Match Reports Archives

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

Late penalty drama sees County snatch draw in Livingston

Livingston 1 – 1 Ross County A Ronan Hale penalty at the death saw Ross County earn a crucial draw in the play-off final first-leg which saw a member of the away staff spat at by a home fan following full time. Making no mistake from the spot, Hale dispatched the equaliser in the 96th minute after VAR had spotted Danny Wilson pulling on Jordan White’s shirt in the box. Prior to his late mistake, the defender had steadied the ship at the back before his opener rocked the County boat with just a minute to go before the break. Blasting home Smith’s corner after it had pin-balled in the six yard area. In control of possession in the first half, County would also have the opening chance of the evening as Will Nightingale’s low header from Ronan Hale fizzing corner was excellently saved by Jerome Prior. However it was Livingston who would have the lion’s share of the opportunities, Robbie Muirhead letting the fruits of his side’s counter-attacking work spoil despite finding himself free at the back post. With the end of the half fast approaching, Cristian Montaño would similarly spurn a good opportunity as the Colombian could not get his head over the ball before sending it above the bar. Finding themselves in need of a leveller, County struggled to get themselves off the back-foot, Hale attempting an overhead kick to no avail as Prior watched it sail above his head. Looking to provide a cushion before a testing trip to Dingwall, Lewis Smith attempted to earn his side a penalty but was rewarded instead with a yellow card for simulation with Livingston able to see the game out regardless. There would be far greater drama as a Livingston fan approached the County dugout, spitting on a member of Don Cowie’s backroom staff following the full-time whistle. Line-ups: Livingston: Prior, Fraser, Wilson, McGowan, Brandon (c), Kelly, Tait (Finlayson 61), Pittman, Montaño (Yengi 82), Muirhead (May 74), Smith Unused subs: Lawal, Hamilton, McAlear, Nottingham, Shinnie, Sole Goals: Wilson (46) Booked: Smith, Wilson Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Nightingale, Wright, Ashworth (Harmon 70), Randall (c), Kenneh, Efete (Smith 70), Nisbet, Hale, Samuel (White 60) Unused subs: Coyle, Phillips, Robesten, Ross, Tomkinson, Williamson Goals: Hale (96) Booked: Samuel, Kenneh Attendance: 2,653

May 22, 2025

Spoils shared at Easter Road as Hibs hold Rangers

Hibernian 2-2 Rangers Barry Ferguson’s possible last game in charge of Rangers fell flat as Hibernian levelled twice to cap off a remarkable second half of the season. A Cyriel Dessers opening just two minutes in had stunned an Easter Road crowd in the mood to celebrate. Jordan Smith’s careless pass allowing Nico Raskin to feed the league top scorer who lifted the ball over his header before drilling in his 17th for the season. Lethal on the counter, Hibernian punished the visitors’ profligacy in front of goal, racing from one end to the other with Martin Boyle’s drilled low ball across the box finding Kieron Bowie who was able to slip away for the leveller. Having failed to learn from an early Raskin header from a corner, David Gray’s side were punished after the break as the Belgian’s deft flick-on gave Rangers the lead. In almost as much time as it taken them to respond to the opener, Hibs fired back for a second time as Nicky Cadden’s long range cross found Martin Boyle in an incredulous amount of space to head the ball past a helpless Jack Butland. There will no doubt be frustration for Barry Ferguson, who watched his side fumble two golden opportunities, the first from Vaclav Černy, who botched his attempt one on one with Smith. The worst was yet to come, this time Raskin contriving to beat Smith yet fail to put the ball past Rocky Bushiri, who found himself bundled over inside the goal, with Dessers unable to do better on the rebound. Smith was not short of things to do on the day, brilliantly denying James Tavernier’s free-kick heading straight for the top corner. Ferguson’s audition ends but problems deeper For all the use of platitudes and rousing speeches, the numbers never lie and what they tell us is fairly damning for Ferguson’s job prospects. Having failed to win a game in which they were dominant, part of the blame lies with the players who were unable to convert numerous chances in front of goal. As Raskin said in his conference after the game, the performance summed up the season as a whole, flashes but unable to get over the line. The pantomime of names associated with the club will run wild in the coming weeks with Fergus not out of the mix by any means, but the issues at the club run far deeper than who is in the dugout. Fitting Gayle tribute cherry on cake If ever there was a way to round off a career, Dwight Gayle might have struggled to conjure one as special as being surrounded by family and teammates, being serenaded by ‘Sunshine on Leith’. Despite the glorious weather, Hibs by no means had their minds on sunny beaches. Instead, they continued to hound Rangers after falling behind. A season that looked destined for the doldrums was turned on its head with that Aberdeen draw and where once a relegation battle was on the cards, the club can now dangle the carrot of European football in front of potential signings. Indeed their transfer window might be one of the most interesting of the summer (second to Rangers it is fair to say) as they look to strengthen to play on multiple fronts without falling to the spiralling impact that their Edinburgh rivals suffered. Line-ups: Hibernian: Smith, Iredale (Obita 93), Bushiri, O’Hora, Cadden, Manneh (Moriah-Welsh 57), Triantis (Levitt 79), Cadden, Hoilett (Campbell 57), Bowie (Gayle 57), Boyle (c) Unused subs: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Kuharevich, Levitt, Youan Goals: Bowie (16) Booked: Bowie, Moriah-Welsh, Boyle Rangers: Butland, Kasanwirjo, Balogun (Pröpper), Souttar, Tavernier (c), Raskin (Cortés 81), Barron, Diomandé (Lawrence 54), Danilo, Dessers, Černy (Rice 81) Unused subs: Kelly, Curtis, McCallion, McCausland, Nsiala, Rice Goals: Dessers (2) Booked: Diomandé, Kasanwirjo Attendance: 18,793

May 17, 2025

Livingston make no mistake securing their play off final spot in a victory over Partick Thistle

Venue: The Home of The Set Fare Arena Date: 16/5/25 Time: 19:45 Livingston are playoff final-bound, as they saw off Partick Thistle at home. A 2-0 win saw the hosts become an unlikely winner after a strong performance from the visitors. However, Livingston defended well, taking their chances better out of two teams. An early free kick gave Partick Thistle the first chance of the match. As Steven Lawless rolled the ball to Logan Chalmers on the edge of the box, Chalmers fired his shot way over the bar. Leaving no test for Jerome Prior. Thistle seemed keen to make amends for their defeat in the opening tie, keeping hold of the ball well and applying pressure on the hosts. After their early chance, they continued the search for an opener. Thistles’ second chance came in the fifteenth minute, after the ball broke just inside the home teams’ half. It was Ben Stanway to latch onto it, driving at Livingstons’ defence, and eventually taking his shot. However, the effort was deflected wide and put out for a corner. Once again, it was the visitors on the offence. As Kanayo Megwa whipped his ball into the box, after a stramash, the ball broke to Brian Graham. He took his touch and fired the effort goalbound, only to see it deflect off a Livingston defender and be cleared. It took 22 minutes for Livingston to have an effort at goal, after a looping corner from Stephen Kelly, Danny Wilson was unmarked at the back post. His header flew just over the bar. Then, just a minute later, Lewis Smith had an audacious effort at goal saved by David Mitchell. After cutting in from the right wing, whipping his shot goalward, he saw Mitchell parry it to safety. The opener came 40 minutes into the match, with the hosts scoring what would be an important goal in the battle for promotion. The ball broke on the right wing to Jamie Brandon, who drove into the penalty area. Hitting his shot across goal, seeing it deflect in off Mitchell. The goal put Livingston 3-0 up on aggregate, making the second half a hard task for Thistle. Half time came, and the hosts were a goal to the good. A strong finish from Brandon was the only goal separating the teams. Although against the run of play, it was exactly what Livingston were after. Just six minutes into the second half, Danny Wilson almost turned the ball into his own net after Megwas’ cross. However, the deflection was steered wide of the post. As the game reached the hour mark, Thistle continued to dominate. However, they couldn’t turn their possession and chances into goals. Ultimately leaving them a goal down. In the 67th minute, the ball broke to substitute Stevie May, giving him an unlikely shooting chance. The striker turned and hit the ball on the volley, hitting the top left corner from around 20 yards out. A special finish to round off an impressive playoff fixture from Livingston. The full-time whistle fell, and the hosts did exactly as required. Seeing out the second half, keeping a clean sheet and becoming deserved winners of this tie. Lineups: Livingston: J. Prior, R. McGowan, S. Pittman(R. McAleer) S. Kelly, R. Fraser, J. Brandon(D. Finlayson), L. Smith(S. May), R. Muirhead(A. Shinnie), M. Tait, C. Montano( T. Yengi), D. Wilson Subs: J. Hamilton, M. Clarke, R. McAleer, T. Yengi, S. May, D. Finlayson, M. Nottingham, A. Shinnie, S. Lawal Manager: D. Martindale Partick Thistle: D. Mitchell, S. Bannigan(L. Dolan), B. Graham, L. Chalmers, S. Lawless, R. Crawford, L. McBeth, D. O’Reilly, A. Fitzpatrick (A. Jakubiak), B. Stanway(Z. MacKenzie), K. Megwa Subs: L. Budinauckas, L. Cameron, A. Jakubiak, Z. MacKenzie, M. Falconer, N. Lockhart, L. Rooney, L. Dolan, J. Low Manager: M. Wilson/ B. Graham Referee: Kevin Clancy

May 17, 2025

Point Seals European Football for Hibs Despite Saints Fightback

A thrilling encounter at the SMiSA Stadium saw St Mirren and Hibernian share the spoils in a 2-2 draw. While the point secured a coveted third-place finish and European football next season for Hibs, it leaves St Mirren needing a result away at Celtic on Saturday to keep their own European dreams alive. Hibs started the match with blistering pace. Just minutes in, a clever through ball from Junior Hoilett found Martin Boyle, who expertly slotted his shot past Zach Hemming at the near post. The Australian international, in red-hot form with his 7th goal in his last 9 league appearances, thought he had doubled his tally shortly after, but his second effort was ruled out following a VAR review. David Gray’s side continued their dominant start, doubling their lead in the 10th minute. Once again, the influential Junior Hoilett was the architect, finding Kuharevich in the box who finished emphatically, sending the travelling Hibs support into raptures. The visitors were playing with a swagger, with the dynamic duo of Boyle and Hoilett posing a constant threat. It was a stark contrast to the Hibs side that had succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in Paisley on the opening weekend of the season. St Mirren, buoyed by an impressive 2-0 victory at Tannadice in their previous outing, gradually found their footing in the game. Alex Gogic was a strong presence in midfield, and Richard Taylor provided a threat from set pieces. However, clear-cut chances were initially at a premium for the home side. A moment of madness almost brought St Mirren back into the contest. A cross from the right was met by Lewis Miller, whose mis-hit swipe at the ball agonisingly drifted just wide of the post, with home fans briefly believing it was in. The Buddies’ persistence finally paid off just before the break. Following a corner, the ball dropped kindly to Richard Taylor in the box, and he slammed it home, igniting the St Mirren faithful and giving his side a crucial lifeline heading into half-time. Stephen Robinson clearly demanded a response from his team during the interval, and he made a bold triple substitution on the hour mark in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the St Mirren attack. One of those substitutions proved to be a stroke of genius. Just moments after coming on, Colin McMenamin met a pinpoint cross from Ronald Idowu, powering his effort past Jordan Smith to level the score. The goal was subjected to a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, but the decision ultimately stood, setting up a frantic final half-hour. The drama continued as St Mirren thought they had taken the lead minutes later. Mandron was denied of his 3rd consecutive league goal as the play was brought back for a foul in the build-up, much to the frustration of the home support. St Mirren substitute Greg Kiltie then threatened at the near post, forcing a smart low save from Smith as the game swung from end to end. St Mirren continued to press, desperately seeking the goal that would keep their European aspirations firmly within reach. With eight minutes of added time, the home fans remained optimistic. In a frantic finale, St Mirren threw bodies forward, and they were almost punished when Hibs midfielder Nectar Triantis embarked on a mazy run into the box, but his impressive surge lacked a finishing touch. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. For St Mirren, it was a fitting way to conclude their home campaign, showcasing the character and fight that has secured them a remarkable three consecutive top-six finishes. For Hibs, the point was enough to seal third place and a European tour next season, ensuring they will head into their final game against Rangers at Easter Road in high spirits. The result leaves St Mirren with a daunting task at Parkhead on Saturday, where they will need to secure a positive result to keep their own European dream alive. St Mirren: Hemming Alebiosu Taylor Gogic Fraser John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce (O’Hara 61’) Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 82’) Ayunga (McMenamin 61’) Mandron Bookings: John 36’ Ayunga 56’ Robinson 70’ Hibernian: Smith Cadden (O’Hara 84’) Miller Bushiri Iredale Obita (Cadden 75’) Triantis Levitt Boyle (Gayle 84’) Hoilett (Campbell 75’) Kuharevich (Bowie 61’) Bookings: Obita 23’ Triantis 38’ Bowie 79’

May 15, 2025

Jaded Thistle downed by Livi double

Partick Thistle 0-2 Livingston: 13th May 2025 | Scottish Premiership Playoff 1st Leg Attendance: 5,470 Livingston took a huge step in re-securing their place in the Scottish Premiership next season as they defeated Partick Thistle 0-2 at Firhill Stadium. The Lions, who finished 2nd in the Championship in a title race that ended up going to the final day, have done their chances of a first time return to the top-flight following last year’s relegation no harm as they host the Jags at the Home of the Set Fare Arena this Friday in the return leg. Goals either side of half time from Scott Pittman and Danny Wilson gave the West Lothian side the victory on the night, but David Martindale will be under no illusions that the tie is over, as they face a Thistle side who overcame a home-leg deficit to get to this stage when they resigned Scott Brown’s Ayr United to another season of Championship football in the previous installment of the Premiership Play-offs. Livingston’s last game before tonight’s was actually a defeat on the final day at home to Partick Thistle, which secured playoff football for the Glaswegians, with the starting lineup from that game also starting tonight’s encounter. Thistle are currently led by co-interim managers Mark Wilson, and this evening’s captain, Brian Graham, who had a glaring opportunity to put the home side ahead on the 27th minute, when Robbie Crawford tackled a ball that was being escorted out of play for a goal kick to regain possession.Graham ran slightly early, and could only manage a backheel which flew wide of Jerome Prior’s left post. Graham had been honoured pre-match with a framed shirt to pay tribute to the striker’s achievement from last week, when he bagged his 100th goal for the club to win the aforementioned tie versus Ayr United, and he had the best chance he could have asked for to make it goal 101. Thistle maintained the pressure but it would be the visitors who would take the lead against the run of play, when in the 39th minute Scott Pitman hit the back of the net. Cristian Montana passed the ball through Luke McBeth’s legs to find Robbie Fraser down the left flank, and the Rangers loanee put it on a plate for Pittman to fire home. It could so nearly have been two before half time, if it wasn’t for Lee Ashcroft denying Stephen Kelly on the goal line just moments before the interval. The opener gave Livingston a newfound confidence to take to the second half, which proved dividends in the 52nd minute. Ryan McGowan leaped up to head a looping free kick downwards, and fellow centre back Danny Wilson, who had seen an overhead kick attempt hit the roof of the net just a couple minutes prior, connected with a half volley which crashed off the crossbar and over the goal line. Livi looked comfortable enough from here on in, up until a late flurry of attempts in the dying stages from Thistle. Lee Ashcroft drove from deep and hit the bar with a rocket from the edge of the box, but their biggest way back into the match came in added time when Brian Graham got onto the end of a ball across the box, but his effort went way over. Livingston now go into the second leg with a 2 goal advantage, as they host Partick Thistle this Friday night at home, looking to book their ticket to the Premiership Playoff Final against 11th place of the Premiership. What The Managers Said: Livingston boss David Martindale said: “I’m delighted with the result. We have played better, if I’m honest, but delighted with the result. Back to ours, they [Partick Thistle] look jaded, don’t they? Two hamstrings [injuries] so it catches up on you. “I think it’s a huge ask for third or fourth.I really do. I don’t think it’s so big for second.But the game’s not done. It’s only half-time. But I feel for Brian and Mark a wee bit because they’ve turned it around. (It’s been a fantastic run for them and their more influential players are getting injured, which is difficult for them. “Yeah, I mean, I’ve got to show them a lot of respect. I don’t think, I genuinely don’t think it’s done. Yeah, I think most hope for Patrick, they’re going to go down to Ayr United. It was kind of like a shoo-in. Ayr would go through, they’d get an early goal, and then they’d go and win the game.So, I’ll not be taking them lightly. I never took them lightly tonight. But we’ve kind of got to use their schedule against them, slightly. And kind of, we’ve had that wee bit of a break.” Partick Thistle interim co-manager Mark Wilson: “Obviously the results are sore one. Just the way we played, you know, pretty disappointing. We didn’t really start well again here, which is disappointing, although they took control of the game pretty quickly. “I thought they looked the more composed side, passed that bit in a bumpy pitch. I didn’t think we got to grips with that or probably took enough risk in possession. Having said that, we kind of got back in the game and created one or two wee openings, one or two chances, and then we’ll always have a goal that’s so poor defensively. “The full group since we came in 13 weeks ago have been great. Sometimes that can happen when a manager goes and everybody takes a bit of shared responsibility. So it’s certainly been terrific in that respect. They’ve dug deep time and time again in the 97th minute here at Falkirk, away at Livingston where we were up against it, particularly last week, where we sat in a similar position and we managed to go to Somerset and score two goals and keep a clean sheet. There’s no reason why we can’t do that again.” Line Ups: Partick Thistle:

May 13, 2025

Ferguson Finally Breaks Ibrox Duck as Rangers Hit Aberdeen for Four

Barry Ferguson has waited a long time for this. At the sixth time of asking, the Rangers interim boss finally delivered a home win – and in emphatic fashion – as his side dismantled Aberdeen 4-0 in the William Hill Premiership. After a tepid and, at times, tense opening 45 minutes, the match sparked into life in the second half. Vaclav Cerny fired Rangers in front ten minutes after the restart, finishing calmly after a smart through ball from Nicolas Raskin. Cyriel Dessers, who had endured a frustrating first half, doubled the lead shortly after, burying a cutback from Raskin to make it 2-0. From that point, Aberdeen crumbled. Hamza Igamane, introduced at the interval, made a real impact – and his 70th-minute strike was the pick of the bunch. Flicking the ball up and lashing home from distance, the Moroccan offered a moment of real quality on a day when Rangers badly needed a boost. Jefte’s late strike – a deflected effort from Cerny’s shot – added gloss in stoppage time and ensured Ferguson could finally celebrate three points at Ibrox. For Aberdeen, it was a damaging result in the race for third, and with just two games left, they remain three points adrift of Hibs. Having shown promise in the opening stages of the second half – with Topi Keskinen rattling the woodwork – their collapse was as alarming as it was sudden. Rangers, meanwhile, snapped a five-match winless streak at home stretching back to early February. Ferguson, brought in on a short-term deal to steady the ship, has endured a rough spell – and while this win doesn’t change the bigger picture of a trophyless season, it does ease some pressure. The takeover talk continues to dominate the narrative around the club, with the expected arrival of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises looming large. For many fans, the fresh start can’t come soon enough. Key Moments: 55’ – Cerny opens the scoring after a fine pass from Raskin. 60’ – Dessers doubles the lead with a composed finish. 70’ – Igamane stuns Ibrox with a brilliant long-range effort. 90+2’ – Jefte rounds off the rout with a deflected fourth. It may be too little, too late for Rangers’ season ambitions, but for Barry Ferguson, it was a long-overdue homecoming worth savouring.

May 11, 2025

Rangers maintain title hunt with Celtic win

Rangers kept themselves in the hunt for SWPL title, edging past Celtic courtesy of Kirsty Howat’s early goal and maintaining their undefeated status against their rivals this season. A long range pass from Tessel Middag saw Howat dart into space with only Kelsey Daugherty to beat, the striker making no mistake in passing the keeper before slotting home the opener. Fife, was called into action after a quiet first-half as Saoirse Noonan fired a low driven shot in the second half, but the keeper was equal to it. It proved to be a difficult afternoon for the Irish striker, who fired another good chance clear over the bar. Howat almost grabbed herself a double, one on one with the keeper she was denied by a sprawling Daugherty as Celtic looked to find a way back into the game. Coming close to adding a second for Rangers, Kirsty MacLean’s rocket from outside the box was well saved by the American shot stopper. However there would be no opportunity more golden than one wasted by substitute Morgan Cross, whose diving header could only send a potential equaliser wide following Smith’s excellent cross. Holding for the three points, Rangers pipped Glasgow City to second thanks to their vastly superior goal and sit just three points behind Hibernian with two games left to play. Line-ups: Celtic: Daugherty, Barclais, Clark (Carstens 89), Lawton, Ashworth-Clifford (Cross 70), Nakao (Harrison 82), Gallacher (Cavanagh 82), Smith, McAneny, Noonan, Agnew (Loferski 71) Unused subs: Dawson, Bruna Lourenço, Rodgers Booked: Cavanagh Rangers: Fife, Docherty (c), Rafferty, Middag, McLeary, MacLean, Wilkinson (McAuley 83), Cornet, Hay (Lafaix 92), Howat (Berry 92), Hardy (Ross 88) Unused subs: Arnot, Cruft, Esson Goals: Howat (12) Booked: Cornet, Howat

May 11, 2025

“Unplayable” St Mirren Frontline Boost European Ambitions

Dundee United 0-2 St Mirren Mandron (31′) Ayunga (66′) St Mirren secured their first win at Tannadice since 2022 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Dundee United, significantly bolstering their prospects of consecutive European qualification. The Buddies established early control, confidence clearly stemming from their unbeaten post-split form. Initial forays saw Mikael Mandron and Ronald Idowu direct efforts wide of the target, much to the encouragement of their vocal travelling support. For United, their top goal scorer, Sam Dalby was a consistent presence, but he could only head over their best chance of the first half from a dangerous Glen Middleton delivery. Just after the half-hour mark, St Mirren’s early pressure paid dividends. A neat exchange with Ryan Alebiosu culminated in Mandron drilling a precise low shot past a helpless Jack Walton in the United goal. The visitors should have doubled their advantage shortly thereafter when Richard Taylor’s incisive pass split the Dundee United defence, sending Jonah Ayunga clear on goal, but his strike lacked composure and soared over the bar. This seemed to prompt a formation change for the home side, it offered a glimmer of hope when Ross Docherty’s header narrowly missed the target. Overall, Stephen Robinson would have been the considerably happier of the two managers at the interval, with Mandron’s well-taken goal marking their first against Dundee United in five encounters this season. United offered a brief resurgence at the beginning of the second half, with Dalby flashing a shot wide before his powerful header was parried away by Zach Hemming. However, it was St Mirren who consistently appeared the more likely to extend their lead. The dynamic Alebiosu surged down the right flank before unleashing a fierce strike that Walton did well to tip away. A recurring theme of the second period was the Saints’ potent counter-attacking threat, with Stephen Robinson later describing his forward pairing of Mandron and Ayunga as “unplayable.” Indeed, the likes of Mandron, Ayunga, Killian Phillips, and Idowu frequently threatened the exposed United backline. Phillips himself squandered a golden opportunity to seal the victory when the ball fell kindly to him inside the six-yard box, but mirroring Ayunga’s earlier miss, he blazed his shot over the bar. St Mirren did have the ball in the net for a third time when Mandron cleverly played in Ayunga, who cut inside and slotted a shot past Walton, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the linesman’s raised flag. As the final minutes ticked away and sections of the United support began to drift out of Tannadice, Greg Kiltie’s powerful shot was well saved by Walton. Considering the chances created, St Mirren’s victory could arguably have been even more emphatic than their last Tannadice success, a 3-0 win. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United will seek to recover from this setback when they travel to Ibrox on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, St Mirren extend their unbeaten league run to three matches and will look forward to a crucial home fixture against Hibernian on Wednesday, a game that has the potential to significantly shape their European aspirations. Teams Dundee Utd: Walton Sevelj Gallagher Adegboyega Strain Ferry Sibbald (Campbell 83’) Docherty (Moult 70’) Middleton Trapanovski (Paton 64’) Dalby St Mirren: Hemming Taylor (Iacovitti 72′) Gogic Fraser Alebiosu John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 76’) Ayunga Mandron Attendance : 9,821

May 10, 2025

Sun, Shankland and suspicious Steelmen as Hearts take three points

Hearts 3 – 0 Motherwell A second Lawrence Shankland brace topped off with James Forrest finisher saw an improving Hearts dispatch a frustrated Motherwell side in the ‘best of the rest’ clash. Attempting to combat the heat, the referee called a stop to play to allow players to take a water break. However there would be no denying Shankland in front of goal, the striker profiting from a defensive howler from Stephen O’Donnell to give Hearts the lead. Having tasted the back of the net Shankland would come back for seconds after the break, meeting James Penrice’s delicate cross to almost put the game out of reach and in doing so scoring as many post-split as he had prior. Just two minutes later it was good night Vienna for Wimmer, as Forrest tapped home Aston Oxborough’s save after some excellent work from substitute Yan Dhanda to force the parry. Motherwell for their part did threaten prior to the collapse, Callum Slattery’s sizzling long range effort going just over the bar as the visitors probed for a hole in debutant Ryan Fulton’s goal. Slattery wheeled away in celebration after thundering home an equaliser, only to be denied after a lengthy VAR check ruled for offside as Dan Casey was judged to have obscructed in play. Fulton suffered his first real test, spilling Tom Sparrow’s low driven shot, fortunate not the have it collected by a Motherwell player. Three points for Hearts see them leapfrog Motherwell to go seventh and confirm survival for next season. Missing diamond but Shankland shines bright Quick to deny any criticism of his predecessor Critchley, interim boss Liam Fox did not need to say what he thought of the decision to drop Shankland deeper at the top of a midfield diamond. Instead he showed it by making the striker the sole man up top and it has paid dividends. Four goals in two games has gone some way in reminding the Tynecastle faithful just how good he is, but also what a player they will be losing should Shankland not re-sign. With Craig Gordon also more out than in as it stands, Fox, or whomever the board select as their next manager have a wealth of experience to replace. Either way, with Shankland in red hot form for the first time this season, fans may finally have something to smile about following a torrid year. Auditions but no x-factor In the build-up to this week, Wimmer called the three remaining games “an audition” for some members a bloated Motherwell squad. If that was the case, no prizes for guessing how many of the players earned the golden buzzer. Very much in the game even a goal down, the quickfire double sucked the life out any attempts to salvage something from the game. The manager denied he would make any decisions off the back of a single game. However, with a healthy expected for the signing of Lennon Miller and a cull of the fringes, fans can expect a stronger squad than the one that has flattered to deceive this year. What the managers said: Hearts interim boss Liam Fox: “I think I repeat what I said last week. If you put Lawrence Shankland in these types of positions and you do work on how you’re going to get the ball to him, Lawrence Shankland will score goals.” “This is not in any way, shape or form a criticism of the previous regime, I just felt it needed to get Shankland closer to the goal.” “At this moment in time, we’ve got a day off tomorrow and we’re back in on Monday and that until somebody tells me any different, that is where it’s at.” Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer: “It was a disappointed result. But this happens in football, I think, if you see the stats, it was four shots for Hearts or five shots and they scored three goals, and we had all of our shots and we didn’t score.” “It was not good enough, especially in both boxes, but to make decisions on players depending on one game. I don’t think it’s fair.” “My only thing is what I always say, but also in Germany, if the VAR says something and if the VAR says ‘come on, I have something to say’ then in my opinion it should be a clear mistake.” Line-ups: Hearts: Fulton, Penrice, Halkett, Kent, Forrester, Grant (Kartum 72), Baningime (Nieuwenhof 81), Devlin, Forrest (Kabangu 81), Shankland (c) (Wilson 72), Vargas (Dhanda 53) Unused subs: Clark, Kartum, Kingsley, McKay, Steinwender Goals: Shankland (30, 60), Forrest (62) Booked: Devlin, Halkett Motherwell: Oxborough, Seddon, Casey, O’Donnell (c), Sparrow, Miller, Halliday (Andrews 84), Thompson (Wilson 68), Slattery (Zdravkovski 80), Maswanhise (Dickson 68), Watt (Armstrong 68) Unused subs: Armstrong, Balcombe, Ebiye, Paton, Wilson, Jair Tavares Booked: Halliday, Miller

May 10, 2025

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