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.
Celtic and their Champions League gamble
As if facing a lengthy trip to the far end of Kazakhstan isn’t daunting enough, Celtic fans are left wondering when or if Brendan Rodgers will get to splash the cash. With the play-off tie against Kairat Almaty starting with next week’s first leg in Glasgow, what should be the start of another exciting Euro adventure is already fraught with nerves as Celtic’s reinforcements are slow in arriving. Last season, Rodgers’ men successfully navigated the group phase, but were undone by Bayern Munich in the knockout play-off round. Apart from a sound trashing by Borussia Dortmund, they made a great account of themselves in Europe’s premier competition and the assumption would be they would look to kick on and go again. So far, the transfers haven’t exactly whipped the fans into a frenzy. Eight players have been signed – two free transfers, one loan and four involving fees totalling somewhere between £4 million and £5 million. All of whom will no doubt do a job in some capacity, maybe in the long term, but it’s not exciting the supporters. Last year, they spent over £40 million and broke their transfer record twice by bringing in Adam Idah from Norwich for £9 million and Arne Engels for £11 million, both of whom haven’t quite set the heather alight. So who is to blame for this lack of activity? The Celtic boss has remained diplomatic in his comments when it comes to transfer activity, but the undercurrent seems to be of a man frustrated that his attempts to really strengthen the team haven’t come to fruition. Rodgers is a man with ambition. Since the day he first walked into Celtic Park, he’s always wanted to take them to the next level. Last season, he did. This season, who knows? Between the reported £30 million – £40 million in prize money, depends on who you read, not to mention the sale of Nicolas Kuhn to Como for £16 million, the coffers have been swelled again. Now, it’s not for this writer to expect Celtic to splash the money once it starts burning a hole in their pocket, but fans are right to wonder just where the cash is going if they’re not spending it to upgrade the team. Why are the board so frugal and are they willing to irk Rodgers again? Let’s not forget, the Northern Irishman has seen this movie before, which played its part in him leaving for Leicester. The squad deadline is 11pm tonight to register any new players for the Kairat tie and, barring any major development, the current squad, as is, will be trusted to try and get them to the group stage. If the plan is to wait and see if Celtic can do it before they splash the cash in the manner they did in the final week of last August’s transfer window, it’s a risky strategy. If they don’t qualify, what then? It’s a Europa League campaign, which is where they don’t want to be ideally. Failure to reach the Champions League will lead to further disgruntlement for the fans and maybe even tip Rodgers towards the exit door again. The next couple of weeks will really show the level of ambition the Celtic board have. Domestically, there shouldn’t be any problems, but complacency could be a killer for them.
Gray staying grounded despite first leg success
Hibernian welcome Partizan Belgrade to Easter Road as they look to keep their Europa Conference League group phase dream alive and avoid a repeat of the disappointing defeat to FC Midtjylland a fortnight ago. David Gray and his team went to Serbia in last Thursday’s first leg and took home a 2-0 victory in which Martin Boyle produced the goals in a magical night to boost the Scottish co-efficient. Belgrade will travel to Edinburgh as they look to overturn the deficit, whilst Hibs will fancy their chances of extending their lead in the tie in front of a sold-out Easter Road crowd. Should Hibernian progress the job doesn’t get any easier as they will face AEK Larnaca or Legia Warsaw, where Larnaca lead 4-1 after the first leg. Preparations from both sides have differed with Hibs throwing away a two-goal lead in Kilmarnock while their Serbian foes recorded a resounding 7-2 away win over Napredak. Hibs boss David Gray refuses to get too excited, despite the first leg and has urged the fans to fill the stands. “It’s half time in the tie, nothing’s been achieved yet we start this game at 0-0,” he told the press conference on Wednesday. “We’ll be approaching this game as though it’s goalless with it all to play for because we all know the threat and danger Partizan possess. “They have real good quality technical players who are at that level for a reason. We need to be at our very best to get a positive result. “You can never ever underestimate the power of what the fans can do to really spur you on.” Midfielder Jamie McGrath also spoke at the press conference and revealed how desperate he and his teammates are to be the first Hibs players to make it to the group stages in a European competition. He added: “The gaffer said a Hibs team have never got through to the group stages and that is something in the back of our minds as we want to be the first to do it. “We can’t afford to take our eye of the ball of we will be punished.” Recent signing Grant Hanley could make his European debut after getting his first taste as a Hibee in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock while Partizan will be without Vukasin Djurdjevic who was sent off in last Thursday’s first leg. The game kicks off at 8pm and will be shown live on the BBC Scotland channel.
Rangers struggle but progress in Champions League
Vikroria Plzen 2 – 1 Rangers (Rangers win 4-2 on aggregate) Durosinmi (41′), Markovic (83′) Cameron (60′) Rangers are just one step away from the Champions League but they certainly made hard work of it as Viktoria Plzen secured a 2-1 home win, which wasn’t enough for them in the end. It was a complete contrast to last week’s swashbuckling 3-0 home win over the Czech side, but they got the job done. That’s really about the only positive to take from it, in all honesty. Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Dundee was not the ideal preparation as Russell Martin recalled captain James Tavernier and Nico Raskin in midfield, with Max Aarons and Joe Rothwell stepping out. There was a slight injury scare as Cyriel Dessers needed treatment on a wrist injury, but was fine to continue. More importantly, despite perhaps bracing themselves for an onslaught from Plzen, you would have imagined keen to close the gap, it really didn’t materialise. The pace of the game was ponderous at times as the Czech side seemed to lack urgency in spite of their predicament and Rangers didn’t need to do anything silly. Lukáš Červ tested Gers keeper Jack Butland with a fierce effort to remind the Ibrox men they weren’t going away yet. A penalty claim from Dessers shortly after fell on deaf ears. Prince Adu got the better of Tavernier at one point and it was another scary moment as the ball went wide. Plzen took the lead four minutes before the break with Jefte tangling himself up as he tried to keep up with Amar Memic. He nicely teed up Rafiu Durosinmi who buried his chance and the aggregate was reduced to two. Rangers were rocked and returned to the dressing room at half time needing a breather. Memic went close five minutes after the restart as Plzen smelled blood in the water while Prince Adu’s header needed Butland to deal with it. Dessers went off injured with a possible knee problem, where he was replaced by Danilo, but Rangers’ more pressing concerns were at the other end as the home side pushed them. They alleviated those fears when Lyall Cameron opened his Gers account, poking home Danilo’s attempt and the three-goal cushion was restored. In a poor performance, it was a little bit of something that the Ibrox men needed and seemed to take the wind out of Plzen’s sails after their valiant attempts to try and claw the momentum back. Prince Adu forced another great save from Butland as the Czech outfit continued to knock on the door, with the Englishman on hand shortly after to deal with Milan Havel’s header. Despite his heroics, Butland could do nothing about Svetozar Markovic’s header to bring Plzen to within two again with seven minutes to go. Suddenly, Rangers were starting to feel nervous again. They got over the line eventually, but they sure made hard work of it. Play like that against Club Brugge and they can forget about a run out with the big boys. Martin has much to do before he can even entertain that possibility.
SPFL Weekly – Matchday 2: Five Talking Points
Hearts served up a pulsating finale at Tannadice, while Rangers faltered with an unchanged side at home to Dundee. Elsewhere, concerns mounted for the goalless Aberdeen and St Mirren, Livingston claimed promotion bragging rights, and Kilmarnock fought back to frustrate Hibs. While BBC Sportscene marked its 50th birthday with a special edition on Saturday — and a welcome return for presenter Dougie Donnelly — they brought the weekend’s action to the small screen. But while they show it, here’s our take on the big talking points from Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 SPFL season. Set-Piece Heaven: Findlay and Grant Lead the Way Stuart Findlay. Take a bow. Fresh from scoring the second against Aberdeen last week, he delivered again. This time, in dramatic fashion, heading a last-minute winner at Tannadice to keep Hearts top. Not to mention his part in the other goals, he won the penalty for Lawrence Shankland and nodded in the equaliser too. His heroics also spared Zander Clark’s blushes after mistakes in both Dundee United goals, prompting the ‘keeper to sprint the length of the pitch at full-time to celebrate with his saviour. Cheers, Stu. The Jambos began with Alan Forrest at right wing-back but struggled to make inroads down that side — a sharp contrast to the hosts’ stand-in wing-back, Ivan Dolček, who struck twice. Most of Hearts’ threat came down the left, where Harry Milne thrived in the final third, linking superbly with the attack. James Penrice, who? It will concern Dundee United that all three goals they conceded came from set pieces, with former staff member Ross Grant — now Hearts’ set-piece coach — returning to haunt them. Squad depth at wing-back is also an issue, mirroring Hearts’ problems in that area, though Dolček impressed in his stint on the right. Derek McInnes again showed his tactical acumen, reshaping his side at half-time to address their problems on the right. Moving Michael Steinwinder to right-back and Alexandros Kyziridis to right midfield helped nullify the threat of Dolček. However, a move for a new right-back and a goalkeeper after Clark’s recent woes could also be on the cards. United is still in the early stages of rebuilding after a busy summer. Still, signs of promise are already there with Dolček and marquee signing Amar Fateh returning from injury. Their immediate focus is on Europe, with a credible away result against Rapid Vienna setting up a big night at Tannadice. Victory would move them closer to the group stage and the potential £5m windfall it brings. With momentum building over the past two years, Jim Goodwin is now discussing a new contract. Rejoice! As for Hearts, Tony Bloom’s bold prediction of a title challenge within the next decade might be closer than many think… Dee-Light at Ibrox as Dundee Rattle Rangers For the first time in 36 years, Rangers have opened a league season without a win in either of their first two games, and Russell Martin is still waiting for his first Premiership victory as head coach. Russell Martin admitted last week his side didn’t deserve a point — and, arguably, they didn’t here either, despite James Tavernier’s late penalty salvaging one. Dundee might have been cruelly denied had Cyriel Dessers’ stoppage-time strike stood, but the offside flag spared them. The Glasgow side fielded an unchanged eleven from their resounding 3-0 win midweek against Viktoria Plzeň. With hindsight, Martin should have made changes, as his team lacked intensity. Rangers are a work in progress, with new owners, a new boss, new signings, and a few out. Yet, in Glasgow, patience is in short supply, and the fans are already restless. This was evident with the booing throughout the match, particularly of second-half substitutions Nico Raskin and Kieran Dowell. Despite Rangers’ lethargy, Dundee deserves full credit for exploiting it. Energetic and brave, they were unrecognisable from their limp League Cup displays. Steven Pressley geed up his team for this tie, particularly Luke Graham’s standout defensive performance. And special mention goes to Ryan Astley, whose terrific second-half header gave Dundee the lead and had them on the brink of a marquee win for Pressley, if not for Captain Tav’s intervention from the penalty spot. Nasser Djiga’s afternoon also ended on a sour note, the defender seeing red for bringing down Fin Robertson as the last man just minutes after Astley’s opener. No appealing that one. Dons & Buddies Draw Blanks Aberdeen and St Mirren have failed to score in their opening two games of the season, though each has a different take on their final-third troubles. The Saints remain confident the goals will come and are only likely to enter the market if the price is right (think free transfers and loans). Context matters, having already travelled to Celtic Park and faced a rejuvenated Motherwell. They looked threatening in spells but perhaps missing pace in attack, a Toyosi Olusanya-type figure since his move to the USA in April. Aberdeen, meanwhile, have also endured a tough start, opening away to ‘title-chasing’ Hearts and last season’s champions Celtic. But they have looked worryingly toothless, with their only real threat to Kasper Schmeichel a long-range strike from Adil Aouchiche and a miscommunication between Shin Yamada and the veteran keeper. Their summer signing, Yusini Yengi, has endured a difficult start. He squandered a gilt-edged chance at Tynecastle and was underwhelming against the Hoops’ defence. At times on Sunday, he looked an isolated figure before being hooked on 55 minutes. Both captain Nicky Devlin and manager Jimmy Thelin have backed the Australian to come good, insisting he needs time and more attacking support from those around him. Yengi’s woes haven’t stopped the Pittodrie side from entering the market. They have been linked with Swedish winger Kenan Bilalovic for a six-figure fee and young AC Milan striker Marko Lazetic on a free transfer, albeit with a hefty sell-on clause attached. With Europa League qualifiers looming and Friday’s European signing deadline fast approaching, Aberdeen’s need for firepower is urgent. Lions Roar Again
Sportscene at 50: A nostalgia fest in a modern age
Sometimes we just want to see the football and less of the chat. On Saturday’s 50th birthday edition of Sportscene, the sight of Dougie Donnelly return to hosting duties was essential viewing. Scotland’s premier football highlights took fans of a certain vintage back in time to mark the show’s half century as some of the game’s legendary broadcasters were behind the mic one more time to be part of the celebrations. As well as Dougie, ever the smooth anchorman we’ve come to know and love, Archie McPherson and Jock Brown returned to commentary to lend their recognisable voices to the day’s Premiership action. And we loved it all. The show started with a skit as current presenter Steven Thompson appeared to be practicing his links in the new studio, located in the middle of the BBC Scotland Pacific Quay HQ while a man in a brown coat and bunnet, brandishing a brush (playing a sweeper role you might say) worked within earshot. Fancying a shot at delivering the link himself, the coat and bunnet came off and of course, it’s Mr Donnelly, who, without missing a beat delivers a fabulous intro to camera: “Hello! Good to have you with us. Welcome to Sportscene at 50.” Cue music and titles. The next hour was a brilliant mix of old voices, memories and the current day’s action as the generations intertwined, specifically Thompson reduced to a punditry role for the night alongside Gordon Smith, a man who graced the old Sportscene couch for years. The first game of the day belonged to Archie McPherson, who was sent to the SMISA Stadium for St Mirren’s clash with Motherwell. This is a man who commentated on Archie Gemmill’s famous goal against the Netherlands in 1978 (even cheerfully recalling having the record the commentary again for the movie ‘Trainspotting’ where it soundtracked a sex scene he later found out), a voice of numerous cup finals and very much, the voice of many massive Scottish football moments through the years. Sadly, this was also the man who had to sit through a goalless draw as Stephen Robinson’s side and the Steelmen shared the points. Such a shame the occasion wasn’t befitting of the man covering it. Then it was off to Livingston where Jock Brown, setting aside the internal strife at Hamilton Accies where he is currently chairman, took the mic for their game against fellow former Championship dwellers, Falkirk. A much better affair and hearing Brown call the action and the way his voice rises at the goals took us all back to the 80’s and 90’s when he covered the action for Scotsport as well as Sportscene. He would certainly have enjoyed Lewis Smith’s cracker of a goal that put Livi 2-0, with more analysis following. Then it was Rob McLean’s turn, a former Sportscene presenter and commentator and still works for the Corporation on a freelance basis as he covered Rangers’ surprise 1-1 draw with Dundee at Ibrox. Once the business of the day was complete, there was a special message from Hazel Irvine, dubbed “The First Lady of Sportscene” – a title that’s hard to argue with. Archie was in the studio afterwards after the trauma of his goalless fest in Paisley to recall what being part of the show meant to him and his memories of a long and storied career. The show finished with a monologue by Dougie, who thanked everyone associated with the programme through the years. That same twinkle in the eye was still there, that flawless delivery and suddenly it was all over. You can tell they all enjoyed being back on a programme that’s meant so much to them and afterwards, a call for Dougie to return to the gig permanently was put out by numerous people online. That’s how good he was. He left the BBC in 2010 and works on golf’s Asian Tour these days, but people like Thompson, in the most respectful way possible, would have taken a lot from watching a master at work. We certainly enjoyed seeing them and hearing them again. Happy birthday, Sportscene!
Partick Thistle 1-1 Morton: Rivals Draw in Firhill Thriller
There was no shortage of thrills at Firhill as Partick Thistle began their home league campaign against rivals Greenock Morton. Thistle fans were looking for a response following a disastrous opening-day defeat to relegated St Johnstone. The Jags had taken an early lead in Perth but collapsed, conceding five without reply. Morton’s start to the season was more complicated. Manager Dougie Imrie, linked with the Firhill job in the summer before Thistle appointed Mark Wilson, missed the opening league fixture for personal reasons. Technical head coach Billy Davies stepped in, guiding the side to a 0–0 draw with Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline. Team News Imrie returned to the dugout in Maryhill, making three changes: Eammon Brophy was handed his full debut, with Cammy Blues and Ali Crawford also starting. Owen Moffat, Kerr Robertson, and Michael O’Halloran dropped out. Thistle made two changes of their own, with debutant goalkeeper Josh Clarke and home-grown midfielder Ben Stanway replacing Lewis Budinauckas and Ts’oanelo Lets’osa. Before kick-off, a minute’s applause for lifelong Thistle supporter Robert Reid was warmly observed by both sets of fans, while Morton’s travelling support unveiled a banner for their manager’s young daughter reading: Keep fighting, Remi. First Half The opening stages saw few chances, the blustery conditions leading to scrappy play. Thistle’s Logan Chalmers went closest in the first half hour, his wind-assisted free-kick from wide drifting just past James Storer’s post. Morton finally made the breakthrough in the 35th minute. A Cammy Ballantyne cross was held up by Brophy at the near post before being laid off for the onrushing Crawford to fire home, sparking bedlam among the away fans. The visitors then struck the bar twice in quick succession through captain Jackson Longridge and Tomi Adeloye. Thistle responded immediately, Chalmers’ strike crashing off the inside of the post and straight into Storer’s arms. Second Half The game burst into life after the break. Thistle introduced Lets’osa for Luke McBeth, and the Lesotho-born midfielder quickly won his side a penalty after a clattering challenge from Longridge. Chalmers stepped up, sending Storer the wrong way to level the match. Imrie, Davies and Longridge were all visibly unhappy with the referees award of the spot kick against their side. Minutes later, Chalmers broke down the left and squared for Aidan Fitzpatrick, who raced through the middle. With only the advancing Storer to beat, the former Norwich winger somehow dragged his effort wide. Both sides would threaten in the dying stages, with both putting set pieces into dangerous area but neither keeper was forced into any late action as the match ended square. What’s next? Thistle at least have a point on the board, and Morton pick up a valuable away draw but both sides remain in search of a first league win of the season. Both sides now turn their attention to Premier Sports Cup action, with a home tie with Scott Brown’s Ayr United next week for the Maryhill men whilst Imrie, Davies and co host Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen at Cappielow in their own second round tie. Partick Thistle: Clarke; Logan (McPherson 69′), Reading, Ashcroft, O’Reilly; Stanway (MacKenzie 84′) , McBeth (Lets’osa 46′), Crawford; Fitzpatrick, Chalmers, Watt Subs not used: Budinauckas; Lawless, Horn, Falconer. Scorer: Chalmers (50′) Greenock Morton: Storer; Ballantyne, Moore, Longridge, Deleney; Wilson, Blues (Moffat 67′), Crawford (Garrity 84′), Taylor (Robertson 67′); Brophy (McKay 78′), Adeloye (O’Halloran 67′) Subs not used: Murdoch; Corr, Hart. Scorer: Crawford (32′) Att: 3,926