SPFL

Retiring Gayle breaks Hearts in Edinburgh derby

Venue: Tynecastle Park                                                             Date: 26/12/24                                                    Time: 12:30   Hibernian fans will be begging Dwight Gayle to reconsider his retirement at the end of the season after his derby winner pushed the Leith side to just four points off the play-off places.  Using all of his nous, the 35 year old met Nicky Cadden’s fantastic cross with the slightest touch to take the ball past Craig Gordon.  A Kye Rowles own goal put Hibs in front after just nine minutes, deflecting Josh Campbell’s header past a helpless Gordon.  The visitors looked to have shot themselves in the foot when Rocky Bushiri’s own goal allowed Hearts to draw level against the run of play after the defender mishit his attempt to clear Lawrence Shankland’s header.  Despite being under the cosh for large parts of the game, Neil Critchley’s men had opportunities to get themselves on the scoreboard beforehand.  Musa Drammeh could not put James Penrice’s cross on target, heading far wide of Jordan Smith’s goal.  His next attempt was improved, albeit slightly, hitting the target but failing to trouble the keeper.  Aside from the header leading to the goal, Shankland endured a frustrating afternoon, firing a couple of shots straight into Smith’s arms.  Hearts were fortunate not to go two when Gordon spilled Nicky Cadden’s low driving shot from outside the box, the home side’s blushes spared by Hibs not having a poacher to profit from the mishap.  The Scotland international quickly made amends using almost every part of his body, denying Chris Cadden with his legs and later flinging himself to meet goal bound attempts from Campbell and Elie Youan before his chest kept Cadden out once again.  With the defeat Hearts drop back to 11th in the table, just two points off the bottom.  Attendance: 18,726 Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, C. Halkett (L. Boyce 85′), D. Oyegoke, B. Baningime (M. Boateng 78′), C. Devlin, B. Spittal (Y. Dhanda 70′), L. Shankland (c), M. Drammeh (K. Vargas 79′), J. Wilson Substitutes: M. Boateng, L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, A. Forrester, J. Grant, A. Salazar, K. Vargas Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 77′), N. Cadden (J. Obita 85′), J. Newell (c), (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 69′), N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Campbell, E. Youan (D. Gayle 68′), M. Boyle Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Referee: Nick Walsh  

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Birthday boy Penrice helps send St Johnstone bottom

Venue: Tynecastle Park                                                     Date: 22/12/24                                                       Time: 15:00   Hearts responded to the their humiliating midweek exit from the Europa Conference League to earn a crucial three points and ensure St Johnstone fell to the foot of the table.  After just fifteen minutes a towering header from Penrice, celebrating his 26th birthday, met Adam Forrester’s long ball into the box to open the scoring.  Penrice soon found himself giving out gifts after his handball in the box allowed substitute Graham Carey to level the score eight minutes after the break.  Hearts responded just five minutes leader when Blair Spittal met a cleared header from a corner and lashed home the winner from outside the box.  The home side had the lions’ share of chances throughout the encounter. James Wilson had an opportunity to put Hearts ahead after cutting past Josh Rae to find an empty goal, albeit at a difficult angle, but the shot was lacking the right connection as it fizzled to allow the Saints to clear.  Hearts were denied again later in the half as Bozo Mikulic’s mishit clearance fired straight at his own goal but a reflexive save from Rae was able to keep the score down.  Rae was called into action multiple times after that, first when Penrice’s shot met Lawrence Shankland’s head, but the striker could not get the requisite power to trouble the keeper before denying Kenneth Vargas and Alan Forrest with a double save late on. Adama Sidibeh wasted his side’s best opportunity of the game, driving the ball forward holding off the Hearts defence only to send his attempt wide.    Line-ups:  Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, D. Oyegoke, A. Forrester, B. Spittal (K. Vargas 80’), M. Boateng, C. Devlin, M. Drammeh (A. Forrest 61’), L. Shankland (c) (L. Boyce 94’), J. Wilson Substitutes: L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, J. Grant, C. Halkett, A. Salazar, M. Tait, K. Vargas  St Johnstone: J. Rae, A. Raymond (G. Carey 46’), B. Mikulic, J. Sanders, A. Essel (D. Keltjens 83’), B. Kimpioka, J. Holt (c) (M. Smith 83’), S. Sprangler, D. Wright, M. Kirk, A. Sidibeh  Substitutes: A. Brookfield, G. Carey, B. Dair, F. Franczak, D. Keltjens, M. Kucheriavyi, J. McPake, R. Sinclair, M. Smith  Referee: John Beaton

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Boyle on target as resurgent Hibs down Dons

Venue: Pittodrie Stadium                                                 Date: 21/12/24                                                            Time: 15:00   Hibernian continued their impressive turnaround to pile further misery on Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen as they dropped to third behind Rangers, following a sixth game without a win.  Topi Keskinen opened the scoring as the Dons dominated the opening stages of the game but an error from Rubezic allowed Martin Boyle to tee up Elie Youan to level the score just four minutes later.  Keskinen was unlucky not to double his tally, first after a delicate Leighton Clarkson chip saw unable to untangle himself and finish and not long after when his curling shot from outside the box rattled the post.  An unmarked Nicky Cadden lashed home a second for the visitors by the far post after a pinpoint cross from Boyle.  Defensive mishaps were once again Aberdeen’s undoing in the second half, far too open in the midfield as Boyle, in yet another involvement, was on the end of a Nectarios Triantis pass into space for only his third goal of the season.  The win sees David Gray’s side move of up to a season high eighth place.  Attendance: 18,375 Line-ups:  Aberdeen: R. Doohan, J. MacKenzie, G. Molloy, S. Rubezic, N. Devlin (S. Morris 77’), G. Shinnie (c) (A. Palaversa 77’), S. Heltne Nilsen (Duk 77’), T. Keskinen, L. Clarkson (D. Polvara 59’), J. McGrath, E. Sokler (P. Ambrose 59’) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, Duk, A. MacDonald, J. McGarry, S. Morris, K. Nisbet, A. Palaversa, D. Polvara, T. Ritchie Hibernian: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 51’), N. Cadden, J. Newell (c) (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 60’), N. Triantis, C. Cadden (J. Obita 88’), J. Campbell, E. Youan, M. Boyle  Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita  Referee: Steven McLean

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Cerny finish rescues wasteful Rangers against Dundee

Venue: Ibrox                                                                        Date: 21/12/24                                                             Time: 15:00   Vlaclav Cerny’s second half finish saw Rangers defeat Dundee to leapfrog Aberdeen into second.  Despite a dominant performance which saw the home side hit the crossbar four times, it was only Danilo’s pass to unleash Cerny on an impressive run and dribble past Trevor Carson that proved the difference.  Ianis Hagi was the first to strike the woodwork, his thundering effort bouncing off the top of the bar. Captain James Tavernier was next, his free kick from distance agonisingly close to give Philippe Clement an opener as Dundee clung on for life.  Cerny came close before the break, Hamilton able to keep the midfielder out.    Rangers should have come away from this fixture comfortable winners but for Hamza Igamane being kept out by Jordan McGhee on the line and hitting the crossbar with a point blank effort later on.  They were almost punished for their profligacy in front of goal but Finlay Robertson could not convert.  Attendance: 47,208 Line-ups: L. Kelly, Jefté, R. Pröpper, D. Sterling, J. Tavernier (c), I. Hagi (R. Yilmaz 84’), N. Raskin, M. Diomande, H. Igamane (C. Dessers 84’), Danilo (N. Bajrami 62’), V. Černý (R. McCausland 75’) Substitutes: N. Bajrami, L. Balogun, C. Barron, J. Butland, Ó. Cortés, C. Dessers, K. Dowell, R. McCausland, R. Yilmaz  Line-ups: T. Carson (c), B. Koumetio, A. Portales, R. Astley, J. McGhee, F. Roberston, S. Tiffoney (J. Vetro 65’), L. Cameron, M. Sylla, J. Mulligan, S. Palmer-Houlden (S. Murray 65’) Substitutes: J. McCracken, S. Braybrooke, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, C. Main, S. Murray, H. Sharp, J. Vetro Referee: Matthew McDermid

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Oisin Smyth earns ten man Saints three points in Dingwall

Venue: Global Energy Stadium                                                   Date: 21/12/24                                                       Time: 15:00   Oisin Smyth’s fantastic free kick gave St Mirren an important 2-1 win in awful weather despite Scott Tanser’s sending off early in the second half. Alex Iacovetti had given the visitors the lead against his former club in the first half when keeper Jack Hamilton failed to push Oisin Smith’s tame free kick into safety. County responded just 29 seconds into the second half when Michee Efete was quickest to his blocked effort following a Noah Chilvers cross. Despite going into the break a goal down, County were dominant in large spells, let down by a lack of accuracy. Chilvers sent a free kick from a promising position wide before Ronan Hale failed to trouble the Ellery Balcombe with an ambitious overhead kick. Already feeling the heat after conceding an equaliser Stephen Robinson looked on as Scott Tanser earned himself a second yellow after a crunching challenge on Aiden Denholm to leave his side with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage the Saints pushed for a winner, Oisin Smyth not far from giving them one, his attempt curling just wide. Jonah Ayunga’s introduction an added edge up front, the Kenyan international forcing Hamilton into making a strong save. Akil Wright had a golden opportunity for County but could only skew Kacper Lopata’s cross wide as the side fell to their fourth consecutive defeat. Cowie’s men face difficult games against Dundee and Hearts as they sit just two points off the bottom of the table. Smyth’s set-pieces separate sides Since moving from Oxford United the Northern Irishman has hardly been the first name on the team sheet, today was just his second start of the season. It’s fair to say he made the most of it in the Highlands. His first free kick, whilst hardly thunderous, put the keeper under enough pressure to see the ball land at the feet of a grateful Iacovetti. The second was textbook despite the blustery conditions, curling his effort from outside the box past a hapless Hamilton to give his side the win. He has to bide his time this season, but with a goal and an assist tonight Smyth has Stephen Robinson yet another head scratcher ahead of home fixtures against Rangers and Dundee. Lack of goals haunt County With just fourteen goals this season, Don Cowie’s side’s lack of creativity in the final third continues to harm any chance of becoming a top six side. Ronan Hale has been the main source of goals with five but he cut a isolated figure this evening, not getting the necessary service to cause damage, his desperation epitomised in the wildly inaccurate overhead kick in the first half. One month ago they were three points behind St Mirren in sixth, driven by an ability to pick up points here and there. Now that gap has stretched to nine as sides around the bottom of the table continue to earn crucial points of their own, Hibernian beating Aberdeen tonight. Efete’s goal was much deserved but the side needed to capitalise on the reduced numbers of their opponents, their failure to do so means they will drop into the relegation play-off place whatever the score when Hearts welcome St Johnstone tomorrow. What the managers said Ross County boss Don Cowie: “St Mirren go down to ten men, the game’s perfectly poised for us to step through and get a valuable three points. At that moment in time we did nowhere near enough to go and win the game. “[They] dealt with the conditions so much better than us and we did not test them considering they were down to ten. “The results have not been good enough over the last six weeks and maybe the players are feeling a little low in terms of confidence.” St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson: “I think the character shown was superb. It was a real tough game in the conditions I’m sure Don said the same. “We started really poorly in the second half but our response to that was terrific. “Oisin starts and scores a wonder goal and sets the first one up. He’s a boy I believe will get better and better with each game and more football matches.”   Attendance: 3,271 Line-ups: Ross County: J. Hamilton, C. Randall (c), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon (J. Reid 68’), S. Allardice (A. Denholm 46’), J. Nisbet (E. Brophy 69’), M. Efete, N. Chilvers, R. Hale, J. White Substitutes: J. Amissah, R. Leak, V. Loturi, M. Sheaf, J. Grieves, A. Denholm, C. Telfer, E. Brophy, J. Reid St Mirren: E. Balcombe, R. Taylor, A. Iacovetti, M. Fraser, S. Tanser, K. Phillips, O. Smyth, E. Bwomono, G. Kiltie, M. Mandron (J. Ayunga 77’), R. Idowu (A. Gogic 76’) Substitutes: P. Urminsky, J. Ayunga, A. Gogic, J. Scott, C. Boyd-Munce, D. Adeniran, L. Kenny, C. Penman, E. Mooney. Referee: Iain Snedden

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Hibs move eighth with win as County give up two penalties in two minutes

Venue: Easter Road                                                                  Date: 14/12/24                                                              Time: 15:00   Ross County were the architects of their own downfall as they gave Hibernian a second opportunity from the spot following Nicky Cadden’s saved effort, Elie Youan making not mistake this time to help his side to three points. The result means Hibs take a massive leap up the table to eigth, leapfrogging Don Cowie’s side in the process. Elijah Campbell’s quick thinking opened the scoring for the visitors after Scott Allardice’s header hit the post just three minutes in. Hibs responded in the fifth and final minute of added time of the first half, Dwight Gayle flicking on a Junior Hoilett cross past keeper Jack Hamilton. Following his goal, Youan was again the hero, teeing up Josh Campbell to seal the three points in the final minutes of the game. Both sides were guilty of failing to capitalise on good opportunities, Joshua Nisbet denied by Jordan Smith who looks to have cemented his place between the posts. Ross County’s lack drive in the second half was compounded by their inability to take their chances epitomised by Noah Chilvers and Akil Wright, both players seeing their efforts deflected out for corners. The introduction of top scorers Jordan White and Ronan Hale couldn’t turn things around as Hibernian came out deserved victors on the night. Youan to the rescue It’s not so long ago that the forward’s keepy-uppies during the 4-1 loss to Dundee saw him vilified by fans and pundits alike across the country. Just a weeks on it is fair to say that after a goal and assist to earn Hibs a vital three points, attitudes will have shifted considerably. Plenty of credit is deserved for stepping up to the plate following Cadden’s tame effort just minutes earlier but also driving his side on with an unselfish pass to Campbell when through on goal and put the game to bed in added time. A space in the game usually reserved for the Edinburgh side to concede rather than score. With tonight marking his first goal and assist of the season so far, Gray will hope the Frenchman can kick on and push Hibs away from the threat of relegation that has hung over them since the campaign began. Staggies’ away woes continue Ross County’s away form continues to blight their season having picked up just three points, all draws, from a possible twenty-four points on the road. Worse still, it is a run that stretches all the way back to September 2023 when they ran out winners against Kilmarnock. A lack of goals has certainly not helped matters either. With just thirteen, County are the lowest goalscorers in the league so far with Ronan Hale making up five of those. Hale and Jordan White were both left on the bench this evening as Alex Samuel was left with the task of improving on his record of one in twelve. The striker attempted to make life difficult for Hibs defenders with his pressing but the reliance of long balls over the backline meant he was comfortably dealt with on another difficult night away from Dingwall. Now just two points ahead of bottom side Hearts and trips to Dundee, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock incoming, Cowie will need to find some kind of remedy for this drought or face another battle to avoid the drop. What the managers said Hibernian boss David Gray: “Credit to Ross County, they started the game far better than us. Maybe nerves and a bit of anxiety around some players potentially. “The reaction from the players to go behind and get themselves back in front was excellent. “The one thing we’ve always been questioned about this year, and rightly so because of the points we’ve dropped at times, was character. Ross County threw absolutely everything at us towards the end and I thought we stood up to it really well.” Ross County boss Don Cowie: “We lost it because we made poor decisions at important times. “I’m not sure why [the referee] thought about blowing the whistle when we’re over the five minutes. [On the penalties for shirt pulling] “I’ve warned the players not to do it, it’s lazy defending and you give the referee the option to give the penalties and that’s what we did.” “What I do believe is if we keep playing like that, especially away from home, the victory will come.” Attendance: 14, 885 Line-ups: Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale (J. Obita ’65), R. Bushiri, W. O’Hara (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu ’91), N. Cadden, J. Newell, N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Hoilett (J. Campbell ’65), E. Youan, D. Gayle (M. Boyle ’80) Substitutes: J. Bursik, M. Boyle, J. Campbell, J. Doyle-Hayes, Kwwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, H. McKirdy, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Ross County: J. Hamilton, E. Campbell (R. Leak ’21), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon, J. Nisbet (R. Hale ’75), S. Allardice (V. Loturi ’65), C. Randall, J. Brown, N. Chilvers, A. Samuel (J. White ’66) Substitutes: J. Amissah, R. Hale, A. Denholm, M. Efete, R. Leak, V. Loturi, J. Reid, C. Telfer, J. White Referee: Lloyd Wilson    

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Watt’s late winner in Paisley ends Motherwell slump

St Mirren 0 – 1 Motherwell Motherwell ended their three game winless run when Tony Watt’s added time winner punished St Mirren’s ill discipline. The striker used his experience to get away from his marker and catch a Lennon Miller free-kick to break hearts in Paisley after Alex Gogic was sent off. Ellery Balcombe’s fine save denied Jair Tavares early on, tipping the shot onto the crossbar. Not long after Aston Oxborough denied Conor McMenamin with an almost identical stop. The keeper denied the Northern Ireland international once again in the second half to ensure a clean sheet for his side. Both sides continued to push but Balcombe was on hand to deny Steve Seddon and Aspostolos Stamatelopoulos before the deadlock was finally broken. Discipline cost of the Saints when Gogic was given his marching orders after his dismissal with just minutes to go. The result means Motherwell open up a four point gap on the home side, sitting in fifth and seventh respectively. Attendance: 6,111 Line-ups: St Mirren: E. Balcombe, R. Taylor, A. Gogic, M. Fraser, S. Tanser, M. O’Hara, K. Phillips, E. Bwomono (J. Ayunga 84′), G. Kiltie (R. Idowu 67′), T. Olusanya (M. Mandron 68′), C. McMenamin Substitutes: J. Ayunga, C. Boyd-Munce, A. Iacovitti, R. Idowu, D. John, M. Mandron, E. Mooney, O. Smyth, P. Urminsky Motherwell: A. Oxborough, S. Blaney, L. Gordon, D. Casey, S. Seddon, E. Wilson (H. Paton), A. Halliday (S. Nicholson 83′), Jair Tavares (M. Kaleta 77′), L. Miller, A. Stamatelopoulos (M. Ebiye ’77), T. Watt Substitutes: K. Balmer, E. Ebiye, K. Hegyi, M. Kaleta, T. Maswanhise, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, H. Paton, D. Zdravkoski

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Killie added time penalty salvages point against Dundee United

Dundee United 1 – 1 Kilmarnock Kilmarnock’s struggles continued as they were held to a draw in Dundee, meaning they are now six games without a win. Sam Dalby continued his impressive form to give his side the lead only minutes in after replacement keeper Kieran O’Hara’s save landed at the striker’s feet. Kilmarnock equalised through Anderson’s spot kick in the 95th minute after Richard Odada gave away the penalty. Moult should have grabbed the first but his effort went fractionally wide and Dalby was unlucky to hit the post in the first half before his attacking endeavour was rewarded. Dundee United had a penalty claim denied after O’Hara collided with Dalby. Meanwhile Anderson had a chance for the visitors earlier in the game but his went straight into Jack Walton’s arms. Dundee United’s impressive season continues as they maintained their fourth place despite their status as the league’s promoted side. Attendance: 8,402 Line-ups: Dundee United: J. Walton, K. Holt, D. Gallagher, E. Adeboyega, W. Ferry, D. Babunski (R. Odada 84′), V. Sevelj, R. Strain, L. Stephenson (M. Thomson 95′), R. Strain, L. Moult (J. van der Sande 87′), S, Dalby Substitutes: K. Fotheringham, R. Graham, G. Middleton, R. Odada, D. Richards, O. Stirton, M. Thomson, M. Ubochioma, J. van der Sande Kilmarnock: R. McCrorie (K. O’Hara 60′), R. Deas (G. Mackay-Steven 87′), J. Wright, L. Mayo, F. Murray, C. Ndaba, L. Polworth (K. Magennis 87′), D. Armstrong (B. Wales 67′), B. Lyones, B. Anderson, K. Vassell (M. Watkins 87′) Substitutes: O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, G. Mackay-Steven, K. Magennis, R. Magennis, K. O’Hara, D. Watson, B. Wales, M. Watkins  

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St Johnstone draw extends Dons’ winless run to five

Aberdeen 1 – 1 St Johnstone Leighton Clarkson rescued a point as Aberdeen’s draw with St Johnstone saw them cede further ground to Celtic. St Johnstone raced to an early lead through Makenzie Kirk’s opener just five minutes in before Clarkson ensured the spoils were shared. The visitors impressed in difficult conditions, Adama Sidibeh denied a winner by an excellent Nicky Devlin block. Jimmy Thelin’s men have struggled in recent weeks and had few chances on the night. Substitute Duk providing the assist but unable to drive his side to the three points. Aberdeen are now winless in their past five games and with two games in hand, Rangers could narrow the five point gap between the sides. Attendance: 15,880 Line-ups: Aberdeen: R. Doohan, J. McGarry (N.Devlin 46′), G. Molloy, S. Rubezic, J. Milne (T. Keskinen 71′), S. Heltne Nilsen (A. Palaversa 46′), J. McGrath, L. Clarkson, S. Morris (Duk 46′), K. Nisbet (V. Besuijen 77′) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, V. Besuijen, N. Devlin, Duk, T. Keskinen, A. MacDonald, A. Palaversa, T. Ritchie, E. Sokler St Johnstone: J. Rae, D. Wright, K. Cameron, J. Sanders, L. Neilson, J. Holt, S. Sprangle, M. Smith (A. Sidibeh 63′), B. Kimpioka, N. Clark, M. Kirk (G. Carey 88′) Substitute: G. Carey, A. Essel, F. Franczak, D. Keltjens, M. Kucheriavyi, J. McPake, A. Sidibeh, R. Sinclair

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Shankland’s Dundee double lifts Hearts off bottom of the table

Hearts 2 – 0 Dundee Lawrence Shankland ended his goalless drought to help his side to strong win over Dundee. Two and half months after his last goal, the Hearts captain’s header arced over a static Jon McCracken and doubled his tally just ten minutes later. Musa Drammeh had a chance of his own by he could only send Blair Spittal’s cross wide in the first half. Dundee’s Oluwaseun Adewumi could not build on his impressive midweek outing against Motherwell, sending one of his side’s few opportunities sky high. Antonio Portales also unable to find the target with his header. McCracken was granted a get out of jail free card when his mishit clearance fell into the path of Drammeh, but was ruled marginally offside. Attendance: 18,737 Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, C. Halkett, D. Oyegoke, M. Boateng, C. Devlin, B. Spittal (K. Vargas 76′), L. Shankland, M. Drammeh (J. Grant 76′), J. Wilson (A. Forrest 67′) Substitutes: Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, A. Forrester, J. Grant, Y. Oda, A. Salazar, M. Tait, K. Vargas Dundee: J. McCracken, B. Koumetio, A. Portales, R. Astley, F. Robertson (E. Ingram 46′), M. Sylla, J. McGhee, J. Mulligan (J. Vetro 84′), O. Adewumi (S. Murray  46′), L. Cameron, S. Palmer-Houlden (S. Tiffoney 61′) Substitutes: S. Braybrooke, T. Carson, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, C. Main, S. Murray, H. Sharp, S. Tiffoney, J. Vetro

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