St Johnstone return to the Premiership in style after dramatic 7-goal-thriller win

St Johnstone return to the Premiership on a high as they edge past Killie in a dramatic four-goal thriller with Kai Fotheringham wins it for the Saints in a 4-3 victory. St Johnstone started off the brightest, having majority of the ball but unable to find a goal with Paton having a chance after 10 minutes but headed straight towards the Killie number one which was eventually flagged offside. The hosts went ahead after 17 minutes, Tshibola slipping up on the ball which gifted Stanton a run goal-bound which found itself at Gullan which was slotted through to Josh Fowler in the box as he calmly struck it home as St Johnstone took the lead. Some sloppy play once again allowed Paton to have a shot on target but was well stopped with moments later, Jason Holt had a strong chance from distance which fired just wide of goal. Kilmarnock struck level after 37 minutes, a ball into the box which ended in a scramble which fell to Greg Kiltie as he took it first-time and struck it into the net to give the visitors the vital equaliser. Overall, a first half to be happy with by the hosts but for Killie, despite the equaliser, they will need to improve in certain areas going into the second 45. Into the second half, St Johnstone quickly went back in front following a ball into the box as Diabate powerfully headed the ball into the back of the net to restore the lead. Killie were back level very quickly as Joe Hugill slotted the ball into the net from very close range as the goals continued to fly in bringing the visitors level. Another goal quickly went in as Jason Holt netted an own-goal following which looked to be a strike from Hugill to put Killie ahead for the first time in an eventful second period. St Johnstone levelled once again as Gullan whipped in a dangerous free kick with Lloyd getting on the end of it and bringing his side level with just his first touch after coming on. An exciting ending is in store as both sides seem very eager to find the winner with both sides creating chances after a very eventful game so far. Fantastic play by both Fotheringham and Fowler as Fowler slots the ball into the path of Fotheringham as he smashes the ball into the back of the net as the Saints look likely to be heading to victory unless Killie still have something in them. A big win for St Johnstone on their return to the Premiership in a very entertaining game as Killie go home empty handed despite netting on three occasions. St Johnstone: Stewart (6), Foulds (6), Diabate (7), Mitchell (6), Smith (6), McAlear (6), Holt (6), Stanton (8), Gullan (8), Fowler (8), Paton (7). Substitutes: Fotheringham (8), Chalmers (7), Lloyd (7), Tait (6). Kilmarnock: Stryjek (6), Clesceno (6), Brown (6), Stranger (6), Schjonning-Larsen (5), Ring (6), Lowery (6), Tshibola (6), Kiltie (7), John-Jules (6), Hugill (7). Substitutes: Brandon (6), Rice (6), Mathurin (6), O’Hara (6), Owen (6).

Match Preview: St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock

These two sides met four times in the 2024/25 campaign. The first two meetings were won by the Saints. The first of which came at Rugby Park, where St Johnstone ran out 3-0 winners, courtesy of a brace from Sidibeh and a late penalty from Kimpioka. The second came in Perth, where St Johnstone won 1-0, with Kirk scoring the only goal of the game. The other two meetings were both won by Kilmarnock. The first of which came in Ayrshire, where Killie ran out 3-1 winners, courtesy of goals from Polworth, Murray and Wales. Carey scored a consolation in stoppage time for the Saints. The second of which, and the final meeting between these two sides in the 24/25 campaign ended 2-0 to Kilmarnock in Perth. Watson and Armstrong got the goals. Both sides had underwhelming League Cup group stage campaigns. Sunday’s hosts St Johnstone started off their campaign with a 2-0 win away at Linlithgow Rose, then followed that result up with a 3-0 win against Championship side Morton. However, defeat against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, followed up by a 1-1 draw against East Fife, in a game where they took the lead in the 90th minute and conceded in the 95th, then lost on penalties, meant they were knocked out of the competition. Kilmarnock kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Raith Rovers, however, did pick up the extra point. In their second match of the group stage, Neil McCann’s side showed resilience to beat Elgin City 1-0. Killie were reduced to ten in the first-half when Brandon was shown red, but Hugill’s stoppage time winner prevented back-to-back penalty shootouts. Their third match ended in a 1-0 win against Hamilton Accies, courtesy of a strike from Kiltie on the hour mark. Kilmarnock rounded off their group stage campaign with yet another poor showing, losing to League One outfit Peterhead on penalties after another goalless draw. Despite a disappointing group campaign, where they only netted twice, Killie finished top of their group on nine points, and will face Ayrshire rivals Ayr United in the next round. Both sides have been active in the transfer market. The Saints have brought in some familiar faces, including Ruari Paton and Toby Steward, who were part of the St Johnstone squad that won the Championship last season. In continuation, the Perth side have brought in two players who had brilliant campaigns last season in the Scottish Championship – Chalmers from Partick Thistle and Matty Todd from Dunfermline Athletic. Kilmarnock have brought in a mix of youth and experience. Mark O’Hara signed in late June, returning to the club where it all started for him back in 2012. Tshibola also made his return to Rugby Park following the World Cup, where he was part of the DR Congo squad. Killie have also brought in young Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice, who will be looking to emulate the success that Findlay Curtis had during his loan spell at Rugby Park, during the second-half of last season, and young Welsh forward Ieuan Owen, who scored two huge goals which helped Barry Town secure the club’s first top-flight silverware in over two decades.

Aaron Donnelly completes loan switch from Dundee to Dunfermline

Dundee have this afternoon confirmed Aaron Donnelly has joined Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline on a season-long loan. The Northern Ireland international has done exactly what the Pars are hoping to achieve this season, which is to gain promotion to the Scottish Premiership, after helping Dundee reach the top flight back in 2024. The defender joined the Dens Park outfit back in January 2025 making 42 appearances for the Dark Blues, having previously had a loan stint at Dundee during the 2023/24 Championship season. Donnelly began his career at Northern Irish side, Dungannon Swifts before a big move to Nottingham Forest in 2019, making just one appearance at senior level for the English side, as well as having spells at EFL sides Port Vale and Colchester. The on-loan defender mainly plays as a left sides centre-back but can also play at left-back as well as right-back and is known to be very solid and can help his team work play up the pitch, helping out in driving forward. The 23-year-old has started twice this season in the Premier Sports Cup group stages against both Annan and Clyde, as well as making one appearance off the bench against Airdrieonians, as he aims for regular first-team action at East End Park and hopes to help Dunfermline gain a return to the Premiership.      

“It’s only half-time” – Gray confident of European comeback at Easter Road

David Gray believes his Hibs side are capable of producing a comeback against KF Malisheva at Easter Road on Thursday night. The Easter Road side face an uphill task against the Kosovan outfit after last week’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League second-round qualifier. However, Gray is confident his team can overturn the two-goal deficit on home soil. Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, Gray said: “It is half-time in the tie, and that’s the only benefit that came out of the first game — that it’s not finished. “We can still turn this around. I firmly believe we can, and I’m certainly getting that from the players as well. “I think it shows you that you need to play at a level to make sure you get the right result in games. “We were below the level required over there, absolutely, and we need to be far better in every area to make sure we’ve got the best opportunity to turn this around.” Hibs have previous experience of overturning a first-leg European defeat, most notably in 2023 against Inter Club d’Escaldes, when they defeated the Andorran side 6-1 at Easter Road after a 2-1 loss in the first leg. Inter Club d’Escaldes are a similar type of opposition to KF Malisheva, and Gray is hoping that the Easter Road crowd can help contribute to turning the tie around. “Some of the best European nights I’ve experienced as a coach and a player have been at home at Easter Road, with the fans right behind you, driving us on from the first minute, which is what we’re going to need to make sure our players can thrive. “It’s up to everybody to make sure we do what we can tomorrow night.” The Hibs boss also provided a fitness update on his squad, with Jamie McGrath, Nicky Cadden, and summer signing Callum Wright all set to miss out again through injury, while Ante Šuto is hopeful of making the squad. He said: “It’ll be the same squad as the first leg, as you can’t add players to that anyway. “The one we’re still trying to get back is Ante Šuto, who is in a bit of a race against time. “It might come just too soon, but we’re going to do what we can to try and get him involved.” Should Hibs progress, they will face either NK Bravo of Slovenia or KF Shkëndija of North Macedonia in the third qualifying round.

McLeish vows St Mirren will “fight” after difficult League Cup draw

Craig McLeish has vowed that his St Mirren side will do everything in their power to retain the Scottish League Cup after being handed a daunting trip to Ibrox in the next round. Speaking after his side’s narrow defeat to Dunfermline, which saw them slip to second place in Group C, McLeish was frustrated by the late penalty that allowed Chris Kane to snatch an 88th-minute winner. “Frustrated by the ending of it,” the manager said. “I don’t think it’s a penalty, but we kind of brought pressure on ourselves when we didn’t need to. Dunfermline were throwing everything at us to chase the game. “We need to be smarter in our decisions at that stage of the game.” Despite progressing as one of the best runners-up, St Mirren now face a difficult trip to Rangers after Dunfermline leapfrogged them at the top of Group C. The Pars were rewarded with what appears to be a more favourable tie against League One side Ross County. McLeish was also left to rue Samuel Ramos’ disallowed first-half goal, which was ruled out after referee officials deemed Eseosa Sule to have fouled goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. “I also don’t see how our goal has been disallowed in the first half,” McLeish said. “That kind of changes the game. I don’t think there were many clear-cut chances, but when we put together a good move and finish it off, I don’t see why we are penalised for it.” St Mirren lifted the trophy last season with a memorable 3-1 victory over Celtic in December, and McLeish knows his side must once again overcome the country’s biggest clubs if they are to retain the cup. “The frustrating thing is we’ve thrown away the opportunity to come through as one of the seeded teams, and we’ve ended up with probably the toughest draw possible in Rangers away. “But we are the holders, and I’ve told the boys we’re going to fight to make sure someone has to claw it off us. “If we are going to defend the trophy, we have to beat big teams, and we had to do that last year to win the cup.”

SNN Predict – Scottish Premiership Predictions Ahead of the New Season

As the SPFL season is just around the corner, let’s take a look at some of our SNN Predictions ahead of the Scottish Premiership season. Liam Smith Champions – Rangers I personally think Rangers have had an excellent window, especially with the signings of Devlin and Shankland, who did outstandingly last season, coming so close to the title, and of course McInnes — a manager who came so close to the title and is a big Rangers fan himself. I personally think they’ll do it this year, but I think it will be very tight between them and Celtic. Player of the season – Duran (Celtic) Despite me not thinking Celtic will win the league, I believe Duran will have an exceptional first season at Celtic, as we’ve seen at Qarabag. He’s very versatile across the attacking area and is known for his off-the-ball work and finding space in behind defenders. Just missing out on the top goal scorer award and the title, and with Daizen Maeda joining Ipswich, I think this will be a very good replacement for Daizen. Top goal scorer – Shankland (Rangers) Shankland is back at his boyhood side under McInnes, who we obviously know he thrives under, as he did last season leading the line at Tynecastle. For me, Shankland will score over 20 goals for the Ibrox side and be a crucial player for Derek McInnes’ side, as we saw during his time under McInnes at Tynecastle, leading the line for Hearts. Surprise team – Kilmarnock Killie for me must be the surprise team. They have recruited very well, as well as keeping John-Jules and Hugill in attack, as well as bringing in the former St Mirren captain, Mark O’Hara, to the midfield. I would say Killie may be in for a shout at top six, and some might even say Europe, compared to their relegation battle last campaign. Although their League Cup campaign so far hasn’t looked promising, I fully expect Neil McCann to get things heading in the right direction soon. First manager sacked – Craig McLeish A manager who I wasn’t impressed with during his interim spell, who then got the job full-time, which I found surprising despite avoiding relegation by a thread. I personally don’t rate McLeish at all and believe St Mirren could’ve taken in someone with higher quality. I don’t think he’s going to do well or last long at all, and he will be first sacked for me. Charlie Douglas Champions – Rangers It’s never easy to predict who will be the champions before the season is underway, as proven last season, but as of right now I fancy Rangers to win it. I’ve been impressed with how Rangers have gone about their business this summer; however, the same can’t be said for Celtic at this stage. A lot has been made over the recruitment at the Ibrox club in recent years, but this summer it feels as though they’ve got it spot on, especially with the additions of Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, who have already proven themselves in the league. Celtic managed to get the title over the line eventually last season, but the disconnect between the fans and the board has continued throughout the summer with the failure to re-sign Marcelo Sarrachi and Kelechi Iheanacho, and with only one signing in the door, Celtic have a lot to do between now and the end of the transfer window. Top goal scorer – Shankland (Rangers) Lawrence Shankland eventually got his move to Rangers this summer, reuniting with his old manager Derek McInnes. The Scotland international’s goalscoring record in recent seasons speaks for itself, and there are few better than him in the country. Shankland played a big part in the success that Hearts had last season, and I can see him thriving under Derek McInnes and proving to be a real asset this season. Player of the season – Duran (Celtic) If Celtic are to have the success they had last season again this season, then new signing Camilo Duran is certainly going to have a big say in that. With Daizen Maeda earning a move to the Premier League, Duran is now left to fill his boots, and I expect him to hit the ground running for Celtic and have an impressive first season in Scotland. Surprise package – Kilmarnock I expect Killie to have a strong season. The appointment of Neil McCann came as a surprise to some last season, but he came in and got results while making Rugby Park a real tough place for teams to come and get a result at. Despite losing some key players this summer, such as Findlay Curtis, David Watson, and Lewis Mayo, I think Killie could have a good shot at claiming a top six spot. First manager to be sacked – Craig McLeish Despite enjoying silverware success last season, St Mirren avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth and really struggled to get the required results at times, resulting in a relegation playoff. Craig McLeish was appointed permanent manager in the summer after managing to keep Saints up; however, I expect them to have another underwhelming season. I think Craig McLeish’s inexperience will end up costing him in the end. Mack Kelly Champions – Celtic Somehow, Celtic are in a weaker position than they were this time two months ago. Their board has put them and their reputation at risk of becoming a national, if not continental, laughing stock, but they usually (with the exception of last year) eventually get their business done, and I back their higher-ups to give Martin O’Neill what he wants — but equally it could be a car wreck. Top Goal Scorer – Lawrence Shankland Lawrence Shankland eventually gets his move to the team he has been destined to play for. No one this decade has scored goals on a more consistent basis than the former Hearts captain, and after reuniting with his former Tynecastle gaffer, Derek

Talking Points: Aberdeen 3-0 Kelty Hearts

Five talking points from Aberdeen’s comfortable win over Kelty Hearts. Job done for the Dons. Aberdeen rounded off their Premier Sports League Cup group stage campaign with a comfortable victory against League Two outfit Kelty Hearts. Stephen Robinson’s side won all four matches, scored eleven goals, only conceded twice and kept two clean sheets, which means that they will enter the last sixteen as a seeded side. The draw for the last sixteen will be made following the conclusion of St Mirren vs Dunfermline Athletic, which kicks off at 15:00 on Sunday. Nisbet at it again. Kevin Nisbet found the net again, converting a penalty inside two minutes. That’s now six goals, three of which coming from the penalty spot, and two assists for the Scotsman, which is a major positive for the Dons going into their league opener against Heart of Midlothian, who face Austrian outfit Sturm Graz at Tynecastle on Tuesday, looking to overturn a four goal deficit. Nesta Guinness-Walker. Left-back Nesta Guinness-Walker put in another solid performance. The 26-year-old looked dangerous going forward, getting past opposition players with ease and playing a lot of dangerous progressive passes. The Englishman also didn’t put a foot wrong when tested defensively. Impact off the bench. Tony Yogane came off the bench at half-time and looked dangerous throughout the second period. The twenty-year-old looked sharp when hitting the byline, playing some dangerous crosses into the box, drew several fouls as a result of his neat dribbling and played the cross in for the third goal, on his right foot, albeit a little fortuitously with the central defender misjudging it and the goalkeeper parrying it into the path of Olusanya, who converted into an empty net. History maker. At just fifteen years, seven months and twelve days, Andrew Fasanya made history against Kelty Hearts by becoming the youngest ever player to play for Aberdeen FC. The young talent came off the bench for the final quarter of the match and did not look out of place in the slightest. When he received the ball, he looked bright and should have probably netted, when he got on the end of a brilliant cross by Ronan, but headed over from close range. Young midfielder Findlay Marshall, who has spent the last three seasons out on loan across Scotland, also came off the bench to make his Aberdeen debut.

Will Ferry and James Penrice Both on the Celtic Radar as Possible Backup

Dundee United star Will Ferry is on the transfer radar of Celtic after an impressive season at Tannadice, as is James Penrice. Ferry is now on the shortlist at Parkhead alongside Penrice as Martin O’Neill looks for cover for current Celtic man Kieran Tierney. The Dundee United man currently has interest from abroad, with a move to the Czech Republic having been turned down by Ferry. A fee of around £1.7 million was accepted by the Tannadice outfit, but Ferry didn’t seem keen on the switch. Blackburn Rovers are also keen. Ferry has made over 80 appearances in tangerine after joining from Cheltenham Town and has been a standout player for the Tannadice squad, with a big-money move looking very likely for the 25-year-old. For Penrice, however, there is plenty of competition, as EFL trio Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City, and Middlesbrough are all said to be interested in the AEK Athens full-back. Celtic’s fierce rivals Rangers are also reported to be tracking the former Hearts man as they look to add extra depth. Penrice began his career in Glasgow with Partick Thistle, which included loan spells with East Fife and Livingston, before joining the Lothian side again in 2021. The full-back became a key player for Livingston, making 96 appearances before joining Hearts, where he impressed highly, earning him a move to Greece. Penrice once again impressed, adding European football to his name after an impressive run in the Conference League, eventually bowing out to finalists Rayo Vallecano 4–3 on aggregate. Celtic were close to getting Sarachi back to Parkhead after a successful loan spell in Glasgow last campaign, but any return to the east end of Glasgow broke down, with Celtic now set to look elsewhere. Celtic fans have been quick to criticise the board for the lack of transfer business this season, with just the one signing of Duran coming in from Qarabag to bolster the attack. Celtic are also set to receive a massive blow, with star man Daizen Maeda set to make a Premier League switch. New boys Ipswich Town are set to sign the Japan international for £10 million, which Celtic will certainly be disappointed with, as many believe the price tag is far too low.

The World Cup Heads for Spain

Spain are the winners as they edge past Argentina 1-0 as Ferran Torres strikes in extra-time to seal Spain as World Champions. A dominant display against 10-men Argentina in New York saw the Spanish side scrape past last years winners in which was much described as a one-sided final in which seems to be Lionel Messi’s last dance on the big stage at age 39. Spain throughout the entire 120 minutes racked up 20 shots with 12 on target with Argentina surprisingly only having two shots which both came in the second half of extra-time which concluded with 0 shots on target with main man, Messi being rather quiet. Spain could’ve had it wrapped up in normal time if it wasn’t for Aston Villa man Emiliano Martinez making numerous top saves but just couldn’t keep it up as Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game after 106 minutes. Spain are now unbeaten in all competitive competitions since the 28th March 2023 in a 2-0 defeat in Mount Florida at Hampden Park as Scotland ran away winners in the Euro qualifications. The Spain goal scorer said: “I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people, not just those of us that are here. Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We’re far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them. “Finals are hard. When you have Messi on the opposing team you do get worried but we always backed ourselves and tried to show our football and I think we managed to do it once again. “A huge relief [to score]. I’ve been criticised throughout the whole tournament but as as I said before destiny was written. Thanks to God, he always gives me the strength to continue and in the end he grants things to those that most deserve them.” This is Spain’s just second World Cup trophy since 2010 after winning in South Africa after defeating Netherlands 1-0 after extra-time after Iniesta scoring deep into extra-time. This World Cup saw Barcelona defender, Pau Cubarsi winning Young Player of the Year for the World Cup, Simon collecting Golden Glove and Rodri winning Player of the Tournament. France striker, Mbappe ended the tournament as top goal scorer. Despite defeat, Martinez broke a record in a World Cup final after 11 saves by Spain. Overall, a deserved final win for Spain after a disappointing attacking display by Argentina as Spain are crowned world champions for 2026 and for Lamine Yamal, a World Cup at the age of 19.

Motherwell set to receive a club-record-fee for the New Zealand International

Elijah Just is set to complete a deal with EFL Championship side, Swansea City which will be the new club-record-fee, overtaking Lennon Miller. Swansea are set to complete the signing of Motherwell star, Elijah Just which is set to be in the millions for the New Zealand man impressed in the USA at the World Cup this year, scoring three times which two against Iran and one against Belgium. Celtic have been rumoured with signing Just but it looks like the Welsh club have beaten the Glasgow outfit to the signature of the Motherwell play-maker. The fee is set to break the record of Lennon Miller which is tagged at £5million after joining Italian side, Udinese with Just set to re-unite with his former Fir Park teammate, Stephen Welsh after being sold by the Parkhead side. His agent revealed the midfielder has been loving his team in Lanarkshire but with his strong performances this summer, this has left many clubs chasing for his signature as a move away looks very close with Swansea being the most likely to be his new club. The Steelmen have lost two crucial players very lately which saw Callum Ward joining EFL side, Queens Park Rangers for £1million and Elliot Watt joining Turkish side, Samsunspor. The well’ have so far done very well to keep Maswanhise but clubs will most certainly be soon knocking on the door for the Motherwell man.