Match Reports Archives - Page 2 of 8

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

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