SPFL Archives - Page 3 of 17

Celtic Tighten Grip on Scottish Premiership Title with Commanding Win Over Dundee United

Celtic strengthened their hold on another Scottish Premiership title with a comfortable victory over Dundee United, moving 16 points clear of Rangers, who face Hearts on Sunday live on Sky Sports. Callum McGregor fired the Hoops ahead as they looked to bounce back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. Jota, netting his first goal at Celtic Park since his return, curled a superb effort into the bottom corner to double their lead before the break. Adam Idah sealed the win late on with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box, notching his fifth goal in five matches. Dundee United Struggle Continues Dundee United, now without a win since mid-January, drop to fourth after Aberdeen ended their own winless streak. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made several changes to the starting XI, resting Daizen Maeda after his strong performance in Germany. However, Idah showcased his ability once again, bringing down a headed clearance before volleying into the top corner for a spectacular finish. Greg Taylor, Arne Engels, Nicolas Kuhn, and Maeda all started on the bench after featuring in the midweek clash against Bayern. McGregor and Jota Shine for Celtic Visiting goalkeeper Jack Walton survived the opening 25 minutes without facing a shot on target, with early efforts from Idah and Cameron Carter-Vickers missing the mark. However, McGregor took matters into his own hands, collecting a pass from Yang Hyun-jun, bursting past Allan Campbell, and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from 16 yards. The Celtic captain almost doubled his tally soon after, while left-back Jeffrey Schlupp struck the inside of the post from 20 yards. Jota, whose last home goal had come in a 3-2 victory over Rangers in April 2023, marked his return in style before setting up Idah for a chance that Walton did well to save. Campbell had half-chances in both halves but failed to seriously test Kasper Schmeichel. Walton also denied Luke McCowan’s free-kick and Taylor’s effort in a quiet second half, before Idah lit up the closing stages with his emphatic finish. Rodgers Praises “Three Goals of Individual Brilliance” Speaking to Sky Sports News, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his side’s response to their European setback: “The attitude going into the game after a tough midweek match was fantastic. Our record after the Champions League has been excellent. “The quality of our football, especially in the first half, was at a really high level. The speed of our play, our connections in the game, and all three goals were moments of individual brilliance. “The players are synchronised in their work and connect well. The concentration is there until the very end, as they push to score more while defending resolutely. Now we recover and prepare for a different challenge on Tuesday.” Goodwin: “We Were Beaten by the Better Team” Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin admitted his side struggled to cope with Celtic’s intensity: “We were outplayed and beaten by the better team. “You hope Celtic might have one eye on next week’s Champions League match, but credit to Brendan Rodgers and his players, they maintained their high standards. “We pressed higher in the second half and forced more turnovers, but even then, Celtic’s organisation and desire to win the ball back made things extremely difficult. “We’ve seen what they’ve done to other teams here, and unfortunately, we’re on the wrong end of the result. Now, our focus shifts to the seven huge games before the split.” What’s Next in the Scottish Premiership? With Celtic cruising at the top and Rangers facing Hearts next, the title race looks increasingly one-sided. Dundee United, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they fight for a European spot in the run-up to the league split.

February 16, 2025

Kilmarnock Climb into Top Six with Convincing Win Over St Johnstone

Kilmarnock moved into the top six of the Scottish Premiership with a commanding 3-1 victory over bottom side St Johnstone at Rugby Park. Early Lead Sets the Tone Liam Polworth gave the hosts an early advantage, capitalising on a mistake by Elliot Watt before displaying great composure to chip the ball over Andy Fisher in the St Johnstone goal. Killie Seal the Win in Three-Minute Blitz Kilmarnock put the game beyond doubt with two goals in three second-half minutes. Fraser Murray doubled their lead with a sensational free-kick from 25 yards, curling the ball past Fisher into the bottom corner. Moments later, Bobby Wales showcased his finishing ability by controlling a pass from Lewis Mayo and slotting home a composed low finish, making it 3-0. St Johnstone’s Revival Stalls Despite coming into the match on a four-game winning streak, St Johnstone struggled to impose themselves. Their best first-half chance came in the 36th minute when Stephen Duke-McKenna’s cross-field pass found Sam Curtis, but his shot was comfortably saved by Kilmarnock goalkeeper Kieron O’Hara. Marley Watkins also came close for Killie, hitting the crossbar just before half-time. Saints boss Simo Valakari made tactical changes at the break, introducing Taylor Steven and Zach Mitchell in an attempt to turn the game around. However, Kilmarnock remained in control, with Brad Lyons forcing another fine save from Fisher early in the second half. Late Consolation for Saints St Johnstone finally found the net in added time when Graham Carey converted from close range, but it was little more than a consolation as Killie comfortably saw out the match to claim their second consecutive home victory. What the Managers Said Kilmarnock Manager Derek McInnes: “The league is unpredictable, with teams around us struggling to put wins together. It’s crucial to find consistency, and we’re determined to be a top-six team this season.” St Johnstone Manager Simo Valakari: “It was a tough result. Kilmarnock pressed well, and we struggled to play through it at key moments. We’ve defended well recently, but conceding an early goal changed the game’s dynamic. Credit to our opponent – they deserved the win.” Kilmarnock’s victory keeps their European hopes alive, while St Johnstone remain six points adrift at the bottom, facing an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone.

February 16, 2025

Aberdeen End Winless Run with Vital Victory Over Dundee

Aberdeen finally put an end to their club-record 14-game Scottish Premiership winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dundee, reclaiming third place in the table. In a high-energy encounter filled with chances, goals from Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen proved the difference. Nisbet capitalised on a rebound after Kristers Tobers’ back-post volley was parried by Jon McCracken, giving Aberdeen a crucial early lead. Dundee, despite an array of opportunities, failed to convert through Simon Murray, Josh Mulligan, and a glaring miss from Jordan McGhee. Their profligacy was punished in spectacular fashion when Keskinen unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike, sending the travelling fans into delirium. However, the home side responded almost immediately. Mulligan’s dazzling solo run down the right culminated in a precise cross, which Seb Palmer-Houlden deftly guided past the Aberdeen goalkeeper to keep Dundee in contention. The final half-hour was a frantic affair. Dundee pushed forward, with Palmer-Houlden and Finlay Robertson coming close, while Aberdeen survived a goalmouth scramble and forced McCracken into a brilliant save from Tobers’ bullet header. Dundee’s attacking intent was evident with their 23 shots, but a lack of clinical finishing ultimately cost them. Dundee now sit in 11th place, two points adrift of Ross County and six clear of bottom side St Johnstone. Dundee’s Familiar Struggles in Front of Goal Dundee fans have seen this script before. Strong spells of play, missed opportunities, and ultimately, another frustrating defeat. This latest loss mirrors their previous home meeting with Aberdeen back in September—an early barrage of chances, two goals conceded, and an uphill battle to salvage something from the game. There’s no doubting the spirit in Tony Docherty’s squad, as seen in their performances against Rangers and Celtic, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. With crucial fixtures against Ross County, Motherwell, and St Johnstone on the horizon, Dundee’s hopes of a top-six push could hinge on how they navigate this defining period. Aberdeen’s Timely Return to Form For Aberdeen, Dundee have been a welcome opponent this season. Three wins from three against them, and just two defeats in their last 31 league meetings underline their dominance in this fixture. Jimmy Thelin desperately needed a win to revive his team’s faltering campaign, having secured just four points from the last available 42. This result might just be the turning point they need. Recent signings Mats Knoester, Alexander Jensen, and Kristers Tobers have added much-needed defensive solidity, while Jeppe Okkels has injected flair on the wing. Nisbet and Pape Gueye are beginning to form an effective partnership up front, and Keskinen’s stunning goal showcased why he could be a key figure moving forward. Back in third place, Aberdeen’s challenge now is to maintain this momentum. Can they solidify their position in the league’s upper reaches? Manager Reactions Dundee boss Tony Docherty: “I’m hugely disappointed. We need to learn lessons quickly. There are seven games to the split, and this was a match we should have taken something from. “The first goal, there was a tug on [Antonio] Portales’ jersey—VAR should have picked it up. We were naive defensively, and we paid the price.” Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: “I saw the happiness on the faces of our players and fans—people who have stuck with us through difficult times. “The team fought together, defended as a unit, and put their bodies on the line when it mattered. We made our supporters proud.”

February 16, 2025

Three of the best as Staggies rout Motherwell

Ronan Hale was at the double, and Connor Randall added a third as Ross County ran out to a 3-0 rout over Motherwell at Fir Park. Hale struck twice on either side of half-time, and Randall’s goal on the cusp of full-time gave Ross County all three points as Don Cowie celebrated his birthday with another away victory. The boos at full-time were loud as Motherwell slipped to a fifth straight defeat in a game where they never looked like scoring. Interim boss Stevie Frail made the bold call to start Tony Watt in attack alongside Luke Armstrong, leaving top-scorer Tawanda Maswanhise on the bench. Lennon Miller returned for his first start of the year, making his return from injury. Don Cowie, however, did opt for his top-scorer. Ronan Hale was on the bench for their trip to Ibrox, but he led the Staggies as they searched for a fourth away win in their last five trips away from Dingwall after going more than a year without one. First 45′ Both teams made a lightning start to the game, Watt almost repaid the faith shown in him by Stevie Frail. He created a yard of space inside the Staggies box and smashed it across the goal only for the ball to crash off the inside of the post, and Staggies keeper Jordan Amissah quickly collected the rebound. Ronan Hale looked to catch Ellery Balcombe out from around 40 yards from goal, but the Well keeper did well to scramble back in time. Ross County seemed to move through the gears. Nohan Kenneh and Kieran Phillips both had efforts that tested Balcombe, but Motherwell was beginning to look blunter in attack. Hale would finally make Motherwell pay; Chilvers had it at his feet, but when Miller thought he had dispossessed him, the ball fell to Hale. He took a touch and then struck it past Balcombe for his seventh league goal of the season to give County a deserved lead just after the half-hour. The boos rang out inside Fir Park when the half-time whistle blew. Fans were deeply unhappy with the performance being put on show, and there was a clear appetite for Maswanhise to be brought on. Despite this, Frail made zero changes to the team that failed to register a shot on target inside the first 45. Second 45′ Ross County started the second half well, and Hale doubled his tally just before the hour. Good work from Tomkinson down the right-hand channel found Chilvers on the inside; his ball completely separated the Motherwell defence, and Hale swept it past Balcombe to give County a 2-0 lead. With the atmosphere inside Fir Park turning toxic, Frail finally made a double switch, but still no Maswanhise resulted in even more anger for the Well support. Finally, on the 70th minute, the Zimbabwean would enter the fray as Well searched for a way to get back into the game. Motherwell did begin to show brief signs of threatening a comeback, Callum Slattery had a free-kick that went just over the bar, but Well continued to look out of ideas. They were urged on by Frail to get themselves further up the pitch, but each time they tried to drive forward, County looked to pick them off on the counterattack. Which is exactly what they did when Connor Randall added a third just before the full-time whistle. His low strike from distance seemed to catch Balcombe sleeping as he was far too slow at getting down and across as the ball went past his outstretched hands. That goal was enough for the Well fans to begin to stream out of Fir Park as the County fans behind the goal began to party their way home to Dingwall. FULL-TIME: MOTHERWELL 0 – 3 ROSS COUNTY Teams: Motherwell: Balcombe (GK); O’Donnell, Gordon, Balmer, Sparrow (Maswanhise 70’), Slattery (Nicholson 78′), Halliday (Plange 63’), Thompson (Wilson 63’), Armstrong, Watt, Miller Ross County: Amissah (GK); Tomkinson, Lopata, Campbell, Wright, Kenneh (Nisbet 85′), Chilvers (Grieves 85′), Randall, Harmon (Ashworth 72’), Phillips (White 65’), Hale (Robesten 72’)

February 16, 2025

Dundee United Demands VAR Overhaul, Pulls Out of Key Incident Review

Dundee United has recently taken a strong stance on VAR practices, arguing that the system’s application is marred by inconsistent rule interpretations. In a significant move, the club announced its decision to withdraw from the Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel, expressing deep concerns about the panel’s intended purpose and overall impact. Background on the Review Panel The Scottish FA launched the KMI panel in September of last year as a five-member group comprised of club representatives, ex-referees, former players, and coaches. The panel is tasked with examining critical incidents from the previous week’s SPFL Premiership games and other competitions where VAR is in use. Its role is to assess and vote on whether both the on-field decisions and any VAR interventions were correct. A Catalyst for Change Dundee United’s decision comes on the heels of a controversial 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock. In that match, Marley Watkins’ goal – which clinched the win for Kilmarnock – was allowed to stand after a VAR check, despite significant questions regarding its legitimacy. This incident appears to have been the tipping point for United. In an official statement, the club explained: “Dundee United FC has formally notified the Scottish FA that we are withdrawing our representation from the KMI panel. This decision is the result of extensive discussions throughout the season with the Refereeing Department. We have raised serious concerns about the panel’s purpose, effectiveness, and overall impact on the game. We feel that the panel’s outcomes are not aligned with the feedback provided to the Scottish FA.” The statement went on to criticise instances where on-field decisions, once validated by both VAR and the Refereeing Department, were later contradicted by the panel. According to Dundee United, many of the panel members lack sufficient expertise in the laws of the game, which has contributed to what the club sees as a flawed review process. Media and External Pressures The club also highlighted how some of the panel’s decisions have been magnified by media reports, adding undue pressure on match officials. This, they argue, could have repercussions for future refereeing decisions and undermine the confidence in the system. Broader Implications for VAR Beyond the immediate concerns with the KMI panel, Dundee United has called for a comprehensive review of VAR practices in Scottish football. The club noted that inconsistent interpretations of the laws of the game by VAR have frustrated several Premiership clubs. In their view, while errors are an unavoidable part of football, the heightened scrutiny brought about by VAR has made refereeing decisions a highly public issue. “We are committed to ensuring that our club is treated fairly at all times. At the same time, we want to contribute to a broader improvement in Scottish football. We are reaching out to both the Scottish FA and the SPFL to advocate for a more robust VAR protocol and review process. This is essential for protecting our match officials and preserving the integrity of the game.” Additional Reactions In a related development, St Mirren recently voiced its displeasure following a VAR decision that denied them a penalty in a match against St Johnstone. The club’s statement underlined their ongoing concerns with recent officiating errors, calling on the Scottish FA to address these issues promptly. Participation in the KMI panel is voluntary for clubs, with an external expert advising the panel on the laws of the game. Despite these measures, Dundee United’s recent actions underline the growing discontent within Scottish football regarding the current VAR framework. The Scottish FA is reportedly exploring further enhancements to the VAR system, as it has been actively evolving the protocol since its introduction in October 2022. Sky Sports News has reached out to the Scottish FA for further comment on the matter.

February 6, 2025

Celtic Overwhelm Dundee with a 6-0 Home Triumph

In a commanding display at Celtic Park, the Hoops restored their 13-point cushion atop the Scottish Premiership standings by thrashing Dundee 6-0. Although Celtic’s first half was cautious, the team quickly surged into the lead with two early goals that set the tone for the remainder of the match. First Half Breakdown Penalty Success: Arne Engel converted a penalty, giving Celtic an early advantage. Adam Idah’s Strike: Just before halftime, Idah added a crucial goal to double the lead. Jota, returning after his stint at Rennes and fresh off his goal against Motherwell, impressed by showcasing his renewed energy and purpose on the pitch. Second Half Highlights Daizen Maeda’s Brilliance: A precise cross from Jota found Maeda, who made no mistake by scoring his first of the night. In a swift counter, Maeda extended his tally by lifting a shot over Dundee goalkeeper Trevor Carson, marking his second goal within three minutes of the restart. Long-Range Magic: Two impressive strikes from Engels and substitute Nicolas Kuhn sealed the victory. These additional goals allowed midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp to comfortably ease into his debut appearance as the game became a formality. Post-Match Reactions Brendan Rodgers (Celtic Manager) said: “From the first minute, our players showed incredible determination. The energy on the field was superb and our system worked flawlessly. Our attacking play, particularly the goals, was simply brilliant. The hunger we witnessed today is exactly what we need.” Rodgers also praised Daizen Maeda’s finish as his pick for the goal of the match, highlighting the inevitability of his strike and the helplessness of Dundee’s keeper in stopping it. On Team Dynamics: “While we originally sought a dedicated striker, tonight demonstrated the depth in our attacking options. With two wingers contributing significantly, it’s clear we have a diverse and motivated group.” Celtic’s Arne Engels added: “I’m always ready to support the team, but tonight was truly special. Every player stepped up—both in creating and defending—and even in the final moments, our commitment to score never wavered.” Adam Idah reflected: “I’m really enjoying the run of form we’re on. Even if I wasn’t at my best, the team’s overall performance made it easier to contribute. It’s fantastic to be part of such a collective effort where everyone is eager to perform.” Dundee’s Perspective Manager Tony Docherty was less than pleased, reflecting on missed opportunities and defensive lapses: “After reviewing the penalty, I feel the call was fair since no one from Celtic appealed for it. Our performance was marred by poor decision-making and an inability to protect our goal. We conceded too many soft goals, and that is something we need to address quickly.” Looking Ahead Dundee now face the challenge of bouncing back after consecutive heavy defeats, with the Scottish Cup clash against Airdrieonians looming on Saturday. Meanwhile, Celtic continue to dominate the league, bolstered by their relentless attacking play and solid team spirit.

February 6, 2025

Your club’s January window rated

Aberdeen In: Alfie Dorrington (Tottenham Hotspur, loan), Oday Dabbagh (Charleroi, loan), Alexander Jensen (Brommapojkarna, undisclosed), Mats Knoester (Ferencvaros, undisclosed), Jeppe Okkels (Prestond North End, loan), Kristers Tobers (Grasshopper Zurich, undisclosed) Out: Alfie Bavidge (Inverness Caledonian Thistle, loan), Duk (Luganes, undisclosed), Angus MacDonald (free), James McGarry (Athens Kallithea, loan), Alfie Stewart (Inverness Calidonian Thistle, loan), Rodrigo Vitols (Keith, loan) Jimmy Thelin has taken an unorthodox approach to fixing his side’s back line, by getting an entirely new one. The arrival of defenders Tobers, Jensen, Knoester and Dorrington show where the manager thinks the epicentre of side’s seismic collapse originates. Papa Gueye’s return from injury is a welcome boost but adding a couple of supporting forwards in Dabbagh and Okkels, a player Thelin knows from his time at Elfsborg, will help add some verve to a stale attack. Moves made all the more important by the biggest loss of their windown with Duk leaving for La Liga side Leganes. Overall, a proactive approach to solving the side’s woes despite the loss of Duk. Fans will have to hope the current players’ fragile confidence is not contagious. B- Celtic In: Jota (Rennes, undisclosed), Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace, loan) Out: Alexandro Bernabei (Internacional, undisclosed), Kyogo Furuhashi (Rennes, undisclosed), Aiden Haddow (Heart of Midlothian), Odin Holm (Los Angeles, loan), Luis Palma (Olympiakos, loan), Alex Valle (Barcelona, loan ended), Stephen Welsh (Mechelen, loan) Peter Lawwell might just be the happiest man in Scottish football, the Celtic CEO has managed to recoup Jota and Kieran Tierney (pre-contract for summer signed) for less than a fifth of what they sold them for. Less pleased perhaps will be the fans themselves who have seen their beloved Kyogo depart for France and a limited window spend given the club’s burgeoning purse. However, on top of the savings and scoring on his return, Jota being five years younger than the Japanese forward is a good bit of future planning. We know how ambitious he is to move the club forward, so Rodgers will be frustrated to that they were pipped to another former player of his in Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined Middlesborough on loan instead. More worrying perhaps is that the departures of Palma and Valle will harm the squad’s depth but Jeffrey Shlupp’s ability to play in almost every position should negate that to some extent. Here’s to hoping that in going out on loan, Welsh and Holm do not join another lost generation of youngsters at the club. B+ Dundee In: Aaron Donnelly (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Cesar Garza (Monterrey, loan), Victor Lopez (Queretaro, loan), Imari Samuels (Brighton & Hove Albion) Out: Sammy Braybrooke (Leicester City, loan ended) Sean Kelly, Curtis Main (Ayr United, free), Marley Sweenie-Rowe (Forfar Athletic, loan), Julian Vetro (Burnley, loan ended) An odd windown for the Dee’s. On the one hand the permanently returning Donnelly and loanee Garza have looked like class additions since arriving with Samuels and Lopez still bedding in. On the other, it fails to stem one of the major issues this side faced in the winter, squad depth. When the side beat Rangers, Tony Docherty made the point that the side had won despite being down to bare bones during the winter. However, letting five players leave the club seems like an odd way of dealing with the issue. Braybrooke and Vetro no doubt left because of a lack of game time but Docherty is left with having to see this squad through the next few months which seems just as likely to make the top six as it does to get relegated. D Dundee United In: Allan Campbell (Luton, undisclosed), Lewis Fiorini (Stockport County, loan), Ruari Paton (Port Vale, loan) Out: Zak Cameron (Cowdenbeath, loan), Adam Carnwath (Alloa Athletic, loan), Scott Constable (Stirling Albion, loan), Charlie Dewar (Alloa Athletic, loan), Alan Domeracki (Norwich City, undisclosed), Lewis Haldane (East Craigie, loan), Ollie Simpson (Jeanfield Swifts, loan), Owen Stirton (Montrose, loan), Miller Thomson (Falkirk, loan), Meshack Ubochioma (Livingston, loan) Evolution not revolution seems to have been the motto in the United front office. If you had told those involved at the club that they could finish in top half in their first season since promotion they would have bitten your hand off. Now they face the very possibility of going for the entire arm as third looks a very real possibility and have made some neat additions to give themselves the best chance of doing so. One time Scotland international Campbell brings quality in midfield as Fiorini arrives looking to come good on the potential that saw him graduate from Manchester City’s academy. Paton took the hard route to Dundee. Having been released by Hibs, the striker has worked his way up from the Lowland League to the Prem playing in every division in between before struggling in League 2 with Port Vale. Jim Goodwin will hope he can ease the goalscoring burden carried by Sam Dalby, who has netted over a third of his side’s total. Plenty of outgoings as United’s fledglings look to find their wings on loan across Scotland. Most notably Miller Thomson, the youngster will hope to build on his early season promise with title chasing Falkirk. C- Hearts of Midlothian In: Aiden Haddow (Celtic), Elton Kabangu (Union Saint-Gilloise, loan),Sander Kartum (Brann), Jamie McCart (Rotherdam United, undisclosed), Harry Milne (Partick Thistle, undisclosed), Michael Steinwender (Varnamo, undisclosed) Out: Malachi Boateng (Plymouth Argyle, undisclosed), Liam Boyce (Derry City, undisclosed), Daniel Oyegoke (Hellas Verona, undisclosed), Kyle Rowles (DC United, undisclosed), Andres Salazar (Atletico Nacional, loan ended), Callum Sandilands (Montrose, loan), Kai Smutek (Bonnyrigg Rose, loan), Macauley Tait (Livingston, loan) The outcome of Hearts’s business in this window and the next could have serious ramifications for Scottish football. It remains early days of the partnership with Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s company Jamestown Analytics but with loanee Kabangu from partner club USG already scoring five goals in four games, it would appear as though the two could be on the cusp of making signings from abroad a fine art. Of course it remains

February 4, 2025

Aberdeen sign Mats Knoester in attempt to solve defensive frailties

Aberdeen have signed Dutch centre-back Mats Knoester from Hungarian side Ferencvaros. The 26-year-old is the Dons’ fifth signing of the January window, joining on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the option of a further year, subject to international clearance. Knoester started his career at Dutch giants Feyenoord, developing there for 14 years before moving to Heracles in 2019. After three years at the club, he moved to Ferencvaros, winning the NBI league with them. Dons manager Jimmy Thelin said: “Mats has a really strong pedigree. His arrival will assist us defensively, providing further reinforcements as a left-sided centre-half.” After hearing about interest from Aberdeen, Knoester knew they were the only team he wanted to sign for, saying: “I had other options but when I knew Aberdeen were interested, I wanted to come here. I was already aware of the club and how big it was.” Aberdeen are currently without a league win in 14 games, and Thelin will hope the addition of Knoester will help bring them back to their previous form.

February 3, 2025

Rangers stroll to three points against Ross County

Rangers made light of visiting Ross County in a 4-0 victory with two goals from Ianis Hagi. County now found themselves in the precarious 11th place position. It took almost twenty minutes but Hagi made the most of Jordan Amissah’s spill following Vaclav Cerny’s to break the deadlock. Adding a second just seven minutes later, the Romanian international was perhaps fortunate to see his free-kick deflected off the wall and past a helpless Amissah. Unable to withstand the onslaught County were caught in the 36th minute as John Souttar blasted a shot into the roof of the net after Nico Raskin headed the ball into his path. If it hadn’t been game over by then, it was certainly was when Jordan White’s scything cut down of gave James Tavernier the chance to make it four from the spot, which the captain duly did. County’s chances in the game were few and far between albeit Jordan White’s header in the first half from a corner forced a good save from Jack Butland. Line-ups: Rangers: Butland, Jefte, Nsiala (Rafael Fernanders 80), Souttar (Propper 62), Tavernier (c), Raskin, Diomande (Rice 46), Hagi (Bajrami 74), Igamane (Lawrence 74), Cerny, Dessers Unused subs: Curtis, Kelly, McCausland, Nsio Goals: Hagi (18), (25), Souttar (36), Tavernier (79 pen) Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Lopata, Tomkinson, Robesten (MacLeod 85), Kenneh (Brown 46), Wright, Nisbet (Allardice 46), Randall (c), Chilvers (Ashworth 86), Phillips (61) Unused subs: Hale, Harmon, Laidlaw, Smith Booked: Randall Referee: Steve McLean Attendance: 46,973

February 3, 2025

Jota marks Celtic return with goal in Motherwell win

An emotional Jota scored on his Celtic return as they defeated managerless Motherwell in a 3-1 win, maintaining their ten point lead at the top. Celtic took the lead after less than a minute when Anthony Ralston, enjoying a rare start launched a cross when by Daizen Maeda who fired a header past Ellery Balcombe. Responding emphatically, Motherwell made the most of a rapid counter attack, Luke Armstrong fired home a crossed ball that had bounced off Auston Trusty and into the path of the player making his first start for the club since moving from Carlisle. They failed to maintain their level footing, Maeda involved once again, fired a low ball across to Adam Idah who added another goal to a week that saw him score two against Aston Villa in the Champions League defeat midweek. In a fairytale ending to the game, Maeda capped off an excellent afternoon with inswinging low ball met by an oncoming Jota who slotted Celtic’s third in added time. Maeda, who made a brilliant run to the back post, could have added a second from a corner but could not direct his header goalwards. Both Luke McCowan and Nicolas Kuhn came close themselves, denied by some strong saves from Balcombe but made an even more impressive dive to deny Idah. There can be few complaints from Motherwell, who managed just two shots all game as they suffered their third consecutive league defeat. Line-ups: Motherwell: Balcombe, Blaney, Gordon, O’Donnell (c), Thompson (Zdravkovski 76), Kaleta (Paton 38), Nicholson (Wilson 63), Halliday (Dickson 76), Sparrow, Maswanhise (Plange 63), Armstrong Unused subs: Andrews, Balmer, Connelly Goals: Armstrong (23) Celtic: Schmeichel, Taylor (Scales 84), Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Ralston, Hatate (Paulo Bernardo 84), McGregor (Engels 65), Maeda, Idah (Yang Hyun-Jun 79), Kuhn (Jota 65) Unused subs: Johnston, Kenny, Sinisalo Goals: Maeda (1), Idah (29), Jota (90+4) Referee: Nick Walsh Attendance: 8,293

February 3, 2025

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