Match Reports Archives

Imrie’s men salvage late draw at emotional Cappielow

Morton 2-2 Ayr United Greenock Morton welcomed Ayr United on a sombre afternoon at Cappielow Park where Morton manager Dougie Imrie took his place in the dugout despite the heart breaking loss of his infant daughter earlier in the week. Prior to the game, a minute’s silence was impeccably observed by both sets of supporters before kick-off as Imrie made two changes from their Premier Sports Cup defeat to Aberdeen while Scott Brown and his Ayr United side were still on the hunt for their first league win as he made five alternations. But the match poignantly began with the home support rallying behind their manager, with the Cowshed section chanting his name loudly in the opening stages and throughout the match. United carved out the first real chance when Marco Rus broke free down the left and whipped in a front-post cross for Curtis Main, but the ex-St Mirren striker’s flick was well blocked by James Storer. Morton were handed a penalty midway through the first half. A perfectly weighted through ball from Cammy Ballantyne released Michael O’Halloran, whose cutback struck the hand of a United defender. Eamonn Brophy took responsibility from the spot and calmly slotted the ball low into the bottom-left corner. 📺 WATCH NOW: Morton manager Dougie Imrie speaks post game David Mitchell dived the right way, but even at full stretch he could not prevent the former Kilmarnock man’s precise strike. Despite a flurry of chances for Main, Morton held firm and went into the interval a goal to the good. Brown’s Ayr side left still searching desperately for a breakthrough going into the second period. United found it within minutes of the restart, Main rising at the back post to meet a free-kick and hooking the ball across goal for Kevin Holt to tuck away, bringing the sides level. The visitors then turned the game on its head from another set piece. A superbly delivered corner from Ethan Walker was met at the near post by Nick McAllister. 📺 WATCH NOW: Ayr United boss Scott Brown gives his post game thoughts The Honest Men skipper glanced his header home to give Ayr the lead inside the opening quarter of the second half. Storer kept Morton alive late on, producing a brilliant reflex stop to deny George Oakley’s thunderous header from inside the six-yard box. That save proved pivotal. With the clock running down, Nathan Shaw whipped in a curling cross to the back post, where Brophy rose to glance a simple header past Mitchell, sparking relief and jubilation among the home support. Zach McKay would test Mitchell late on but the scores would remain level. Both sides continue to search for their first league win. After a traumatic week Morton will be the happier of the two sides, the players turning up for their manager with the type of grit and destination that will surely see them move up the table this season. PLAYER RATINGS: Morton: Storer 6; Ballantyne 7, Moore 5, Longridge 6, Delaney 5 (Corr 4); Blues 6, Robertson 6 (Garrity 5), Shaw 8; O’Halloran 5 (McKay 4), Moffat 6 (Wilson 4), Brophy 9* Goals: Brophy (23) Ayr United: Mitchell 6; McAllister 8, Holt 8, Dick 6, McMann 6; Rus 6 (Watret 5), McKenzie 6, Ure 6, Walker 8 (Hastie 4); Oakley 7, Main 6 📺 WATCH NOW: Billy Davies’ post game reaction

August 23, 2025

Partick Thistle 1-1 Morton: Rivals Draw in Firhill Thriller

There was no shortage of thrills at Firhill as Partick Thistle began their home league campaign against rivals Greenock Morton. Thistle fans were looking for a response following a disastrous opening-day defeat to relegated St Johnstone. The Jags had taken an early lead in Perth but collapsed, conceding five without reply. Morton’s start to the season was more complicated. Manager Dougie Imrie, linked with the Firhill job in the summer before Thistle appointed Mark Wilson, missed the opening league fixture for personal reasons. Technical head coach Billy Davies stepped in, guiding the side to a 0–0 draw with Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline. Team News Imrie returned to the dugout in Maryhill, making three changes: Eammon Brophy was handed his full debut, with Cammy Blues and Ali Crawford also starting. Owen Moffat, Kerr Robertson, and Michael O’Halloran dropped out. Thistle made two changes of their own, with debutant goalkeeper Josh Clarke and home-grown midfielder Ben Stanway replacing Lewis Budinauckas and Ts’oanelo Lets’osa. Before kick-off, a minute’s applause for lifelong Thistle supporter Robert Reid was warmly observed by both sets of fans, while Morton’s travelling support unveiled a banner for their manager’s young daughter reading: Keep fighting, Remi. First Half The opening stages saw few chances, the blustery conditions leading to scrappy play. Thistle’s Logan Chalmers went closest in the first half hour, his wind-assisted free-kick from wide drifting just past James Storer’s post. Morton finally made the breakthrough in the 35th minute. A Cammy Ballantyne cross was held up by Brophy at the near post before being laid off for the onrushing Crawford to fire home, sparking bedlam among the away fans. The visitors then struck the bar twice in quick succession through captain Jackson Longridge and Tomi Adeloye. Thistle responded immediately, Chalmers’ strike crashing off the inside of the post and straight into Storer’s arms. Second Half The game burst into life after the break. Thistle introduced Lets’osa for Luke McBeth, and the Lesotho-born midfielder quickly won his side a penalty after a clattering challenge from Longridge. Chalmers stepped up, sending Storer the wrong way to level the match. Imrie, Davies and Longridge were all visibly unhappy with the referees award of the spot kick against their side. Minutes later, Chalmers broke down the left and squared for Aidan Fitzpatrick, who raced through the middle. With only the advancing Storer to beat, the former Norwich winger somehow dragged his effort wide. Both sides would threaten in the dying stages, with both putting set pieces into dangerous area but neither keeper was forced into any late action as the match ended square. What’s next? Thistle at least have a point on the board, and Morton pick up a valuable away draw but both sides remain in search of a first league win of the season. Both sides now turn their attention to Premier Sports Cup action, with a home tie with Scott Brown’s Ayr United next week for the Maryhill men whilst Imrie, Davies and co host Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen at Cappielow in their own second round tie. Partick Thistle: Clarke; Logan (McPherson 69′), Reading, Ashcroft, O’Reilly; Stanway (MacKenzie 84′) , McBeth (Lets’osa 46′), Crawford; Fitzpatrick, Chalmers, Watt Subs not used: Budinauckas; Lawless, Horn, Falconer. Scorer: Chalmers (50′) Greenock Morton: Storer; Ballantyne, Moore, Longridge, Deleney; Wilson, Blues (Moffat 67′), Crawford (Garrity 84′), Taylor (Robertson 67′); Brophy (McKay 78′), Adeloye (O’Halloran 67′) Subs not used: Murdoch; Corr, Hart. Scorer: Crawford (32′) Att: 3,926

August 9, 2025

Aberdeen Freeze in Tynecastle Cauldron as Hearts Top Table With Victory

There were chants of ‘we shall not be moved’ at Tynecastle Park as hosts Hearts moved up to first place in the table, as the Jambos faithful created a raucous atmosphere as they watched their side defeat Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen 2-0. Both sides were able to round off the first week of Premiership action, amid fears of a potential postponement due to an amber level weather warning of severe wind. Hearts came into this one the sharpest of the two sides, having played four Premier Sports Cup matches prior to this, winning all four, and scoring four in each. Not to mention defeating Premier League opposition in Sunderland 3-0 also, in a testimonial for club legend Craig Gordon. Aberdeen were away from in the opening Monday night fixture for the second consecutive season after they beat St Johnstone 2-1 this time last year, but the side from the North East were unable to replicate the same kind of result which kickstarted their memorable unbeaten run at the start of last season. Hearts would take the lead in the 11th minute, courtesy of Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie, who had been receiving the pantomime villain treatment from the home support up until this point. A Harry Milne cross hit off the Dons’ skipper last before hitting the net, which all started from Claudio Braga driving down the right hand side to make it all happen, and when his cross led to a Cammy Devlin strike deflecting out to Milne, he zipped a ball across to help put the Maroon side ahead. Milne almost doubled the lead three minutes later, when his strike surprised all of Tynecastle when it hit the bar. Aberdeen would hit the woodwork themselves just a minute later, when Nicolas Milanovic’s cross hit off the leg of Kusini Yengi and tumbled onto the post left of Zander Clark. Hearts thought they had doubled their lead just on the stroke of half time, this time through their captain, Lawrence Shankland, who found the top left corner with a fantastic curling strike outside the box. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build up, giving the Gorgie side a one goal advantage to defend going into the second period. There was a clear momentum shift to be seen from the beginning of the second half, which seen Aberdeen create many opportunities and enjoy large spells of possession in the Hearts half. No opportunity came better than Kusini Yengi’s five minutes after the restart, with the Australian getting onto the end of a deep curling Leighton Clarkson free kick from around six yards out. His effort, however, bounced wide of the goal on what was the striker’s competitive debut for the Dons. Hearts weathered a red coloured storm for the first two thirds of the second half, before coming alive again and doubling their advantage. Harry Milne lifts a free kick in from a narrow position which was failed to be cleared by Aberdeen’s Mats Knoester, allowing Scotland international Stuart Findlay to capitalise and beat Mitov in the Aberdeen net in the air to give Hearts a two goal cushion and net his second of the season already. There was another worryingly long VAR check for a potential offside put hearts in mouths around Tynecastle, but groans quickly turned into cheers of delight when referee Nick Walsh pointed to the centre circle. This result continues Derek McInnes’ 100% record as Hearts manager following his appointment at the end of last season, as his side look to make it ten competitive victories in a row when they travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United this Sunday afternoon. For Jimmy Thelin and his men, they face the easy task of hosting the champions Celtic at Pittodrie in the Sunday lunchtime fixture, with Brendan Rodgers’ side looking to avenge their Scottish Cup Final loss and make it two wins out of two for the campaign. Hearts: Clark, Kent (Steinweinder, 70′), Hackett, Shankland (Magnusson, 90′), Braga (Wilson, 71′), Borchgrevnik (Forrest, 70′), Devlin, Spittal (Kyziridis, 70′) , Milne, Findlay (Goal, 73′), McEntee Bookings: Kent (19′), Hackett (54′), Devlin (61′) Aberdeen: Mitov, Shinnie (OG, 11′, Devlin 81′), Knoester, Nilsen (Morris, 69′), Aouchiche, Yengi (Boyd, 62′) Clarkson, Milanovic (Sokler, 81′) , Milne, Jensen, Keskinen (Polvara, 62′) Bookings: Aouchiche (60′), Milanovic (78′)

August 5, 2025

Hibs 1–2 Midtjylland: Extra-Time Agony Ends Europa Hopes at Easter Road

Hibernian faced Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland in a crunch Europa League qualifying second leg in Edinburgh this evening. The Hibees went into the match level after a credible 1–1 draw in Herning last week and looked to navigate their way into the third qualifying round. Both sides looking to book advance and earn a tie with Norwegian side Fredrikstad. The Danes had put six past Sønderjyske on Monday, ahead of the tie and were looking to continue that form and silence a sold-out Easter Road. Head coach David Gray named an unchanged side from last week’s first leg. They remained without Lewis Miller, who looks set to head south to Blackburn. Scotland international Grant Hanley was in attendance, rumoured to be the Australian’s replacement in the Hibs backline. First Half The visitors kicked things off shooting toward the Hibernian Block Seven Ultras in the Famous Five Stand. The home crowd were in full voice from the outset, creating a hectic and formidable atmosphere for the four-time Danish champions. Their efforts would pay off, with the hosts creating the early chances and twice forcing Jonas Lössl into saves. Hibs had the ball in the net after just 15 minutes, however the assistant’s flag denied them a memorable early breakthrough. Both sides traded blows for the remainder of the opening half, with Hibs carving out a few promising opportunities. Midtjylland were limited to chances only through some nervy Hibs defending and efforts from range. Stopper Jordan Smith pulled off solid stops and Warren O’Hora making a goal-denying block. It was level at the interval, with everything still to play for as the hosts looked to join fellow Scottish sides Rangers and Dundee United in the next round of European qualification. Second Half The offside rule that had denied Hibs in the first half came to their rescue early in the second. Franculino Djú broke through on the right-hand side of the area and slotted past Smith, but this time it was VAR, not the assistant’s flag, that ruled the opener out and kept the tie level. Smith continued to be the busier of the two keepers in the second half, making multiple stops, while Lössl was reduced to a near spectator. Thomas Thomasberg’s side dominated the second period, but a combination of Smith’s heroics and wasteful finishing kept them from taking the lead. Djú, in particular, will be kicking himself, the Bissau-Guinean striker rounded Smith midway through the half but hesitated, allowing Jack Iredale to nip in and clear before he could slot home. Hibs thought they had won it right at the death when captain Martin Boyle found himself racing through on goal in stoppage time. The Hibs legend squared it to substitute Nicky Cadden for a simple tap-in, but once again the offside ruling came into play to cancel out the would-be opener. And so it remained 0–0. With no away goals rule in European competition anymore, the tie headed into extra time. Extra Time With legs tiring and supporters’ anxiety levels sky-high, the game carried on into extra time here in Leith, both sides desperately searching for a winner. The visitors looked to have found it through Chilean midfielder Darío Osorio, whose long-range strike finally beat the outstanding Smith to send the Danish side on course to face Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad. But Hibs struck back right on the cusp of the extra-time interval, with Rocky Bushiri cementing his place as a Hibs hero by finding the crucial equaliser when his side needed it most. The big central defender wheeled away toward the Main Stand, sparking wild celebrations from all four sides of a packed Easter Road. Both sides would have chances at the death, but nerves and fatigue would finally get to Hibs, a cross from the wide right was turned in spectacularly by Júnior Brumado. Inside the penalty area the unmarked Brazilian got his back down and a great connection on the ball to send his team through to the next round. What’s Next? Midtjylland advance to the next round to face Fredrikstad, while Gray’s men must now regroup for a shot at the UEFA Conference League. They will travel to Belgrade to take on FK Partizan in what promises to be an intimidating affair. The Serbians advanced from their own second-round qualifier with a 6–0 aggregate win over Ukrainian side FC Oleksandriya. Att: 19,556

July 31, 2025

Livingston cruise to a 6-0 victory over Kelty Hearts

Robbie Muirhead’s brace and goals from Andy Winter, Adam Montgomery, Shane Blaney, and Stevie May saw Livingston cruise to a commanding 6–0 victory over Kelty Hearts, securing second place in their Premier Sports Cup group. New Livingston Signings Adam Montgomery and Aidan Denholm featured in the Livingston squad as the team looked to end its cup group stages on a high note. Montgomery, who signed from Celtic, debuted as a left-back, with Denholm starting on the bench. A bright start from the Lions saw Winter knock the ball past two Kelty defenders, whipping it into the box, but seeing the chance cleared wide. From the resulting corner, Graham Carey’s ball was delivered into the front post and won by Winter. His header was flicked to the back post, beating Corey Armour and putting the hosts 1-0 up just minutes into the game. Only ten minutes into the game, Kelty were forced into an early change. Craig Clay came off due to injury; a Trialist replaced him. In the 26th minute, the debutant Adam Montgomery doubled the hosts’ lead. After making his run from left back into the box, a pass from Graham Carey came to him. He made no mistake, latching onto the opportunity, firing the ball into the side netting past Armour. Two minutes later, Livingston was awarded a free kick 30 yards out from goal. Robbie Muirhead stood over it, using this opportunity to get a shot at the goal. He hit the free kick well, dipping just over the wall and into the back of the net. Muirhead made it a brace in the 37th minute, after Daniel Finlayson’s cross from the byline found him unmarked just outside the six-yard box. Muirhead’s well-taken header capped another dominant spell for Livingston as they continued to assert their control. Minutes before half-time, Livingston thought they had added another to their already strong lead. After some great play down the right-hand side, Winter crossed a ball into the box, and it found its way to Scott Pittman, whose shot crashed off the crossbar, rebounding off the line. The hosts made two substitutes at the break, bringing on Aidan Denholm and Sam Culbert with Scott Pittman and Daniel Finlayson coming off. After some poor defensive play from Montgomery, James Graham found himself in a shooting position against Jerome Prior. His shot, however, was straight at Prior, leaving him an easy save to make—a big chance for Kelty to get a goal back. Due to injury, Denholm’s Livingston debut was cut short. He was substituted in the 67th minute, being replaced by Stevie May. In the 78th minute, Winter had a huge chance to grab a brace. Winter found himself in a shooting position after a poorly cleared cross fell to the back post. His strike, however, was saved very well by Armour. Livingston then made their final substitution of the match, with Shane Blaney coming on for Adam Montgomery. Livingston were sharp to take their corner in the 85th minute, catching the Kelty defenders off guard as Shane Blaney grabbed a late goal. Only minutes later, Stevie May headed the ball home. A great ball over the top of the defence from Carey saw May bearing down on goal. He calmly headed the ball past the keeper, making it 6-0. Lineups: Livingston: J. Prior, A. Montgomery, R. McGowan, S. Pittman, R. Muirhead, G. Carey, A. Winter, D. Findlayson, M. Sylla, M. Tait, D. Wilson Subs: J. Hamilton, S. Blaney, A. Denholm, Z. Rudden, L. Smith, S. May, A. Shinnie, S. Culberts, J. Wanner Kelty Hearts: C. Armour, M. Thomas, A. Arnott, C. Johnston, L. Carrol, J. Graham, C. Clay, L. McCarvel, S. Mercer, C. Masson, J. Teasdale Subs: R. Adamson, B. Paterson, I. Murray, R. Cole, Trialist, C. Bexfield, G. Leitch, J. Brydon Attendance: 843

July 26, 2025

Falkirk Stroll Past Spartans to Seal Last 16 Spot

Falkirk beat The Spartans 4-0 at The Falkirk Stadium this afternoon in their final Premier Sports Cup group stage fixture. Dylan Tait scored in the first half, with Scott Arfield adding a second after the break, before Calvin Miller struck twice to round off an emphatic second-half display. The Bairns entered the match knowing that only a win would keep their hopes of progressing as a seeded team alive. Several sides, such as Premiership rivals Hearts, have already made it through on the maximum 12 points. Team News After the midweek win over Queen’s Park, John McGlynn spoke about rotating between goalkeepers Nicky Hogarth and Scott Bain ahead of the league season. That policy continued today, with the former Celtic stopper returning to the starting line-up in place of Hogarth. McGlynn has yet to confirm his first-choice goalkeeper for next Sunday’s Premiership opener against Dundee United, the club’s first top-flight fixture in 15 years. Also returning to the Bairns’ starting XI were Brian Graham, Tuesday night’s goal scorer, and talisman Scott Arfield. The Spartans needed a win to have any chance of leapfrogging Cove Rangers into second. They made changes themselves, including rotating their goalkeeper with Paddy Martin coming in. There was still no place for Jordan Tapping, who rejoined the club this summer after more than a year out of football in Australia. First Half Falkirk started brightly, particularly through Ethan Ross, who was fresh from scoring twice on Tuesday evening. His pace and delivery caused problems for the Spartans down their right-hand side. The Bairns made their pressure count before the half-hour mark. Brad Spencer whipped in a corner that Brian Graham met with a powerful header. Although his effort was blocked, Dylan Tait reacted quickest and smashed home the rebound. Spartans nearly found an unlikely equaliser late in the half when Liam Henderson misjudged a cross and almost diverted it into his own net, the ball skimming just over the bar. The score remained 1–0 at the break despite Falkirk’s dominance. Second Half That changed early in the second half. Arfield raced through one-on-one with Paddy Martin on the left side of the box and coolly slotted the ball beneath the Spartans’ goalkeeper to double the lead. Moments later, Arfield turned provider. The former Rangers midfielder fizzed a low cross into the box, where Keelan Adams pounced. His shot was blocked on the line, but Calvin Miller followed in to bundle the ball over and seal a comfortable win for Falkirk. Bain would make an excellent save to deny Bradley Whyte to ensure his competitive clean sheet record with the Bairns remained intact. Substitute Alfredo Agyeman turned provider for Miller’s second and Falkirk’s fourth. The Ghanaian picked up the ball on the left wing and delivered a pinpoint cross onto the foot of Miller, who volleyed it home. Falkirk had a couple of chances for a fifth, and a few penalty shouts were waved away, but the match finished 4-0 to the hosts, who advanced to the last 16. Despite their unbeaten group record, the Bairns go into the next stage unseeded, with Hearts, St Johnstone and Partick Thistle all joining the five Scottish European representatives as the seeded sides after finishing their groups on the maximum 12 points. Falkirk will now turn their attention to their Premiership return against Dundee United this weekend, while the Spartans will return to League 2 action against Lowland League winners East Kilbride. Attendance: 2,312

July 26, 2025

Premier Sports Cup: Hearts Cruise Past Dumbarton to Secure Seeded Knockout Spot

Hearts continued their impressive Premier Sports Cup showing with a win over Scottish League Two side Dumbarton at Tynecastle this evening. The Jambos finished their group stage campaign with a perfect 12 points from four games and progress to the knockout rounds as a seeded team. Dumbarton, entering a new era under Canadian owner Mario Lapointe and signing 16 new players, came into the match off the back of a heavy defeat to Dunfermline. Amongst the new arrivals at Dumbarton was former Hearts forwards Ally Roy, who started at the ground he began his career at. The hosts got proceedings underway, shooting towards the travelling Dumbarton support, and dominated the early stages, Lawrence Shankland going close within the first minute. Dumbarton’s Irish defender, Gordon Walker, produced a crucial early interception to deny Hearts, but the breakthrough came midway through the first half. Club captain Shankland met a pinpoint Stephen Kingsley cross with a diving header past Dumbarton keeper Shay Kelly, the 18-year-old younger brother of Rangers stopper Liam. Hearts killed off any chance of an upset just before half-time. A Sander Kartum corner was nodded home by Michael Steinwender, breaking the resolve of Dumbarton’s stubborn defence. In the second half, Scott Tomlinson rattled the crossbar for the visitors after beating Kingsley, as the Sons pushed for an unlikely comeback. But Hearts extinguished any remaining hope when new signing Alexandros Kyziridis burst into the penalty area and drove a low effort across Kelly into the net. The Greek winger now has two goals in two games as the Jambos look to bounce back from last season’s disappointing campaign, with signs of smart summer business under new boss Derek McInnes. Hearts hit four for the fourth consecutive Premier Sports Cup match with another new signing Claudio Braga, tapping home a Cammy Devlin cut back. Hearts would continue to threaten for a fifth while Dumbarton huffed and puffed for some rare up field ventures. Both sides would make numerous changes as the game petered out. Hearts finish the group with four wins from four and look back to their best ahead of their Premiership opener against Aberdeen. The Jambos looking to return to the top-six this year and push for a European return. Dumbarton now travel to Hamilton knowing only a win and a huge goal swing from Dunfermline would see them progress. Dunfermline take on the group’s basement side Stirling in their final fixture. Dumbarton return to League Two this year and kick off their campaign against Clyde at the Marbill Coaches Stadium a week on Saturday as they look to return to the third tier at the first time of asking.

July 23, 2025

On Par: Neil Lennon’s Men Find Their Rhythm Against Sons

Dumbarton continued their Premier Sports Cup campaign this afternoon with a home fixture against William Hill Championship side Dunfermline Athletic. The visitors, managed by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, arrived at the Marbill Coaches Stadium following a narrow defeat to Hearts in their group stage opener, while Dumbarton entered the contest on the back of a midweek win over Stirling Albion. Team News Sons manager Stevie Farrell made four changes to the starting XI, introducing Ollie Ecrepont, Cammy Clark, Kai Kirkpatrick, and Leighton McIntosh. Dropping out were Shay Kelly, Adam Livingstone, Tony Falconer, and Ally Roy. Lennon made just one change from the team that faced Hearts, with Lucas Fyfe replacing Alfons Amade. Kyle Benedictus seemed to operate as a sweeper in a throwback role within Lennon’s system. First Half – Early Sons Pressure But Pars Take Control Dunfermline started the match on the front foot, dominating possession during the early stages. However, Dumbarton created the first real opportunities, with Clark and Morgyn Neill both forcing saves from visiting goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet. Despite that positive spell, it was the visitors who opened the scoring midway through the first half. Josh Cooper found space on the edge of the box and curled a precise effort beyond Ecrepont to give the Pars the lead. Dunfermline nearly doubled their advantage soon after, with chances falling to Kane Ritchie-Hosler, Chris Kane, and John Tod, but the home defence stood firm to keep the score at 1–0. On the stroke of half-time, the visitors made it two. Ewan Otoo burst down the left and cut the ball back across the box. Cooper dummied cleverly, allowing Kane to arrive late and smash home a powerful strike, leaving Dumbarton two goals down at the interval. Second Half – Clinical Finishing Seals the Win The second period began with another blow for Dumbarton. Substitute Andrew Tod, returning from an injury layoff, broke through the defence and rounded Ecrepont with composure before finishing into an empty net to make it 3–0. The game settled into a scrappier rhythm thereafter, with fewer clear chances and a number of fouls disrupting the flow. Dunfermline completed the scoring late on, as Cooper grabbed his second of the match with a well-taken back-post volley following an excellent delivery from the right. Aron Lynas came off the bench for Dumbarton to replace Neill and marked his 100th appearance for the club in the closing stages. Post-Match Reaction The result marked a strong response from Dunfermline following their midweek bounce game against Rangers, and Lennon’s side now look ahead to Tuesday’s home match against Hamilton Accies as they aim to keep pace with group leaders Hearts. Speaking after the match, Lennon reflected on the performance and the importance of progressing in the competition. He said: “We showed plenty of respect to Dumbarton and played the game accordingly. “It was a great team performance, and you can see glimpses of what we’re trying to do now. “It could’ve been a lot more but there’s still lots to work on, but my players looked good.” For Dumbarton, the focus now shifts to another challenging test next weekend away to William Hill Premiership side Hearts, before the League Two season begins in August. Manager Stevie Farrell acknowledged the quality of the opposition and emphasised the value of the experience for his players. He said: “They’re a very good side and I was very impressed with them. “I watched their hearts game back and I thought they were really good, we knew we were going to face a really good side today. “We started the game really well in the first ten minutes. If we take one of our chances you just never know. But ultimately, we didn’t deserve to win the game. “The second half, I thought we were going to be a bit stronger. But we got more out of that today than we did against Stirling on Tuesday night. “It’s the type of test the boys needed and we’ll have another one next week at Tynecastle.”

July 20, 2025

Livingston secure three points in a close victory over Brora Rangers

Livingston beat Brora Rangers in their first competitive home match of the season. Goals from Wilson and Rudden meant that the hosts walked away with all three points in this slightly closer-than-anticipated fixture. Livingston faced Brora Rangers in their first competitive home tie of the new season. They entered the game with one win and one loss in their opening two group stage fixtures, and with a plethora of new signings, they hoped to bring success in this home tie. Just seconds into the game, Livingston had a chance to take the lead. As Lewis Smith drove down the left wing, he delivered a cross onto the penalty spot. His ball was met by Robbie Muirhead, whose header came crashing off the Bar. A great opportunity for Livingston to take an early lead in the fixture. It took the home side just four minutes to have the ball in the net, after some nice link-up play saw Daniel Finlayson at the by-line, his cross found the feet of Muirhead, who was lurking at the near post, waiting to tap the ball in. However, the goal was quickly disallowed by the assistant referee for offside, keeping the game at 0-0. Continuing on the search for an opener, Sam Culbert advanced the ball from the right wing. He then took a strike at goal, which he saw saved by Cameron Mackay. A huge chance came the Lions’ way in the 22nd minute after a well-struck cross from Andy Winter met the flying head of Andrew Shinnie at the back post. Unfortunately for the hosts, Shinnie didn’t get enough contact on the header and steered it wide. After a comfortable first 25 minutes for the home side, they were unable to find the net. Many chances came their way. However, they couldn’t capitalise on their fortunes. It took the hosts until the 30th minute, but they took the lead. After a cross to the back post was nodded across the goal, Danny Wilson flicked the ball into the back of the net. The constant pressure from Livingston proved successful as they scored the first goal in the tie. Just four minutes later, the Lions were close to doubling their lead. After great play through the thirds, Finlayson crossed the ball into the box, after a couple of missed clearances, it found Winter at the back post. Whose effort at goal was saved well by Mackay. The visitors were forced into a first-half change due to injury, with Mark Nicolson coming off for Gary Pullen. The first booking of the game came for the hosts after a late sliding challenge from Culbert saw him collide with Connor Bunce. Half time came, and the hosts were comfortable in the lead. They managed to keep Brora at bay, not allowing any shots at goal but having many chances themselves. They would be disappointed to have not scored more. However, glad to see themselves ahead. A half-time substitution saw Lewis Smith make way for new signing Jannik Wanner. In the 52nd minute, Brora had their first chance as the ball was played to Bunce, who took it round his man and smashed it into the side netting. After a slow start to the second half, the hosts found themselves struggling to keep hold of the ball. This led to another chance from the away team, this time through Aidan Wilson, who latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box. His shot was smashed way over the bar. Livingston made a double substitution in the 60th minute, bringing on Mo Sylla and Stevie May for Culbert and Muirhead. May was slipped through on goal in the 73rd minute but was deemed offside in a controversial decision. If it wasn’t for the flag being raised, May was sure to score and double his side’s lead. The second yellow once again came the home side’s way, with Finlayson receiving the card for his late sliding challenge. Just moments after this, Livingston made a double substitution with Scott Pittman and Zak Rudden coming on for Winter and Graham Carey. The away side had a huge chance in the 82nd minute as substitute Shane Sutherland was slipped through on goal. His shot was placed just wide of the post after some strong play leading to the chance. The hosts grabbed a goal in the 84th minute that was sure to secure the win. After a crossed free kick from May found Rudden. His header was placed well past Mackay, surely winning them the game. Brora had a chance in the last minutes of the game to grab a consolation goal as the ball fell to Bunce at the back post. His shot across the goal was saved well by Jerome Prior, keeping his clean sheet. Lineups: Livingston: J. Prior, R. McGowan, R. Muirhead, G. Carey, L. Smith, A. Winter, D. Finlayson, A. Shinnie, M. Tait, D. Wilson, S. Culbert Subs: J. Hamilton, S. Blaney, Z. Rudden, S. Pittman, S. May, B. Kabongolo, M. Sylla, J. Wanner, T. Yengi Brora Rangers: C. Mackay, M. Finnis, M. Nicolson, T. Dingwall, C. MacKenzie, J. MacRae, J. Wallace, T. Kelly, C. Williamson, A. Wilson, C. Bunce Subs: R. Hardie, A. Cooper, S. Sutherland, G. Pullen, M. Ewan, D. Rae Referee: Daniel Graves

July 20, 2025

Livi seal immediate return to Premiership as County go down

Ross County (3) 2 – 4 (5) Livingston Livingston produced a remarkable turnaround to seal promotion to the top flight as Ross County failed to survive the play-offs in their third consecutive finals. Tete Yengi’s stoppage time goal sparked jubilation as David Martindale joined the away end in storming the pitch as County were left to rue their drop. Livingston had it all to do, going down after just seven minutes. Having produced the equaliser in the first-leg, Ronan Hale was at hand to tee up Josh Nisbet for the opener. Hale would be in again, this time slotting past Jérôme Prior after Livingston fluffed an opportunity to clear the ball outside the penalty area. Martindale’s side were able to pull one back just a few minutes before the break as Lewis Smith did well to escape County’s attention and produce a culture finish. Drawing the side level was Scotland international Danny Wilson, who was quickest to the punch after Jordan Amissah saved Robbie Muirhead’s free-kick. It was then Muirhead’s brilliant finish which sealed the side’s comeback from two goals down, the forward making the most of a difficult angle to curl his effort past Jordan Amissah. Line-ups: Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Wright, Nightingale (Phillips 81), Efete (Samuel 67), Randall, Kenneh, Nisbet, Harmon (Ashworth 54), Hale, White Unused subs: Ross, Tomkinson, Ashworth, Smith, Robesten, Williamson, Coyle. Booked: Nightingale Goals: Nisbet (7), Hale (24) Livingston: Prior, Brandon, McGowan, Wilson, Fraser, Kelly (Tait 85), Finlayson, Pittman, Smith (Nottingham 85), Muirhead (May 77), Montano (Yengi 72) Unused subs: Hamilton, Donnellan, McAlear, Shinnie, Lawal. Booked: McGowan, Finlayson Goals: Smith (39), Wilson (57), Muirhead (61), Yengi (96)

May 26, 2025

Match Reports