the final minutes of the game. Both sides were guilty of failing to capitalise on good opportunities, Joshua Nisbet denied by Jordan Smith who looks to have cemented his place between the posts. Ross County’s lack drive in the second half was compounded by their inability to take their chances epitomised by Noah Chilvers and Akil Wright, both players seeing their efforts deflected out for corners. The introduction of top scorers Jordan White and Ronan Hale couldn’t turn things around as Hibernian came out deserved victors on the night. Youan to the rescue It’s not so long ago that the forward’s keepy-uppies during the 4-1 loss to Dundee saw him vilified by fans and pundits alike across the country. Just a weeks on it is fair to say that after a goal and assist to earn Hibs a vital three points, attitudes will have shifted considerably. Plenty of credit is deserved for stepping up to the plate following Cadden’s tame effort just minutes earlier but also driving his side on with an unselfish pass to Campbell when through on goal and put the game to bed in added time. A space in the game usually reserved for the Edinburgh side to concede rather than score. With tonight marking his first goal and assist of the season so far, Gray will hope the Frenchman can kick on and push Hibs away from the threat of relegation that has hung over them since the campaign began. Staggies’ away woes continue Ross County’s away form continues to blight their season having picked up just three points, all draws, from a possible twenty-four points on the road. Worse still, it is a run that stretches all the way back to September 2023 when they ran out winners against Kilmarnock. A lack of goals has certainly not helped matters either. With just thirteen, County are the lowest goalscorers in the league so far with Ronan Hale making up five of those. Hale and Jordan White were both left on the bench this evening as Alex Samuel was left with the task of improving on his record of one in twelve. The striker attempted to make life difficult for Hibs defenders with his pressing but the reliance of long balls over the backline meant he was comfortably dealt with on another difficult night away from Dingwall. Now just two points ahead of bottom side Hearts and trips to Dundee, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock incoming, Cowie will need to find some kind of remedy for this drought or face another battle to avoid the drop. What the managers said Hibernian boss David Gray: “Credit to Ross County, they started the game far better than us. Maybe nerves and a bit of anxiety around some players potentially. “The reaction from the players to go behind and get themselves back in front was excellent. “The one thing we’ve always been questioned about this year, and rightly so because of the points we’ve dropped at times, was character. Ross County threw absolutely everything at us towards the end and I thought we stood up to it really well.” Ross County boss Don Cowie: “We lost it because we made poor decisions at important times. “I’m not sure why [the referee] thought about blowing the whistle when we’re over the five minutes. [On the penalties for shirt pulling] “I’ve warned the players not to do it, it’s lazy defending and you give the referee the option to give the penalties and that’s what we did.” “What I do believe is if we keep playing like that, especially away from home, the victory will come.” Attendance: 14, 885 Line-ups: Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale (J. Obita ’65), R. Bushiri, W. O’Hara (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu ’91), N. Cadden, J. Newell, N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Hoilett (J. Campbell ’65), E. Youan, D. Gayle (M. Boyle ’80) Substitutes: J. Bursik, M. Boyle, J. Campbell, J. Doyle-Hayes, Kwwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, H. McKirdy, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Ross County: J. Hamilton, E. Campbell (R. Leak ’21), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon, J. Nisbet (R. Hale ’75), S. Allardice (V. Loturi ’65), C. Randall, J. Brown, N. Chilvers, A. Samuel (J. White ’66) Substitutes: J. Amissah, R. Hale, A. Denholm, M. Efete, R. Leak, V. Loturi, J. Reid, C. Telfer, J. White Referee: Lloyd Wilson
History on the line for Celtic and Rangers in Sunday’s League Cup final
Venue: Hampden Park Date: 15/12/24 Time: 15:30 Where to watch: The game is live on Premier Sports On Sunday, it is not merely a League Cup at stake but history as both sides sit neck and neck on a monumental 118 trophies. Celtic come in favourites as the country’s dominant force and their UCL results are indicative of a side that has taken its game to another level under Brendan Rodgers. However last year’s winners Rangers look to have turned a corner in recent weeks following a poor start to the campaign, undefeated since October and notching some impressive results of their own in the Europa League. How did we get here Celtic swotted all before them as they put Hibernian, Falkirk and Aberdeen to the sword, scoring fourteen goals en route to the final. Current cup holders Rangers meanwhile comfortably dispatched St Johnstone and Dundee but were given a scare in the semifinal at Hampden when Motherwell led at the break. Ultimately Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami’s goals were the difference, saving Philippe Clement from an embarrassing exit. Domestic steamrollers Celtic There is no question who the favourites are on this occasion. Celtic sit nine points clear at the top of the table, undefeated with the season yet to reach the halfway stage. A goal difference of 40+ is an astounding figure as the side continue to rotate with no noticeable impact on performance. Nicolas Kuhn looks a cut above in the league and his performance against RB Leipzig will have drawn eyes from across the continent. The German tops the Premiership’s assist charts and his 3.12 chances created per 90 bettered only by Paulo Bernardo’s 3.13. Yet behind every machine like performance is the mechanic who keeps everything ticking, and in Callum McGregor, Celtic have a player whose ability to recycle possession is just as dangerous as his eye for goal. With six league goals, the captain not only sits joint top of the charts but has put away a third of the shots he has taken so far. Victory on Sunday would bring a 23rd domestic trophy to place him just two off Celtic’s record holder Bobby Lennox. Igamane the face of revived Rangers This time last month, Hamza Igamane was afterthought in heated discussions concerning how Rangers could turn their dismal season around. Losses to Celtic, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen had made winning the title nigh on impossible after only ten games as Igamane had managed a solitary goal against FCSB. Four weeks on, the Moroccan looks set to play a starring role in helping his side retain the League Cup for the first time since 2011. With the oft-maligned Dessers guilty of missing too many clear-cut chances, Igamane had the opportunity to make the striker’s berth his own and it’s fair to say he has grabbed it with both hands. A double against Nice kickstarted a run of five goals in as many appearances, including a terrific finish in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham. Perhaps more impressive than the finish, was the cross that led to it. James Tavernier’s whipped ball a timely reminder of the talent Britain’s highest ever goalscoring defender possesses. It has not been plain sailing for the club’s captain this season, having been a lightning rod for the ire of fans furious with a season that has left them below Aberdeen in the table. Dropped to the bench, Tavernier would have been forgiven for thinking this was the start of an ignominious end to a career that has seen the right-back amass 329 appearances, dating right back to their time in the Championship. Five trophies in ten years pales in comparison to McGregor but there is a strong case to be made that there could have been even fewer without his contributions over the years. Europe beginning to show wear and tear? Celtic have without a doubt exceeded expectations in Europe, suffering a solitary, albeit emphatic defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The extent of this raised bar crystallised in the disappointment from fans to have only earned a point away to Dinamo Zagreb. Come Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ men will have almost averaged a game every three days. Much has been made of the squad depth the squad have, with Arne Engels, Liam Scales, Luke McCowan and Luis Palma just some of the options from the bench who would star in every other Premiership side. However the flatness of the draw in Croatia suggests a fatigue that may be just as much mental as it is physical. Most footballers not immune to the grinding machine of modern football and this League Cup final could prove one game too many in such a short space of time. Meanwhile, for all of their European success that has propelled them into the automatic places of the Europa League table, Rangers do not posses that same quality from the bench. Too many rotations are unlikely but fortunately Rangers have yet to show that midweek games produce a weakened weekend performance. So far Clement’s players have won each of the five games domestic games that have followed European fixtures. Although as the Belgian manager will be acutely aware, a cup final against Celtic is an entirely different different beast to tame. History favours Hoops Rangers may be some distance ahead when it comes to the League Cup with twenty-eight wins to Celtic’s twenty-one but the side from the East End have captured seven of the past ten. What is perhaps more prescient to this tie is Rodgers’ own record versus Rangers. In nineteen games the Northern Irishman has lost just one Glasgow derby, winning an impressive fifteen. Celtic were winners in
FC Copenhagen vs Hearts: What to expect?
Venue: Parken Stadium Date: 12/12/24 Time: 17:45 GMT With just two games to go, Hearts’ chances of securing an automatic qualifying spot in the Conference League hang in the balance as they travel to Copenhagen for the group stage’s penultimate game. Having started the campaign with two wins against Dinamo Minsk and Omonia, the side were defeated by Heidenheim and Cercle Brugge, failing to score a goal in either fixture and falling down to the middle of the pack. In FC Copenhagen they face a side similarly underperforming in Europe. Having beaten Kilmarnock in the Playoff round, the Danes have managed just one win so far against Dinamo Minsk. A crucial three points recovered for their hopes following draws with Istanbul Basaksehir and Real Betis and defeat to Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok. Shankland reborn After scoring not one but two goals against Dundee at the weekend, Lawrence Shankland no doubt felt the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders. Thirteen games felt like a hundred as the striker simply could not find a way to break his duck, with sections of the Hearts fans singling him out as the cause behind their league struggles which have left them sat in the relegation play-off spot. To his immense credit, all throughout the barren spell Shankland persevered with attempts at goal and impressive link up play, biding his time for the opportunity that looks set to turn his season around. What a relief it will be for Neil Critchley whose side have not so much failed to create chances, averaging ten shots a game, but put them away, converting a meagre 12% of attempts. The Edinburgh side depended heavily on their talismanic striker last year, Shankland’s contribution of thirty-one goals seconded by Kenneth Vargas’ paltry nine in comparison and they will need call on him once again to revive a flailing season. Despite earning himself a suspension for their trip to Kilmarnock at the weekend, Shankland will need all his mental strength to carry their campaign on his shoulders once again Table topping Danes and a familiar face Manager Jacob Neestrup will be under no illusions that his side have underwhelmed in Europe’s tertiary competition, having exceeded expectations on its biggest stage last season. Coming second in a group featuring Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Galatasaray was far better than most predicted, especially considering the performance they put in to beat United 4-3 before taking a point against the Germans. Ultimately they were soundly beaten 6-1 on aggregate by Manchester City in the Round of 16 but it is little surprise that Copenhagen currently sit top of the Danish Superliga, unbeaten in nine league games. Whilst Hearts have their Shankland, Copenhagen’s potency is spread more evenly across the squad. With Orri Oskarsson, Viktor Claesson and defender Kevin Diks contributing twenty-one goals between them. However, the jewel in this multi-pronged crowned is a man who might be familiar to Scottish Premiership fans. Mohamed Elyounoussi’s time at Celtic last just a year and a half but he will remain a part of the club’s history forever as a member of the 2019-20 treble winning side. For the past two seasons the Norwegian international has been the side’s most valuable player, topping their current campaign’s goals and assists charts with seven and six respectively. Hearts defenders will have their work cut out trying to keep him quiet this evening.
Rangers vs Tottenham: What to expect?
Venue: Ibrox Date: 12/12/24 Time: 20:00 GMT It is their biggest game in Europe this season but an in-form Rangers will feel the stars have aligned to get a result as they welcome a downcast Tottenham to Ibrox. Both sides look to be on converse trajectories with the hosts now undefeated in eight games. Philippe Clement seems to have navigated his side through a turbulent period which saw them fall to Kilmarnock and Aberdeen, results which are likely to have put the title out of reach. Meanwhile Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham plunged to its lowest depth so far, watching his side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against Chelsea at the weekend, having confronted a fan for abusing him just a week prior. With both teams sat in eighth and ninth, Rangers ahead by a mere two goals, a result would put either side in pole position for an automatic place. More importantly for the respective managers however, progression to the knockout stages would relieve some of the intense scrutiny surrounding their jobs. European pedigree For all of their domestic woes, winning a solitary Premiership title in thirteen years, Rangers have always found a way to exceed expectations in Europe’s secondary competition. A run to the 2021/22 final was as big a surprise as the scalps they took along the way with Borussia Dortmund, Braga and RB Leipzig all falling before an agonising Aaron Ramsey penalty proved the difference that saw Eintracht Frankfurt snatch the crown. The less said about the Champions League campaign that followed the better. However last season saw Rangers return to the competition that is becoming their bread and butter to complete a double over Real Betis and topping their group before a narrow defeat to Benfica saw them eliminated in the Round of sixteen. There is a noticeable difference in the freedom with which they play away from the burning eyes of Scottish football fans. Whatever the reason, they have managed some impressive victories again this season with Malmo, FCSB and Nice comfortable dispatched with a creditable draw against Conference League champions Olympiakos to boot. Having seemingly put their 4-1 Lyon hiding behind them, Rangers will need all of their experience in the competition to gain an important result, with Manchester United and Union Saint-Gilloise as positions ‘fourth’ through ‘thirteenth’ remain separated by a mere three points. Will the real Tottenham please stand up? The nickname ‘Spursy’ to describe the way the club seem to fall apart under little pressure is arguably a disrespectful one to give a club that continues to find itself in the upper echelons of the Premier League. Yet, it has stuck for a reason. As the jabs and taunts go, Tottenham will produce a masterclass against league leaders only to follow it up with dropped points to eternal strugglers. Having tormented Manchester City in a hugely impressive 4-0 win away from home, the North London side mustered joint one point from nine as they sit just off mid-table. Losses to Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have continue to stunt their season with the manager’s dogmatic approach to attacking football held responsible for the side’s inconsistency. The third highest scoring team in the league this season, Tottenham’s inability to apply to handbrake has been just as much a problem in England as it has been in Europe. Opposition had hardly been world beating when they opened their group stage campaign with wins against Qarabag, Ferencvaros and Troy Parrott’s AZ Alkmaar, but a defeat to Galatasaray and draw with Roma has put a dent in their hopes for automatic qualification. With the continued absence of Guglielmo Vicario, their defence looks even more precarious. Add in defender Cristian Romero criticising the lack of spending in the summer in a now deleted interview with Telemundo Deportes to add fuel to the fire. For all the optimism the disharmony might bring to fans north of the border, Tottenham have a squad packed with some of Europe’s best in Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. As both Manchester clubs will know by now, these players can inflict a world of damage on their day.
Stalemate in Zagreb for the Hoops
Dinamo and Celtic settled for a draw in Zagreb, which sees them both stay in the play-off places. Before the match, Dinamo were one point behind Celtic in the table. Both sides knew that victory would give them a strong likelihood of making the play-offs at the end of the European league campaign. The two teams defended well and battled hard in a game that brandished many yellow cards, particularly in the first half. The game lacked clear-cut chances and the draw was a fair result. The home side came into the match with a serious injury crisis and were missing key players. However, their rising star, Martin Baturina, 21, hailed as the next Luka Modric, looked to deliver something special in the middle of the park. The only significant but unsurprising change for the Glasgow visitors was the selection of Paulo Bernardo over their record signing Arne Engels in midfield alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate. First half: Celtic started well in the first half, with the home side playing like the away team. The Hoops did well in keeping possession, although they could count themselves lucky not going down to 10 men early on following a dangerous tackle by Greg Taylor. It maybe lacked the intensity and force required to see red but they’ve been given. The visitors’ first chance of the game came from an incisive pass from Kuhn into McGregor on the edge of the area. It led to a free kick after the referee blew for handball when a Zagreb player blocked the captain’s pass. Bernardo took the ball and fired directly over the bar. Maybe it was too close to the goal to get it up and over the tall Zagreb wall. The next big moment of the game came when Nicolas Kuhn had some space on the right, inside the box, delivering a cross that a well-spread keeper, Danijel Zagorac, met and deflected behind for a corner. Following the attack, Sandro Kulenovic fell into Alistair Johnson, fouling him. After some complaints from Marko Rog, the referee decided to put both players into the book. Just before the half concluded, Zagreb capitalised on a Celtic mistake. Kulenovic fired a shot wide of the post after a cross was delivered in. A warning shot to Celtic that they needed to stay focused. Then, it was Celtic’s turn for some last-minute pressure, pushing forward when Maeda delivered a cross into the box for Bernardo, whose first touch let him down. After the play, Hatate managed to get on the ball after a quick Celtic counter-press on the edge of the area, and many fans would have been urging him to shoot, yet he got caught in two minds and played a powerful pass to his right that went to no one. Second half: At the beginning of the second half, Tony Ralston was subbed on for right-back Johnston after he felt the effects of the tackle in the first half. Bernardo won the ball down the right with a sliding tackle that fell into the substitute’s path. Ralston played an early ball down the right to Kuhn who managed to get past his marker inside the box and cut inside onto his left. His curling effort was deflected behind for a corner. The Croatian side was next to apply some pressure following some turnovers, with Celtic losing the ball too easily. Pjaca received the ball onto his right foot, striking at goal, only for Auston Trusty to block the shot. Straight after, Taylor had a major miscue by slicing at the ball, which saw the ball fall to Baturina outside the area. He launched tame strike that Kasper Schmeichel saved comfortably. The game began to open, and now it was Celtic’s turn. Bernardo played a short corner, and after a brief passing exchange, Kuhn slid a ball down the right into Bernardo’s path, who crossed to the front post, where Kyogo struck the ball into the keeper. It rebounded back into Cameron Carter-Vicker’s path, who, leaning back too much, shot high and wide. Next, it was up the other end, with Baturina getting a shot off over the bar. The home side, having started the second half the much stronger of the two sides, gave encouragement for the fans who were now in full voice. Unsurprisingly, Rodgers acted early following this spell of pressure by making two changes in the midfield, with McCowan and Engels coming onto the pitch for Hatate and Bernardo. A few minutes after coming on, McCowan received the ball from a surging run from McGregor in the middle of the park before unleashing a strike on target with Zagorac claiming comfortably. With ten minutes to go, Mbuku slid the ball down the right for the hosts into their right-back Ristovski, who lofted the ball into the box to Pjaca. He headed towards the goal, where a concentrated Schmeichel tipped it over the bar. In the concluding moments, Celtic gained attacking momentum and showed a moment of quality with their last chance of the game. Forrest penetrated the host’s defence with a terrific pass down the left of the box to an onrushing Engels, who whipped a ball across the box to Idah. The Zagreb defender managed to stick out a leg and clear the ball away from the Irishman. What a crucial and excellent interception. The game ended in a draw, which is a fair result, given both teams’ chances. In their remaining European ties, Zagreb have two challenging games against Milan and Arsenal. Celtic know that a result at home to Young Boys will likely secure them qualification to the next stage of the Champions League. Celtic also have a League Cup final to look forward to against their Old Firm rivals, Rangers, at the weekend. Teams: D. Zagreb: Zagorac, Bernauer, Kacavenda, Baturina (Hoxha, 83′), Kulenovic, Pierre-Gabriel, Pjaca (Stojkovic, 83′), Ristovski, Theophile-Catherine, Rog, Spikic (Mbuku, 73′). Subs: Filipovic, Nevistic, Torrente, Cordoba, Bakovic, Zebic, Cutuk, Pavic, Jakirovic Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston (Ralston,
Dinamo Zagreb vs Celtic: What to expect?
Celtic have the opportunity to make to a push for the automatic places when they travel to a troubled Dinamo Zagreb this evening, the first meeting since the sides met in the group stages ten years ago. The Glasgow side recovered well from their 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Dortmund to earn themselves five points against some strong opposition in Atalanta, RB Leipzig and Club Brugge, taking their total tally to eight. Sitting only two points off the top eight, Brendan Rodgers will know that a win in a Croatia will at least give the side a much needed buffer for the play-off spot. Hosts Dinamo Zagreb find themselves in a similar predicament, sat just one point behind Celtic in the standings. The club which has been graced by the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovavic and once Celtic goalscoring machine Mark Viduka, will likely see this fixture as their best chance at three points before facing Arsenal and AC Milan. Celtic will hope for a more positive result than their last visit to Zagreb in 2014 when Marko Pjaca, who is expected to feature tonight, grabbed a hat-trick on route to a 4-3 victory for the Croatians. No home comforts for Celtic Be it in the East End or on the road, Celtic have steamrolled their way to the top of the table and look set to retain the title before the New Year. Europe however, is a different kettle of fish and the stats don’t paint a promising picture ahead of tonight’s clash. Winless away from home, Celtic have missed the impact the atmosphere has on shrinking opponents but their own style of play too. Possession at home in their European campaign is an impressive 61% but drops to 41% away from Glasgow. Meanwhile their xG for goes from 1.65 to 0.8 whilst xG again rises from 0.94 to 2.53. It is hardly a new problem for Celtic, who managed just one win in six games from their two previous group stages. Like the constantly flashing symbols on my car’s dashboard, statistics don’t always tell the whole truth, but they do offer a warning that should be heeded for those who want to ensure safety on the road. Out of sorts but not out yet It has not been plain sailing for the Croatian’s this season. Despite capturing the last seven league titles, Dinamo sit third in the league with just one win from their last seven games. Worse still, they suffered a humiliating 9-2 defeat at the hands of Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich in their opening game of the group stage. However bouncing back to earn a draw with Monaco before grabbing six points away to RB Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava shows they are no slouches. Conversely to Celtic, their struggles have been for the most part at home this season, having not won a game at the Stadio Maksimir since September. Celtic will know themselves from the Dortmund fallout, underestimate teams in this competition at your peril.
Thistle suffer Cup loss to Glasgow City
Partick Thistle WFC 1 – 3 Glasgow City A dominant Glasgow City ran away comfortable winners in the Scottish Cup 3rd Round as Thistle were unable to hold on after Cara Henderson’s equaliser. Lisa Catherine Evans had opened the scoring for City after lashing a shot from outside the box for past Jennifer Currie. Henderson’s equalised from the spot after the hour mark but were unable to hold out for long as Emily Whelan restored the lead before Natalia Wrobel’s quick thinking in front of goal put the tie to bed. Thistle had few chances, relying on quick counter-attacks to catch their opponents off guard but they were unable to test Lee Gibson. Lucy Sinclair’s wide header was arguably the closest the side came outwith the penalty, but her contributions off the ball made life difficult for their free-scoring Glasgow rivals on the day. With fifty-nine league goals this season, City will have been frustrated to only be a goal up at the break, having struggled to capitalise on their opportunities in the final third. Lisa Forrest came close to doubling the lead but her effort hit the crossbar to give Thistle a much needed lifeline. Patient in possession City’s early goal was apt reward for their dominance in the first half. Pressing high up the pitch, they forced Thistle into searching balls, comfortably dealt with by Kimberley Smit and Claire Walsh. The pair looking just as much at ease on the ball as off it. Sat in front of the duo, Mairead Fulton allowed her side to circulate possession and find space down the channels, eventually rewarded with two goals which came from crosses down the right hand side. Despite a quiet afternoon for Brenna Lovera, unable to summon a repeat of her two goal tally in November, City’s variety in attack and strength in depth saw them come away deserved winners. Disappointing exit but Thistle continue to improve It is often difficult to take comfort from a cup exit but there were plenty of positives to take in defeat. Coming away with an upset was an unlikely proposition when taking into account only one of these sides is ‘professional’. Glasgow City scored twelve goals in the last two games but were held to just one until the 68th minute. The result, albeit not the desired one, is testament to their ability to turn their physicality into a defensive weapon and make life difficult for a side that currently sits top of the league. Despite only one in their last five, there is plenty to suggest that they can turn things around come Wednesday, as they welcome a Spartan side sat just three points behind. What the managers said: Glasgow City manager Leanne Ross: “That’s the objective at the start of the day, regardless of how we perform, to make sure that we win the game and get through to the next round. So we’re happy with that. “In terms of performance today, I think we can better in certain aspects of the game but we’ve done enough to get ourselves into the next round of the cup. “I felt comfortable within the game, I didn’t think [Thistle] offered too much on the ball. They were waiting for mistakes from our defenders or looking for a long ball to go in behind.” Partick Thistle WFC coach Ross Stormonth: “We’ve played against a top side today in Glasgow City. Top of the league, they’re a very good side. I thought we frustrated them for large spells of the game and we had some really nice moments as well. “It’s tough to go out but proud of the girls today is an understatement, they were excellent.” “We showed today a sign that we can play. We’ve not really showed that as much as we would like all season but today and last week against Hibs I thought we were much much better.” Line-ups: Partick Thistle WFC: J. Currie, R. Slater, C. McCulloch , D.L. Falconer, C. Henderson, C. Boyce, A. Bulloch, C. Gibb C. Docherty, S. Cowan, T. Burchill, L. Sinclair Substitutes: A. Fearns, , R. Donaldson, H. Robinson, G. Gray, I. Longcake Glasgow City: L. Gibson, C. Warrington, C. Walsh, M. Fulton, B. Lovera, N. Wrobel, E. Whelan, A. Gambone, L.C. Evans, K. Smit, L. Forrest Substitutes: A. Easdon, A.J. Muir, J. Love, K. Lockwood, W. Forsblom, N. Kozlova, S. van Diemen, M. Foley Referee: Keiran Trayner (Featured image credit: Craig Dunn)
Watt’s late winner in Paisley ends Motherwell slump
St Mirren 0 – 1 Motherwell Motherwell ended their three game winless run when Tony Watt’s added time winner punished St Mirren’s ill discipline. The striker used his experience to get away from his marker and catch a Lennon Miller free-kick to break hearts in Paisley after Alex Gogic was sent off. Ellery Balcombe’s fine save denied Jair Tavares early on, tipping the shot onto the crossbar. Not long after Aston Oxborough denied Conor McMenamin with an almost identical stop. The keeper denied the Northern Ireland international once again in the second half to ensure a clean sheet for his side. Both sides continued to push but Balcombe was on hand to deny Steve Seddon and Aspostolos Stamatelopoulos before the deadlock was finally broken. Discipline cost of the Saints when Gogic was given his marching orders after his dismissal with just minutes to go. The result means Motherwell open up a four point gap on the home side, sitting in fifth and seventh respectively. Attendance: 6,111 Line-ups: St Mirren: E. Balcombe, R. Taylor, A. Gogic, M. Fraser, S. Tanser, M. O’Hara, K. Phillips, E. Bwomono (J. Ayunga 84′), G. Kiltie (R. Idowu 67′), T. Olusanya (M. Mandron 68′), C. McMenamin Substitutes: J. Ayunga, C. Boyd-Munce, A. Iacovitti, R. Idowu, D. John, M. Mandron, E. Mooney, O. Smyth, P. Urminsky Motherwell: A. Oxborough, S. Blaney, L. Gordon, D. Casey, S. Seddon, E. Wilson (H. Paton), A. Halliday (S. Nicholson 83′), Jair Tavares (M. Kaleta 77′), L. Miller, A. Stamatelopoulos (M. Ebiye ’77), T. Watt Substitutes: K. Balmer, E. Ebiye, K. Hegyi, M. Kaleta, T. Maswanhise, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, H. Paton, D. Zdravkoski
Killie added time penalty salvages point against Dundee United
Dundee United 1 – 1 Kilmarnock Kilmarnock’s struggles continued as they were held to a draw in Dundee, meaning they are now six games without a win. Sam Dalby continued his impressive form to give his side the lead only minutes in after replacement keeper Kieran O’Hara’s save landed at the striker’s feet. Kilmarnock equalised through Anderson’s spot kick in the 95th minute after Richard Odada gave away the penalty. Moult should have grabbed the first but his effort went fractionally wide and Dalby was unlucky to hit the post in the first half before his attacking endeavour was rewarded. Dundee United had a penalty claim denied after O’Hara collided with Dalby. Meanwhile Anderson had a chance for the visitors earlier in the game but his went straight into Jack Walton’s arms. Dundee United’s impressive season continues as they maintained their fourth place despite their status as the league’s promoted side. Attendance: 8,402 Line-ups: Dundee United: J. Walton, K. Holt, D. Gallagher, E. Adeboyega, W. Ferry, D. Babunski (R. Odada 84′), V. Sevelj, R. Strain, L. Stephenson (M. Thomson 95′), R. Strain, L. Moult (J. van der Sande 87′), S, Dalby Substitutes: K. Fotheringham, R. Graham, G. Middleton, R. Odada, D. Richards, O. Stirton, M. Thomson, M. Ubochioma, J. van der Sande Kilmarnock: R. McCrorie (K. O’Hara 60′), R. Deas (G. Mackay-Steven 87′), J. Wright, L. Mayo, F. Murray, C. Ndaba, L. Polworth (K. Magennis 87′), D. Armstrong (B. Wales 67′), B. Lyones, B. Anderson, K. Vassell (M. Watkins 87′) Substitutes: O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, G. Mackay-Steven, K. Magennis, R. Magennis, K. O’Hara, D. Watson, B. Wales, M. Watkins
St Johnstone draw extends Dons’ winless run to five
Aberdeen 1 – 1 St Johnstone Leighton Clarkson rescued a point as Aberdeen’s draw with St Johnstone saw them cede further ground to Celtic. St Johnstone raced to an early lead through Makenzie Kirk’s opener just five minutes in before Clarkson ensured the spoils were shared. The visitors impressed in difficult conditions, Adama Sidibeh denied a winner by an excellent Nicky Devlin block. Jimmy Thelin’s men have struggled in recent weeks and had few chances on the night. Substitute Duk providing the assist but unable to drive his side to the three points. Aberdeen are now winless in their past five games and with two games in hand, Rangers could narrow the five point gap between the sides. Attendance: 15,880 Line-ups: Aberdeen: R. Doohan, J. McGarry (N.Devlin 46′), G. Molloy, S. Rubezic, J. Milne (T. Keskinen 71′), S. Heltne Nilsen (A. Palaversa 46′), J. McGrath, L. Clarkson, S. Morris (Duk 46′), K. Nisbet (V. Besuijen 77′) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, V. Besuijen, N. Devlin, Duk, T. Keskinen, A. MacDonald, A. Palaversa, T. Ritchie, E. Sokler St Johnstone: J. Rae, D. Wright, K. Cameron, J. Sanders, L. Neilson, J. Holt, S. Sprangle, M. Smith (A. Sidibeh 63′), B. Kimpioka, N. Clark, M. Kirk (G. Carey 88′) Substitute: G. Carey, A. Essel, F. Franczak, D. Keltjens, M. Kucheriavyi, J. McPake, A. Sidibeh, R. Sinclair
