SPFL Archives - Page 3 of 21

Joe Hugill Signs New Kilmarnock Deal Until 2028 After Impressive First Season

Kilmarnock striker Joe Hugill has committed his future to the club after signing a contract extension that will keep him at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park until the summer of 2028. The 22-year-old forward joined Killie on a permanent transfer from Manchester United in January 2026, initially putting pen to paper on an 18-month deal. After patiently waiting for his opportunity, Hugill became a key figure in Kilmarnock Football Club manager Neil McCann’s side, producing a sensational run of form during the closing months of the 2025/26 campaign. The striker finished the season as Killie’s joint-top goalscorer, finding the net eight times alongside Tyreece John-Jules. Hugill also added two assists in his 15 appearances, quickly becoming a popular figure among the supporters. His performances attracted attention shortly after arriving in Ayrshire, with his impact highlighting the potential he has to continue developing in the famous blue and white. With preparations already underway for the 2026/27 season, Hugill has chosen to remain part of the club’s exciting plans, which include continued squad development, the completion of phase one of Bowie Park and the introduction of a brand-new hybrid grass pitch at Rugby Park following significant investment. The forward believes he is in the right environment to continue improving under the guidance of McCann, Billy Dodds and the rest of the first-team coaching staff, and has agreed to extend his stay by a further year. As part of the new deal, Hugill will also take on a new shirt number, moving from No.44 to become Kilmarnock’s new No.9 ahead of the upcoming campaign. The club’s supporters will be hoping the striker can continue the form that made him one of Killie’s standout performers during the second half of last season.

June 29, 2026

John Spencer and David Caldwell Back Derek McInnes to Deliver Success at Rangers

Former Scotland striker John Spencer believes Rangers have appointed the right man to restore the club to the top of Scottish football after Derek McInnes was unveiled as the new manager at Ibrox. Speaking on the latest SNN Sports Football Podcast, host Scott Bradley was joined by former Chelsea, Rangers and Scotland forward John Spencer, alongside former professional footballer David Caldwell, who enjoyed a career with Mansfield Town, Chesterfield, Torquay United and Belgian side KVV Overpelt before moving into coaching and football analysis. The trio discussed McInnes’ appointment, Rangers’ ambitions under new ownership and the expectations awaiting the former Hearts boss. “McInnes ticks every box” Spencer believes Rangers have finally appointed a manager who understands exactly what is required to succeed at Ibrox. “I think McInnes ticks a lot of boxes for Rangers,” Spencer said. “He’s a Rangers man, a former player, understands Scottish football inside out and knows exactly what the supporters expect. I think it’s a fantastic appointment.” The former Scotland international also praised McInnes’ first press conference, believing the new manager struck the right tone. “He wasn’t making huge promises or saying things just to please people. He spoke well and understands the size of the job. Rangers fans will appreciate that.” Caldwell draws on experience working alongside McInnes Caldwell offered a unique insight into McInnes after previously working alongside him during his spell at Aberdeen, where he assisted with opposition analysis. “I’ve worked with Derek and everybody speaks very highly of him,” Caldwell explained. “I think he’ll do well at Rangers. Football changes quickly and ultimately managers are judged by results, but I believe he’s earned this opportunity.” Having spent more than a decade playing professionally in England and Scotland, Caldwell believes this represents the defining challenge of McInnes’ managerial career. “He’s had experience at several clubs and now he’s got one of the biggest jobs in Scottish football. At Rangers you’re expected to win trophies. That’s the reality.” Why Hearts allowed him to leave One of the biggest talking points surrounding McInnes’ appointment was how quickly Hearts allowed the move to happen. While many supporters were surprised the Edinburgh club didn’t put up more resistance, Caldwell believes Hearts’ long-term football strategy may have played a role. “I think Hearts are moving towards a different football philosophy,” he said. “They’ve invested heavily in recruitment and data-led decision making. Derek has his own style of football, so perhaps both sides felt the timing was right.” Success won’t be measured by second place Both Spencer and Caldwell agreed that Rangers supporters will only judge McInnes on one thing—silverware. “At Rangers it’s about winning trophies,” Spencer said. “It’s not about finishing second and saying you’ve had a decent season. Derek understands that because he’s lived it.” Caldwell echoed those sentiments, pointing out how little time modern managers are given to build a team. “Managers don’t get years anymore. They need results quickly. Derek knows the expectations and he’ll have to implement his ideas straight away.” Recruitment key to Rangers’ future The panel also discussed Rangers’ summer transfer plans, with speculation already linking the club to several Scottish Premiership players. While Spencer believes bringing in players who understand the league could help, Caldwell warned that quality must remain the priority. “It doesn’t matter whether players come from Scotland or abroad,” Caldwell said. “You need quality footballers who fit the manager’s system and the culture of the football club.” Drawing on his own experience, Caldwell reflected on the Rangers sides of previous generations. “When I played against Rangers they had outstanding Scottish players mixed with top international footballers. That’s the standard Rangers have to get back to if they want sustained success.” A defining opportunity McInnes has waited years for another opportunity to manage Rangers after previously being linked with the role. Now, he finally gets his chance. With a major squad rebuild expected this summer and pressure to challenge Celtic immediately, both Spencer and Caldwell believe Rangers have appointed a manager capable of handling the responsibility. Whether that belief translates into trophies will ultimately determine how successful the McInnes era becomes. Watch the full discussion The full conversation featuring Scott Bradley, John Spencer and David Caldwell is available now on the SNN Sports Football Podcast, where the panel also discuss Scotland’s World Cup campaign, Steve Clarke’s future, the Messi vs Ronaldo debate and their favourites to lift the World Cup.

June 28, 2026

Wouter Vrancken Targets Premiership Title Challenge After Taking Charge at Hearts

New Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken has outlined his ambitions after arriving at Tynecastle, insisting his side must aim to challenge Celtic and Rangers at the top of Scottish football. The 47-year-old Belgian has signed a two-year contract with Hearts, replacing Derek McInnes after his move to Rangers earlier this month. Vrancken arrives in Edinburgh following an impressive spell with Belgian side Sint-Truiden, where he guided his hometown club to third place in the Belgian Pro League last season – their highest league finish in 60 years. His achievements earned him Belgium’s Coach of the Year award. The new Hearts boss now takes over a side that narrowly missed out on ending a 66-year wait for the Scottish Premiership title after suffering a final-day defeat to champions Celtic. Speaking for the first time since his appointment, Vrancken made it clear what his objectives are. “[The remit] is to compete with the Glasgow teams and to try to overachieve again and have a good season, try to fight for the top spots.” He believes Hearts have already shown they can compete with Scotland’s traditional powerhouses. “We will fight for the best. They had a smell of the title last year, that’s the nicest thing to play for.” “Everybody wants to play for those spots and we have to try out best to get to the level and get the Hearts I want to see.” “First being as good as possible at this, then we can have another great season.” Hearts Land Highly-Rated Belgian Coach Hearts revealed that Vrancken was attracting interest from several clubs across Europe before choosing the move to Tynecastle, making this his first managerial role outside Belgium. Belgian football consultant and podcaster Scott Coyne believes Hearts have secured one of the continent’s most exciting coaches. “He could have gone to France or Germany and I think he’s picked Hearts because of the Champions League football, because of Edinburgh.” Coyne believes Hearts’ progress last season also played a major role in attracting Vrancken. “I think there’s something about Hearts’ success last season – he sees a template over the next two, three, four years potentially to go and do something really interesting.” What Style of Football Can Hearts Fans Expect? Supporters can expect an attacking, high-energy approach under their new manager. Coyne described Vrancken’s philosophy as one built around aggressive pressing, quick transitions and fluid attacking play. “He likes really direct and fluid football. So think quick transitions, lots of player rotations, an aggressive press, lots of overloads, fluidity in the wing play as well, so his wing-backs and his wingers are going to be out wide a lot.” However, he warned that Vrancken’s adventurous tactics can leave teams exposed defensively. “He might give you defensive headaches sometimes because he’s one of those coaches who does like to go pretty gung-ho. So you will concede some goals playing in a Wouter Vrancken side, but you’ll also score a lot as well.” Coyne also praised Vrancken’s ability to maximise limited resources. “He’s excellent with sides on limited resources, getting them to really punch above their weight, because he creates this environment inside squads that is really tight knit. And he’s just really good at identifying bad apples.” He added that the Belgian is an ideal fit for Hearts’ long-term strategy. “He fits the way Hearts want to play football and the way they’re looking to recruit players.” “He understands the Jamestown model as well because obviously he’s coached against Union Saint-Gilloise with a number of clubs in Belgium over the past few years.” A Manager on the Rise After beginning his playing career with Sint-Truiden, Vrancken went on to represent Gent, Genk and Mechelen before moving into management. His coaching breakthrough came at Mechelen, where he guided the club to promotion and Belgian Cup success in the same season before delivering three consecutive top-eight league finishes. At Genk, he came agonisingly close to winning the Belgian title during a dramatic three-way battle with Royal Antwerp and Union Saint-Gilloise in 2022. Following a spell at Gent, Vrancken returned to Sint-Truiden in April last year, initially steering the club away from relegation before transforming them into genuine title challengers. His side eventually secured third place and qualified for the Europa League for the first time in the club’s history. Big Rebuild Awaits at Tynecastle Vrancken inherits a Hearts squad undergoing significant change. Captain and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has already departed for Rangers, joining former Hearts boss Derek McInnes at Ibrox. Midfielder Beni Beningime has left following the expiry of his contract, while Cammy Devlin has yet to decide on a new deal. Questions also remain over the future of veteran Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Defenders Michael Steinwender and Frankie Kent have also moved on, while Craig Halkett faces a spell on the sidelines through injury. Reports have also linked reigning Scottish Player of the Year Claudio Braga and winger Alexandros Kyziridis with potential transfers away from the club. The departures are part of Hearts’ ongoing recruitment model alongside Jamestown Analytics, which focuses on identifying emerging talent, developing players and generating profit through future sales. To strengthen the squad, Hearts have already completed seven signings this summer. Among them are Scottish-based wingers Calvin Miller, who joins from Falkirk, and Josh McPake from St Johnstone. With Champions League qualifying fixtures also on the horizon, Vrancken has little time to mould his new-look squad as Hearts look to build on last season’s remarkable title challenge.

June 28, 2026

Rangers announce return of Ross McCrorie

Rangers have announced the first signing of the Derek McInnes era by confirming the return of Ross McCrorie. The right-back arrives from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee signing a three-year deal in Glasgow. A product of the Rangers academy, McCrorie left to the club for Aberdeen in 2020, initially on loan, but the deal was made permanent in 2021. He’d then leave for Bristol City in 2023 but is now re-united with the manager who brought him to Aberdeen. McCrorie has been twice capped by Scotland, most recently in March’s defeat to Côte d’Ivoire. Whilst he was called up the EURO 2024 squad in Germany, he did not feature. Speaking on his return to Rangers, McCrorie said: “It is a dream come true to come back up the road to the team I support. “I am not that little kid who was at Rangers back in the day. I have changed a lot character-wise, and player-wise, I feel I have changed massively. “I feel like I am ready now, and I want to come back here and win trophies.” These comments were echoed by McInnes, he said: “Ross is someone I signed for Aberdeen from Rangers, and at that time he wanted to go out and prove himself, which I think says a lot for him. “He has developed and improved as a player, he has got that added experience, he is a full international now, and he knows the club inside out. “In the conversations I have had with him, a lot of things I am saying are things he wants from the club as well, so he’s a determined and competitive boy on the pitch, and he is determined to bring good times back to the club.” McCrorie marks Rangers second signing of the season, following Lawrence Shankland’s arrival from Hearts on a free transfer. Rumours also suggest the club are readying a bid for Dundee defender Luke Graham as Derek McInnes aims to rebuild Rangers from last season’s disappointing third place finish, behind McIness’ Hearts side and Martin O’Neill’s Celtic.

June 25, 2026

Hibs set record breaking price tag on Midfielder

Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has been subject to extensive interest lately. Rumours in January suggested that Celtic and Fiorentina would battle it out for the Zambian’s signature, but no such move materialised. It seems Celtic’s interest in Chaiwa has not gone away as Martin O’Neill takes charge of the club for one more season. Early reports indicate that Hibs have no intent on selling Chaiwa and have already turned down two bids for the 22-year-old. Chaiwa arrived at Hibs in 2025 from BSC Young Boys for a rumoured fee of £700,000. A year on, Hibs are set to value him at ten times that amount. If he was to leave for such a price, it would see Hibernian’s record sale broken for the second time in six months following Kieron Bowie’s January move to Hellas Verona for an estimated £6 million. The previous record was held by Scott Brown for 19 years when he joined Celtic for £4.4 million in 2007.

June 24, 2026

Scottish Premiership 2026/27 fixtures released: Celtic’s first five games and key dates

Martin O’Neil is back in the Paradise dugout for another season, as Celtic go on the hunt for title number 57. Amidst all the brilliance and stories currently happening with the World Cup in the Americas, club football is still operating. Today, all twelve teams in the Scottish Premiership have discovered their fixture list for the 2026/27 league campaign. Martin O’Neil recently put pen to paper on a new contract, a one-year deal to remain at Celtic Park. The 74-year-old was hugely impressive throughout both of his stints as caretaker manager of Celtic last season, bringing a Scottish Cup trophy and title number 56 back to the east end of Glasgow. Celtic’s Opening Five Fixtures: Celtic v Dundee FC (3rd August, 7:30 pm) Kilmarnock v Celtic (9th August, 1:30 pm) St. Johnstone v Celtic ( 22nd August, 3:00 pm) Celtic v Falkirk ( 29th August, 3:00 pm) Celtic v Aberdeen ( 2nd September, 7:45 pm) Celtic are set to kick off their title defence on a Monday night, due to other sporting events happening in the city over the course of that weekend. Key Fixtures The first Glasgow derby of the season will take place at Celtic Park on Sunday, 20th September. The new year will kick off with Rangers hosting Celtic at Ibrox on January 2nd, and the final pre-split Old Firm is set to commence on February 27th at Celtic Park. The Hoops have their dates set with last season’s title rivals Hearts, which ended in jubilation for Celtic and misery for Hearts. The departures of manager Derek McInnes, along with star striker Lawrence Shankland, to Rangers are monumental losses for the Jambos. The first clash between last season’s top two takes place on the 17th October, at Celtic Park, Tynecastle will play host on the 28th November, and lastly, the final pre-split fixture between the two is on February 13th at Celtic Park. A huge season is in store for the Scottish Premiership, with the opening game of the 2026/27 season just over six weeks away. Martin O’Neil will be eager to clinch his fifth Scottish Premiership title as Celtic manager.

June 18, 2026

Hearts v Falkirk – Match Preview

One of the biggest nights in Heart of Midlothian’s history awaits this evening, as a victory against Falkirk may crown them champions depending on the result at Fir Park. Hearts were victorious in the last meeting between these two sides. However, Falkirk have already had delight at Tynecastle in the Scottish Cup this season when they knocked the league leaders out on penalties in early January. Hearts have stayed at the top of the castle for majority of the season. And they could be given the grand prize this evening depending on the result between Motherwell and Celtic. Should Hearts get the job done against Falkirk, who have two wins in six, and Motherwell were to defeat Celtic, Hearts would win the league with one game remaining. However, if both teams gained three points, then it would go down to a final-day climax at Celtic Park. The Hoops would need three points for any hope in clinching the league trophy. The visitors would know that it would only take a point to be crowned champions. But if Falkirk were to hold Hearts level or defeat Derek McInnes’ side, and Celtic were to win at Fir Park. Then Hearts would have to go to the East End of Glasgow and win. Finally, if Hearts win this evening and Celtic draw, it would bring a big task for Martin O’ Neill’s side on the final day. Celtic would have to win by a large margin due to goal difference, which is plus three to Hearts as it stands. Hearts’ draw to Motherwell saw Celtic close the gap to just one point, as they defeated rivals Rangers 3-1. However, Tynecastle has been a cauldron this season. Hearts remain unbeaten in the league at their home ground and tonight could make it a season for the history books if results are to go their way. Speaking before tonight’s match, Lawrence Shankland said: “I think the level of belief and confidence we’ve got down there from the amount of games we’ve been winning, it’s hard to take that away when that feeling is there. “What we have done brilliantly is every time we’ve had a worse result than a win, we’ve always bounced back and won the next one. “It’s going to be important for us, obviously, in the next two as well, but I think showing that resilience through the season, you can get into the rhythm of winning games, and it’s hard to stop that.” Hearts will be without Marc Leonard and Craig Halkett after picking up injuries on Saturday’s visit to Motherwell. Hearts player to watch: Lawrence Shankland For the visitors, they have had a remarkable season, finishing in the top six in their return to the top-flight. Falkirk currently sit in sixth place, five points behind Hibs with two games remaining. Defeat to Hibs on Saturday, damaged their chances in pursuing European football. However, Hibs have Rangers and Motherwell to deal with before any hope in playing in the Conference League qualifiers depending on the Scottish Cup final result. Regardless, Falkirk have had a tremendous season so far and have the chance this evening to cause serious damage in Hearts’ push for the league title. Falkirk player to watch: Barney Stewart

May 13, 2026

Kilmarnock 3-1 Dundee FC: Killie confirm their Premiership status with a vital victory over the Dee

A brace from Joe Hugill secures safety for Killie, delight for Neil McCann has been a revelation since his arrival to the Rugby Park dugout. It was a cagey opening first 15 minutes, the hosts had the opening chance, Findlay Curtis with some excellent wing play, floating an enticing ball into the Dundee box, but it just missed the head of Joe Hugill. Moments after, Tom Lowery sees his powerful attempt on goal from the edge of the box saved by Dundee keeper Kieran O’Hara. A tense atmosphere was already building inside Rugby Park. But the hosts were in control of the match in the early stages. Midway through the first half, Kiliie had the ball in the back of the net, some quick and clever play as Greg Kiltie played a dangerous ball into the box, Findlay Curtis managed to get on the end of it to poke it in past Kieran O’Hara, much to the joy of the home fans. That joy was short-lived as VAR deemed the goal to be offside. A rare and glaring opportunity arose for Dundee as Fin Robertson found himself in acres of space inside the Killie box following a quick counterattack; however, the delivery to him was abysmal. A corner brought some hope for the hosts; unfortunately for Killie, it came to nothing. Following the corner, Dundee set out on a counterattack, which was abruptly ended when Robbie Deas brought down Scott Wright on the halfway line, resulting in a yellow card for the Kilmarnock captain. Two huge chances for Kilmarnock on the stroke of half-time, Bruce Anderson almost squeezed the ball into the back of the net from close range. Another glorious opportunity from the resulting corner, Findlay Curtis’s header was just inches wide. With the news that Saint Mirren were leading at Pittodrie, the anxiety amongst the home fans grew even more as the whistle for half-time went. Kilmarnock finally got the goal they needed through Tom Lowery in the 62nd minute; the midfielder rifled the ball right into the far corner of the net. Kieran O’Hara had absolutely no chance. Another massive chance for Findlay Curtis moments after his side took the lead, however, the tricky winger could not convert as his attempt went wide, a golden opportunity for the home side to go two up. That chance would come back to haunt him as Dundee re-grouped and went on the offensive, equalising through substitute Charlie Riley. His strike from just outside took a deflection and flew into the back of the net, ultimately going down as a Tom Lowery own goal. Just as Dundee drew level, St. Mirren doubled their lead at Pittodrie, a terrible passage of time for Killie. Lifeline for the hosts in the 84th minute. A clumsy challenge by young prospect Charley Oosenbrugh on Aaron Tshibola inside the box led to a penalty being awarded for Kilmarnock. Joe Hugill stepped up and made no mistake, burying his penalty into the bottom left corner, sending the Killie fans into pandemonium. Killie sealed the deal as Neil McCann’s men made it 3-1 with just seconds left on the clock. Joe Hugill nodded the ball into the net, grabbing a brace for himself on the night after substitute Rory McKenzie capitalised on some poor Dundee defending and secured Killie’s status as a Premiership side for another season. Coming into tonight’s game, Neil McCann knew a victory for Kilmarnock would secure their Premiership status for another season. Facing a heavily rotated Dundee side, who have already secured their spot in Scotland’s top flight for another season, despite many people backing the Dee to face the drop at the start of the season. This result now means that this season’s League Cup winners, St. Mirren, will play in the relegation play-offs and could well face the drop to the Scottish Championship. As for the hosts, they can travel stress-free to Livingston for their final game of the season this coming Sunday. Player Ratings Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7, Schønning-Larsen 8 (Mayo 87′ 6), Stanger 7, Deas 8, Thompson 8, Tshibola 8, Lowery 8, Curtis 7, Hugill 9, Kiltie 7 (McKenzie 92′), Anderson 6 (Watkins 58′ 6, Watson 87′ ) Dundee: O’Hara 6, Astley 7, Clark Robertson 6 (Bevan 67′ 6), Koumetio 6, Halliday 6 (Oosenburgh 4), Finaly Robertson 6, Jones 7, Cotteril 6 (Yogane 86′), Samuels 5, Wright 5 (Reilly 68′ 6), Hay 6 (Westley 68′ 6)

May 12, 2026

Falkirk 1-3 Hibernian: Hibees tighten their grip on fifth place with an efficient first half display.

Hibees widen the gap between them and Falkirk to five points with an impressive first-half outing. With a potential European spot up for grabs today, David Gray’s Hibees bounced back after losing three on the bounce with a 3-1 victory over Falkirk, who were looking to leapfrog Hibs today. That was not meant to be for John McGlynn’s men, as their hopes of finishing fifth are all but over. Josh Campbell opened the scoring for the Hibees in just the third minute of play as he rose highest to Jordan Obita’s corner. Campbell’s header gave Hogarth in the net no chance. The Bairns reacted well after conceding, creating a few half-chances. Lisah notably delivered an enticing ball across the face of the box, but the outstretched leg of Barney Stewart just missed the vital touch. Against the run of play, Hibs doubled their lead, Captain Martin Boyle with some excellent wing play, skinning his defender and whipping a wonderful ball into the box, once again Josh Campbell got on the end of it, heading the ball in to give Hibs a 2-0 lead, and securing a brace for himself. On the stroke of half-time, Jordan Obita made it 3-0 to the away side. Just moments before, Obita beautifully struck the ball on the half volley, forcing Hogarth to pull off a good save. However, on this occasion, his effort from the edge of the box rifled into the back of the net. Hibs went into the half with a commanding 3-0 lead. The hosts started the second half of play on the front foot, and an early corner gave the fans some hope, but it ultimately led to nothing. Moments later, Finn Yeats whipped a lovely ball into the box, but it was just inches too high for the league’s leading assists man, Calvin Miller. Hibs captain Martin Boyle nearly made it four goals to nothing midway through the second half, once again cleverly beating his man and getting his shot off, which Nicky Hogarth saved well; the resulting corner amounted to nothing, but the visitors were in control of the game. Aston Villa loanee Ben Broggio pulled one back for the hosts. A fine effort from just outside the box gave the hosts hope of a potential comeback as they continued to put pressure on Hibs with just twenty minutes of play left. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for the Bairns. Falkirk had some half-chances in the dying embers of the game, most notably Calvin Miller’s header, which was just inches wide of the post. Hibs would comfortably see the game out to be 3-1 victors. For the visitors, three points for David Gray all but secures fifth place for his side, which may become a European spot if Celtic defeat Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final. Hibs are now just three points behind Motherwell, who host league leaders Hearts later on tonight in what should be a thriller. With an away trip to Ibrox midweek, Hibs will then host Motherwell on the final day of the season, which may well decide fourth spot. As for Falkirk and John McGlynn, the loss today massively dampens their hopes of finishing fifth. A top-six finish is a very impressive finish for a newly promoted side, but no doubt manager John McGlynn will be disappointed with today’s performance. The Bairns still have a slim chance of finishing fifth; they travel to Tynecastle to face Hearts on Wednesday night, and then will host Rangers on the final day. Falkirk: N.Hogarth 5, L.McCann 5 (L. Henderson 37’ 5), C.Allan 5, L.Neilson 5, F.Lissah 6 (E.Ross 70’ 6), D.Tait 6 (H.Cartwright 70’ 5), B.Spencer 7, C.Miller 6, F. Yeats 6 (B.Broggio 59’ 7), K.Wilson 6 (B.Parkinson 59’ 6), B. Stewart 6 Hibernian: R.Sallinger 6, J.Iredale 7, G.Hanley 7, W.O’Hora 7, J.Obita 8, D.Barlaser 7, M.Chaiwa 7 (K. Andrews 75’ 6), F.Passlack 8, J.Campbell 9 (J. Newell 64’ 6), O.Elding 6, M. Boyle 7 (A.Suto 75’ 6)

May 9, 2026

Dundee 1-0 St Mirren – Dundee edge past St Mirren to steer away from relegation

A first-half Westly strike earned Dundee a huge three points as they look to steady the ship and avoid the drop and remain in the top-flight. Dhanda had the first real big chance after ten minutes as he fired a tame effort from the edge of the box which was easily gathered by Ross Sinclair in goals. Dundee shortly fired ahead after a slack pass at the back allowed Dundee to attack with Congreve twisting-and-turning on the right flank, he then whipped a ball into the box where Joe Westley struck it home to steer Pressley’s men away from the relegation fight. The hosts nearly had a second as Dhanda struck the ball goal bound but was deflected onto the bar by a St Mirren body to deny Dundee a second. Congreve again whipped a low ball in, it found Westley once again but his effort went just wide of the target. St Mirren were denied a penalty just before the break after a pretty dreadful half by the Buddies’ but after a lengthy VAR check, the penalty was denied. Into the second half, Richardson took on a shot from distance which ended up being palmed away by the Dundee number one to deny an equaliser for the Paisley outfit. St Mirren had another big chance which saw Campbell deliver a ball into the box and Mandron met with it but his strike fired just wide. Not much drama in the second period going into the 70 minute mark as St Mirren struggle to pull one back despite a slightly better half than their first half showing. St Mirren again came close as Idowu made a darting run towards goal and took on a strike from a very tight angle which rattled the side netting as St Mirren keep pushing for an equaliser. Congreve had a chance to see off the game with a right-footed strike inside the box but too many touches allowed St Mirren bodies to come back and block his effort. Dundee had a massive late chance with a ball across goal mouth but the Dundee forward unable to tap the ball into the net to go two clear. Dundee see out a vital win at Dens as they continue their relegation fight as their Premiership status for next season looks very likely and for the visitors, well they drop into 11th as they go into the fight with Kilmarnock – which they will meet next Saturday in Paisley. Dundee: McCracken (6), Astley (7), Wright (7), Murray (6), Halliday (7), Yogane (8), Westley (8), Congreve (7), Dhanda (9), Hamilton (7), Graham (7). Substitutes: O’Hara (7), Robertson (7), Hay (6), Samuels (6), Koumetio (6). St Mirren: Sinclair (6), Richardson (6), Tanser (5), King (6), O’Hara (6), Idowu (6), Devaney (6), Mandron (5), Campbell (6), Freckleton (6), Phillips (5). Substitutes: McMenemin (6), Fraser (6), Young (6).

May 2, 2026