Hearts retake top spot despite being held by Livingston

Hearts reclaimed top spot in the Scottish Premiership despite being held to a 2-2 draw by bottom-of-the-table Livingston on Sunday afternoon. Rangers’ 4-2 victory over Dundee United at Ibrox yesterday afternoon means the Jambos’ lead at the top of the Premiership table is now just a single point, with six games remaining. The hosts took a shock lead in the 5th minute, as they took full advantage of the first opportunity of the game. Babacar Fati played a fine ball into the box from the left-hand side, an initial shot from Scott Arfield was blocked before the ball fell kindly to Stevie May, who fired the ball low into the bottom corner to net his first goal of the season. Marvin Bartley’s men had made a fast start to the game and were making life difficult for the visitors in the opening exchanges. Hearts were beginning to grow into the game and enjoy some much-needed possession after a nervy start. Claudio Braga had two attempts at goal, his first strike could only find the side netting from a tight angle, before he managed to wriggle away from Livingston’s backline inside the box, but his strike was tame and collected by Jerome Prior in the Livingston goal. The Jambos had their equaliser in the 25th minute. Cristian Montano failed to clear the ball on the edge of his own area, Birmingham loanee Marc Leonard was first to react to the loose ball, playing a perfectly timed ball into the box for Lawrence Shankland, who rose highest to put his side back on level terms and cancel out Stevie May’s opener. Shankland’s equaliser kick-started a spell of dominance for the Gorgie side, with the talisman coming close to a second goal of the afternoon when Claudio Braga controlled Kyziridis’ high cross into the box, allowing Shankland time to strike from range, but his volley flew narrowly wide. In the 40th minute, Hearts threatened once more. Claudio Braga tested the fingertips of Jerome Prior from distance, Prior got down well to his left to divert Braga’s low effort away from danger. The final notable chance of an eventful first half came when Scott Arfield sent a low free kick wide of the Hearts goal. Both sides had to deal with troubling weather conditions as torrential rain and snow began to fall in West Lothian. Hearts started the half the better of the two and took the lead in the 50th minute. Braga and Shankland had looked dangerous all afternoon, and the pair combined well to net their team’s second goal of the game. Shankland’s header at the far post was blocked well by Cristian Montano, but the ball would drop back for the Scotland striker, who played the ball back across goal for Braga, who leaped highest to beat several defenders and give his side a vital lead. Despite Braga’s header, Hearts could only keep their advantage for a matter of minutes. Livingston responded brilliantly to going behind for the first time in the match. Cristian Montano drove forward with the ball on the byline before cutting it back for Joel Nouble inside the box; he miscued an attempt from range, but the ball fell for Lewis Smith, who blasted the ball beyond Alexander Schwolow. The match started to become a very scrappy and end-to-end affair throughout spells of the second half, with both teams struggling to break each other down after Smith’s equaliser, as the game entered the closing stages. As the game entered four minutes of additional time, Robbie Muirhead looked to drive past Marc Leonard on the halfway line, only to be wiped out and brought down. Leonard was shown a yellow card, but a lengthy VAR check followed, which saw the yellow be upgraded to a red card, meaning Hearts had to see the final few seconds of the game out with ten men. Next up for Hearts is a home game against Motherwell next Saturday, meanwhile Livingston travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United.

Leaders St Johnstone held by Queens Park despite McPake leveller

St Johnstone were held to a 1-1 draw by Queens Park at McDiarmid Park on Saturday afternoon. Simo Valakari’s side came from behind to earn a point courtesy of Josh McPake’s second-half strike, but the league leaders were left frustrated as they were unable to restore their five-point advantage over Partick Thistle, with St Johnstone now three points clear with five games remaining. The first opportunity of the match presented itself for Queens Park, Seb Drozd tried an ambitious overhead kick in the Saints box, which was far too powerful to cause any harm. Saints produced two good efforts on the 20th minute, Reece McAlear whipped in an inviting ball that was immediately punched away by Queens Park goalkeeper Calum Ferrie, Ruari Paton then let fly from range, whose effort won Saints a first corner of the match, but a poor delivery into the box meant the attack was quickly brought to an end. Liam Smith and Reece McAlear linked up well on the edge of the box for Saints, Josh Fowler would then do well to collect the ball from the cross, his strike went narrowly over the crossbar. Despite some pressure from St Johnstone, it was Queens Park who took the lead in the 32nd minute. Michael Ruth was fouled and won a free kick on the left-hand side, Aidan Connolly’s delivery into the box was met by the head of Euan Murray who headed home to give his side a shock lead against the league leaders. Simo Valakari’s men had several chances to find the back of the net throughout the first half, but they headed into the interval trailing, having only managed one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Saints started the second half with real intent and wasted no time in drawing level as they had their equaliser just three minutes after the restart, Sam Stanton played a fine pass out wide to Josh McPake who raced past the Queens Park defence before drilling a low effort past Calum Ferrie to net his 18th goal of the season. Minutes later, Josh Fowler came close to giving his side a quickfire lead, but his header sailed inches wide of the Queens Park goal, a huge let-off for the visitors in the opening stages of the second period. Saints continued to push for a second and were applying plenty of pressure onto the Queens Park backline, this time, Sam Stanton made an excellent run into the box, he was picked out well by Josh McPake, a terrific ball over the top of the Queens Park defence was then controlled by Stanton who had time to shoot, Calum Ferrie was called into action, making a strong save. Queens Park’s attacking opportunities were limited in the second half, with Saints controlling the game for lengthy spells. Josh McPake was a constant threat on the left wing, the league’s top goalscorer was at the centre of every Saints attack. It was a nerve-wracking end to the match for Queens Park who were made to deal with relentless pressure from Saints who were in search of a decisive goal, but in the end, they were made to settle for a point against a resilient Queens Park.

Hibs 0-0 Livingston: Hibs held to goalless draw by Livingston at Easter Road

Hibs were made to settle for a point apiece against bottom of the table Livingston on Saturday afternoon at Easter Road with Marvin Bartley’s Livingston earning themselves a fourth consecutive draw. David Gray’s men had plenty of chances to win the match, hitting the woodwork twice as Livingston defended strongly throughout to earn a point. Both sides started the game slowly, but it was the visitors who managed to create the first opportunity of the match. Stevie May’s strike from close range was initially poorly pushed away by Raphael Sallinger, Rocky Bushiri was the first to react and clear the loose ball from any danger. Jamie McGrath came the closest to opening the scoring for the hosts after the 20th minute. Nicky Cadden, who was causing the Livingston defence all sorts of problems, played a low ball into the feet of McGrath whose first effort at goal inside the box was blocked before his follow up attempt cannoned off the crossbar. Hibs threatened once more as Warren O’Hora’s headed effort sailed just wide of goal after another dangerous cross was played into the box by Nicky Cadden, Hibs continued to dictate proceedings with much of the match being played in Livingston’s half. As the half time interval approached, Livingston striker Joel Nouble saw himself at the heart of a rare attack from the visitors, his curling effort from the edge of the box forced goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger into making a routine save. It was a first half that was very much controlled by the home team, but despite that, Livingston’s backline had done well to deal with Hibs’ constant pressure and cancel out any chance of a first half opener for the hosts. Hibs carved out two promising opportunities within the opening fifteen minutes of the second half, Dan Barlaser played an inviting ball towards the back post for Nicky Cadden, who was unable to get a proper connection onto the ball to steer it goalwards. Jamie McGrath would then collect another low cross that was sent into the box from Nicky Cadden, the Irishman was made to watch his strike come off the woodwork for the second time this afternoon, inches away from an opening goal. On the hour mark, Hibs boss David Gray turned to his bench as Martin Boyle and Tottenham loanee Dane Scarlett entered the field of play in hope of making an impact, with frustration beginning to grow amongst the Easter Road support. Livingston then had their first chance of the second half having been pinned back into their own half for the majority of the second half, Robbie Muirhead made a bursting run down the left-hand side, but his effort went comfortably wide of the Hibs goal. With ten minutes remaining, another huge chance came Hibs’ way as Jerome Prior did brilliantly to deny Dane Scarlett an opener from close range, Josh Campbell was then presented with the rebound only a few yards from goal, but he could only put his effort over the crossbar. Referee Lloyd Wilson awarded Hibs a spot kick in the 90th minute after Martin Boyle was said to have been brought down in the box by Mo Sylla, but an on-field VAR check meant the decision was quickly overturned which resulted in Boyle being shown a yellow card for simulation. Despite registering over twenty shots on goal, Hibs were forced to settle for a point as they failed to break down a resilient Livingston side who defended exceptionally well for large spells in the game. Up next for Hibs is a trip to Fir Park next weekend to face Motherwell who are six points above them in fourth place, whereas Livingston travel to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock who are six points above them in 11th place.

Europa league and FA Cup success: January review at Aston Villa

One defeat so far in 2026 as we look into January for Unai Emery’s men Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest Aston Villa made a perfect start to the new year with a convincing 3-1 win over Sean Dyche’s men, wasting no time in bouncing back from a heavy 4-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates earlier that week. A goal from Ollie Watkins on his 250th appearance for the club and two second-half goals from Scotland international John McGinn guided Villa to an 11th straight victory at Villa Park, their longest winning run since 1980. Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa Up next was a tough away trip to Selhurst Park to face a Palace side who were undefeated against Villa in their last six encounters but were struggling themselves domestically, having not recorded a home win since the beginning of November. A frustrating goalless draw, which saw Emery’s side have fifteen shots on goal, meant Villa failed to tighten the gap to three points on Arsenal at the top of the table. Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa (FA Cup) It was a break from league action with Villa travelling to North London as they began their FA Cup journey with an impressive 2-1 win against fellow Premier League outfit Spurs. A strong opening half saw first-half goals from Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers give Villa a two-goal cushion at the break, and despite an improved display from Thomas Frank’s side in the second half, which saw Wilson Odobert pull a goal back, Villa held on to book a place in the fourth round as a home tie against Newcastle United awaits later this month. Aston Villa 0-1 Everton Villa went into this game knowing a win would see them overtake Manchester City into second place after they had fallen to a 2-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby the day before. However, they were unable to take advantage of that opportunity and instead suffered only a third defeat at Villa Park this season in what was an uninspiring performance, to say the least. Villa showed a real lack of urgency and quality in the final third for large spells, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s mistake, which led to Everton’s goal, proved to be costly in the end. Fenerbahce 0-1 Aston Villa On a more positive note, Villa would go on to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 in the Europa League with a game to spare, as they grounded out a 1-0 win over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, courtesy of Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho netting his first goal for the club. Villa were perhaps unfortunate not to have won by more, having missed some big chances, and had a second goal for Jadon Sancho ruled out for offside before half-time. Newcastle 0-2 Aston Villa Not many people would have predicted Emery’s men to win either of their away matches against both Fenerbahce and Newcastle before a ball was kicked due to Villa’s injury issues, but they did exactly that. Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored in either half to secure a first away win at St James’ Park since 2005 and ensure Villa’s strong away form in the league continued, as they would go level on points with second-placed Manchester City for the time being. Aston Villa 3-2 Red Bull Salzburg Villa would end the month with three points against German opposition Red Bull Salzburg as the league phase of the Europa League ended, with Villa already through. Villa showed resilience and character as they fought from 2-0 down to win it late on, with 19-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba coming off the bench to net his first senior goal for the club, as Villa ended the league phase of the Europa League unbeaten at Villa Park, and they can now look forward to the knockout stages in March.  

Kieron Bowie departs Hibernian in Club-Record transfer to Hellas Verona

Hibernian have officially confirmed the departure of striker Kieron Bowie for a club record fee, as the 23-year-old has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with Italian side Hellas Verona. The fee is understood to be in the region of £6 million and has the potential to rise to £7 million with future add-ons. Bowie’s former club Fulham are also set to profit from this deal due to a significant 20% sell-on clause. It was reported on Tuesday that the Easter Road outfit had rejected an initial opening bid from Hellas Verona for the Scotland striker, but the Serie A strugglers had since returned with a second offer that was ultimately too good to turn down. Bowie joined Hibs in August 2024 from Fulham for just £600,000 and made a total of 52 appearances for David Gray’s men, registering 15 goals and five assists during his time at the club, whilst also earning his first ever senior Scotland call-up at the end of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign, having been influential towards Hibs’ 17-game unbeaten run and third-place finish. The Italian top tier has proven to be a popular destination for Scottish talent to make the move to, as Bowie is now currently the seventh Scot to play in Serie A, joining the likes of Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Lennon Miller, Che Adams and Josh Doig. Hellas Verona sit joint bottom of the Serie A table and will be hoping Bowie can help contribute towards their hopes of a survival bid, whereas Bowie himself will be eager to make an impact in Italy with a place in Scotland’s World Cup squad next summer on the line. Before flying out to Italy early this morning to complete a medical, Bowie spoke to Sky Sports Scotland, saying that he felt the move was good for all parties involved and discussed the opportunity of playing in Italy. Bowie said: “I’ve had 18 months at Hibs now and I’ve done extremely well there. They’ve done well for me, so I think for all parties it’s good. “Italy appeals, there’s obviously a lot of people from Scotland who have gone there and have done well. “It opens a lot of opportunities for myself and my family, which is the main thing. “It’s a top league and obviously with the World Cup coming up, that’s the idea.”

Dunfermline 1-0 Hibernian: Dunfermline defeat Premiership side Hibernian to cause huge cup upset

Dunfermline pulled off a dramatic cup upset at East End Park in the Scottish Cup fourth round as they netted late to defeat Premiership side Hibernian. An own goal from Hibs Midfielder Miguel Chaiwa in the 92nd minute sparked wild celebrations amongst the Dunfermline supporters as Neil Lennon’s side booked their place in the last sixteen of the Scottish Cup. After a cagey start to proceedings from both teams it was the visitors Hibs who carved out the first opportunity of the game in the 10th minute, a good passage of play from Kanayo Megwa and Kieron Bowie, as the Hibs number nine did well to earn his side a corner, Rocky Bushiri was unable to get any real connection onto his header from Jordan Obita’s delivery with Dunfermline keeper Deniz Mehmet collecting with ease. A free-kick from Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath had initially looked to have been over-hit, but Deniz Mehmet in the Pars goal was on hand to get a hand to it and put it out for a Hibs corner, which was quickly cleared from danger. Dunfermline created a few half chances and had several corners for the Hibs backline to deal with but none of which were any concern to Raphael Sallinger in the Hibs net. As the match entered the half hour mark, play was stopped as Josh Mulligan required treatment from the Hibs physios after picking up an ankle injury, the 23-year-old’s afternoon ended as he was replaced by Miguel Chaiwa. The best chance of the half came for Hibs moments before the 40th minute mark when Kieron Bowie latched onto a ball that played him through one-on-one with Deniz Mehmet, who done well to prevent Bowie’s effort from going in with his feet. Both sides headed into the interval with the game level at 0-0. Dunfermline could not have made a better start to the second period as they threatened early on. Joe Newell was caught in possession which allowed Matty Tod to let fly from distance, his strike was pushed away well by Raphael Sallinger. The ball was immediately laid back off to Tod, but he couldn’t force it goalwards. Junior Hoilett then tested the fingertips of Deniz Mehmet whose effort was tipped over the bar. Hibs felt as though they should have been awarded a spot kick in the 55th minute when Thibault Klidje’s cross hitting the arm of Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, however refreee Steven Mclean was having none of it. Dunfermline’s latest January signing Callumn Morrison was given his debut and was involved shortly after as he cut inside before managing to get a shot away, his attempt was tame with Sallinger comfortably gathering. David Gray introduced Nicky Cadden and Dan Barlaser in place of Joe Newell and Junior Hoilett as the Hibs boss made a double change after an hour played. Klidje wasted a huge opportunity to put Hibs ahead when Jordan Obita whipped in a well-timed cross, but the Hibs forward could only head the ball right at Deniz Mehmet. Three additional minutes were added on at the end of the second half. Kieran Ngwenya caught the ball on the half volley in the Hibs box with Rapheal Sallinger doing exceptionally well to tip it over the bar for a corner as the Pars ramped up the pressure in search of a late winner. And Neil Lennon’s men done just that in the 92nd Minute. Kieran Ngwenya rose highest from the resulting corner causing the ball to hit off Miquel Chaiwa on its way to goal, sending Dunfermline into the next round of the cup as the 5,000 travelling Hibs supporters left empty-handed.