Hibs Archives - Page 6 of 9

Returning Raskin Stars for Rangers in Welcome League Cup Victory over Hibs

Rangers 2-0 Hibernian Raskin (42′) Miovski (45+2′) Two late first-half goals saw Rangers progress to the League Cup semi-finals over David Gray’s Hibernian. The home side started positively in front of a sparse Ibrox crowd. Nicolas Raskin returned to the Rangers side following a brief absence and dragged the first shot of the match wide after 5 minutes. Following a pre-match protest outside Ibrox, a section of the home faithful continued their revolt in the 11th minute, throwing objects onto the park to disrupt proceedings. Hibs grew into the game and had the first major chance on the 15-minute mark. Josh Mulligan drove at the Rangers’ backline before sliding Kieron Bowie through on goal. The striker rounded Jack Butland at an angle, opting to lay off for Martin Boyle, who sidefooted over. Boyle had the ball in the net on 19 minutes, rolling past Butland from Dylan Levitt’s pass. VAR correctly disallowed the opener, as the Australian attacker had controlled the pass with his hand. Nicky Cadden crashed a free kick into the wall after the half-hour mark as the game remained goalless. Rangers had shown positive signs but still lacked a cutting edge in attack. That changed after 41 minutes, courtesy of Raskin. The Belgian international headed home James Tavernier’s corner kick to the delight of the home support. Boyle had a golden chance to equalise moments later, but steered a trademark Cadden cross wide. Bojan Miovski doubled the lead in stoppage time. The ball broke to the Macedonian after positive play by Mikey Moore, slotting home for his first Rangers goal. Martin’s side started the second half exactly how they ended the first, as Djeidi Gassama curled a powerful strike off the crossbar. Grant Hanley cleared Miovski’s shot off the line soon after, as Rangers searched for the goal that would finalise the tie. Despite the lead, Rangers looked fragile defensively. Kieron Bowie easily found room in the penalty box from a long ball, but bobbled his shot wide. Miovski thought he had scored his second goal and Rangers’ third, but was flagged offside in the Hibs box. David Gray turned to his bench in an attempt to overturn the deficit. Substitute Thibault Klidje found Bowie in the box, but Dean Cornelius blocked the striker’s left-footed shot. Raskin was a standout for Rangers, adding personality and swagger to the home side’s midfield. He exited the field to a standing ovation after a starring performance. Youssef Chermiti raced clear in the 88th minute as Hibs pushed men forward. The striker’s shot was blocked by the foot of Raphael Salliinger. The full-time whistle secured Rangers’ first win in five, the win will ease some of the magnified pressure on Martin’s shoulders. They return to Ibrox on Thursday, opening their Europa League campaign against Genk. David Gray will be disappointed that his side couldn’t convert any of their major chances. They will have the opportunity to rectify this defeat at Falkirk Stadium on Tuesday night Rangers: Butland 6 Tavernier 7 Souttar 6 Cornelius 6 Meghoma 6 Raskin 7 Diomande 6 Aasgaard 6 Moore 7 Miovski 7 Gassama 6 Substitutes: Barron 6 Antman 5 Chermiti 5 Curtis Bajrami Hibernian:Sallinger 6 Hanley 7 Bushiri 6 Obita 6 Mulligan 6 Levitt 6 Chaiwa 6 N Cadden 6 McGrath 6 Boyle 6 Bowie 6 Substitutes: Barlaser 6 Hoilett 6 Klidje 5 C Cadden 5 Molotnikov 5

September 20, 2025

Hibs and Dundee United Share Six Goals After Late VAR Drama

Hibernian 3 – 3 Dundee United Kucherenko (27′ OG) Bowie (51′) McGrath (86′ pen) Stephenson (15′, 47′) Sapsford (44′) A late Jamie McGrath penalty ensured a point each for Hibs and Dundee United in a high-octane Easter Road meeting. The teams emerged into a raucous Easter Road atmosphere, with Hibs celebrating their club’s 150th anniversary. The home side started brightly, with Josh Mulligan curling an early free kick just over the crossbar. Hibs continued to press, and Martin Boyle had a powerful strike blocked by the Dundee United defence after a knockdown from Warren O’Hora. Boyle was involved again shortly after, gathering a flick from Kieron Bowie but only managing a weak effort that was easily collected by goalkeeper Yehvenii Kucherenko. Slightly against the run of play, Dundee United took the lead in the 15th minute. Luca Stephenson met Will Ferry’s cross to head past Jordan Smith. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, much to the delight of the large contingent of travelling fans. Hibs levelled in the 27th minute, when a Rocky Bushiri header was bundled into his own net by Kucherenko. Dundee United continued to threaten, primarily through the dangerous trio of Zac Sapsford, Amar Fatah and Ivan Dolcek. Panutche Camara stole the ball from Dylan Levitt, but Sapsford’s subsequent shot was tipped wide by Smith. Stephenson had a chance for his second of the evening, but his low effort was saved by Smith’s feet. Bowie has three goals in all competitions this season, and had two opportunities to add to his tally before halftime. Unfortunately for him, Kucherenko saved both his deflected strike and a diving header to keep the score level. The visitors restored their lead after 44 minutes. After rounding Smith, Ivan Dolcek unselfishly laid the ball off to Sapsford, who slotted it home to send the away section into a frenzy. Dundee United got the perfect start to the second period, with Stephenson grabbing his second goal of the evening just two minutes in. The Liverpool loanee guided Fatah’s low cross to make it 3-1. Hibs responded moments later when Bowie robbed the United defence and scored with a left-footed strike. The goal was eventually awarded after a lengthy VAR check. Hibs almost equalised in the 56th minute. Substitute Junior Hoilett met a fizzing cross from Cadden, only to be denied by a strong hand from Kucherenko. After the hour mark, Dundee United raced forward. Dolcek offloaded the ball to Vicko Sevelj, whose right-footed shot was palmed behind by Smith. Despite conceding five goals, both goalkeepers had made some remarkable saves throughout the match. Bowie had a golden chance to level the score in the 73rd minute. The striker had plenty of time to meet Hoilett’s dinked cross at the back post, but glanced the header agonisingly wide. Hibs enjoyed a period of possession as they searched for the equaliser, but Goodwin’s side remained well-structured, frequently threatening on the counterattack. Hibs finally drew level in the 86th minute when Sevelj was given a straight red card for a handball in the box. This awarded McGrath the chance to level proceedings from the penalty spot. After a short wait, the midfielder calmly drove the ball into Kucherenko’s bottom corner. With seven minutes of additional time, both teams pushed for a winner. Stephenson had an opportunity to complete his hat-trick after racing through, but Smith spread himself well to deflect the shot behind. Bowie had a penalty shout waved off after being dragged down in the six-yard box, and Kucherenko made one last crucial save, tipping a Hoilett header over the bar. The final whistle brought an end to an exhausting and thrilling match between two exciting sides. Hibernian: Smith 6 Cadden 6 O’Hora 6 Bushiri 6 Iredale 6 N. Cadden 7 Boyle 6 Mulligan 6 Levitt 6 McGrath 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Hoilett 6 Klidje 6 Barlaser 6 Obita 5 Campbell 5 Dundee United: Kucherenko 6 Esselink 6 Iovu 6 Sevelj 5 Keresztes 6 Dolcek 7 Ferry 6 Camara 7 Fatah 7 Sapsford 7 Stephenson 6 Substitutes: Möller 5 Naamo 5

September 13, 2025

Hibernian and Dundee United Shift Attention to Domestic Football after European Excursions

Scottish Premiership action returns on Saturday following the international break, as Hibs welcome Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United to Easter Road on Saturday evening. David Gray’s Hibs will be eager to claim their second victory of the 2025/26 campaign in front of a bumper crowd inside Easter Road. The Easter Road outfit currently occupies third place, having played three league matches so far, winning one and drawing the other two. The Edinburgh side had played all of those games on the back of European ties, as they were involved in the second qualifying round of the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League qualifiers respectively. Despite an impressive showing in the majority of their European qualifiers, Hibs were denied a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League at the expense of last season’s quarter-finalists Legia Warsaw, as the Polish side prevailed 5-4 on aggregate. Hibs are coming into this encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren. Centre-back Rocky Bushiri netted in the 70th minute to cancel out Miguel Freckleton’s opener for the Saints. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United sit in fourth place, with just one point separating them from their opponents on Saturday. Dundee United were also involved in European action throughout the summer. After finishing fourth last season, they entered the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. Luxembourg outfit Una Strassen were their opponents, as Dundee United progressed 2-0 on aggregate, which set up a two-legged tie with Rapid Wien in the third qualifying round. United gave a solid account of themselves in both ties against Rapid Wien. However, Goodwin’s side fell just short of a Conference League play-off spot, losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the second leg at Tannadice. Most recently, Dundee United claimed all three points in the first Dundee Derby of the season following a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from summer arrivals Ivan Dolček and Zac Sapsford. Twelve Hibs players were away on international duty, and each player’s fitness is set to be monitored ahead of Saturday, with Joe Newell remaining sidelined. Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic loanees Dan Barlaser and Zach Mitchell could make their Hibernian debuts. Dundee United are missing several players: Max Watters, Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski, and Ross Graham are all out with hamstring injuries, whilst Isaac Pappoe will also miss out.

September 13, 2025

Reviewing Each Scottish Premiership Club’s Transfer Business

A summer of change across the Scottish Premiership with five new managers in the door across the division, a summer of wheeling and dealing ensued as clubs looked to shape their squads. We review the business of each club and unpack the winners and losers of the window. Aberdeen – 6/10 Fresh on the back of an impressive Scottish Cup win, Aberdeen’s main priority was to strengthen the side to be capable of competing on all four fronts, as they secured a place in European Football. Jimmy Thelin looked to the Scandinavian market, bringing in Krtjan Mar Kjartansson and Kenan Bilalovic. Alfie Dorrington returned for a season-long loan from Tottenham to bolster the backline, while Kusini Yengi was brought into the club for attacking options. Aberdeen’s window was heavily focused on the forward areas. They sold cup final hero Shayden Morris as well as the club’s talisman, Pape Gueye, which weakened the squad. Their deadline day was the most successful, bringing in Kevin Nisbet and exciting winger Jesper Karlsson. A mixed window for the Dons, as they have brought in a lot of youthful talent, while losing two key players. The addition of Karlsson saved their window from being lacklustre. Celtic – 3/10 Going into the summer as Champions, it was clear to see Celtic needed attacking reinforcements. Buoyed by the return of Kieran Tierney, it looked like it was going to be an exciting window for the Hoops. Nicolas Kuhn left the club to join Italian side Como, whilst fringe players Palma and Tillio departed alongside him to Poland and Austria. Having sold Kyogo Furahashi in January, a new striker was top of the shopping list; however, this failed to come to fruition. Benjamin Nygren, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Toukneti look to have bolstered Celtic out wide; however, their lack of a number nine is an issue. Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada look to be project players, whilst Adam Idah has been sold to Swansea. Kelechi Iheanacho has since been brought in; however, this is outside the window, so it doesn’t count towards their rating. All in all, a poor window for Celtic, where they leave it weaker than when they entered. Dundee – 5/10 Tony Docherty replaced by Steven Pressley as a summer of change engulfed the Dens Park Side. Losing key players Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron and Mo Sylla, it was an important first window for Pressley. Yan Dhanda is their signing of the summer as he looks to rediscover his Ross County form. Paul Digby and Drey Wright look to be a good bit of business. However, it has been a summer of unknown at Dundee. There are a lot of question marks over their signings, with youthful players sprinkled in alongside experienced ones. Dundee United – 6/10 European Football secured Jim Goodwin set off to strengthen his squad for the European qualifiers, having lost a large number of players. It was an interesting window from the Tanadice side, with a lot of unknowns from across Europe joining the club. Zac Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek look to be the finds for the club, looking very impressive early on. The return of Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson also boosted Jim Goodwin. There are many unknowns surrounding Dundee United’s transfer window, including the signings of Lucie Lovu, Bert Esselink, and Dario Naamo, to name a few. The Tangerines have expanded their presence in the European market by bringing in ten players from across the continent. The only issue with Jim Goodwin’s business is the number of loans, as they are in key areas of the pitch, although some do have the option to buy. Falkirk – 4/10 Falkirk, after a long hiatus, returned to the top flight of Scottish football. Their window, however, does not exactly scream we are here to stay. Scott Bain was the marquee signing joining from Celtic following the expiry of his contract. Brian Graham was also brought in; his experience is sure to help the Bairns. Four loan deals Falkirk look set to repay the faith to the players who helped them reach the Premiership. However, it’s been a poor window in which they haven’t strengthened enough to maintain Premiership status. Hearts – 8/10 Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the addition of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts have had one of the best windows in the league. Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga have added an exciting option on the wing, with the latter enjoying a great start to life at Tyencastle. Elton Kabangu made his move permanent after spending the latter end of last season on loan. Whilst the club shelled out a club record fee to bring in exciting young midfielder Ageu from Portuguese side Santa Clara. Stuart Findlay was brought in as a favourite of Derek McInnes to tighten up the backline. Hearts also made a healthy profit from the sale of James Penrice, a man they paid nothing for the previous summer. It has been an exciting window for Hearts, the only downside being that their squad does look slightly bulky, as they have failed to ship out some of the deadwood. The likes of Kenneth Vargas remain at the club despite not being in the plans. Hibernian – 9/10 Hibs, for me, have had the best summer in the Scottish Premiership. Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan joined the Leith side on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts elsewhere. The Easter Road side also shelled out a reported one million pounds for striker Thiabult Klidje. Grant Hanley, a seasoned professional, made the move to Scotland after spending the majority of his career in the south. He adds stability to the backline, which, at times last season, looked shaky. Going out the door was Dylan Vente, who left the club after failing to impress in his time in the capital. Whilst Moriah-Welsh and Ekpiteta left to join clubs down south. Excellent business from the Leith side, as their new signings have fitted in seamlessly, and they look to have really strengthened their side

September 3, 2025

Euro adventure ends for Hibs after thrilling draw in Warsaw

Legia Warsaw 3 Hibernian 3 (After extra time, Legia win 5-4 on aggregate) An extra-time winner ensured Legia Warsaw’s progression to the Europa Conference League at the expense of Hibernian. David Gray’s side were beaten 2-1 in Leith last Thursday, but started the match well with Warren O’Hora managed the first shot on target in the opening minutes. Despite a settling start for the Hibees, Vahan Bichakhchyan’s powerful drive put Legia in front. The strike put clear daylight between the teams and was a gutting blow for the Edinburgh men. The goal helped the Poles grow into the game; further efforts from Rafal Augustyniak were both well saved by Jordan Smith, keeping the lead to one. Gray’s boys are a very different beast to the team that won just two of their opening 16 Scottish Premiership games at the start of last season. An outstanding second-half display highlighted the levels that Hibs have reached since that horror period. Rocky Bushiri sparked hopes five minutes into the second half, heading home Nicky Cadden’s in-swinging cross to equalise on the night. Then they levelled the tie in the 59th minute, after Martin Boyle powered home Bushiri’s clever setup. They incredibly added a third in the 61st minute, as substitute Miguel Chaiwa accelerated into the Legia and unleashed a brilliant finish across the goal. An outstanding 11-minute period saw the visitors flip the script on this tie. Scottish teams are not supposed to perform in this manner on the European stage; yet remarkably, they were just half an hour away from qualifying for the Europa Conference League. Hibs thought they were down to ten men after Junior Hoilett was dismissed. The referee rightly overturned the decision, offering further hope to the visitors. Warsaw looked dangerous, but the away team continued to carve out the better chances. Kacper Tobiasz denied Josh Mulligan, before a 40-yard volley bounced off the bar from Boyle. Seven minutes of additional time added further torture for the visiting support, somewhat heartbreakingly as Legia clawed their way back into the match. Juergen Elitim was left unmarked in the box; smashing home to make it 4-4 on aggregate, and ensure a further thirty minutes of extra time. The visitors were visibly exhausted as extra time began, and their hopes were dashed in the 98th minute when Mileta Rajovic lashed a high shot past Smith, putting them behind again. Jan Ziolkowski picked up a second yellow to offer hope for Hibs, but they were unable to find their fourth goal of the evening. A gut-wrenching defeat for the visitors, who had produced a stunning second-half period to come roaring back into the tie. Legia Warsaw: Tobiasz Ziólkowski Jedrzejczyk (Shkurin 90′) Kapuadi Wszolek (Alfarela 79′) Kapustka (Rajović 67′) Augustyniak (Szymański 67′) Elitim Vinagre Bichakhchyan (Stojanović 79′) Nsame (Urbański 90′) Hibernian: Smith N. Cadden (Iredale 79′) O’Hora Bushiri Obita (Klidje 101′) C. Cadden (Hoilett 57′) Boyle (Megwa 90′) Mulligan Levitt (Youan 90′) McGrath (Chaiwa 57′) Bowie

August 28, 2025

No European Hangover for the Hibees as They Progress to Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final

Josh Mulligan and club record signing Thibault Klidje both got off the mark for Hibernian, as they won 2-0 to knock Livingston out of the Premier Sport Cup in the round of 16. Hibs came into this one off the back of a gruelling extra time triumph over Serbian side Partizan Belgrade on Thursday evening, whilst Livingston were hoping to gather some momentum following a 3-1 victory over Falkirk last weekend. The results sees the capital city side book a trip to Ibrox to take on Rangers in the quarter-final, which ensures to be a mouth-watering clash as the Hibees will be entitled to a larger away allocation as per cup rules. Klidje nearly got his first goal for Hibs before some fans had eve taken their seats. The Togolese forward got on to the end of a long ballad tried his luck from range with a looping volley, but it was palmed over by Jerome Prior in the Livingston net. Hibs had the lion’s share of possession in the first half and approached the game with a bit of directness, challenging the Livingston back line’s resolve with balls over the top to utilise the pace of Klidje and Martin Boyle. Their best chances leading up to the goal however came from distance, with Josh Campbell and Alasana Manneh having half volleys from the edge of the area blocked by yellow jerseys. The Edinburgh side’s goal would come just on the stroke of half time. Martin Boyle’s in-swinging corner curled onto Klidje’s head at the near post and was directed goalwards on the striker’s first start for his new club. The away side kept the pressure on as they plugged away for a second, and opportunities for that two goal cushion didn’t come much better than Junior Hoilett’s effort just after the hour mark. Just minutes if not seconds after coming off the bench, the Canadian was put clean through on goal by Klidje’s defence splitting pass, yet the experienced winger dragged a tame effort wide of the post. The second goal would eventually come for the visitors just three minutes from time, when substitute Josh Mulligan sent a rocket into the top left corner of the goal, also meaning that this was his first goal for Hibs as well, since his arrival from Dundee this summer to well and truly send Hibernian on their way to the quarter final as they will be aiming to win their first piece of silverware since their Scottish Cup heroics of 2016.

August 17, 2025

Cadden winner seals Euro Playoff for Hibs

Hibernian 2-3 Partizan Belgrade Bowie (59′) Cadden (100′ ET) Vukotic (17′) Milosevic (44′) Kostic (90+5′) Hibs advance 4-3 on aggregate Chris Cadden’s 100th-minute strike settled a nervy aggregate victory for Hibs against Partizan Belgrade to set up a play-off showdown with Legia Warsaw. Two Jordan Smith blunders had levelled the tie at halftime, before a sensational 35-yard Kieron Bowie strike put Hibs ahead. Andrej Kostic sent the game to extra time with a 95th-minute equaliser before Cadden’s winning goal. David Gray made one change from the side that won 2-0 in Serbia a week ago, as Josh Campbell replaced the injured Jamie McGrath. The home side had an early chance to extend their aggregate lead when a deflected cross from Martin Boyle fell to Chris Cadden, but he fired his shot straight at Partizan goalkeeper Milosevic. Perhaps a missed opportunity to kill off the tie. But the visitors took the lead after 17 minutes. Vukotic found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a strike that looked routine for Smith. But the Hibs keeper could only get a hand to it, tipping the ball into the net and leaving the home side stunned. Boyle’s teasing cross was tipped away, leading to a corner, from which Dylan Levitt delivered a brilliant left-footed cross to the back post, where Rocky Bushiri rose highest but could only head the ball wide, missing a great opportunity to level the score. The half went from bad to worse for Hibs when another goalkeeping blunder gifted Partizan their second goal. Mario Jurcevic charged down the left side, his low cross found its way to Milosevic, whose tame left-footed shot somehow squirmed under Smith’s body and crossed the line. In the dying moments of the half, Jurcevic was again involved on the left, sending in a cross that struck Warren O’Hora’s arm inside the box, bringing play to a halt for a VAR check as a sobering first half for the home side drew to a close. Despite the two mistakes, Gray kept faith with Smith for the second half and Hibs started to find their way into the game, despite from doggedness from Partizan’s youthful team. Step forward Kieron Bowie. A hopeful ball forward bounced kindly for the striker, without thought, he unleashed a dipping strike which arched over the helpless Marko Milosevic. The home support erupted, knowing that this goal would be remembered in the green side of Edinburgh for years to come. Within minutes, it got even better. Partizan defender Nikola Simic took down the goalscorer to receive his second yellow and his marching orders to prematurely end his night. The home side began to play with freedom after a crucial five-minute period and a positive move between Bowie and Cadden saw the latter whip a right-footed cross to Boyle, who volleyed wide. They had the ball in the net again on the 70th minute through substitute Nicky Cadden, but Boyle was narrowly offside in the build-up. Smith came up with two big saves in quick succession. Firstly, blocking a low shot, and then tipping Milosevic’s effort over the bar. A big confidence boost at a crucial time, backing up Gray’s decision to stick with him. As the game reached the 90th minute, the home side looked set to secure a place in the playoff round of the Conference League. However, Easter Road was left stunned after a neat Partizan move saw 18-year-old substitute Andrej Kostic finish at the near post. It was agony for the home faithful, with seconds of normal time remaining, the aggregate score was tied. Hibernian hit back in extra time as the game ticked over 100 minutes. Milosevic, in the Partizan goal, parried Mulligan’s strike into the path of the onrushing Chris Cadden. The defender missed a golden chance in the early stages of the game but made no mistake to thrash the ball into the open net. The outstanding Bowie almost settled the game, taking a positive touch on the edge of the box, his left-footed strike narrowly evaded the right post. Smith came up with a huge save moments later, a straight forward through ball found Jurcevic, but the Hibs goalkeeper did superbly to tip the strike around the post, with a Junior Hoilett effort rounding off a breathless opening 15 minutes. Nicky Cadden had the best chance of the second period, arriving at the back post but could not deflect his shot or header on goal. The home side’s high line almost caught them out moments later. Mario Jurcevic fired home, but the play was brought back for another offside infringement. Partizan came close again when goal scorer Kostic hit the post in the closing stages. The full-time whistle blew on a marathon evening in Leith as the fans celebrated in the stands, with a sense of relief as they managed to prolong their stay in Europe United sunk by penalties as Vienna recover to claim play-off berth The mood at Tannadice was very different by contrast as Rapid Vienna needed penalties to get past Dundee United and send Jim Goodwin’s men crashing out of the Conference League. The Arabs returned from the Austrian capital with a hard-fought 2-2 draw last week so knew the tie was far from over in Dundee as a play-off spot was at stake. Max Watters nodded in the opening goal for United and added a second from the penalty before the break to make it 2-0 and give themselves the best chance of going through. Rapid hit back through Janis Antiste, whose cross in was deflected into the United net with Ercan Cara notching an equaliser on the night and on aggregate to make sure the tie went the distance. Both sides couldn’t be separated any further as the game went to penalties, where Amar Fatah’s first penalty for United, which struck the post, was the only one not to be converted, as Rapid Vienna claimed the victory in the end.

August 14, 2025

Gray staying grounded despite first leg success

Hibernian welcome Partizan Belgrade to Easter Road as they look to keep their Europa Conference League group phase dream alive and avoid a repeat of the disappointing defeat to FC Midtjylland a fortnight ago. David Gray and his team went to Serbia in last Thursday’s first leg and took home a 2-0 victory in which Martin Boyle produced the goals in a magical night to boost the Scottish co-efficient. Belgrade will travel to Edinburgh as they look to overturn the deficit, whilst Hibs will fancy their chances of extending their lead in the tie in front of a sold-out Easter Road crowd. Should Hibernian progress the job doesn’t get any easier as they will face AEK Larnaca or Legia Warsaw, where Larnaca lead 4-1 after the first leg. Preparations from both sides have differed with Hibs throwing away a two-goal lead in Kilmarnock while their Serbian foes recorded a resounding 7-2 away win over Napredak. Hibs boss David Gray refuses to get too excited, despite the first leg and has urged the fans to fill the stands. “It’s half time in the tie, nothing’s been achieved yet we start this game at 0-0,” he told the press conference on Wednesday. “We’ll be approaching this game as though it’s goalless with it all to play for because we all know the threat and danger Partizan possess. “They have real good quality technical players who are at that level for a reason. We need to be at our very best to get a positive result. “You can never ever underestimate the power of what the fans can do to really spur you on.” Midfielder Jamie McGrath also spoke at the press conference and revealed how desperate he and his teammates are to be the first Hibs players to make it to the group stages in a European competition. He added: “The gaffer said a Hibs team have never got through to the group stages and that is something in the back of our minds as we want to be the first to do it. “We can’t afford to take our eye of the ball of we will be punished.” Recent signing Grant Hanley could make his European debut after getting his first taste as a Hibee in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock while Partizan will be without Vukasin Djurdjevic who was sent off in last Thursday’s first leg. The game kicks off at 8pm and will be shown live on the BBC Scotland channel.

August 14, 2025

SPFL Weekly – Matchday 2: Five Talking Points

Hearts served up a pulsating finale at Tannadice, while Rangers faltered with an unchanged side at home to Dundee. Elsewhere, concerns mounted for the goalless Aberdeen and St Mirren, Livingston claimed promotion bragging rights, and Kilmarnock fought back to frustrate Hibs. While BBC Sportscene marked its 50th birthday with a special edition on Saturday — and a welcome return for presenter Dougie Donnelly — they brought the weekend’s action to the small screen. But while they show it, here’s our take on the big talking points from Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 SPFL season. Set-Piece Heaven: Findlay and Grant Lead the Way Stuart Findlay. Take a bow. Fresh from scoring the second against Aberdeen last week, he delivered again. This time, in dramatic fashion, heading a last-minute winner at Tannadice to keep Hearts top. Not to mention his part in the other goals, he won the penalty for Lawrence Shankland and nodded in the equaliser too. His heroics also spared Zander Clark’s blushes after mistakes in both Dundee United goals, prompting the ‘keeper to sprint the length of the pitch at full-time to celebrate with his saviour. Cheers, Stu. The Jambos began with Alan Forrest at right wing-back but struggled to make inroads down that side — a sharp contrast to the hosts’ stand-in wing-back, Ivan Dolček, who struck twice. Most of Hearts’ threat came down the left, where Harry Milne thrived in the final third, linking superbly with the attack. James Penrice, who? It will concern Dundee United that all three goals they conceded came from set pieces, with former staff member Ross Grant — now Hearts’ set-piece coach — returning to haunt them. Squad depth at wing-back is also an issue, mirroring Hearts’ problems in that area, though Dolček impressed in his stint on the right. Derek McInnes again showed his tactical acumen, reshaping his side at half-time to address their problems on the right. Moving Michael Steinwinder to right-back and Alexandros Kyziridis to right midfield helped nullify the threat of Dolček. However, a move for a new right-back and a goalkeeper after Clark’s recent woes could also be on the cards. United is still in the early stages of rebuilding after a busy summer. Still, signs of promise are already there with Dolček and marquee signing Amar Fateh returning from injury. Their immediate focus is on Europe, with a credible away result against Rapid Vienna setting up a big night at Tannadice. Victory would move them closer to the group stage and the potential £5m windfall it brings. With momentum building over the past two years, Jim Goodwin is now discussing a new contract. Rejoice! As for Hearts, Tony Bloom’s bold prediction of a title challenge within the next decade might be closer than many think… Dee-Light at Ibrox as Dundee Rattle Rangers For the first time in 36 years, Rangers have opened a league season without a win in either of their first two games, and Russell Martin is still waiting for his first Premiership victory as head coach. Russell Martin admitted last week his side didn’t deserve a point — and, arguably, they didn’t here either, despite James Tavernier’s late penalty salvaging one. Dundee might have been cruelly denied had Cyriel Dessers’ stoppage-time strike stood, but the offside flag spared them. The Glasgow side fielded an unchanged eleven from their resounding 3-0 win midweek against Viktoria Plzeň. With hindsight, Martin should have made changes, as his team lacked intensity. Rangers are a work in progress, with new owners, a new boss, new signings, and a few out. Yet, in Glasgow, patience is in short supply, and the fans are already restless. This was evident with the booing throughout the match, particularly of second-half substitutions Nico Raskin and Kieran Dowell. Despite Rangers’ lethargy, Dundee deserves full credit for exploiting it. Energetic and brave, they were unrecognisable from their limp League Cup displays. Steven Pressley geed up his team for this tie, particularly Luke Graham’s standout defensive performance. And special mention goes to Ryan Astley, whose terrific second-half header gave Dundee the lead and had them on the brink of a marquee win for Pressley, if not for Captain Tav’s intervention from the penalty spot. Nasser Djiga’s afternoon also ended on a sour note, the defender seeing red for bringing down Fin Robertson as the last man just minutes after Astley’s opener. No appealing that one. Dons & Buddies Draw Blanks Aberdeen and St Mirren have failed to score in their opening two games of the season, though each has a different take on their final-third troubles. The Saints remain confident the goals will come and are only likely to enter the market if the price is right (think free transfers and loans). Context matters, having already travelled to Celtic Park and faced a rejuvenated Motherwell. They looked threatening in spells but perhaps missing pace in attack, a Toyosi Olusanya-type figure since his move to the USA in April. Aberdeen, meanwhile, have also endured a tough start, opening away to ‘title-chasing’ Hearts and last season’s champions Celtic. But they have looked worryingly toothless, with their only real threat to Kasper Schmeichel a long-range strike from Adil Aouchiche and a miscommunication between Shin Yamada and the veteran keeper. Their summer signing, Yusini Yengi, has endured a difficult start. He squandered a gilt-edged chance at Tynecastle and was underwhelming against the Hoops’ defence. At times on Sunday, he looked an isolated figure before being hooked on 55 minutes. Both captain Nicky Devlin and manager Jimmy Thelin have backed the Australian to come good, insisting he needs time and more attacking support from those around him. Yengi’s woes haven’t stopped the Pittodrie side from entering the market. They have been linked with Swedish winger Kenan Bilalovic for a six-figure fee and young AC Milan striker Marko Lazetic on a free transfer, albeit with a hefty sell-on clause attached. With Europa League qualifiers looming and Friday’s European signing deadline fast approaching, Aberdeen’s need for firepower is urgent. Lions Roar Again

August 12, 2025

SPFL Weekly – Matchday 1: Five Talking Points

Russell Martin blows his top after a lacklustre showing, Luke McCowan spares blunt Celtic with late heroics, and Derek McInnes’ Jambos breezed into pole position for title challenge. Kieron Bowie was the Starman at Den’s Park, and it was a level start on opening day for promoted sides. We’re back! Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 1 in the 2025/26 SPFL season. Martin Fires Warning Shot The post-match talk to the press is rarely more explosive than the game. Yet the new man in the dugout, Russell Martin, let rip in his Sky Sports interview after their opening SPFL game at Fir Park, criticising the mentality of his squad. He accused some of his Teddy Bears of ‘reverting to type’ and needing to ‘drop their egos’. An impressive second-half performance from Motherwell saw Emmanuel Longelo’s powerful strike cancel out James Tavernier’s first-half header in the 1-1 draw. The Lanarkshire side could have won, too, with Jack Butland denying Tom Sparrow, who scored their winner at Ibrox in March, in the game’s dying moments. Martin admitted that his ex-Norwich teammate’s side, Jens Berthel Askou, who joined Motherwell in the summer as Head Coach, was ‘braver’ and more ‘aggressive’ than his side and was lucky to get a point. Their supporters booed off the Glasgow side at full-time, echoing déjà vu from last season. The Brighton man, who played for Rangers on loan in 2018, delivered similar criticism in context to Barry Ferguson’s comments last season. Although Martin said it was ‘not an attack on anyone personally’ ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox, he will need to be careful not to alienate his squad. They overcame Panathinaikos over two legs in the previous round of European qualifiers. However, the less-than-convincing performances and players playing out of position have baffled supporters. He said some players must ‘drop their ego’, but perhaps he should be the one to compromise on his tactics and do so willingly if he wants to succeed in Glasgow. He told Sky Sports: “We need to work out who really wants to be all in and who doesn’t.” Martin has been busy in the transfer window, with the recent arrival of Finnish international Oliver Antman, who arrives from Go Ahead Eagles in a £4m deal, pushing the total to nine signings. The gaffer will hope Antman doesn’t shrink under pressure but grows into a giant in attack. Loyal servant and club captain James Tavernier, who has been at the club for ten years, has been an ever-present in this so-called egotistical environment. Still, question marks remain about his ability to instil a positive culture. Maybe Martin, Tavernier, fresh faces, and player exits can finally push the club in a new direction. Rodgers Needs Firepower After McCowan Bailout Luke McCowan saved Celtic’s blushes with a deflected strike in the last ten minutes of the game against a stubborn St Mirren side at Celtic Park. It was hard to say what was less surprising: Stephen Robinson’s men, unbeaten in last season’s top-six split and fresh off a third consecutive top-half finish, proving they are no pushovers, or McCowan coming off the bench and positively changing the game for the Hoops. The Bhoys started with a party. A rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out, Kris Boyd pleading for Scott Brown to keep talking on Sky Sports so he doesn’t have to hear it. Lisbon Lion John Clark, who passed away in the summer, had a tifo unveiled in his memory. And the club welcomed back 90s legend Paul McStay before he unfurled the league champions’ flag at Celtic Park. Unfortunately, that’s where the shindig faded. The home side struck the woodwork four times and saw a Callum McGregor second-half strike correctly ruled out for handball. It wasn’t until McCowan’s 12-minute cameo that the game came to life. The 27-year-old brought energy and the decisive flourish that Benjamin Nygren and the front three of Yang, Adam Idah, and Daezen Maeda lacked. He had a similar role last year, coming on as a substitute 17 times for Celtic in the league, scoring six goals and assisting seven times for his boyhood club. The narrow 1–0 win means the reigning champions have now won their opening league fixture in 17 of the last 18 seasons. It has been a successful period for the club, but Brendan Rodgers will only continue at Celtic beyond his contract, which expires at the end of the season, if the club continues to develop on and off the park. Rodgers wants attacking reinforcements, but Yang is less than convincing. James Forrest is ageing, and the injured Jota is not expected to return until the new year. Adam Idah continues to blow cold, and Jonjoe Kenny and new signing Shin Yamada are both untested in the league. On BBC’s Sportscene, ex-Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew says the club needs two wingers and a striker, which is a fair assessment based on the manager’s recent comments. Hearts Weather the Wind and Bloom into Title Contenders The Jambos were back in league action after cruising in their League Cup campaign the past few weeks. Even Storm Floris caused chaos across Edinburgh, with Fringe shows cancelled, train services halted, and even the Military Tattoo called off. Still, it couldn’t disrupt Derek McInnes’ men with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. They had no sympathy for the 650 Aberdeen fans attempting the journey south, or for Dons’ captain Graeme Shinnie, who put the ball into the back of his net in the early stages of the game from a Harry Milne cross. Jambos’ summer signing Stuart Findlay finished the scoring with a brave header past an onrushing Dimitar Mitov. Lawrence Shankland thought he had doubled their advantage in the first half with a wonder strike, which was disallowed for offside in the build-up. Managing his first league game for Hearts against a former club, Derek McInnes told Sky Sports afterwards that “we gave everything.” They will

August 5, 2025