Airdrieonians 0-1 St Johnstone – Match Report
St Johnstone move 5 clear of Partick Thistle with narrow win against Airdrieonians. In the opening few minutes, St Johnstone could have took the lead. A ball over the top found Gullan, who backheeled it into the path of McPake, whose tame effort from inside the box was easily saved by Stone. The Saints thought they found the breakthrough when Fowler got on the end of Diabete’s cross and volleyed home from close range, but the striker was flagged for a marginal offside. Airdrie had their first sight of goal when Mochrie had a go from outside the box, but his effort was comfortably saved by Steward. McPake played a dangerous ball into the Airdrie box, which avoided everyone and looked destined for the far corner, but Stone stuck out a left hand do deny the Hearts-bound winger. Henderson found McKinnon with a cross, but the Airdrie number 24, who found himself unmarked inside the box, put his volley over the top. A golden chance for the hosts. The Saints took the lead when Gullan played a brilliant ball over the top which found Paton, who chipped the ball, on the volley, over Stone, to give Simo Valakari’s side the lead. The perfect way to introduce yourself to the St Johnstone faithful. Into the second period, Gullan found McPake, but similar to his chance in the first period, his effort was easily saved by Stone. The ball fell to McGrattan on the edge of the box after a quick Airdrie counter attack, but his curling effort went sailing over the bar. With over 15 minutes to go, Steward made a tremendous stop to keep The Saints in front. Henderson played a low ball across goal into the path of Mochrie, who looked like he had a tap in, but Steward got across to somehow deny the forward. Airdrie had another golden opportunity to get themselves back on level terms. Mahon’s cutback was deflected into the path of Henderson, who attempted to flick the ball in at the near post, but Steward made himself big to keep Airdrie out once again. Airdrie kept piling the pressure onto the St Johnstone backline. Substitute Mahon found himself with space to shoot, but his effort towards the near post was saved by Steward. Into additional time, Gallagher got on the end of a cross from the right and his effort, on the stretch, went inches wide. After 4 minutes of additional time, the referee brought the game to a close as the game finished 1-0 to St Johnstone. As a result, The Saints move 5 clear at the top of the Championship, while Airdrie remain only 1 point ahead of Ross County in 9th, who face Queen’s Park tomorrow in a huge game at the tail end of the Championship table. Airdrieonians: Stone (7), MacDonald (6), Ross (6), McArthur (6), Strapp (5), McMaster (6), Telfer (6), McKinnon (6), Barjonas (6), Mochrie (5), Henderson (5) Substitutes: McGrattan (6), Thomas (5), Gallagher (5), Mahon (5), Constable (5) St Johnstone: Steward (9), Diabete (6), Baird (7), Boyes (7), Forrester (6), Holt (6), McAlear (6), Gullan (7), Paton (8), McPake (5), Fowler (6) Substitutes: Agyeman (5), Steven (5)
Brentford vs Arsenal – Match Preview
High-flying Brentford host league leaders Arsenal on Thursday night under the lights. The last meeting between these sides came in December. Merino and Saka got the goals in a 2-0 Arsenal win. The West London outfit have not beaten Arsenal in their last 9 attempts, with their last win in this fixture coming on a special day in 2021, where they kicked off their first campaign in the Premier League with a 2-0 home win under Thomas Frank. Brentford come into this clash off the back of 3-2 against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Janelt, Thiago and Ouattara all found the net to give Brentford their first win at Newcastle in 92 years. As a result, The Bees sit in 7th, level on points with Liverpool in 6th. In their last 5 Premier League games, Brentford have picked up 9 points out of a possible 15, which puts them 6th in the form table. Arsenal come into this fixture off the back of a comfortable 3-0 win against Sunderland. A goal from Zubimendi and a brace from Gyokeres gave The Gunners all 3 points. As a result, the title race remains the same, with Mikel Arteta’s men leading the race by 6 points after Manchester City left it late to secure maximum points at Anfield. In their last 5 Premier League fixtures, Arsenal have picked up 8 points out of a possible 15, which puts them 7th in the form table, 1 point and place below Brentford. Keith Andrews will be without on-loan forward Reiss Nelson on Thursday, along with the suspended Kevin Schade and Antoni Milambo, Fabio Carvalho and Josh Dasilva through injury. It is understood that Leandro Trossard, who was forced off during Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Sunderland, will be assessed ahead of Thursday’s London Derby. English Winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to return for Thursday’s match but is expected to return in time for the North London Derby on February 22nd. Martin Odegaard has missed Arsenal’s last 2 matches but could be set for a return to the squad, although not guaranteed. Prospect Max Downman has been out with an ankle injury since December and is only a few weeks away from recovery. The Gunners will not be missing any players through suspension. Rico Henry: “The gaffer [Keith Andrews] has been good to me. He kept saying that we have good squad depth. He told me to keep doing what I’m doing and that my time would come. “That’s what I did. I’ve been pushing the boys. It’s a team effort. Even when you’re not playing, you still want to help the boys and try and win.” “Now I’m back playing a bit more, it’s easier. I’ve been able to build connections with the boys. Nathan [Collins] is playing left centre-back now, and I’d never played with him like that before – it had been Sepp [van den Berg] or Eth [Pinnock]. Mikel Arteta on Viktor Gyokeres’ goals against Sunderland: “Very happy. He deserves it. He is a super committed player, and he wants to get better. He saw the line-up up and I told him he’d come in and make an impact.
Airdrieonians 1-2 St Mirren – Match Report
Championship side Airdrieonians host Premiership side and current League Cup holders St Mirren for a place in the Last 8 of the Scottish Cup. Devaney found Young on the edge of the box, who had a shot, but his effort was comfortably saved by Stone in the Airdrieonians goal. The visitors found the breakthrough after 19 minutes. Mandron flicked the ball into the path of Devaney, who found space on the edge of the box and found the top left corner. A moment of magic from the Manchester United youngster to give St Mirren an early lead. St Mirren continued to pile the pressure on. The ball eventually broke to Richardson inside the Airdrie box, who had a go on the volley, but his effort was well saved by Stone. Phillips found Richardson down the right flank, who played a dangerous ball across goal looking for Mandron, but Ross came sliding in and denied the striker a tap in. From the resulting corner, Devaney sent the ball straight out of play. On 33 minutes, the Airdrie supporters and players were adamant that their side should have been awarded a penalty. Barjonas was caught by the right leg of King, but the appeals were waved away by the referee Kevin Clancy. Mandron found space on the edge of the box down the other end, but dragged his shot past the post. Into the second period, Henderson spotted the run of McArthur, who had a shot inside the box from a tight angle and hit the side-netting. Not long later, Idowu found himself in acres of space inside the Airdrie box, but the substitute kicked the ground as he shot and the ball went well wide. Strapp received a lay off from Barjonas and had a go from just outside the area, and his effort, which left George stranded, went narrowly over the top. 66 minutes in, Airdrie found the equaliser. Henderson received the ball from Barjonas, after a brilliant move, and took a touch before volleying the ball past George, to give The Diamonds a well deserved leveller. A smart finish from Henderson, who now has 17 goals this campaign. Idowu worked the ball onto his right foot and let fly, but his effort was very well saved by Stone, who had to settle for the concession of a corner, which led to nothing. With 2 minutes of normal time remaining, Idowu worked the ball onto his left foot and had a go, but his strike went just pass the post. After 4 minutes of additional time, the referee blew the full time whistle, which was met with boos from the away end. Into the opening exchanges of the second period of extra time, Calvin got on the end of Idowu’s cross, but his effort, on the stretch, went just wide. With 5 minutes of extra time remaining, St Mirren regained the lead. Idowu got on the end of a long ball and hit the ball on the volley, which found its way past the hand of Stone. Into additional time, McMenamin found Idowu through on goal, but the forward’s effort was saved by the foot of Stone. St Mirren progress through to the Last 8 after a tight match against Championship side Airdrie, who made the Paisley outfit work for their win. Airdrieonians: Stone (7), MacDonald (6), Ross (6), McArthur (6), Strapp (6), McMaster (6), Telfer (6), McKinnon (6), Barjonas (7), Mochrie (6), Henderson (8) Substitutes: Bruce (5), McGrattan (5), Gallagher (6), Constable (5), Hastie (5) St Mirren: George (6), Fraser (6), King (5), Freckleton (6), Richardson (5), Phillips (6), Devaney (8), Gogic (7), John (6), Mandron (5), Young (6) Substitutes: Idowu (9), Etete (3), McMenamin (6), Dijksteel (5), Calvin (6), Donnelly (5)
Dundee sign young Mexican forward
Dundee have completed the signing of Mexican forward Aldahir Valenzuela, who joins on a loan deal from Mexican outfit Monterrey until the summer of 2026. Valenzuela previously trained with Dundee in the summer, where he clearly caught the eye of boss Steven Pressley. Several players have made the switch from Monterrey to Dundee due to the strategic partnership the 2 clubs have. Cesar Garza and Victor Lopez previously made the switch. Aldahir after signing for Dundee: “I feel very proud to join Dundee FC. It is a new challenge to join this great club, and I hope to add as much as possible during my time here.”
St Johnstone sign Irish striker
St Johnstone have completed the signing of 25-year-old forward Ruari Paton, who joins on a season-long loan from English League One side Port Vale. Paton has plenty experience in Scotland. The Irishman played for East Kilbride between July 2019 and June 2020, where he played 7 games and scored 3 goals, Stranraer between July 2020 and June 2021, where he played 30 times and scored 9 goals, Queen of the South between July 2021 and June 2023, where he played 91 times and scored 33 goals, Queen’s Park between July 2023 and July 2024, where he played 43 times and scored 22 goals and Dundee United between January 2025 and June 2025, where he played 13 games and failed to find the net. Paton after signing for Saints: “I hope to bring composure, tenacity and of course some goals. But I can say that all I want, I need to show the supporters. “I’m just feeling pure excitement and, as I said, I’m really looking forward to having a good crack at this and having a strong finish to the season. “I’m so eager to get out there on the training field with all the guys. It’s going to be great.”
Dundee sign Wright on loan
Dundee have signed winger Scott Wright from English Championship side Birmingham City until the end of the season. Wright joins Dundee on a loan deal for the rest of the season from English Championship outfit Birmingham City. The 28-year-old has plenty experience playing in the Scottish Premiership, with over 6 years at Aberdeen and then Rangers, where he spent 3 years, where he won the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish Cup and the League Cup, before joining Birmingham City. While at Aberdeen, Wright had a loan spell at Dens Park, where he featured in 13 games, scoring 3 and providing 4 assists. Wright has struggled with injuries whilst in England. In February 2025, the winger picked up a serious injury which kept him sidelined until December. When Wright returned from injury, he was sidelined again until early January. Since returning, Wright has played 6 minutes in 3 games. Scott Wright after signing: “It’s great to be back, excited to be back here and be playing some football. Personally, it was great for me at the time (the previous loan spell), I came in as a young man, it was good for me getting away from home and playing real football. I’m delighted to be back, can’t wait to see the fans at Dens Park soon.”
Dundee sign Dutch defender
Dundee have completed the signing of defender Lewis Montsma, who joins on a six-month deal from English League One side Lincoln City, with an option to extend, The 27-year-old was at Lincoln since July 2020, where he joined after spending 2 years at Dutch outfit FC Dordrecht. The Dutch defender featured in 108 games over 5 years in England. Montsma has struggled for minutes this campaign. The 27-year-old has only featured in 4 matches, with all 4 coming in cup competitions. 2 in the EFL Trophy, 1 in the FA Cup and the other in the EFL Cup. After signing, Montsma said: “I’m very happy to be here. As soon as my agent said Dundee were really interested, I was like this is for me. It’s a good change for me in my career; I hope to play a lot of games here. I spoke to Ethan (Hamilton) on the phone, he told me about how the place is, it looks very nice here, really looking forward to getting started.”
Dundee fans react to goalless draw.
St Mirren 0-0 Dundee: Dundee fans react to goalless draw against St Mirren in Paisley. @Neil Martin: “It’s a point a draw away from home. Probably would’ve taken that at the start of play though it’s a ‘winnable game’, disappointing given the man advantage we couldn’t capitalise on that. Still positives, bounced back from a defeat last week to get a point and kept a clean sheet we’re progressing.” @Logan Cavin: “Heavily missed Ashley Hay today in my opinion, final product just wasn’t there, hardly saw anything from Murray. Only thing I took away from that is Halliday looks great.” @Craig Gordon: Dhanda was off it today unfortunately. Creativity at a minimum across the board. Decent point considering below par all round. Graham looking classier by the week. Home vs Well next under the lights. We can beat them at Dens.” @derry_rhumba: “Fair result. Controlled parts of the game, particularly for spells in the first half, but a complete lack of a final ball of presence upfront killed us today. The substitutes didn’t work either, Reilly looked good but Bevan gave the ball away every single time he got it. Not a terrible result away from home though, and onto Motherwell at Dens.” @Jim Mooney: “Always a tricky place for us but not enough up front. Solid enough at the back against 2 troublesome strikers.” @Bruce Conacher: “Bevan and Reilly should be asked to play as strikers rather than wingers at the moment IMO. Think they would do great.” @Anthony Marshall: “Clean sheet and a point isn’t too bad – need that bit more up front but that will come, no point crying over spilt milk as it isn’t a defeat – perspective required. Will be interesting who comes in before the window shuts. All in all, onwards and upwards. Mon the Dees.”
St Johnstone 2-2 Partick Thistle: Fans Verdict.
Entertaining game, not much in it, both sides were good to watch.”– St Johnstone and Partick Thistle supporters react to dramatic draw in Perth. St Johnstone fans. Sean Hamilton: “Genuinely haunted by the cheapness of the goals St Johnstone gave away last night. McAlear’s lack of urgency in claiming the ball before the first was shocking. Fotheringham is hopelessly casual ahead of the second. Diabate can’t have his hands all over his attacker in the box. Too many self-inflicted goals being lost through a lack of urgency and poor decision making. Players need a shake. The stakes are too high to be so careless. Oh… and Josh Fowler has to start from now on.” Andrew Johnston: “To go 5 clean sheets in a row and then concede 3 goals entirely of our own making is so frustrating. Nobody said it would be easy, but why do we have to make it so hard?” John Clunie: “Sickening but onwards and upwards, still top game in hand let’s do this.” Lee Kelman: “Poor first half, brilliant 2nd half. Just needed to be smarter in last moments of the game. Still 2 points clear with a game in hand.” Partick Thistle fans. Gazman_85: “That was a great point in the end. Thought we played well especially in the first half. 2nd half St. Johnstone the better team but I’m loving this never say die attitude from this team. Not out of this yet.” loyaljag: “The game plan was executed perfectly in first half but you’re always going to be under pressure in second half. Overall it was only one bit of quality that undid us despite playing with backs to wall. These players can never be written off though.” PTFC Updates: “Tony Watt & Alex Samuel, what a partnership! 2 of the league’s best strikers playing for the same team. Tony’s run for the first goal and constant physical battle, showed his class tonight. And Alex Samuel, wonderful as ever, a real physical and goal-scoring threat for us.” Jilly Stevo: “Entertaining game, not much in it, both sides were good to watch. A point each seems right but it feels like a win after being so close to defeat. Brilliant last gasp penalty under huge pressure. Proud of the whole team, they defended well and attacked well and looked totally different to the side I watched at McDiarmid Park on day 1.”
St Johnstone vs Partick Thistle – Match Report
League leaders St Johnstone take on 2nd place Partick Thistle in a huge game at McDiarmid Park. The visitors nearly got off to the perfect start. Samuel did well to get into a shooting position, but his low effort hit the side-netting. Crawford spotted Samuel in plenty of space inside the St Johnstone box, but could not find the Jags number 9, however, the ball found its way to Watt, who cut inside onto his right foot, but his shot was straight at Steward. McPake found Gullan inside the Partick Thistle box, who flicked it onto Holt, whose effort from inside the box was well blocked. Agyeman found space outside the box and had a go, but his powerful effort was straight at Clarke, who kept hold. Crawford found himself with space inside the box, but his shot was well blocked by Mikulic, who slid in to deny the midfielder. Gullan found Forrester who found space to cross, with blue shirts in the middle, but his cross was headed out for a corner. From the resulting corner, the ball fell to McAlear, whose shot from outside the area was tipped over the top by Clarke. With under 5 minutes to go until half time, the Jags broke the deadlock. Striker Watt was first to a 50/50 following a St Johnstone corner. Watt then raced up the pitch and found himself up against Holt, who he got past with ease, and squared the ball to Smyth, who slotted home from close range. Into the second period, St Johnstone found the leveller. Gullan’s corner eventually found its way to Agyeman, who found himself with the ball inside the area with his back to goal, and found the net via a deflection, to give him his first goal for St Johnstone. Forrester found space outside the box and had a go, but his right footed effort went narrowly past the post. Watt found Smyth with a lofted pass, which keeper Steward came rushing out for and got to, to deny the Jags’ number 8. Gullan’s cross resulted in a goalmouth scramble inside the Partick Thistle box, which was stopped by the referee after Clarke collected. Agyeman worked the ball onto his right foot and had a shot, but his strike was palmed away by Clarke. With just over 25 minutes of normal time remaining, McPake put St Johnstone in front. The winger received the ball from Gullan, then cut inside onto his right foot and found the bottom corner. Agyeman found space and whipped in a dangerous cross, which was just beyond the reach of Fowler. Agyeman worked the ball onto his right foot and had a shot from inside the area, which was well saved by Clarke at his near post. Into the final minute of stoppage time, Partick Thistle were awarded a penalty after Samuel was brought down by defender Diabate. Smyth stepped up and found the bottom corner to rescue the Jags a point right at the death. A quite incredible ending to an incredible game at McDiarmid Park. As a result, St Johnstone remain 2 points clear at the top of the Championship with a game in hand. St Johnstone: Steward (5), Forrester (6), Diabate (3), Mikulic (5), Boyes (6), Holt (6), McAlear (5), Stanton (5), Gullan (7), McPake (8), Agyeman (8) Substitutes: Fowler (7), Baird (6), Fotheringham (6), Griffith (6) Partick Thistle: Clarke (6), McPherson (6), McBeth (6), Ashcroft (6), O’Reilly (6), Reading (6), Crawford (6), Smyth (10), Stanway (6), Watt (8), Samuel (7) Substitutes: Loughrey (6), Chalmers (6), Taylor (6)
