“Capable” Hibernian secure first Parkhead victory since 2010

Hibs boss David Gray believes it is “all to play for” after his side delivered a priceless victory against Celtic on Sunday afternoon. “It’s been a long time coming. That’s twice we’ve been here [this season] and not lost. “It shows we are capable if we go toe-to-toe, but it takes a level of performance that requires every man to be at their very best. “It’s all about us. How can we keep improving? It’s a massive three points today on the back of a positive result last week against St Mirren. “That’s us five points behind Motherwell, still to play them twice and all the teams around about us. “It’s all to play for between now and the end of the season, and we’ll be aiming to push up the table as hard as we can. All you can do is take one game at a time.” Kai Andrews late winner moved Hibs six clear of Falkirk, and with winnable encounters with Dundee and Livingston on the horizon, there is reason to be optimistic on the green side of Edinburgh ahead of the run-in.

Man City 2-1 Newcastle: academy graduate provides spark for title chasers

Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United N. O’Reilly (14′ , 27′)              L. Hall (22′) Man City closed the gap to two points on league leaders Arsenal after a tightly contested victory over Newcastle at the Etihad. Academy graduate Nico O’Reilly was the hero for Pep Guardiola, delivering two goals in a pulsating first half. He opened the scoring after collecting Omar Marmoush’s pass on the edge of the box in the 14th minute. The 20-year-old’s first-time finish was too accurate for Nick Pope, lasering into the bottom-left corner, to give City a crucial lead. Newcastle, fresh from a commanding 6-1 Champions League victory in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, hit back eight minutes later, delivering another twist in the title race. Lewis Hall’s deflected left-footed strike wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma to the delight of the visiting support. City hit back on the 27-minute mark, as their wonderkid struck his second of the game. Erling Haaland, so often the finisher, turned provider, with a chipped cross to the back post. O’Reilly showed composure to cushion his header across Pope and edge the Citizens back in front. The tense second half followed, but eventually delivered a precious three points. All eyes turn to North London on Sunday afternoon, as leaders Arsenal look to respond against Tottenham. Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias (Khunsanov 46′), Guehi, Nouri, Rodri, Semenyo (Foden 87′), Silva, O’Reilly, Haaland, Marmoush (Cherki 58′) Newcastle United: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Tonali, Willock (Barnes 60′), Elanga (Murphy 78′), Woltemade (Joelinton 60′), Gordon (Osula 78′)

I want to keep him here as long as possible – Wilson Praises Stanway Impact

Partick Thistle boss Mark Wilson feels the club is “pulling together” after the Jags celebrated their 150th anniversary with victory over Airdrieonians at Firhill. The scoreline looks narrow, but doesn’t reflect the Thistle’s domination in the match. Wilson praised his glowing side for delivering a “great three points”. “You just get games sometimes, you’re more anxious than others, and having been at the St Johnstone game the other week and seeing how good Airdrie are, and how many problems they can cause you, it’s important that we were spot on with a lot of space today I thought after the first few minutes, we got to grips and caused them a lot of problems, it is a great three points, a great goal to win it, and puts us in a decent position.” Wilson won four SPL titles at Celtic during a stellar playing career and understands the importance of grinding out results. He believes his side have put themselve in a great position. “I’ve been in a few [title races], you can’t win them all comfortably, especially when it gets to this time of the year, you maybe trade performances levels and sparkling football for actual results, so at this point we take that all day long, when it gets into the brighter, nicer weather, you might see better products on the pitch. “We had good opportunities that we could have made that a whole lot more comfortable, but really pleased because Airdrie are a good side, I know they are at the wrong end of the table, but they have good players, and they’ll cause teams problems.” “St Johnstone have always been in there with the big advantage, and at one stage, people were right to say that they could run away with it, with the games in hand, could have gone eight clear,  but we’ve just kept chipping away. “I don’t think we’ve ever been ahead of ourselves in what we are trying to achieve here, but going into March, we’ve put ourselves in a really good position against a really good St Johnstone team, and over our shoulders as well, Arbroath are right there as well. So we are still in a fight, we are looking both ways, but hopefully performances and the resilience we’ve built in our team take us up the way rather than looking over our shoulders.” Wilson admits he has always felt a quiet confidence in his side, but with another tough encounter against Dunfermline on Tuesday, he will not allow his side to get carried away. “I have for a long time, we try to build the team, the old saying, mix of experience and youth, and I think we’ve got that, we really know how to battle out performances, near the end it was about managing our the game and with young players in your team you can sometimes get away from that but ovbiously the experienced ones dig in.” “We’ve got another big one on Tuesday night, another difficult one. This league has shown me that you can go anywhere and lose on any given night, so we will rest up tonight, very light tomorrow, and back in Monday morning.” Ben Stanway celebrated his 100th game with the winning goal for Wilson’s side. The manager appreciates the academy graduate’s hard work in the summer, which has snowballed into the latest campaign. “I came in a year ago, and Stanners was frustrated with his game time; he was in and out, but he played a big part in the playoffs for us.” “What he did do is go away in the summer and worked himself, a great lesson for any young kid. He comes back really fit and he fits into the style of play that we want. “Alex Rae spends a whole lot of time with him, and that isn’t just by coincidence; the amount of time that kid spends on the pitch practising that, and the fine detail of where to put it. Alex, as the coach takes credit, but the player has to carry it out. “I have no doubt Ben will go to higher things, but of course I want to keep him here as long as possible.”

Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians: Jags close gap on league leaders after dominant victory

Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians Stanway (23′) Ben Stanway’s first-half free kick was the difference for Partick Thistle, as they closed the gap on St Johnstone to three points. After league leaders St Johnstone’s goalless draw in Kirkcaldy, Mark Wilson’s side knew the gap at the top of the table could be cut to three points with victory over relegation-threatened Airdrie. The visitors settled well, but the Jags played like a side determined to close the gap. They produced the first major chance on the 10-minute mark, as Alex Samuel headed Logan Chalmer’s cross off the far post. The ball deflected into the six-yard box, and Airdrie scrambled clear. The visitors struggled to deal with Thistle, who seized control. Ts’oanelo Lets’osa drove at the backline in the 20th minute, the ball found its way to Patrick Reading, whose shot deflected away from Harry Stone’s net. Thistle deservedly opened the scoring three minutes later, after Jamie Barjonas hauled Tony Watt down on the edge of the box, Ben Stanway delivered a rasping free-kick into the top right corner. The goal warranted the Jags’ relentless pressure and closed the gap on St Johnstone at the summit of the Scottish Championship. Oisin Smyth forced a low save from Stone moments later, as they looked to turn the screw. Stone produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Let’sosa, who raced onto Tony Watt’s forward ball, and fired a left-footed strike high towards the goal. Lee Ashcroft headed wide from close range after the resulting corner. Wilson would have been pleased with his side’s response following a pedestrian opening ten minutes. The only negative was that they didn’t score more chances. Airdrie worked their best chance on the stroke of halftime. After breaking over the halfway line, Dylan MacDonald found space on the right-hand side of the box. With only Clarke to beat, the defender sliced his strike behind and perhaps should have done better. The rain began to pour in Glasgow’s West End, but the hosts picked up where they left off from the first period. Stone produced another tremendous one-handed save to deny Smyth from the edge of the box. The Northern Irish midfielder’s curling effort looked set to find the top right corner, but once again, Stone kept his toiling side in the game. Substitute Aidan Fitzpatrick burst into the game in the 64th minute and showcased electric pace, evading several white and red jerseys. His back post cross found Watt at the back post, but the striker could not divert the cross on target. Despite dominating the game, the hosts knew that a second goal would be pivotal for killing off any hope of an Airdrie comeback. Wilson withdrew goalscorer Stanway to a standing ovation with twenty minutes to play. The academy graduate produced an outstanding performance from midfield and may merit a Premiership move come the summer. Fitzpatrick threatened again with ten minutes to play, a whipped cross to the back post found the onrushing Daniel O’Reilly, who could only volley over from close range. The hosts closed out the game, reducing the gap at the top of the table to three points. It may have been an uncomfortable scoreline for Wilson to endure, but the victory was all that mattered. Airdrie remain in ninth, all in all, it was an afternoon to forget for the dismal diamonds. Partick Thistle: Clarke 6 Reading 6 Ashcroft 6 Smyth 6 Samuel 6 Chalmers 7 (56’) O’Reilly 6 McPherson 6 Stanway 8 (67’) Watt 6 Lets’osa 7 (83’) Substitutes: Fitzpatrick 6 (56’) Crawford 6 (67’) Turner 4 (83’) Airdrieonians: Stone 6 MacDonald 6 Strapp 6 McMaster 6 Mochrie 5 (79’)Henderson 6 McArthur 6 Thomas 6 (58’) Ross 6 McGrattan 5 (79’) Barjonas 4 (58’) Substitutes: Gallagher 6 (58’) McKinnon 6 (58’) Telfer 3 (79’) Mahon 3 (79’) Attendance: 3984

Title Charges, Cup Knockouts, and Future Stars: SPFL Breakdown Round 28

The Scottish Premiership returns for another crucial weekend of action, ahead of the six matchups – these are the main things to watch out for. Game of the Round – Hearts v Falkirk Derek McInnes will look to galvanise his league-leading side, as they attempt to bounce back from a thrilling Ibrox defeat. Standing in their way are Falkirk, the only side to taste victory at Tynecastle this season. The hosts’ lead has slipped to two points, but with a favourable pre-split fixture list, it feels now or never for their title credentials. McInnes is still missing key stalwarts Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland, but a precious three points will put further pressure on the Glasgow giants, who both play on Sunday. Claudio Braga will likely lead the line; one of his eleven league goals was in the 2nd minute at the Falkirk Stadium in mid-December. The Gorgie faithful will hope their Portuguese star can deliver another key goal in the title race. Falkirk welcome Dundee United in the Scottish Cup shortly, and their penalty shootout victory over Hearts has helped pave the way to the quarter-final clash. John McGlynn’s side have enjoyed a flying start to their domestic season, sitting comfortably in the top six, and impressing the masses with their colourful football brand. The Bairns are too far back from the title race, but are in a battle for European football, as they attempt to chase down Hibernian in 5th place. Will Hearts resume their stellar season, or can Falkirk spoil the party once more? Team Spotlight – Motherwell Jens Berthel Askou was “very disappointed” to see his side crash out of the Scottish Cup, but the Steelmen must quickly pivot to Paisley for a crucial league clash with St Mirren. Despite the setback at Pittodrie, Motherwell have been stellar in the league; they currently sit in fourth place with a remarkably resilient record of just three defeats in twenty-six matches. While the media spotlight remains fixed on the traditional trio of Hearts, Rangers, and Celtic, the Fir Park faithful are quick to point out that they sit just seven points off the summit as the run-in approaches. Motherwell previously tasted knockout heartbreak with a 4-1 League Cup Semi-Final loss, but they proved their bounce-back ability by dispatching St Mirren 2-0 back in January. With cup distractions now firmly in the rearview mirror, a singular focus on the Premiership could transform an already impressive season into an unlikely title charge. Player to Watch – Owen Elding Hibernian may have lost Kieron Bowie for a club-record fee, but they look to have found a ready-made successor in a 19-year-old Irish sensation. Since arriving on Edinburgh’s shores, Owen Elding has wasted no time making an impact, netting his first goal in green during his full debut against St Mirren last Saturday. Excitement is rapidly building around the youngster’s potential and upward trajectory. The forward, who joined from Sligo Rovers in January following a prolific 12-goal season in the League of Ireland, was buzzing after his standout performance. “Obviously, there’s no better feeling than hitting the back of the net,” Elding remarked. “To do it on my first home start… there’s nothing more special.” As the Hibees prepare to visit Celtic Park this Sunday, Elding will be brimming with confidence. He’ll be hoping David Gray gives him the nod once more to lead the line on the big stage.

Bundesliga Star “Not Expecting” Scotland Recall

Oliver Burke insists that enjoying his football for Union Berlin is the top priority, as the World Cup looms for Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad. In an interview with BBC Scotland, the 28-year-old striker advised he hasn’t put “too much thought” into a National call-up. “I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just enjoying myself and enjoying football again, which is the most important thing for me. “If I can, hopefully, do some good performances, score some more goals and hopefully that is catching the eye a little bit and gives me a chance, at least. “Obviously, it’s an absolute honour to wear the badge and represent your country. It’s such a privilege. Obviously, I would really love that again and to have that experience again. “I cannot think too much about that. I have to just stay focused and do the best I can here and see what happens.” The Kirkcaldy-born attacker began his professional career with Nottingham Forest, enjoying a brief loan spell with Celtic in 2019. Burke is widely known for his Bundesliga stints; his CV is littered with top clubs, including RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen, and now Union Berlin. His 13 million pound fee to join Leipzig was a Scottish record at the time. Burke recalled the whirlwind nature of this transfer. “I was young, the price tag, I didn’t really know too much about it,” he remembered. “I didn’t really understand it so much at that age. As I got older, it started to weigh a little bit. “In football, everything happens quickly. You have your good moments, and then there can be bad moments. “It’s been kind of like this throughout my career. Many ups and many downs.” Burke has 13 appearances for the National side, and was part of the squad which defeated Serbia to reach the first European Championship since 1998. Steve Clarke has predominantly favoured the likes of Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland, and Che Adams across his tenure, but could the manager be tempted by Burke’s Bundesliga form?

Dundee Utd 2-1 Spartans: Hosts advance to quarters after red card scare

Dundee United 2-1 Spartans Graham (31′)  Fatah (55′)           Stowe (78′) A goal in each half secured Dundee United’s passage to the Scottish Cup quarter-final, surviving nearly 80 minutes with a man down against Spartans at Tannadice. Jim Goodwin’s side secured a crucial three points at The Falkirk Stadium on Saturday, but Iurie Iovu’s 12th-minute red card delivered a horror start to their 5th Round tie. The Moldovan took out Bradley Whyte over the halfway line, and Grant Irvine brandished his red card to give the Arabs a mountain to climb. Despite the setback, the hosts continued to dominate the game. Captain Ross Graham rose to glance Will Ferry’s pinpoint corner past Paddy Martin, a crucial lead for Goodwin’s men. Amar Fatah doubled United’s lead 10 minutes into the second period. Clever play by Ivan Dolcek saw the Croatian drive past Spartan jerseys and thread an inviting pass into the attacker’s path. Fatah’s emphatic finish looked to have put the game behind their League two opposition. Spartans forced their way back in the game with 12 minutes remaining. A cross from the right found the Mark Stowe at the back post. The prolific striker added his 19th goal of the season, his heavily deflected strike looped over the stranded Ashley Maynard-Brewer to bring the visitors back into the match. The favourites would eventually see out proceedings, setting up a quarter-final showdown against Falkirk in a few weeks. Spartans gave a positive account of themselves, but will rue their inability to make the extra man count for almost 80 minutes. Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer, Strain, Iovu, Sevelj (Stephenson 84′) Graham, Camara, Ferry, Sibbald (Cleall-Harding 63′) Amar Fatah (Stirton 56′) Dolcek (Sapsford 56′) Watters (Farrugia 56′) Spartans: Martin, Watson, Welsh (Aiken 59′) Tapping (Nair 44′) Dishington (Wylie 81′) McNulty (Stowe 59′) Russell, Sonkur, Waugh, Craigen, Whyte

Clarke ready for Scotland talks as World Cup preparations gather pace

Steve Clarke will hold talks regarding his future with the Scottish FA in March. Speaking on Sky Sports, Clarke advised he had been “really busy” with Scottish FA CEO Ian Maxwell, as Scotland prepare for their first world cup apperance since 1998 in America. “Hopefully, we will do it by March, and hopefully we’ll have a little discussion on those matters. For me at the minute, it’s just about making sure the preparation is right, and everyone’s ready to go to the World Cup. The autumn can take care of itself. The 62-year-old led the National Team to back-to-back Euros before qualifying for the world stage after a historic 4-2 victory over Denmark. The manager was quizzed about a possible domestic return, stating, “It depends on which club! The Scotland job has been great for me; it will be coming up to seven years in the summer. Three qualifications and a really good bunch of players. “We’ve grown well and learned how to get to tournaments. I’ve enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy any managerial job these days, as there’s a lot of media attention now, and you see managers getting sacked left, right and centre. “So for me, it’s just about enjoying this moment, seeing what happens. If a decent job came up and I was available, and I hadn’t signed a contract with the SFA, you never know.” Clarke will announce his squad for friendlies against Japan and Côte d’Ivoire in the coming weeks as excitement builds for the Tartan Army.

“We are not going to go quietly” – McInnes upbeat despite Ibrox defeat

Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes there is “no shame” from his side’s thrilling 4-2 defeat against Rangers on Sunday afternoon, as their lead at the Scottish Premiership summit was cut to two points. Speaking at full-time, McInnes advised that he saw enough courage from his side’s performance ahead of the run-in. “Obviously disappointed because we came here to get a positive result. Regardless of how the game plays out, we still feel there’s so much optimism for the season ahead. “We showed good courage in the game. Our biggest downfall was losing three goals out of the four when we had possession of the ball in their half. “When we were set and in our shape, Rangers didn’t cause us too many problems. Where we were susceptible and looked like losing goals was exactly when we had good possession of the ball and we had too many bodies forward. “The crowd helped the Rangers team. The longer we stay in front then that becomes more difficult and challenging for the Rangers player. We didn’t allow that. We allowed the crowd to get behind the team. McInnes was quick to point out the financial discrepancies between his side and Rangers. His side has punched above their weight this season, showcasing excellent fight, and creating an intriguing three horse race for the title. “Rangers have spent £40m-50m in two windows trying to put this squad together so there’s no shame for us losing this game, there’s just disappointment that we put so much into it. “Credit to Rangers, they’ve won a big game. I still think there’s a big fight ahead of us for us all. We’re not too despondent because I see enough courage, I see enough in the performance and I still feel with the fixtures we’ve got between now and the split, particularly so many at home, that we can win games that can keep the whole thing moving along for us. “These lads give everything for the shirt. We’re not going to go along away quietly. We’re top of the league. It takes a lot of good things for a team to be here where we are in the league and hopefully there’s a bit more in it. I do think there’ll be a lot of twists and turns yet. We’ve just got to manage our performances now and try and make some hay.” Hearts will return to Tynecastle, ahead of two huge home matches against Falkirk and Aberdeen, with eleven league matches remaining, it is crunch time for the title challengers. McInnes will hope his side can maintain the right with the Glasgow Giants as the split draws nearer.

“We have developed a lot” – Slot lauds Liverpool transformation after cup victory

Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes his side is in “a good place” after safely progressing to the 5th round of the FA Cup against Brighton. Speaking at full-time, the Dutch boss praised his team’s clinical nature. “Satisfying because we scored three, and that’s not really been coming for us. To create a lot of chances has been. To score three with the chances we did have has not happened that many times this season so I am really pleased with that. “I thought we were up already earlier but not many moments later we scored from a full-back and another full-back attacking the box and that tells you how much these players want to score a goal. The second goal was even nicer than the first one. “It started out with us bringing the ball out from the back. It was two teams wanting to bring the ball out from the back which you don’t see that much anymore in the Premier League. It was a great team goal, a great switch and Mohamed Salah laying it off and the finish was probably the nicest part of the attack. Liverpool sit 6th in the Premier League, but have struggled to recapture the consistent form that lauded a first league title since 2020. But with Champions League knockout football on the horizon, Slot believes his side are in a good position heading into the run in. “In the end we get players back. It is fair to say we have developed a lot from two, three or four months ago. We are much more able to bring the intensity levels that are needed in the Premier League and Champions League after two days rest. Most of these players are young so there is a lot more to come from them. That is why we did what we did in the summer. Giving them time to adjust also cost us too many points that is also clear but the team is in a good place at the moment.” The Reds return to League action against Nottingham Forest next Sunday, aiming to return to the top four, ahead of a key fixture run.