Imrie’s men salvage late draw at emotional Cappielow
Morton 2-2 Ayr United Greenock Morton welcomed Ayr United on a sombre afternoon at Cappielow Park where Morton manager Dougie Imrie took his place in the dugout despite the heart breaking loss of his infant daughter earlier in the week. Prior to the game, a minute’s silence was impeccably observed by both sets of supporters before kick-off as Imrie made two changes from their Premier Sports Cup defeat to Aberdeen while Scott Brown and his Ayr United side were still on the hunt for their first league win as he made five alternations. But the match poignantly began with the home support rallying behind their manager, with the Cowshed section chanting his name loudly in the opening stages and throughout the match. United carved out the first real chance when Marco Rus broke free down the left and whipped in a front-post cross for Curtis Main, but the ex-St Mirren striker’s flick was well blocked by James Storer. Morton were handed a penalty midway through the first half. A perfectly weighted through ball from Cammy Ballantyne released Michael O’Halloran, whose cutback struck the hand of a United defender. Eamonn Brophy took responsibility from the spot and calmly slotted the ball low into the bottom-left corner. 📺 WATCH NOW: Morton manager Dougie Imrie speaks post game David Mitchell dived the right way, but even at full stretch he could not prevent the former Kilmarnock man’s precise strike. Despite a flurry of chances for Main, Morton held firm and went into the interval a goal to the good. Brown’s Ayr side left still searching desperately for a breakthrough going into the second period. United found it within minutes of the restart, Main rising at the back post to meet a free-kick and hooking the ball across goal for Kevin Holt to tuck away, bringing the sides level. The visitors then turned the game on its head from another set piece. A superbly delivered corner from Ethan Walker was met at the near post by Nick McAllister. 📺 WATCH NOW: Ayr United boss Scott Brown gives his post game thoughts The Honest Men skipper glanced his header home to give Ayr the lead inside the opening quarter of the second half. Storer kept Morton alive late on, producing a brilliant reflex stop to deny George Oakley’s thunderous header from inside the six-yard box. That save proved pivotal. With the clock running down, Nathan Shaw whipped in a curling cross to the back post, where Brophy rose to glance a simple header past Mitchell, sparking relief and jubilation among the home support. Zach McKay would test Mitchell late on but the scores would remain level. Both sides continue to search for their first league win. After a traumatic week Morton will be the happier of the two sides, the players turning up for their manager with the type of grit and destination that will surely see them move up the table this season. PLAYER RATINGS: Morton: Storer 6; Ballantyne 7, Moore 5, Longridge 6, Delaney 5 (Corr 4); Blues 6, Robertson 6 (Garrity 5), Shaw 8; O’Halloran 5 (McKay 4), Moffat 6 (Wilson 4), Brophy 9* Goals: Brophy (23) Ayr United: Mitchell 6; McAllister 8, Holt 8, Dick 6, McMann 6; Rus 6 (Watret 5), McKenzie 6, Ure 6, Walker 8 (Hastie 4); Oakley 7, Main 6 📺 WATCH NOW: Billy Davies’ post game reaction
SWPL Preview: Hibs have Jags in their sights
Hibernian defender Siobhan Hunter insists there’s been no talk of the Champions League as they prepare to take on Partick Thistle in the second game of their SWPL campaign. Grant Scott’s side are off to Petershill Park for an unusual Friday night game before jetting to Cyprus on Sunday to begin their European adventure, starting against Danish A-Liga champions Fortuna Hjørring on Wednesday. But it’s all about Thistle first and Hunter knows they’re in for a tough night as they look to make it two wins out of two. She told the Hibernian website: “I’ve not even really spoke about [the Champions League. The first game is versus Partick Thistle, so we have to concentrate on that and that will be a tough game. “It needs to be full focus on Partick so we’ll look at them and see what we can do. Then we can think about [Champions League] when that’s over. “They’ll be really tough to beat, hard to break down and we’ll fight for each other. The quality they’ve signed over the summer has been really good and I’m expecting a really tough game. “They’ve made massive signings, but there’s no walkover in this league anymore. It’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to.” Glasgow City, who are also in Champions League action on Tuesday when they fly to play Austria Vienna, are heading to the Balmoral Stadium to take on Aberdeen, also looking for maximum points and a dream start to the campaign against Scott Booth’s team. City added to their ranks with the signing of Japanese winger Mabae Tanaka on Thursday and head coach Leanne Ross was delighted with her acquisition. “I’m really happy to bring Mebae to Glasgow City,” she told the City website. “She is a player with very good technical abilities, and she will bring even more quality and depth to an already strong squad.” For the Dons, after playing the champions last week, their tough start continues against the second-place team and a victory would be just what they need. On Sunday, the rest of the fixtures are completed as Celtic play host to newly promoted Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park while Motherwell take on Montrose at K Park in East Kilbride. Rangers host Hearts at Ibrox in Sunday’s televised clash, with coach Leanne Crichton keen to build on last weekend’s comfortable win in Montrose. The Gers boss added South Korean midfielder Kim Shin Ji to her squad, signing the 21-year-old on a season long loan deal from Roma. “She’s a dynamic, technically gifted player with good experience at a high level even at such a young age and we believe she’ll bring real quality and creativity to the squad,” Crichton told the Rangers website. “It highlights the calibre of player we are targeting and we’re confident she’ll make a big impact on the team both on and off the pitch. We’re excited to see what she can bring to the club this season.” WEEKEND FIXTURES Friday: Partick Thistle vs Hibernian (7:45pm, Petershill Park) Saturday: Aberdeen vs Glasgow City (1pm, Balmoor Stadium) Sunday: Celtic vs Hamilton Accies (2pm, New Douglas Park) Motherwell vs Montrose (4pm, K Park) Rangers vs Hearts (4:10pm, Ibrox Stadium; Live on BBC Alba)
Celtic left frustrated in Almaty blank
Celtic 0 Kairat Almaty 0 Going to Almaty was going to be long enough, but Celtic have to do it the hard way if they are to secure a place in the Champions League group stage this season. The Kazakh champions came to Glasgow and put in one of the best performances they could have on the European stage to frustrate and stifle the attacking talent at Celtic’s disposal. They deserved immense credit for the way they stuck to the game plan and kept the Premiership champions at bay. Now Brendan Rodgers’ side must make the 7,000 mile trip and hope his team can take a big win and into the group phase. Fans have wondered why the club haven’t spent to help give the team a fighting chance to bring in the quality they need to take them to the next level. On this display, it could be a decision that could backfire big time on them. There was an early scare on 11 minutes when Kairat’s captain Alexsandr Martynovich had space in front of the Celtic net and put the ball into the net, but the offside flag went up. The home side had their own chance a few minutes later as Kieran Tierney played a low ball into the centre, but James Forrest just couldn’t get the ball from under his feet. Kairat posed a threat going forward and Jorginho must have rued his thinking process after being fed the ball by Edmilson. Instead of shooting, he ended up dithering and seeing it taken away from him. It was a lacklustre first half hour and there was real concern when Alistair Johnston had to be carried off with a suspected hamstring injury. Anthony Ralston was his replacement. They finally got sight of goal as Benjamin Nygren played in Daizen Maeda, but Kairat goalie Alexandr Zarutsky rushed from his goal line to narrow the angle. Celtic needed much more from their forward players, who saw the first half pass them by. Rodgers thought the same as he withdrew the ineffective Adam Idah for Hyunjun Yang. And what an impact he had initially. The second period was barely a minute old when Yang played to Forrest, who controlled to take it on his left foot, but struck the base of the post with his shot. Zarutsky grabbed it gratefully. Moving Maeda into the centre, where Idah had vacated was a good move from the Celtic manager as they started to cause problems. Nearly at the hour mark, Cameron Carter-Vickers caused a problem of his own as he briefly switched off, watching the ball roll away from him in horror where Edmilson took the initiative. Spotting keeper Kasper Schmeichel off his line, he tried one from just outside the centre circle, but luckily for the Danish goalie and the centre half, it went over the crossbar. The atmosphere was a nervy one as time ticked on among the home support, who perhaps had hopes of seeing their team rack up a favourable scoreline before the daunting trip to the far end of Kazakhstan next week. Liam Scales did well to find space to meet the corner, but could only direct it over. It was a chance that was to end Zarutsky’s night, as he hobbled off injured, where he was replaced by Temirlan Anarbekov. The biggest chance of the night fell to Maeda as the ball landed in his path and his shot low on Anarbekov was in the right place to deny the Celtic hitman deep in injury time. It summed up the kind of night it was as Almaty held on for the draw, to the delight of those hardy fans who made the mammoth trip. Celtic will hope they will be smiling in Kazakhstan in Tuesday’s return leg. Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston (Ralston 35), Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney (Trusty 76) Nygren (Yamada 76), McGregor, Hatate, Forrest (Engels 70), Idah (Yang 46), Maeda Subs Not Used: Sinisalo, Simpson-Pusey, McCowan, Osmand, Kenny, Bernardo, Murray Booked: McGregor (26), Tierney (31)
SWPL Round-Up: Hibs start title defence with perfect start
Two goals from Rosie Livingston got SWPL title holders Hibernian off to the best possible start as they beat Aberdeen 5-1 on the opening day. Grant Scott’s side made their mark and were three up by the break thorugh Kathleen McGovern to put them in control. Aberdeen were given something to cheer about when Hibs captain Siobhan Hunter turned the ball into her own net, but it didn’t derail the champions any. In fact, McGovern’s second of the game a couple of minutes later restored their three-goal lead, with Jessica Broadrick also scoring into her own net in the dying embers to make it a commanding victory for Hibs. The team Hibs beat to take the title last season, Glasgow City, also had the perfect start to their new campaign as they blitzed Motherwell with three goals in ten minutes for a 3-0 home win. Nicole Kozlova got City’s first after 12 minutes with a tidy finish from the left-hand-side of the box. Katie Lockwood made it 2-0, latching on to a Natalia Wrobel cross before Kozlova added a third as she powered her shot into the net from Lockwood’s ball as Leanne Ross enjoyed a great first win of the campaign. Rangers also got off to a terrific start to life under new coach Leanne Crichton as they thrashed Montrose 6-1, who were reduced to 10 players early in the first half. Olivia Chomczuk opened the scoring for Montrose after only six minutes before team-mate Cassie Cowper was given her marching orders. Rangers soon came back with two Katie Wilkinson goals – one a penalty – to give them a half time lead. Mia McAulay, Brogan Hay and Kathy Hill all netted in the second half, as did Wilkinson, who completed a hat-trick to secure three points for Rangers and their new boss. There was also an opening day victory for Celtic, who saw out a 2-1 away win over Hearts. Morgan Cross put Celtic in front after 21 minutes with Natalie Ross adding a second with a clever dink over the Hearts keeper. Georgia Timms pulled one back for Eva Olid’s side in injury time with a penalty, but it was nothing more than a consolation. It was a bit more dramatic for Partick Thistle as Erin Rennie’s stoppage time finish clinched the points for the Jags. Jo Love opened the scoring with a great finish at the end of the first half, but was cancelled out as Eryn Brown scored for Accies until Rennie’s big moment at the end. RESULTS: Glasgow City 3 Motherwell 0 Hamilton Accies 1 Partick Thistle 2 Hearts 1 Celtic 2 Hibernian 5 Aberdeen 1 Montrose 1 Rangers 5
No European Hangover for the Hibees as They Progress to Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final
Josh Mulligan and club record signing Thibault Klidje both got off the mark for Hibernian, as they won 2-0 to knock Livingston out of the Premier Sport Cup in the round of 16. Hibs came into this one off the back of a gruelling extra time triumph over Serbian side Partizan Belgrade on Thursday evening, whilst Livingston were hoping to gather some momentum following a 3-1 victory over Falkirk last weekend. The results sees the capital city side book a trip to Ibrox to take on Rangers in the quarter-final, which ensures to be a mouth-watering clash as the Hibees will be entitled to a larger away allocation as per cup rules. Klidje nearly got his first goal for Hibs before some fans had eve taken their seats. The Togolese forward got on to the end of a long ballad tried his luck from range with a looping volley, but it was palmed over by Jerome Prior in the Livingston net. Hibs had the lion’s share of possession in the first half and approached the game with a bit of directness, challenging the Livingston back line’s resolve with balls over the top to utilise the pace of Klidje and Martin Boyle. Their best chances leading up to the goal however came from distance, with Josh Campbell and Alasana Manneh having half volleys from the edge of the area blocked by yellow jerseys. The Edinburgh side’s goal would come just on the stroke of half time. Martin Boyle’s in-swinging corner curled onto Klidje’s head at the near post and was directed goalwards on the striker’s first start for his new club. The away side kept the pressure on as they plugged away for a second, and opportunities for that two goal cushion didn’t come much better than Junior Hoilett’s effort just after the hour mark. Just minutes if not seconds after coming off the bench, the Canadian was put clean through on goal by Klidje’s defence splitting pass, yet the experienced winger dragged a tame effort wide of the post. The second goal would eventually come for the visitors just three minutes from time, when substitute Josh Mulligan sent a rocket into the top left corner of the goal, also meaning that this was his first goal for Hibs as well, since his arrival from Dundee this summer to well and truly send Hibernian on their way to the quarter final as they will be aiming to win their first piece of silverware since their Scottish Cup heroics of 2016.
East Kilbride win marred by racism incident
East Kilbride’s 3-1 home win over Stranraer was marred by alleged racist incident involving EK’s Joao Balde. The Portuguese midfielder had scored Kilby’s third goal to make sure of the League Two points when something was reportedly said which led to a Stranraer fan being identified and ejected from K Park. The club posted a short statement on social media, which said: “East Kilbride Football Club are disappointed by an alleged incident of racial abuse directed towards one of our players at today’s match. “We will be passing on footage to the relevant authorities. The Club will be making no further comment on the issue at this time.” East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy showed support to this player, posting “Twice in two years he (Balde) has been on the end of racism. “You couldn’t meet a more humble, hard working, honest talented player. We are so fortunate to have him at our club and in our lives.” Stranraer also made a short statement, stating they will work with East Kilbride in investigating what has gone on. They said: “Stranraer Football Club takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of racist and discriminatory behaviour. The club has been made aware of an allegation during today’s game at K Park. We treat any such reports with the utmost seriousness and will work with East Kilbride FC and the relevant authorities to ensure the incident is investigated thoroughly.”
Season Preview: SWPL Returns for Exciting New Campaign
The men’s SPFL has been up and running for over a fortnight, already serving up drama, upsets, and moments of brilliance. Now it’s the women’s turn. This Sunday, the Scottish Women’s Premier League roars back into action. Last season ended with a shock as Hibs snatched the title at Ibrox on the final day, breaking the Glasgow stranglehold. The question now: can they defend it, or will a familiar heavyweight reclaim the throne? Here’s how the 12 contenders shape up ahead of the new campaign. Aberdeen Scott Booth begins his first full season in charge with quiet optimism. Last term, the Dons finished 8th, but showed real progress after picking up an impressive 20 points post-split. The target now is to break into the top six. Consistency will be crucial; a sluggish start last season left them playing catch-up, and they’ll need to start taking points off the league’s big guns. Still in their developmental phase, Aberdeen look like a side with the tools to grow into a top team in the women’s game, but it needs to kick off this year. Celtic From treble contenders to finishing 4th and empty-handed, last season was a bitter disappointment for the Hoops. Elena Sadiku’s absence during pre-season, working at the Women’s Euros until late July, raised eyebrows, especially given the squad upheaval. Caitlin Hayes will be a big miss, but new arrivals Lisa Robertson and Claire Walsh are solid additions. Celtic’s mission remains unchanged: win silverware and mount a sustained title push. But with a thinner squad, delayed recruitment, and the Glasgow rivalry intensifying with added pressure from Edinburgh, the pressure is immense. This is a defining season for Sadiku; anything short of the league trophy will be seen as failure. Glasgow City Once the undisputed powerhouse of Scottish women’s football, City have now gone two seasons without silverware. Last term, they finished runners-up in both league and Scottish Cup, three points shy of the title. Defensively, they claimed the best record in the league, but a lack of end product cost them. Fix that, and they’re right back in the fight. Leanne Ross has the experience and the squad depth to mount a serious challenge, but the margins at the top have never been finer. Hamilton The Accies are back in SWPL 1 and determined to survive. With one of the smallest budgets in the league, realism rules: stay up, and it’s a success. Robert Watson’s side has a young core, and remaining at New Douglas Park should help keep local support strong, with the men’s team controversially moving to Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld. Survival will depend on taking points from fellow strugglers and avoiding heavy defeats against the top sides. A scrap awaits, but Hamilton sides have been underestimated before. Hearts Eva Olid’s side were one of last season’s surprise packages, finishing 5th, briefly flirting with a title challenge, and even upsetting some of the big hitters, including a 3-1 win over Celtic. Strong at home and defensively solid, they’ve become a tough nut to crack. Losing Emma Brownlie is a blow, but retaining Olid, despite Scotland job links, is a major boost. Hearts still trail their Edinburgh rivals, but could this season see the Jambos take that next step forward? Hibernian Champions for the first time since 2007, Hibs start their title defence in unfamiliar territory: as the team to beat. Last year’s success was built on a solid defence and the prolific Kathleen McGovern, who bagged 25 goals in 28 games in Grant Scott’s 4-2-3-1 system. This time, the challenge is twofold: handling the pressure of expectation and navigating Champions League qualifiers in a packed August. The title race could hinge on how they juggle both. Can they go again, or will the hangover from their title triumph prove too much to handle? Montrose Montrose produced one of last season’s great escapes, from 14 points pre-split to 23 points from the final 30 available, hauling themselves to safety. Manager Craig Feroz, who almost walked away, has stayed on to lead another survival push. The survival formula is clear: nick something against the top six when possible, but dominate at the bottom. Motherwell Sixth place and a first-ever top-half finish made 2024/25 a landmark year for Motherwell. But several heavy defeats against the top sides show that the gap remains vast. Matching last season’s heroics will be tough, but if they can rediscover early-season form, another push for the top six is attainable. Partick Thistle It’s the dawn of a new era at Thistle. Brian Graham, the architect of their rise, has departed after five years, replaced by David Elliot. Lia Tweedie’s arrival from Hibs adds firepower, but losing Graham’s leadership will test the club’s resilience. Without the man who led the club to two top-six finishes, the transition could be tough, but the Jags should have enough to remain clear of trouble. Rangers The summer has been turbulent at Ibrox. Jo Potter’s departure for Crystal Palace rewarded Leanne Crichton with a first managerial job late into pre-season. Key players, Chelsea Cornet, Kirsty Maclean and Rio Hardy have all departed for England, but golden boot winner Katie Wilkinson, who scored over a goal per game last season, remains. The attack is lethal, but defensive frailty and final-day collapses have cost Rangers two titles in the past three years, both at Ibrox. Back-to-back cup doubles are impressive, but the league is the one they crave. With Ibrox now their regular home, this season is about proving they can handle the pressure under the brightest lights. The title race looks as open as it has for years. Hibs have the target on their back, City are hungry, Celtic are desperate to rebound, and Rangers are out to exorcise final-day demons. Below them, Hearts could bloody noses, Motherwell and Aberdeen will eye the top six, and the fight for survival promises its drama. Scottish women’s football is back, and more exciting than ever.
Saints and Jambos have eyes on the prize
St Mirren welcome Hearts to the SMISA Stadium as both clubs look to set down a marker in their pursuit of Premier Sports Cup glory. The Premier Sports Cup second round makes it way to Paisley to where two familiar foes battle it out for the all-important spot in the next round in this all-Premiership affair. For both managers, the winners of the tie takes them a step closer to the silverware and Buddies boss Stephen Robinson, fresh from signing his new three-year deal, is feeling confident. “It’s a game we believe we can win,” he said. “I don’t go into any game thinking a draw or a 1-0 defeat is okay. I believe that mentality has changed in my time at the club. “I have a lot of respect for Hearts as a club and Derek as a manager who’s proven he’s a top manager. “We’ve shown against the top sides in the country that we are a competitive side. “Our chances of silverware are the cups we might not win the league every year, we certainly have a chance in the cup we need a luck, form and things to go your way.” Hearts, surprisingly, haven’t won this competition since 1962 so taking this one back to Tynecastle is long overdue. According to manager, Derek McInnes, winning trophies should be one of the main reasons for anyone joining the club. “I’ve said this to them a few times now, but there’s not one player that should have signed for Hearts without having that aspiration,” he said. “I hope, to win a trophy here. “A fundamental part of signing for a club like Hearts should be that you want to be successful and lift silverware. “Obviously, we’ve got to try to beat St Mirren, who over a period of time have shown they are a good side. “But if we can get through this one, we’re 90 minutes away from a semi-final. We go into the game with high expectations of ourselves.” Conor McMenamin and Liam Donnelly are the only names who will be missing from the St Mirren team sheet through injury. Craig Gordon, Jamie McCart, Finlay Pollock, Christian Borchgrevink and Kenneth Vargas are absentees for the Jambos while Adam Forrester could play after returning from St Johnstone less than a week after signing owing to the rules around co-operation agreements. The game kicks off at 3pm and is available to watch on the Premier Sports Player.
Rodgers ready for Bairns cup test
Brendan Rodgers has nothing but praise for Falkirk boss John McGlynn but insists there’s no way his Celtic team will take them lightly in their Premier Sports Cup tie. The cup holders enter the competition against last season’s Championship winners in a Friday night contest as the tournament heads into the knockout phase. And Rodgers showed his appreciation of the work done by his opposite in achieving back-to-back promotions to the top flight. “I’m so happy for him as a guy and his football,” he said. “I think what John has demonstrated in his time since he’s gone back into management is that talent and technique will always override power. “Unless you have the resources and the money to get power, technique and talent then it’s sometimes a difficult askespecially when you’re trying to play football “I look at his teams at Raith and I look at what he’s done at Falkirk in bringing them up. You see how they play and you see the attitude, the energy they have in the game and the technical qualities they have. “He deserves all the accolades he gets been absolutely fantastic and they’ve demonstrated that game idea and how they want to play. “They have an inherent belief in that football philosophy, which has allowed Falkirk to get promoted for the first time in years. “For us we don’t underestimate them. We’ll be ready for them and from the first whistle to be really aggressive in the game.” Bairns boss McGlynn says organisation is the key as they return to Celtic Park on League Cup business, almost a year after losing there 5-2 in the quarter finals in a game where they acquitted themselves well. “They’re always going to go and attack and attack and attack so with the intensity of the game and the tempo it can become relentless,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure that we are very well organised. We are going to have to be nice, bright and sharp with them without the ball. “The ball can come back into play very quickly at a certain part. Whether it’s a goal kick, a throw in, or you know, set play. They’re doing things quickly and they try to you catch out. “So, we cannot turn our back on anything. We’ve got to be so switched on. And if we can do that and have a good shape about us. If we can stay in the game then you know we can cause one or two problems. Friday’s tie between Celtic and Falkirk will be shown live on Premier Sports, kick off 7:45pm.
Robinson commits to Saints until 2028
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson says he wants to keep pushing after penning a new three-deal with the club. The Northern Irishman, along with assistant Brian Kerr, have pledged their future to the club after leading them to three successive top six finishes – the only club outside of Rangers and Celtic to do so in the last three seasons. And he says this is just the beginning as he looks build on the success he’s achieved since joining the club in February 2022. “I’m glad the board have appreciated the hard work Brian and I have done over the last three years with three top six finishes,” he said. “I feel like we’re right at the start of another process. “There’s a lot of hard work to be done, but we’re all aiming to push it in the right direction. “We felt it was right to commit our future with another year to continue the project that we’re doing, aim for another top six finish and keep pushing the club on and off the pitch.” Chairman John Needham added: “We’re thrilled Stephen has extended his contract and committed his future at St Mirren for another year. “The progress we have made as a club over the past few years has been clear to see and Stephen and his coaching team have played a large part in that. “We want to keep building on the successes of the last three season and agreeing this new contract evidences our ambition as a club to continue that progression.” Stephen Robinson’s first game of his new deal will see him take on Hearts in the Premier Sports Cup this weekend as he aims to guide the Buddies on a cup run.
