Match Reports Archives - Page 3 of 9

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

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