Brechin Edge Past Locos at Harlaw Park

Inverurie Locos 1-2 Brechin City Cairns (15′) Armour (11′) Findlay (52′) Mitchell Findlay’s second-half strike lifted Brechin to third place in the Highland League against Inverurie Locos. Brechin City found themselves ahead early on through on-loan Kilmarnock man, Ben Armour, heading the visitors ahead. Locos quickly responded with a ball into the box, where there appeared to be confusion between the players in the box, the ball fell at the foot of Ethan Cairns, who fired home. Both sides had a great range of attacking play, with Locos having the best of the chances but failing to convert a second. Brechin started the second half brightly, dominating the ball, but was unable to create many clear-cut chances. The Hedgemen did find a way to go ahead with a ball into the box, which was tapped into the net by Findlay. Locos injected a lot more energy into the squad following a handful of changes, but were unable to find a second equaliser. The win moves the visitors up to third with the Broch suffering defeat at Banks O’ Dee. Locos drop down a spot into fifth. Inverurie Locos: Ellis, Reid, Ochmanski, Robertson (Buchan 72’), Chapman, Souter, Smith (McKenzie (63’), Halliday, Cairns (Bolton 63’) Duncan (Gray 72’), Skea (Ward 63’) Brechin City: Hepburn, Sweeney, Klimomek (Farquhar 79’), Hutchinson, Spark (Baird 24’), Taylor, Watson, MacLeod, Armour (Tosh 61’), Findlay (McGrath 61’), Moreland

Scotland 3-1 Greece: Second Half Comeback Seals Crucial Home Victory

Scotland 3-1 Greece Christie (64′) Ferguson (80′) Dykes (90+3′) Tsimikas (62′) A gritty second-half comeback moved Scotland onto 7 points in Group C, as their World Cup sprint continued in dramatic fashion. Ben Gannon-Doak had an early chance to stretch his legs in the first minute. The home side worked the ball to John McGinn on the edge of the box, but the Aston Villa captain’s shot was blocked. Christos Tzolis featured for Club Brugge in a 9-1 Champions League thrashing against Rangers. He delivered a tantalising pass across the six-yard box after seven minutes, which Vangelis Pavlidis could not steer goalwards. It was a golden opportunity, which helped to settle Ivan Jovanovic’s side. Greece continued to threaten in the opening 15 minutes, the home defence blocked an Anastasios Bakasetas strike inside the box, and Kostas Tsimikas blasted over from the resultant corner kick. The visitors dominated possession, building on their last Hampden visit, which ended in a 3-0 victory. Their confident start was ominous for the frustrated home support. Konstantinos Tzolakis eventually cleared John McGinn’s deep cross on 17 minutes as Scotland looked to wrestle control back in the game. But despite surviving the early onslaught, Scotland were struggling to get their foot on the ball. The Greek press suffocated the home defence for large portions of the first period, allowing cheap turnovers in dangerous areas. Pavlidis almost took advantage of their latest turnover on 32 minutes. After locating acres of space on the edge of the box, he drilled a low deflected shot, which Gunn had to be alert to parry away. The match was goalless at halftime, and Scotland lacked an attacking edge. Steve Clarke’s side have one win in nine at Hampden Park, and would have to deliver a more assured second-half performance if they were to continue their positive start to Group C. Scotland were awarded another let-off in the first minute of the second half. Tsimikas had space to pick out Pavlidis in the box with a left-hand cross, the striker sharply moved across Grant Hanley but headed over. Greece played through Scotland with ease after 53 minutes. Tzolis and Pavlidis danced around several navy jerseys; the latter found Giorgos Masouras, who lashed over. The goal finally arrived in the 62nd minute. A Pavlidis shot deflected into the path of the unmarked Tsimikas, who made no mistake to roll past Gunn. The goal felt inevitable and warranted the Greeks’ dominant showing. Miraculously, Scotland struck level two minutes later. Ryan Christie bundled home Grant Hanley’s knockout after substitute Anthony Ralston had kept a Scotland corner alive. A nervy VAR check ensued, but with the goal confirmed, relief could be felt all around Hampden Park. Greece, to their credit, found their rhythm once more. The introduction of wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas offered further firepower in the visiting attack. Che Adams almost converted an inventive free kick in the 73rd minute. He peeled into space at the front post, but his shot was deflected wide. Hampden erupted in the 80th minute as Scotland found their second goal. Andy Robertson teased a free kick to the back post, which Greece failed to clear. Lewis Ferguson was alert to smash high into the net, completing an unlikely comeback. The home side had six minutes of stoppage time to negotiate as they ticked closer to a precious victory. Gunn pushed a Karetsas strike round the post in the 91st minute to keep the Scots ahead. Lyndon Dykes sealed the victory in the 93rd minute. Greek goalie Tzolakis spilt the ball into the striker’s path, who had the easy task of firing into the open goal. Scotland laboured for 64 minutes, but took a major step towards a first World Cup appearance in 27 years. They welcome Belarus to Hampden on Sunday evening in their 4th qualifying game. Scotland: Gunn 6 Hickey 6 Hanley 7 Souttar 6 Robertson 6 Gannon-Doak 6 Ferguson 6 Christie 7 McGinn 6 McTominay 6 Adams 6 Substitutes: Ralston 6 Gilmour 6 Tierney 6 Dykes 6 McKenna Greece:Tzolakis 6 Vagiannidis 7 Mavropanos 6 Koulierakis 6 Tsimikas 7 Kourbelis 6 Zafeiris 7 Masouras 7 Baketsas 6 Tzolis 8 Pavlidis 7 Substitutes: Ioannidis 5 Karetsas 5 Konstantelias 5 Mouzakitis 4 Mantalos 4

Smith Continues Warriors Reign as Scotland Choose Continuity

Franco Smith was long considered the heir apparent to Gregor Townsend’s Scotland post. The whispers were loud: a URC title under his belt, a proven developer of talent, and the kind of coach with vision who could carry Scotland forward. Yet when the job came up — or rather, when the contract decisions were made — Smith stayed at Glasgow. Instead, Scotland opted for continuity with Townsend, and Smith’s path forward remains at club level — at least for now. That raises some tough questions. Was this a safe choice by the SRU — sticking with the known rather than embracing change? Did Smith miss a chance to step up, or did Scotland miss their chance to inject fresh blood at the top? And for Smith himself: is he accepting the long game, or biding his time? What do you think — should Scotland have appointed Franco Smith instead, or was keeping Townsend the correct call?

Warriors Seek Response at Scotstoun over Dragons

Glasgow Warriors return to URC action to face the Dragons on Saturday evening, in a matchup, on paper, that should be won by the home side. The Welsh side has struggled for years to shake its reputation as perennial underdogs, while Glasgow has consistently sat in the league’s upper tier. The stats underline it: Glasgow have won 8 of the last 9 meetings with Dragons. Their average winning margin in those games sits at around 20 points. Dragons’ last win against Glasgow came back in 2018. And yet — sport doesn’t always respect statistics. Dragons can be awkward, gritty, and combative. Glasgow has greater depth and quality across the park, but complacency is a killer. Franco Smith’s men will know that an early slip in the season could undo all the momentum they’ve been building. What’s your call: a routine Glasgow win, or do the Dragons finally bite back and spring an upset?

Former English Rugby Star Moody Reveals MND Battle

Lewis Moody, one of England rugby’s fiercest competitors and a World Cup winner, has revealed he is living with motor neurone disease (MND). He describes his current symptoms as “very minor”, but the diagnosis has come as a profound shock for him and his family. MND is a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and eventually paralysis. While tragic in itself, Moody’s diagnosis adds to a concerning pattern in rugby: we’ve also lost Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen to this condition. Moody earned 71 caps for England, lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003, and led by example on the pitch with heart and grit. Lewis Moody’s announcement is a call not just to support him, but to support research, to support better care, and to support the work of those already fighting this battle. Doddie Weir’s legacy lives on through My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which continues to fund vital research into MND, provide grants to affected individuals, and raise awareness across the rugby world and beyond.

Pressure Intensifies for Amorim as Sunderland visit Old Trafford

Man United welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford in their first meeting since 2017. The Red Devils’ haven’t had the best of starts to the Premier League season, sitting 14th in the Premier League. They have only had two wins in the league so far, defeating both Chelsea and Burnley in the process. United have suffered some big shocks so far this season, losing to Brentford last week as well as English League Two side, Grimsby, completing a giant killing in the Carabao Cup, winning on penalties after a 2-2 draw. However, for Sunderland, they have had the dream start to life back in the Premier League as The Black Cats sit 6th following promotion from the English Championship. Before this season, Sunderland had a terrible time with luck, spending many years in the Championship as well as English League One. Their only defeat so far this season in league action came against Burnley, losing 2-0 at Turf Moor to their fellow promotion side. They were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup after a penalty disappointment against Huddersfield Town at the Stadium of Light. Last time out Last time out for United, they were defeated 3-1 in London by Brentford. A brace by Thiago found the Bees’ two goals in front inside the opening 20 minutes. Sesko soon found one back, but a last-minute Jensen goal sealed all three points for Brentford. Sunderland, however, left Nottingham Forest with a shock 1-0 win courtesy of an Alderete header from a free kick, giving Sunderland a well-deserved victory over Ange Postecoglou’s side. Last meeting The last meeting took place in 2017 at the Stadium Of Light, where Manchester United ran away 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford to seal the deal for the Red Devils. Team news Amorim had the arrivals of Malacia and Amad back in first-team training in where they should be available for this afternoon. Casemiro also returns after serving a one-match suspension; however, Martinez and Mazraoui both remain sidelined. For the visitors, Reinildo misses the trip to Old Trafford due to a three-match suspension.

Heroic Halkett Delivers Derby Delight for Hearts

Hearts 1-0 Hibernian Halkett (90+1′) A late Craig Halkett strike saw Derek McInnes’ Hearts move five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The team emerged into a red-hot Tynecastle atmosphere. Harry Milne’s early free-kick deflected behind off Halkett in the game’s first opening. Hibs responded with their own free-kick shortly after, an inswinging ball dropped to Boyle at the back post, whose shot was blocked Meaty challenges were aplenty in a feisty first half. Claudio Braga was given a warm welcome to his first derby after colliding with Jordan Obita. The visitors were structured in defence and settled into the raucous environment. They recycled a free kick in the 15th minute, which eventually found its way to Obita, whose deflected volley arrowed wide. Alexandros Kyziridis’ screamer helped the Jambos on their way to a 3-0 victory over Falkirk last Saturday. He attempted a similar effort in the 22nd minute, which drifted inches over. The Greek winger delivered a teasing set piece minutes later, which bounced in the 6-yard box, but had no takers in maroon. Alexander Schwolow played in several hotly contested derbies during his Union Berlin days and was alert to collect the ball as Martin Boyle raced in on goal after the half-hour mark. The industrious Cammy Devlin was constantly involved in the first period, his cross almost dipped into Raphael Sallinger’s goal as the quest for the opening goal continued. Kyziridis released Braga into space on the left flank, but the attacker’s cross was behind captain Lawrence Shankland as the half drew to a close. Both teams were defensively solid, but would have to show more bravery in attack to force the opening goal Stephen Kingsley’s cross narrowly missed Milne at the back post, and Grant Hanley smothered a Devlin pass as McInnes’ men rallied for a goal in the second half. Hibs had a golden chance on the hour mark, as Boyle raced clear of the Hearts defence and audaciously dinked over Schwolow. The ball looked destined to find the back of the net, but was scrambled clear after caressing the crossbar. Hearts responded through Braga’s low strike, which was saved by Sallinger as Tynecastle intensified. The large away following filled the Roseburn Stand with green, and went ballistic after Boyle finished low past Schwolow in the 67th minute. However, the celebrations were cut abruptly short as the Hibs attacker was deemed offside. Both managers turned to their bench for the final ten minutes; the first goal would surely settle this frantic derby match. That goal came in the 91st minute. An inspired substitution by Derek McInnes saw Sabah Kerjota deliver a pinpoint cross for Craig Halkett to sidefoot home. In a match that lacked attacking quality, it was The Jambos’ central defender who applied the winning touch to seal derby delight for Gorgie.   Hearts: Schwolow 6 McEntee 6 Halkett 7 Findlay 6 Kingsley 6 Milne 7 Baningime 6 Devlin 7 Kyziridis 7 Braga 6 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Kabangu 5 Steinwender 5 Kerjota 5 Forrest 5 Magnusson   Hibernian: Sallinger 6 O’Hora 6 Hanley 7 Iredale 6 C Cadden 6 Mulligan 6 Barlaser 6 Campbell 6 Obita 6 Bowie 6 Boyle 7 Substitutes: McGrath 5 Klidje 5

Townsend Takes Part-Time Advisory Role for Premiership Side

Gregor Townsend MBE, Scotland’s Head Coach, has just taken on a consultant role with Newcastle Falcons. On paper, it’s a fresh challenge and a chance for him to bring international experience into the Premiership. But the headlines it’s generating aren’t just about rugby tactics. Some fans are buzzing that his knowledge could help lift the Falcons off the bottom of the table. Others are worried it raises bigger questions: does splitting his focus dilute his commitment to Scotland at a time when consistency and cohesion matter most? Especially with a World Cup cycle already ticking down. It’s a fascinating twist in modern coaching, where boundaries between club and country roles are blurring more and more. What do you think – is this a smart move that’ll keep Townsend sharp, or a distraction Scotland can’t afford?

Warriors Head to Italy for Latest Round of URC Action

Franco Smith’s Glasgow Warriors are heading to Treviso to face Benetton in Round 2 of the URC — and the history between these two tells us this won’t be cosy. Here’s what the record books say: These sides have met 24 times. Glasgow have won 17, Benetton 7. Of those 7 wins, most have come at home (6 of 7), while Glasgow have taken 10 victories away at Benetton’s ground. The biggest margin in a Glasgow win? 37 points. The biggest margin in a Benetton win? 27. In recent clashes, Glasgow beat Benetton 37-0 in February 2022. This time, however, there’s some interesting subplots at play: Glasgow welcome back Kyle Steyn and Sione Tuipulotu, both major weapons in attack. The Warriors opened their season with a commanding 35-19 win over the Sharks — showing they’re in form and not afraid to score. Benetton at home remain dangerous — Monigo is rarely forgiving, especially against a team that oversteps in error or lacks discipline. Now, the question that matters: on October 4, Benetton host Glasgow in Treviso. And then on October 11, Glasgow return home (though their fixture is vs Dragons) — but fans will still be watching the Benetton result as a barometer for what their season might look like. So, who do you reckon comes out on top in Treviso — Glasgow extending their dominance, or Benetton digging deep for a shock?

Rangers Beaten in Graz as Misery Compounds for Under Pressure Martin

Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers Horvat (7′) Kiteishvili (35′) Gassama (49′) A first-half double from Sturm Graz ensured back-to-back Europa League defeats for Rangers, as their dismal season opening continues. The home side made a dream start in the 7th minute. After picking off a James Tavernier throw-in, they worked the ball to Tomi Horvat, whose shot went through Jack Butland in goal. The goalkeeper perhaps should have done better, but it was a disastrous start for Russell Martin’s side. Belmin Beganovic forced Butland into an important near-post save, as Sturm Graz looked to double their advantage soon after. Youssef Chermiti’s back post header crashed off the crossbar, as the visitors searched for the leveller after 17 minutes. Sturm Graz continued to control proceedings and added a second in the 35th minute. Rangers were caught off guard by a deep free kick, evading their entire defensive line. Otar Kiteishvili had acres of space to poke the ball past Butland. It was a clever finish by the Georgian, but a lack of concentration from the visitors played a huge part. Russell Martin turned to his bench at halftime, with Bojan Miovski and Max Aarons replacing Jayden Meghoma and Oliver Antman. The visitors started the second half on top. Djeidi Gassama latched onto Nico Raskin’s clipped pass, after cutting inside, and thumped a low shot past Oliver Christensen, offering some encouragement to the travelling fans behind the goal. Rangers submitted an improved second-half performance, but were let off several times by the Austrian attack. John Souttar almost secured a point in injury time, but Christensen reacts brilliantly to parry over his strike from close range. The defeat leaves Rangers with 0 points from their opening two Europa League matches. They return to domestic action at the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Questions remain for under-pressure Russell Martin, after another disappointing defeat. Sturm Graz: Christensen, Ooermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic, Stankovic, Horvat, Chukwuani, Kiteishvili, Malone, Beganovic Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Raskin, Barron, Aasgaard, Antman, Chermiti, Gassama