Askou upbeat despite Celtic Park defeat

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou saw plenty of positives from his side’s 3-1 defeat against champions Celtic. Elijah Just gave the Fir Park side a priceless lead, but replies from Tomas Cvancara and Yang meant the Steelmen would lose further ground on the top three. Speaking after the match, Askou expressed pride in his team’s performance, as they continue to navigate a stellar season. “Of course it hurts. We hate losing, love winning, and now we have got nothing out of the last two games, even though we have put a lot in. “The tempo was really high at times, some of the quality in the build-up was really good, and our pressing was at times extremely good, and it made them change their strategies. “We got a goal from it, and our bravery gave them some opportunities to punish us, which they were able to do. “It could go both ways, and I would have hoped it would not be that kind of moment or incident that tipped the game to one of the sides. I think it was a shame that [the penalty and red card] decided the game. “It’s a penalty, which is a big chance, and a red card, which makes it difficult to get back into the game and get a result.” Hopes of splitting the Old Firm may slip away after back-to-back defeats leave the Steelmen seven points adrift of third place. They return to Fir Park on Saturday afternoon, facing European-chasing Hibernian.

McCann determined to create a “Fortress” after Hearts victory

Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann expressed his delight at his side’s improved home form, following their deserved 1-0 victory over league leaders Hearts at BSSP Rugby Park. “There’s a lot to like. I’m so proud of the players. We’ve had two weeks to dwell on the Falkirk result. “The message was to play with risk and bravery, but that we would have to match Hearts. “We knew they would throw balls in the box and be physical, but to a man, we were outstanding and thoroughly deserved the three points. “We did all the stuff off the ball so well. Derek [McInnes] is a first-class manager, and we had to adjust our tactics to respect how Hearts would play. “We had everything tonight and could have scored more as well. We tried to stay composed, they stuck their chests out and deserve their victory. “The bar was set when we came in – what we expect as a coaching team. What we’re doing at home is so pleasing. I want it to become a fortress.” The victory moves the Ayrshire side level on points with St Mirren, ahead of a crucial few weeks before the Scottish Premiership split. Victories over Aberdeen, St Mirren, and now Hearts at home have fuelled optimism for a rejuvenated Killie support. McCann and assistant Billy Dodds deserve heaps of credit for the side’s steady improvement.

Man Utd 3-1 Aston Villa: Hosts tighten grip on third after enthralling second half

Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa Casemiro (53′) Cunha (71′) Sesko (83′)      Barkley (64′) Two goals in the final twenty minutes secured a crucial three points for Manchester United at Old Trafford, as Michael Carrick’s interim reign continues to bear fruit. The top four match up with Aston Villa started slowly, but burst into life in an action-packed second half. United opened the scoring after a terrific corner kick delivery from captain Bruno Fernandes. The outswinging ball was headed past Emi Martinez by Casemiro, giving the hosts the lead in the 53rd minute. Aston Villa responded eleven minutes later. Ross Barkley’s wicked strike found the bottom corner after Lucas Digne’s low cross. But United seized control of the match in the final twenty minutes, again, their starman Fernandes was heavily involved. The Portuguese midfielder split the Villa defence with a deadly through ball. Matheus Cunha gathered and finished past Martinez with his right foot to reestablish the lead. Benjamin Sesko fired home his 9th league goal of the season, to add gloss to the scoreline in the 83rd minute, moving Carrick’s rejuvenated side three points clear in third place over Villa. Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro (Ugarte 91′) Mainoo, Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbuemo (Sesko 75′) Aston Villa: Martinez, Bogarde, Konsa, Mings (Maatsen 82′) Digne, Onana, Barkley (Luiz 82′) McGinn (Bailey 61′) Buendia (Garcia (86′) Rogers, Watkins (Abraham 60′)

Derby Stars, New Beginnings, and Title Credentials: SPFL Breakdown Round 30

Ahead of a crucial Scottish Premiership weekend, these are three things to watch out for, with key match-ups all over the league table. Game of the Weekend – Celtic v Motherwell While omitting the Dundee Derby feels like a slight, Motherwell’s latest trip to Celtic Park is shaping up to be an unmissable clash. Much has been made of Jens Berthel Askou’s tactical imprint on the league this season; his side will arrive full of belief that they can conduct an upset, despite a stumble at Dens Park last weekend. Memories of their last meeting linger, a 2-0 Motherwell victory that felt more like a massacre than the scoreline suggested. Askou’s men ran riot against a passive Celtic side, then managed by the beleaguered Wilfried Nancy. However, the Hoops are a different beast now. With Martin O’Neill back in the dugout, Celtic are riding high after a marathon 120-minute triumph over Rangers at Hampden. Returning home after a gruelling four-game road trip across Ibrox, Stuttgart, and Aberdeen, Celtic’s task is to close the gap at the top to just two points with the Jambos playing in the evening kick-off. Whether Motherwell can throw another spanner in the works of this title race remains to be seen, but if their last 3-2 thriller in Glasgow is any indication, we’re in for a classic. Team Spotlight – Aberdeen Stephen Robinson has undoubtedly earned a crack at the Aberdeen job. Departing St Mirren as a club legend, he leaves behind a legacy of three consecutive top-half finishes and a League Cup trophy, all achieved on a fraction of his rivals’ budgets. His immediate task is to galvanise a fragmented Dons squad still reeling from a shock Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Dunfermline. With their trophy defence dead and a bottom-six finish already guaranteed, Robinson’s priority is a total appraisal of a bloated squad as he looks toward next season. His tenure begins with a baptism of fire – Falkirk at home. With the Bairns playing expansive football and chasing a European spot, Pittodrie will be an unforgiving introduction for the new man. All eyes turn to the North East this weekend to see if, five years after Derek McInnes moved on, Aberdeen have finally found a long-term successor. Player Spotlight – Tony Yogane The third instalment of the Dundee Derby arrives this Sunday. Although both sides currently reside in the bottom six, the stakes remain high in what promises to be an intriguing encounter at Dens Park. The Dark Blues have the chance to leapfrog their bitter rivals into 7th place, continuing a season that has defied many pre-season relegation predictions. Central to Steven Pressley’s success has been a reliance on phenomenal wing play. Swansea loanee Cameron Congreve commands the headlines – currently the league’s joint-top assist provider with seven – he recently showcased his value with a stunning 20-yard strike in a chaotic 3-3 draw with Hibernian. However, Tony Yogane is proving just as potent on the opposite flank. The Brentford loanee, fresh from opening the scoring in a vital win over high-flying Motherwell, has consistently impressed with his physicality and tireless work rate. After playing the full 90 minutes in Dundee’s 1-0 triumph at Tannadice earlier this season, Yogane will be eager to replicate that dominant performance on home turf.

“We could play at four in the morning and our fans would be there” – McInnes

Amid rising title talk, Derek McInnes insists Hearts have to “concentrate on winning games of football” when they resume their campaign against Kilmarnock on Saturday evening. Addressing the media on Thursday, McInnes observed a sense of “calm” within the squad ahead of a defining run of games. “It’s down to the efforts of the players, how well they’ve done. The focus has been great. The last couple of games have really pleased us in the sense that we’ve got the desired outcome. “But the performances have been good as well. We just need to refocus on the next challenge.” “If we can replicate a lot of what we’ve done between the start of the season and now, then we’ll put ourselves in with a chance. But with nine games to go, there’s still almost a quarter of the season, 27 points to win, 27 points that you can lose.” McInnes revealed stalwarts Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland will return to full training next week, but the Kilmarnock match will come “too soon” for both players. The manager also lauded the support of the travelling Gorgie fans, 5000 of whom will pack out the Rugby Park away end. “We feel as if they just want to follow us, and the backing we get home and away has been first class this season, and they’ve got a huge part to play, so when we run out at Rugby Park for the warm up, and the lads see that it feels like a big game right away.” Hearts face Kilmarnock on Saturday evening, looking to maintain their lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

Scottish Football Restructuring Proposal Phase 4: Refereeing Structure

A comprehensive new proposal to restructure Scottish football has been launched by supporter and former SPFL scout Joe Quinn, including a revamped refereeing structure. Match officiating plays a crucial role in the integrity, fairness, and credibility of any football competition. To align Scottish football with the international best practices and enhance the performance, accountability, and development of referees, this proposal introduces a new structure centred around training, transparency, and the option of full-time professionalism. 1. Current Status (Part-Time System) At present, all referees operating in the Scottish Premiership, as well as those officiating in the lower SPFL divisions and domestic cup competitions, are part- time. These officials often balance refereeing with separate careers or occupations, meaning limited time is available for ongoing training, match review, or performance development. While this system has functioned for decades, it is increasingly viewed as insufficient for a modern footballing environment, where officiating decisions are under constant public scrutiny. Moreover, part-time status restricts opportunities for referees to commit to continuous professional development, embrace advanced technologies, or maintain the physical and analytical standards required at the highest level of the game. 2. Proposed Referee Structure This proposal introduces a more progressive, sustainable model that supports the development of refereeing standards in Scotland. It does not require all referees to go full-time but introduces new optional pathways, better mentoring, and performance review systems. Full-Time Option for Premiership Referees who officiate regularly in the Scottish Premiership will be offered the opportunity to become full-time professionals. This is a voluntary scheme, existing referees can choose to remain part-time if preferred. Full-time referees would be employed on contracts that include scheduled training, fitness monitoring, rule updates, performance analysis, and travel preparation. They would be subject to annual review and development plans aligned with UEFA refereeing standards. This model reflects those already in place across Europe and would professionalise the top level of officiating in Scotland without forcing out experienced part-time officials. Training and Development Roles Full-time Premiership referees would also have a coaching and mentoring responsibility: They will be assigned to support officials in the Championship, League 1, and regional divisions. In areas such as Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands, they will deliver workshops, observe lower-league matches, and provide one-to-one coaching. This initiative strengthens regional referee development and creates a clear pathway to the top for new and aspiring officials. UEFA-Level Referees Officials who have attained UEFA certification or who regularly officiate in European competition will be strongly encouraged to become full-time. This allows more preparation for UEFA duties and ensures domestic standards benefit from their experience. These referees will act as senior figures within the referee team and help raise the overall quality of officiating in Scotland. Transparency and Match Review A new emphasis will be placed on post-match analysis and transparency: Full-time referees will be required to review match footage, attend performance debriefs, and complete official post-match reports with key decision justifications. This will increase public trust in officials and provide an internal platform for learning and improving decision-making. A designated Refereeing Standards Panel will oversee all referee reviews, including issuing public statements on major decisions if appropriate. In addition, referee performances will be regularly monitored and ranked, forming part of their eligibility for high-profile matches, finals, or international assignments. This structure supports higher standards, consistency, and long-term development of refereeing across Scotland, while respecting the experience and commitment of current part-time officials. Contact: Joe Quinn Email: joseph.a.quinn@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07967 213586

“Why not?” Buddies Eye More Hampden Glory after Quarter Final Triumph

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson has a clear “belief” his side can deliver more cup miracles after safely progressing to the Scottish Cup semi-finals. First-half goals by Jake Young and Dan Nlundulu proved the difference, withstanding a second-half Partick Thistle fightback to win 2-1 at the SMISA Stadium Ahead of a Hampden rematch with Celtic, whom they defeated in the League Cup final earlier this season, Robinson is looking forward to the challenge. “There’s a belief that we can do it. We need to be the best version of ourselves that we haven’t been in recent weeks. “We found a way to win tonight. We have an opportunity to go to Hampden, which, for this football club, is incredible. “We’ve got injuries galore. Marcus Fraser is out for eight weeks, Mika Mandron is out for six or eight weeks, and Kion Etete got injured in the warmup, so we had no strikers to bring on. But we found a way.” The manager praised goalscorer Young, whose second goal in two games doubled the Buddies’ advantage in the first half. “We got the opportunity to get him up, and we knew it would take time for him to hit the ground. “But he’s the most natural goalscorer we have. And, for a club like St Mirren, that’s difficult to find. “He scores out of nothing, two great finishes and, when you’re not on top of your game, good strikers win games for you.” Speaking on the game, Young expressed his anticipation for facing the Scottish Champions at the National Stadium “Just excited about tonight, happy to get to Hampden and looking forward to the challenge ahead.” Sitting precariously above the relegation playoffs, St Mirren will shift focus to a crucial home clash against Rangers this weekend. However, Buddies fans will dare to dream, having already lifted a domestic trophy this season.

Dundee FC Announce Front-of-Shirt Partnership Extension with Crown Engineering

Dundee Football Club are delighted to confirm that Crown Engineering will continue as the club’s front-of-shirt partner for the 2026/27 season. The extension marks the seventh consecutive year that the Crown Engineering logo will feature proudly on the front of the Dark Blues’ first-team shirts, continuing a strong partnership between two organisations with deep roots in the city of Dundee. Since first joining forces with the club, Crown Engineering have been a valued supporter of Dundee FC, playing an important role in backing the club’s ambitions on and off the pitch. Their continued commitment reflects the strength of the relationship and a shared pride in representing the Dundee community. Speaking about the extension, John Nelms, Managing Director at Dundee FC, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Crown Engineering will remain our front-of-shirt partner for the 2026/27 season. Over the past several years, they have been fantastic supporters of the club and great partners to work alongside. “As a Dundee-based company, they share our passion for the city and our ambition to continue pushing the club forward. We look forward to building on what has already been a very successful partnership.” Doug Robertson, Managing Director at Crown Engineering, added: “We are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Dundee Football Club. The club is a huge part of the city and the community, and it has been a privilege for Crown Engineering to have our name on the front of the shirts over the past number of seasons. “We’re excited to continue supporting the club and wish everyone at Dundee FC the very best for the 2026/27 campaign.” The Crown Engineering logo will once again feature on Dundee FC’s first-team shirts throughout the 2026/27 season across all domestic competitions, continuing a partnership that has become a familiar sight for supporters at Dens Park and beyond. Dundee FC are set to launch its brand new 2026/27 kits in the coming months.

Askou backs Motherwell to respond against Celtic after Dens Defeat

Jens Berthel Askou insists he was “happy with the effort” after Motherwell’s late defeat against Dundee on Saturday, as the Steelmen failed to close their gap on the top three with their game in hand. Finlay Robertson’s slotted finish in the 84th minute sealed three crucial points for Steven Pressley’s side, after Callum Slattery handed the visitors a lifeline with a stunning free kick. Speaking at full-time, Askou was upbeat with his team’s efforts. “We played against a team that has caused us trouble this season, it’s no coincidence they are a well-coached team who work hard, defend the box with their lives and have an attacking threat. “I think we really tried to up the tempo, had some really good moments in the first half, we didn’t take. “Eventually, we got the goal and chased the win; it became a very open game. There were moments at both ends, but Dundee were the better team at being able to take those moments. But the effort was there, although the quality was not quite there. “We switched off in a single moment, which they took advantage of because we’d spent a lot of energy really chasing. That can happen at times; unfortunately, it happened today and gave us a mountain to climb in the last 10 minutes. We tried but didn’t quite reach the top. “We need to make sure when we get the opportunities next week, we need to take them. “We’re here to try and win football games and get as high in the table as possible. We have not, and never will be, no matter how good a season we have, be favourites to win the title, so it’s not something we address. We will try to climb as high as possible in the table. “Even though we have been almost invincible over a large period of time, we knew that there would come a day when the opposition just outplayed us and we didn’t get the result – that was today. “I know the players and staff will do their best to make sure that never happens again and we get back to our best on Saturday, and then time will tell where that’s going to take us.” Motherwell return to league action at Celtic Park. Saturday was a blow for their top three aspirations, but they will remain confident of delivering a result against the Scottish Champions.

Rangers 0-0 Celtic (2-4 on pens): Hoops hold their nerve to advance to Hampden

Rangers 0-0 Celtic Celtic win 4-2 on penalties Tomas Cvancara’s clinical penalty secured Celtic’s place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals after a tense 120 minutes of action at Ibrox. A packed-out Ibrox brought a raucous derby atmosphere, but in truth, the first half lacked clear-cut quality. Rangers started with a similar endeavour to last Sunday’s league encounter. Don Robertson correctly waved off an early penalty shout after Youssef Chermiti’s strike cannoned off Auston Trusty’s arm, which remained in a natural position. The Celtic team sheet surprisingly excluded captain Callum McGregor, who appeared to be suffering with injury. The visitors missed the captain’s instrumental force, as the hoops struggled to counter Rangers’ intensity. Celtic thought they had opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Liam Scales flicked on Luke McCowan’s inswinging cross from the right. Daizen Maeda reacted quickest, diverting a low header into Jack Butland’s bottom corner. The goal sent the 7,500 away supporters into a frenzy, but with Scales in an offside position, VAR promptly intervened. Danny Rohl would have been happier with his side’s control in the opening half hour, but Martin O’Neill’s side had learned from last Sunday. Mikey Moore’s threat was nullified by a sea of green jerseys every time the youngster got on the ball – the winger was unable to produce the same brilliance that helped foster a 2-0 lead seven days ago. With the score level after the break, Ibrox grew tense on the pitch and in the stands. Benjamin Arthur miscontrolled McCowan’s back pass in the 50th minute, allowing Chermiti an opening. Luckily for Celtic, Viljami Sinisalo was alert to race off his line, and clear from the Portuguese striker. Somehow, the ball stayed out of Sinisalo’s net four minutes later. A dangerous corner kick from Moore was glanced towards goal by Emmanuel Fernandez. The header deflected off Nasser Djiga in the box, causing a stramash in the penalty area, but with several Rangers’ jerseys around the ball, they could not force the ball home. With twenty minutes to play, the games remained finely balanced. Despite no goals, both sides continued to give every ounce of energy to turn the tie in their team’s favour. Benjamin Nygren hooked Nico Raskin’s glancing header away from the target as the game reached a crescendo. Dane Murray produced a brilliant block to stop Tochi Chukwuani’s striker with minutes to play. The visitors had endured endless pressure but defended their box well to stay in the game. The quarter final went into extra time, with neither team able to break the deadlock in a tense second half. Chermiti had the game’s best chance in the 98th minute. Bajrami’s lobbed pass found the striker in space, but from the left-hand side of the box, his deflected shot was skewed behind. The drama continued from the resultant corner, Fernandez towered above a crowded penalty box, to head into the net. However, the goal was rightly chopped off, as the centre back palmed the ball past Sinisalo, to keep the score level. Rangers’ relentless pressure continued. Substitute James Tavernier set up Chermiti in the six-yard box, but the striker’s volley drifted agonisingly wide. The hosts were in complete control but were once more unable to convert their chances. Celtic scored all four of their penalties in the shootout to advance to the semi-finals. A stellar defensive performance rewarded Martin O’Neill’s side’s efforts, securing their place in the semi-final draw. Rangers: Butland 6 Sterling 6 Djiga 6 Fernandez 6 Rommens 6 Raskin 6 Diomande 4 Moore 5 Olsen 4 Naderi 6 Chermiti 6 Substitutes: Chukwuani 6 Gassama 6 Bajrami 6 Tavernier 4 Meghoma 4 Celtic: Sinisalo 8 Scales 7 Trusty 8 Arthur 8 Araujo 8 McCowan 5 Hatate 7 Nygren 5 Maeda 6 Tounetki 5 Yang 4 Substitutes: Chamberlain 6 Cvancara 4 Murray 6 Mvuka 4 Forrest 4 Bernardo 4