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Match Reports

Hearts rally to down Staggies

Hearts came from a goal behind to condemn Don Cowie’s men to a sixth straight league defeat in a 3-1 victory in Dingwall on Saturday.Ronan Hale’s 14th goal of the season proved to be the only highlight as a double from a rejuvenated Lawrence Shankland and a late strike from Alan Forrest was enough to give interim manager Liam Fox a win in his first game in charge. Hale’s strike just before the half-hour mark was as good as it got, the Irishman unleashing a brilliant strike 20 yards from goal, which was drilled into the bottom corner. Shankland has been deployed in midfield for large parts of the season, but Fox opted for the traditional number 9 role with Elton Kabangu and James Wilson on the bench, marking a departure from the Neil Critchley era. Those changes proved dividends as Shankland brought Hearts level just shy of half-time, the Scottish International received the ball from Beni Baningime and struck low below Jordan Amissah. A flurry of Staggies chances and a VAR check for a penalty gave Cowie hope that they might be able to retake the lead, but it wasn’t long before Shankland fired Hearts in front, to the delight of the near-900 Hearts fans in the Highlands. A brilliant passing move from the Jambos saw the ball worked from defence to attack, resulting in a terrific ball from Vargas across the Ross County goal, which had the Staggies defence at a standstill as Shankland was his classic predatory self and swept the ball cooly past Amissah. Blair Spittal spent three years in the Highlands and almost hit a sweet strike from distance that cannoned off the crossbar as the Staggies looked down for the count. Cowie made sweeping subs to try and inject some life into the County attack and claw themselves away from the relegation playoff spots. That change did little to appease the Staggies faithful, however, and the pivotal fourth goal would follow late into the game. Akil Wright slipped under pressure from Shankland, who raced down the left and flashed the ball to an unmarked Forrest, who calmly slotted Hearts’ third to take the three points back to Edinburgh. County remain two points behind Dundee but the threat of a third straight relegation play-off is looming large for the Dingwall side with three games remaining. They travel to Perth next weekend to take on a seemingly doomed St. Johnstone side. Hearts are looking to finish best of the rest as they chase top  spot of the bottom half of the split in pursuit of Motherwell. With the games remaining, it remains to be seen if boss Fox can use them as an audition for his own shot of the Jambos job. FULL-TIME: ROSS COUNTY 1 – 3 HEARTS Ross County: Amissah; Wright, Tomkinson, Ashworth, Brown, (Nisbet 63), Kenneh, (Efete 63), Randall, Harmon, (Grieves 74); Samuel (Robesten 83), Hale, White 6 (Phillips 63). Subs not used: Ross, Campbell, Lopata, Smith. Hearts: Gordon; Forrester, Kent, Halkett, Penrice, Baningime, Spittal (Nieuwenhof 70), Vargas (Dhanda 80), Grant, Forrest, (Wilson 90), Shankland. Subs not used: Fulton, Kingsley, McKay, Steinwender, Kabangu, Kartum. Referee: Don Robertson Man of the match: Lawrence Shankland.

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May 3, 2025

Robinson’s Buddies defeat the Dons as they set up a late dash for Europe!

St Mirren ended Aberdeen’s unbeaten run of eight games with a 1-0 win at St. Mirren Park. This win, along with Hibs’ defeat of Dundee United at Easter Road, has given the Buddies a chance at a European place. A set piece on the hour mark from Captain Mark O’Hara found its way through to Mikael Mandron, who sealed the three points.  Last weekend, Aberdeen managed to end Hibs’ record-equalling unbeaten run of 17 games at Pittodrie, extending their unbeaten run to 8 games. St. Mirren earned a well-deserved point in their 2-2 draw with Rangers, with some fans believing they may have deserved more from the game. The first half started, and for the opening 10 minutes, it was one-way traffic from the Dons with the Buddies struggling to get out of their half. After this, it became a feisty affair between the two sides, but the visitors looked the most dangerous from chances. In the 25th minute, the travelling side had the ball in the back of the net. A cross into the box, along with scrappy defending, allowed the ball to fall to the feet of Okkels, who slotted it past Zach Hemming. However, the ball appeared to hit the hand of Kevin Nisbet on the way in and was chopped off via VAR. After this, it seemed to spur the home side into life as they began to create more chances in the game. Chances from O’Hara, John, and Mandron came but did not find the back of the net. The first half whistle blew, and both sides had periods of control throughout this feisty encounter. The second half kicked off and continued that feisty display from both sides. The opening 15 minutes continued this way, and then on the hour mark, the home side struck home, thus breaking the deadlock. A set-piece cross from Captain Mark O’Hara 40 yards out found its way through to the far-left hand side of the goal, and Mandron, after signing a new contract this week, fired it home. For the remainder of the game, the visitors controlled the possession of the game but failed to take their chances. This, along with St. Mirren’s physical presence at the back, meant the Dons failed to record a single shot on target in the game. This past week, Manager Stephen Robinson spoke about a push for a European Place. After today’s result, he said;  “I know this group of players, the talent they have, they desire they have, and people thought we’d turn up for these two games and not put everything into it, that’s not how my teams work, and not how my players work”. Don’s manager Jimmy Thelin said; “It was a difficult game, I don’t think we were good enough to deserve the win, but maybe not bad enough to lose. It was a typical 0-0 game with something extra needed, a set play or one against one situation, and today they did it and we didn’t do it”. This result makes the race for third between Hibs, Dundee United and Aberdeen all the more interesting as Hibs now have the advantage with the Buddies slowly closing the gap to United. 

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May 3, 2025

Saints Staring at Relegation after Comfortable Kilmarnock Victory

St Johnstone 0 – 2 Kilmarnock Kilmarnock continued their impressive post-split form with a comfortable 2-0 victory over a disjointed St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, leaving the home side facing a daunting challenge in their bid for Premiership survival. Derek McInnes’ men started with intent, early efforts from Fraser Murray and Danny Armstrong setting the tone before David Watson opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The midfielder collected the ball on the edge of the box and his well-struck shot nestled into the bottom left corner, beyond the reach of Andy Fisher. St Johnstone struggled to find any rhythm throughout the first half, several misplaced passes and heavy touches drew boos of the home faithful. Their best chance of the half fell to Uche Ikpeazu just before the break. A defensive lapse saw the ball fall kindly to the big striker at the back post, but Kieran O’Hara reacted sharply to produce a brilliant point-blank save from his close-range volley, ensuring Killie went into the interval with their lead intact. Kilmarnock were gifted a golden opportunity within minutes of the second half restart. Rory McKenzie was brought down in the box, and following a brief VAR review, Danny Armstrong  dispatched the ensuing penalty straight down the middle, doubling the visitors’ advantage and effectively sealing the victory. The second half descended into a more attritional affair, with clear-cut chances few and far between. Substitute Adama Sidibeh offered an injection of pace for the Saints, but his efforts ultimately came to nothing against a resolute Kilmarnock defence. McInnes will be buoyed by his side backing up last week’s victory over Ross County with another clean sheet. He will also have been pleased to see club captain Kyle Vassell making his first appearance since January. The striker was all action in his 15 minute cameo, constantly menacing the St Johnstone back line, though he was unable to direct either of his two efforts on target. The defeat leaves St Johnstone facing a daunting challenge in the season finale, still sitting six points adrift at the foot of the table. They now face a pivotal encounter against Ross County at McDiarmid Park next weekend, a must-win clash in their fight for survival. For a buoyant Kilmarnock, it’s back to Rugby Park where they will aim to maintain their perfect record in the post-split fixtures with the visit of Dundee. Teams St Johnstone: Fisher Balodis Sprangler Douglas Carey Watt Griffith (Clark 64’) Steven Kirk (Sidibeh 64’) McPake (Franczak 79’) Ikpeazu Kilmarnock: O’Hara Mayo Findlay Deas Ndaba Armstrong (Vassell 77’) Donnelly Watson (Polwoth 89’) Wales (Mackenzie 46’) Anderson (Watkins 77’) Murray (Ramsay 86’) Manager Reactions Simo Valakari: “They can come here, Ross County, not to get beaten not to lose we need to win” Derek McInnes: “The form we’ve shown in the last few games has been pleasing, three clean sheets, three 2-0 wins, it’s the type of form I know we are capable of”

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May 3, 2025

Advantage Hibs in race for Europe

Hibernian secured a first home win over Dundee United since 2020 as Dwight Gayle’s late finish sealed the three points, taking the side one step closer to qualifying for Europe next season. An uncharacteristic lapse in concentration allowed Martin Boyle to poke the ball home just four minutes in after Declan Gallagher could not untangle his legs from the ball, a twelfth league goal of the season for the forward. Failing heed the warning, Mykola Kukharevych was able to saunter into the box and drive a shot onto the inside of the post before ricocheting behind a helpless Jack Walton. Two changes at the break surmised Jim Goodwin’s displeasure at the lackadaisical approach his side took after going down, the results immediately providing the side with a much needed impetus as Kristijan Trapanovski took advantage of a poor corner clearance to pull one back. As the game approached its end, three minutes after coming on fan favourite and the soon to be retiring Gayle lifted propelled himself to header a third to ensure the points would not travel back to Dundee with the visitors. United in truth were fortunate to not find themselves standing before an even greater mountain to climb as Walton parried efforts from Junior Hoilett and Kukharevych in quick succession. The stopper would deny Josh Campbell with a stunning save from close ranger after the break to keep his side in the game as the midfielder pummelled the ground in frustration. Jordan Smith played his part too at the other end, throwing himself to deny Emmanuel Adegboyega from less than a metre out. Both sides desperate to take advantage of Aberdeen’s defeat at St Mirren. Victory leaves Hibs six points ahead of United and three clear of the Dons with three games left to play. Hibs strength in depth As sides in the league count the casualties in the infirmary, David Gray must take some pleasure in having a bench almost as strong as the starting XI. Having done the dirty work in the first half, the manager could bring on the likes of Kieron Bowie, Nicky Cadden who assisted fellow replacement Dwight Gayle. Gray spoke after the game of the importance of players understanding that the role of substitute is as important as those who started and as their opponents showed signs of running out of steam, the bench might be as important as ever with three to go. Goodwin hopes season does not peter out To finish in the top half is already quite an achievement for a side only just promoted but having come so tantalisingly close it is understandable that anything but a European place would feel like disappointment for Jim Goodwin and his players. Speaking in the press conference, the manager pointed to tired bodies throughout the squad but was keen to point out that Hibs were far and away deserved winners, philosophical in understanding that they have done well to sit where they are whilst not wanting it to end on a sour note. Unimpressed with the way his side played in the first-half, Goodwin said he wanted more from his players to ensure they gave themselves every chance of placing in the top four. After all, they were only three points behind Aberdeen. What the managers said Hibs boss David Gray: “The way they started the game, I thought it was an excellent first-half performance, especially. (0:29) Then, obviously, the way the game went in the second half, the next goal in the game was always going to be huge. Dundee United made a few changes, scored the next goal, but the players showed massive character.” “I said before the game to the players about us controlling the controllables.  All we can do at the moment is take care of what we are doing.” ” The line I use all the time with the players is, the team that starts is never the team that finishes. So, subs need to be ready to impact it in a positive way and that’s happened on numerous occasions now this season.” United boss Jim Goodwin: “I thought Hibbs were the better team over the whole piece and deserved the victory in the end.” “Ultimately, what it boils down to is the fashion in which we concede the goals, far too easy.” “Sometimes you get beaten by the better team and I think if you look at the players that Hibbs have got, individually across the board, I just thought that they were better than us.  That is, of course, disappointing given what is at stake but we’re very much still in the fight. Line-ups:
 Hibs: Smith, Iredale, Bushiri, O’Hora, Obita (N. Cadden 84), Levitt, Triantis, C. Cadden (Miller 84), Hoilett (Campbell 62), Kuharevich (Bowie 69), Boyle (c) (Gayle 84) Unused Subs: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Manneh, Moriah-Welsh Goals: Boyle (4), Kuharevich (14), Gayle (87) Booked: Levitt Dundee United: Walton, Ševelj, Gallagher, Adegboyega (Campbell 78), Ferry, Sibbald, Docherty (c), Strain, Babunski (Middleton 46), van der Sande (Trapanovski 46), Dalby Unused subs: Harding, Fiorini, Fotheringham, Moult, Paton, Richards Goals: Trapanovski (50) Booked: Docherty 18,399

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May 3, 2025

The Bairns come from behind to earn back-to-back promotions!

Falkirk FC are premiership bound after defeating Hamilton Accies 3-1 in the last game of the season. John McGlynn and his men did it the hard way after a poor run of form allowed a red-hot Livingston side back into title discussions. The stage was set for an absolute cracker as both sides sat on the same points heading into this game. Goals from Calvin Miller and an Ethan Ross double were enough to send the Bairns into the Premiership for the first time in 15 years. The first half kicked off and there were certainly no nerves amongst the fans as they were creating a party atmosphere. That was short lived however as after only 5 minutes the Accies took the lead. Poor defending and nerves from the home sides defence allowed Captain Scott Robinson to slot it home. Following this it was one way traffic with the Bairns throwing everything at the Hamilton back line. Falkirk playing some nice intricate football but just lacking that cutting edge in front of goal. The Championship trophy was Livingston’s until the 33 rd minute when Scott Arfield was brought down on the edge of the box with many calling for a penalty. A freekick was awarded, Ethan Ross stepped up and curled the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net putting the trophy back in Falkirk hands. In the 38 th minute cheers rang out around the stadium as news had filtered through that Partick Thistle had scored against Livingston. The home side continued to push for a goal to put themselves in the lead, but Steven McLean blew the whistle for half time. The second half kicked off the fans split between party mode and nail-biting nerves. It began initially a little less one sided than the way the first half ended. Hamilton had a little more of the ball in the first ten minutes of the half. The home side then found the form from the first half and in the 59th minute scrappy defending in the Accies box fell to the feet of Ethan Ross who fired the ball from close range in the back of the net. This was his second of the night and put the home side 2-1 ahead, 3 points above Livingston, and put one of John McGlynn’s hands on the championship trophy. In the 71 st minute the party atmosphere was heightened when the ball found it’s way to the feet of Calvin Miller on the left-hand side of the goal. He smashed it low, finding the bottom right corner of the goal to put the Bairns 3-1 up, taking them that bit closer to the title and automatic promotion. Scott Arfield, who was part of the Falkirk team that suffered relegation 15 years ago rejoined the club this past February said; “It is the most fulfilled and content I have felt on a football pitch because it was a story I was desperate to make happen”. When asked where it ranked in his managerial career John McGlynn said; “To go back-to-back, it’s amazing, absolute amazing, it has to be the best”. With their flare, style of play and story Falkirk will be a welcome addition to the Scottish Premiership. We now wait to see who out of Livingston, Ayr United and Partick Thistle will face in the playoffs.

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May 2, 2025

Partick Thistle secure playoffs in a scrappy victory over Livingston

Date: 2/5/2025 Time: 19:45 Location: Home of the Set Fare Arena With the possibility of Livingston winning the Scottish Championship, this fixture would surely be one to remember. The title was in the hands of Falkirk, who just had to win their remaining game to lift the title. However, with Livingston hot on their heels, they were hoping Falkirk would slip up, allowing them a shot at first place. Livingston failed to make their chances count in the final game of the season. After a dominant 90 minutes, the side just couldn’t find the back of the net. First Half There was an early chance for player-manager Brian Graham, as the ball fell to him just inside the box after a poor attempt at a defensive clearance. Unfortunately for the visitors, his shot was just over the bar. An even bigger chance came five minutes in, as Robbie Muirhead was played through one-on-one with the keeper, his shot was far from clinical, resulting in an easy save for David Mitchell. In an enthriling start, the hosts had plenty of chances and looked to give themselves an early advantage. However, they couldn’t manage to find the back of the net. Another big chance came for Livingston as they continued their search for the opener. Nice link-up play from Robhie Fraser and Cristian Montano, saw the winger at the byline. His cross was hit low and hard, but was eventually put out for a corner. The first yellow card of the game came 19 minutes in, as Luke McBeth brought down Montano on the halfway line. Stopping a potential counterattack. As the game passed thirty minutes, the hosts continued to be the stronger side. They looked the more likely of the two teams to score, they created more chances, and held onto the ball a lot better. The visitors took an unlikely lead in the 38th minute, as nice link-up play down the right saw Kanayo Mega firing a cross into the box. Unfortunately for Macauley Tait, it was his deflection that steered the ball into his own net. Just two minutes later, the hosts had a massive chance of their own. After some great hold-up play from Muirhead, the ball was set up perfectly for Stephen Kelly, whose curling effort from just inside the box crashed off the crossbar. As half time fell, it was the away team heading into the dressing room with the advantage. After a frantic start, the hosts dominated, but failed to capitalise on their chances. Second Half Just five minutes into the second half, due to an Injury, Sean Kelly was the first change of the match. He was replaced by Steven Lawless, which seemed to make a change in their tactical approach. Ryan McGowan was awarded a yellow card in the 58th minute for a challenge that had the home fans in complete dismissal. A coming together saw the centre back play his pass, then make contact. Livingston almost had themselves level just past the hour mark, as Lewis Smith floated his cross into the six-yard box. Mitchell punched the ball away. However, Muirhead latched onto it, getting his effort at goal cleared off the line. Another chance came the hosts’ way in the 67th minute after Smith latched onto a cross into the box. The winger took a touch with his chest but had his effort at goal blocked. With just over 15 minutes left, Livingston made a double change, with grabbing a goal or two in mind. Stevie May and Daniel Finlayson replaced Jamie Brandon and Robbie Muirhead. As the game neared the end, Livingston continued to apply pressure. However, they couldn’t pull it together to find the back of the net. After ten additional minutes, the game remained 0-1. An unfortunate end to the season as the hosts head into the playoffs. Managers’ comments to come… Lineups: Livingston: J.Prior, R.McGowan, S.Pittman(A.Shinnie), S.Kelly, R.Fraser, J.Brandon(D.Finlayson), L.Smith, R.Muirhead(S.May), M.Tait, C.Montano(T.Yengi), D.Wilson Substitutes: J.Hamilton, S.Donnellan, M.Clarke, R.McAlear, T.Yengi, S.May, D.Finlayson, M.Nottingham, A.Shinnie Manager: D.Martindale Partick Thistle: D.Mitchell, S.Kelly(S.Lawless), K.Turner, B.Graham, R.Crawford(T.Ablade), L.McBeth, D.O’Reilly, A.Fitzpatrick(Z.MacKenzie), L.Ashcroft, B.Stanway, K.Megwa Substitutes: L.Budinauckas, L.Cameron, S.Lawless, T.Ablade, Z.macKenzie, M.Falconer, N.Lockhart Manager(s): M.Wilson/B.Graham Attendance: 3,819

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May 2, 2025

Hearts woes continue as Murray Dundee poach crucial win for Dundee

Having missed missed out on the top six and a Cup final, Hearts’ misery prolonged itself with the Edinburgh club now just five points above the relegation play-off place as Dundee executed a perfect smash and grab at Tynecastle. Opening the scoring was none other than Dundee’s own prodigal son Simon Murray, whose brilliant season continued as a cleared ball landed at the striker’s feet, making no mistake in slotting home his 22nd goal in all competitions late in the first-half. As Hearts struggled to mount a convincing attack, Dundee were all too happy to sit back and counter with a lack of creativity keenly felt. Dundee were guilty of wasting a golden opportunity presented to them as Seb Palmer-Houlden was guilty of stuffing a golden opportunity with a header sent wide of Craig Gordon’s goal. This was a Hearts side that had put eleven past Dundee in their last three meetings and yet they looked a side transformed for all the wrong reasons, unable to muster a goal in a dispiriting opening half for the home fans. Struggling under the weight of the Dundee defenders bearing down on him, Elton Kabangu having two chances. The first a nicely weighted through ball which the striker could only send wide and the second fired directly into Trevor Carson after James Penrice had drilled a low ball into his feet. Frankie Kent would come agonisingly near to levelling the score, heading a whipped in corner just over the bar as the fans’ frustration continue to grow. Kenneth Vargas came closest to an equaliser in added time but was denied by a good Carson block from a short distance. With the sounding of the final whistle, Dundee could relish putting themselves two clear of Ross County and out of the play-off place. Dundee find solidity off the back of a gritty win and a clean sheet to boot, you would hardly believe that this was the same Dundee side that had shipped an astonishing seventy-one goals this season. The 4-0 defeat to Hibernian was perhaps straw that broke the camel’s back, or perhaps thanks to the realities of the relegation battle settling in, Tony Docherty and his players have been forced to adapt, closing ranks as soon as Murray had done was Murray does. Of course the striker will make the back pages, but immense credit should go to Joe Shaughnessy and company for their tactical discipline and ability to hold concentration to see out the victory. Now two points clear of eleventh, Dundee’s tactical shift may pay dividends yet. Critchley feels the heat If the fans’ displeasure wasn’t clear to Neil Critchley during the game, he certainly couldn’t avoid it as a shower of abuse rained down as the side made their way down the tunnel. On the scale of lethal to languid in possession, Hearts veered completely towards the latter. Looking to pick holes in an unrelenting Dundee defence was never going to be an easy task as the visitors demonstrated a newfound defensive resolve. But it was made even more difficult by an inability to take the chances that came their way. Kabangu was certainly guilty, but he was not alone. Fourteen shots and only four on target might not paint the clearest picture of how those chances unfolded but Carson was allowed to stay on his feet far more often than he should have. Four games to go and all of sudden last season’s third best side risk proving that there is no such thing as ‘too big to fail’ in the Scottish top flight. What the manager’s said Dundee boss Tony Docherty: “Hugely, I think you use that sometimes, proud of your players, really delighted with the level of performance I got from the players there. It’s been a hard two weeks.” “I said to the boys when I came into the dressing room, some of them went to go on their phone, I don’t want them to go on their phones. I don’t know the results now, I just want to focus on my own team.” “They’re such an honest, hard-working group to leave everything on the pitch and to make sure they go over and above for their teammates, and I think you’ve seen a team that did that today. So to come here and to get that performance and to get that result, as I say, I’m hugely proud of them.” Hearts boss Neil Critchley: “Yeah, it’s a tough day, no doubt about that. And probably the way the game transpired is probably how it’s going for us a little bit at the moment.” “We’re in a fight. There’s four games to go and there’s 12 points to play for, and you’ve seen Dundee today, the fight that they showed.” “I’m used to it. That’s football, that’s supporters nowadays. Everyone’s entitled to opinion, there’s emotion, there’s passion, it’s an emotive game, particularly here at Tynecastle and it means a lot to people, and I’m comfortable with that.” Line-ups: Heart of Midlothian: Gordon (c), Penrice, McCart (Kingsley 46), Kent, Forrester, Devlin, Baningime (Drammeh 46), Spittal (Dhanda 77), Grant, Kartum (Vargas 63), Kabangu (Forrest 90) Unused subs: Fulton, Halkett, Nieuwenhof, Steinwender Booked: Kabangu Dundee: Carson, Larkeche (Samuels 80), Robertson, Shaughnessy (c), Astley (Ingram 91), Portales (Fraser 91), Tiffoney, Cameron, Mulligan, Palmer-Houlden (Robertson 63), Murray Unused subs: Koumetio, Donnelly, McCracken, Reilly, Sylla Goals: Murray (38) Booked: Palmer-Houlden, Carson, Cameron, Robertson

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April 29, 2025

Celtic Crush Saints in Semi-Final Showdown to March Into Final

Celtic unleashed a breathtaking blitz of first-half brilliance to dismantle St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden Park, booking their place in next month’s Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen and staying firmly on course for an unprecedented ninth domestic treble. Brendan Rodgers extended his perfect personal record at the national stadium to 14 wins, as his side lit up the semi-final with a ruthless display of attacking football, scoring four times in just 12 minutes before the break. The tone was set early. From the opening whistle, Celtic pinned St Johnstone deep into their own half, probing and pressing with increasing menace. The breakthrough arrived courtesy of Callum McGregor, who guided in a pinpoint finish to cap a dominant opening spell. That goal opened the floodgates. McGregor turned provider moments later, slipping in a sublime pass toward Daizen Maeda. Sam Curtis’s attempted interception only redirected the ball kindly into the Japanese forward’s path, and Maeda made no mistake. From there, the goals kept coming. Adam Idah tapped home the third after slick build-up play, and Maeda struck again almost immediately to make it 4-0—his 33rd goal of a remarkable season. St Johnstone, who had upset Celtic in the league just a fortnight earlier, were left shell-shocked. The team that once dared to dream of another Hampden upset now looked desperate for half-time refuge. But Celtic weren’t done. Rodgers brought on fresh firepower in the second half, with Jota and Nicolas Kuhn joining the action. Jota added a fifth from a tight angle, just minutes after James Forrest saw a penalty award overturned by VAR. Mackenzie Kirk had a stunning finish chalked off for offside, rubbing further salt into the Saints’ wounds. For Celtic, this was a statement—a warning shot fired not only at Aberdeen but at anyone questioning their domestic dominance. Alistair Johnston had said the recent league defeat in Perth had been a needed jolt. If that was a wake-up call, this was Celtic wide awake and in full flight. Maeda and Forrest tore down the wings, the midfield controlled the tempo with authority, and the relentless press never let up. With five players coming off the bench who would walk into most starting XIs, Rodgers has an enviable depth. His side looked every inch the champions-in-waiting, with only 90 minutes now standing between them and another historic clean sweep. As for St Johnstone, they’ll need to shake off this bruising loss quickly. Simo Valakari’s men were simply outclassed, and though they managed a league victory over Celtic earlier in the month, they were nowhere near the same level here. There were glimpses of effort, but mistakes proved fatal. Misplaced passes, failed clearances, and a struggle to break Celtic’s press led to an afternoon of damage limitation. With five Premiership matches left to secure survival, the Saints must regroup fast. Post-match reactions Brendan Rodgers, Celtic manager:“I’m delighted with the performance. After the first goal, we really took control. Five goals and it could’ve been more – a great display to reach another final.” Simo Valakari, St Johnstone manager:“Celtic can do that to any team. They’re ruthless. We didn’t do enough to get a result and gave away soft goals. But I’m still proud of the team’s effort throughout this cup run.”

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April 22, 2025

Buddies put five past Killie to keep top six hopes alive

St Mirren have ended a four-year winless run against Kilmarnock as they defeated them at home today. It is only Derek McInnes’ 2nd ever defeat to the saints as a manager and his first as the Killie boss. It gives St. Mirren a real boost going into the two final games before the split. For Kilmarnock it sees them teetering over the playoff places at the bottom of the table. Despite the rainy, windy and blustery conditions before kickoff the start of the game greatly contrasted with it, as it was a scintillating opening ten minutes. The Saints press and overlapping runs, put the Killie backline under pressure immediately. It didn’t take long for the opening goal as the saints first shot on goal put them ahead. A low driving shot from Boyd-Munce sizzled past McCrorie. Only moments later the home side put themselves further in front when Ayunga clashed with Mayo in the box leading referee Nick Walsh to point the spot. Idowu adopted a slow run up with a stutter before hitting the ball and he slid it into the back of the net to give the home side a two-goal advantage after only 10 minutes. Despite Killie having most of the possession they failed to capitalise on it. The second half kicked off to improved weather and from the whistle it would appear a better Killie team. However, this was short lived as in the 58th minute the home side went three ahead. A counterattack led to a corner which wasn’t dealt with by the Kille backline. The ball fell to the feet of Boyd-Munce who fired a powerful side foot shot past the keeper. The Saints then began to show their flare upon the hour mark as they began to control the possession of the game and play some good technical football. In the 65th minute the ball fell to Captain Mark O’Hara on the edge of the box. He brought the ball on to his right side and sent a fourth ball into the net of Killie. Only four minutes later the Hawaii Five-o tune blared across the stadium as Declan John received the ball on the left-hand side of the box and fired home the goal of the game with a venomous shot past McCrorie. In the 85th minute Killie were awarded a penalty after Joe Wright was brought down in the box. Anderson fired stopper Hemming but in reality, it was a conciliation goal from an afternoon to forget. After the game Assistant Manager Brian Kerr said; “I think the performance was excellent. I think it’s been coming to be honest. We’ve had real good performances over the last 7/8 weeks without the result to back that up”. A disappointed Derek McInnes said; “St Mirren were hands down smarter than us, more street wise than us and more clinical than us. They thoroughly deserved the three points today”. Killie now return home next Saturday to face off against Motherwell whereas St. Mirren travel up to face Dundee.  

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March 29, 2025

Hibernian 3-1 Motherwell: Player ratings from Easter Road

Nectar Triantis ran the show as Stephen O’Donnell struggled wearing the armband.   Hibernian (3-4-1-2) Jordan Smith Little do before being beaten by the free kick. 6 Jack Iredale Looked untroubled until his needless foul outside the box allowed Motherwell back into the game. 6 Rocky Bushiri Confident on the ball and strong in the tackle. Enjoyed a relatively quiet night. On his way to cult hero status in Leith. 7 Warren O’Hara Like his partners at the back was solid at the back and kept a close eye on Maswanhise, keeping the forward who was brought on to shake things up quiet. 7 Nicky Cadden The talisman took an early knock to the face leaving a bit of blood. Brought off before he could really make an impact. n/a Dylan Levitt Solid on return to the team. Looks to be doing the things asked of him by the manager. Clearly blowing by the time he was brought off on the hour mark. 7 Nectar Triantis Couple of wayward passes but ran the game from the middle of the park. Strong interception followed by a lovely finish capped off a fine evening. 8 Chris Cadden Found space down the right early but nobody to meet the crosses. Won his duels with Sparrow. 7 Josh Campbell Pulled up his shorts in anger after wasting a good attacking opportunity. Like the other two, kept things simple which was what the game required. 7 Dwight Gayle Looks every bit the experienced player his CV suggests but frustrated by like of chances created for him. No doubt he will know the three points come first. 6 Martin Boyle (capt) Good position for opener with a cool, calm and collected penalty for the second. A player reborn in recent weeks now with four goals from his last two games. 8 SUBSTITUTES: Jordan Obita (for N. Cadden 19′) Difficult job in replacing Cadden but did very well. Assist for the first and defended resolutely in unfamiliar role 8; Lewis Miller (for C. Cadden 62′) Strong in the air and combined well with Hoilett 7; Junior Hoilett (for Gayle 62′) Kept Motherwell defenders on back foot to see out game 7; Hyeokku Kwon (for Levitt 62′) Brought the energy required maintain control of the game without having too much work to do 7; Nathan Moriah-Welsh (for J. Campbell 77′) Had little time to make an impact but no errors is all you can ask for at that stage 6; Motherwell (3-5-1-1) Archie Mair Not an ideal debut but as was not at fault for any of the goals. Will hope for a more positive outing after the first 24 hours of his time at the club. 6 Shane Blaney The yellow card he earned showed just how on the ropes Motherwell were before the break. 5 Kofi Balmer Hardly a frenetic game but struggled when it counted. 5 Paul McGinn Composed presence until head injury forced him off early on. 6 Ewan Wilson Sloppy in possession and at fault for the second goal. Hooked at the break. 4 Kai Andrews Added a bit of dynamism on the ball but like teammates, lacked bravery going forward. 5 Andy Halliday Game passed him by. Taken off with Wilson at half-time. 4 Tom Sparrow A few runs down the left but was easily contained. Looked more dangerous when cutting in but did not try it enough. 5 Stephen O’Donnell Captain in the absence of Lennon Miller. Did not step up to the plate. Gave away penalty that killed the game and had little to no impact going forward. 4 Tony Watt Not the most potent goalscorer but tries to use physicality to occupy defenders. Should have done better with the two headers he put over the bar. 5 Jack Vale Not much you can do when starved of the ball but ended the game with a straight red as the game had seconds to go. Punishing an already threadbare squad even further. 4 SUBSTITUTES: Dan Casey (for McGinn 33′) Struggled to command the backline in place of captain 5; Tawanda Maswanhise (for Halliday 46′) Showed flashes of what has made him one of the side’s best but couldn’t get into gear 5; Marvin Kaleta (for E. Wilson 46′) Had a half to make an impact but hardly saw the ball 5; Callum Slattery (for Sparrow 70′) Fantastic free-kick and had some impetus going forward at least 7; Moses Ebiye (for Watt 70′) No league goal since September and didn’t look like to end the drought tonight 5.      

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January 12, 2025

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