Scottish Championship Archives - Page 2 of 3

Partick Thistle Continue Push For Automatic Promotion After 2-1 Win Over Ayr United

Alex Samuel’s first half header earned Mark Wilson’s Partick Thistle a vital three points in the fight for the title as they defeated Scott Brown’s Ayr United 2-1. The match started slow, but with 12 minutes on the clock, former Ayr United player Logan Chalmers opened the scoring for the hosts after Kevin Holt failed to intercept Patrick Reading’s through ball. That wasn’t the end of the drama, as just two minutes later, Thistle’s continued pressure on Ayr saw Luke McBeth’s cross find Alex Samuel’s head and fall into the bottom left of Liam Russell’s net. Ayr United’s first half went from bad to worse, Leon King’s foul on Alex Samuel in the penalty area on the 19th minute saw referee Grant Irvine point to the spot. Chalmer’s stepped up to the penalty spot hoping to get his second of the match, however his effort down the middle was saved by the leg of goalkeeper Russell. The penalty save brought some hope for Scott Brown’s side, as his squad started to take the game to the Jags. Ben Dempsey’s effort on the 21st minute deflected by the post of Josh Clarke’s goal and earned The Honest Men a corner which they failed to capitalise on. Ayr United looked more comfortable for the remainder of the second half creating some well worked plays but failing to cause Thistle’s Clarke any problems. Ayr’s manager Scott Brown was shown yellow for dissent on the 35th minute, mostly out of frustration after his side’s poor first half performance. Ayr United almost found away back into the game late into the first half, their best chance of the game comes from a cross from Scott McMann and lands on Anton Dowds head, but his effort hits the side netting of Josh Clarke’s goal. A tactical substitution for Scott Brown saw Jude Bonnar being replaced by striker Curtis Main in a hope to get something from the game. And it was almost a dream start to the half for Ayr when Kevin Holt’s header looked goal bound, but it was blocked off the line by Thistle captain Lee Ashcroft. Partick Thistle almost extended their lead to 3, after Ben Stanway’s cross almost sneaked a way into the back of the net but was tipped over the bar by Liam Russel. Substitute Curtis Main got one back for the visitors on the hour mark after George Finney’s rocket was blocked and the striker was there to pounce on the rebound and find the top right corner. 72 minutes in Lee Ashcroft’s header was saved well by Russel, and moments later he was needed at the other end of the field to hold off Anton Dowds in a one-on-one battle near the Thistle goal. In the 79th minute, Alex Samuel’s original chance turned into a catalogue of blocked efforts from the Ayr United defence to keep themselves in the match. George Oakley’s burst of pace found him in a good position wit just two minutes remaining, but his powerful effort was parried away by Josh Clarke. In the dying moments of the match, Scott Brown’s continued dissent was punished with a red card, which really summed up Ayr United’s afternoon. Results elsewhere give Partick Thistle the chance to go top of the league by a point this Friday if they win away to current leaders St. Johnstone, after they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Dunfermline Athletic at McDiarmid Park. As for Ayr United, their next outing is also away to St. Johnstone as they travel to Perth on Tuesday in the Scottish Challenge Cup. The aforementioned defeat to the Saints and subsequent Dunfermline victory means Neil Lennon’s side have leapfrogged them into the play-offs on goal difference.

January 24, 2026

Raith Rovers Announce Sacking of Barry Robson

Raith Rovers have announced the sacking of manager Barry Robson after less than a year in charge. The former Aberdeen boss took over at Stark’s Park in late December of last year, just missing out on a play-off position by two points last season. The Kirkcaldy side are just one point behind rivals Dunfermline who sit in 4th, but three wins from their last eleven outings has proved costly for Robson and assistant manager Andy Kirk who has also been relieved of his duties. A short club statement read: “Raith Rovers Football Club can today announce that Barry Robson has been relieved of his duties as Manager.” “In addition, Assistant Manager Andy Kirk will leave his position with immediate effect. “Our thanks go to both for their time and effort during their time with us.” Raith face bottom of the league Airdrieonians at home this Saturday.

November 11, 2025

Ross County 3-3 Ayr United: Points Shared in six-goal Thriller

Ross County welcome Ayr United to Dingwall as both teams are eager to get back to winning ways. The Staggies make four changes from last week’s defeat at Gayfield against Arbroath as Dean Cornelius, Kieran Phillips, Dylan Smith and Gary Mackay-stevens come in to replace Scott Fraser, Jamie Lindsay, Connor Randall and Alex Iacovitti who drops to the bench. Scott Brown makes just one one change from their 1-0 defeat against Dunfermline as Kevin Holt returns as Liam Dick drops onto the bench. County had an early flurry with Duncan whipping in a corner with Alki Wright getting a head on it but a good stop by Mitchell with another good chance being cleared by Stuart Brannigan. Ayr had a chance of their own, Mcallister with a cross into the box with Mark Mckenzie meeting the cross but a comfortable save for Trevor Carson in goals. Ronan Hale has a decent enough effort, Hale on the left hand side, cutting in unleashing a strike with a simple catch for Mitchell as moments later, Hale again with a similar strike but on the right which struck side. Ethan Walker got the Honest Men ahead after 22 minutes, Mckenzie with a low driven cross into the box, Walkers with plenty of space eventually controlled the ball and struck home to get Ayr in front. The hosts had a big chance, a lose piece of play by Ayr which allowed defender Alki Wright to have a chance of his own but not enough accuracy as it fires wide. Ronan Hale got county back level, a ball up the field to Hale where he cut onto his right foot and struck it home doing what he does best to get the Staggies on level terms. It didn’t take county long to fire ahead as a cross from Declan Gallagher across the box found Jordan White who put County ahead. Scott McMann from distance almost got Ayr back level but a brilliant fisting save by Carson to keep his sided in front. A bright first half display by County but as soon as the hosts went 2-1 up, Ayr looked to use that as motivation as it was a good response but failing top draw level. A very entertaining first half in the Highlands. Four minutes into the second half, Duncan almost added a third for County with his strike being tipped over by David Mitchell in goals. Jordan White had his second of the afternoon, multiple attempts beforehand but Jordan White took on a strike and smashed it home to get a third. Ayr found one back, a cluster in the box with the ball landing at Scott McMann where he struck it nicely into the bottom right hand corner. Substitute Curtis Main levelled the tie, a shot from the edge of the box smashing past Trevor Carson following a goal line block by Wright following an initial attempt. Mark Mckenzie could’ve had Ayr ahead, a powerful strike from close range but going out for a throw in to the hosts. In the dying stages, if a winner was to come, it certainly looked in favour as the visitors as we were in for a nervy end. It ends level but what a game as both sides put their quality on show. Both sides will leave on a positive note in a sensational game of football for the neutrals. Ross County: Carson, Crompton, Wright, Cornelius, Hale, Phillips (O’Sullivan 75′), Smith, Mackay-Stevens (Iacovitti 75′), White, Duncan, Gallagher Subs: Laidlaw, Foster, O’Sullivan, Clark, Iacovitti, Reid, Scott. Ayr United: Mitchell, Mcallister (Dick 66′), Holt, Bannigan (Main 58′), Ure, Murphy (Bonnar 66′), King, Walker, McKenzie, Rus, McMann Subs: Russell, Dick, Want, Main, Thomas, Bonnar.

November 9, 2025

Airdrieonians 1-1 Partick Thistle: Last Minute Goal Snatches Draw for Jags

Airdrieonians 1-1 Partick Thistle Henderson (70′) Smyth (90+4′) An injury-time Oisin Smyth strike confirmed a point for Mark Wilson’s Partick Thistle at The Albert Bartlett Stadium. Airdrieonians sit bottom of the Scottish Championship, but took an unlikely lead thanks to Euan Henderson. A long throw reached the attacker at the back post, and his low strike nestled into Josh Clarke’s net to the delight of the home support. Thistle hit back in the 94th minute to steal a point. Smyth’s strike agonisingly squirmed through Cade Melrose’s grasp in the Airdrie goal, an unfortunate moment for the young goalkeeper. The point leaves Airdrie two points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Championship, with just one win in fourteen championship matches. Partick Thistle remain in second place, and could drop five points behind St Johnstone following their trip to Dunfermline. Airdrieonians: Melrose, McKinnon, Wilson, McGinty, Strapp, McMaster, McGrattan, Barjonas, Gallagher, Henderson, Mochrie. Substitutes: McNeil, McStravick, Xavier-Jones, Ross, Cooper, D. Williams, C. Williams, Hastie, Chisholm. Partick Thistle: Clarke, McPherson, McBeth, O’Reilly, Reading, Smyth, Chalmers, Turner, Letsosa, Fitzpatrick, Watt. Substitutes: Budinauckas, Logan, Samuel, Lawless, McArdle, Campbell, Dolan, Gray

November 8, 2025

Ayr United face Struggling Ross County in the Highlands

Ayr United are making the 435 mile round-trip up north to take on a Ross County side struggling with form. Ross County have had a poor start to the season in the Championship since relegation from the Scottish top flight last campaign after losing out to Livingston in the play-offs. The Staggies sit 8th in the Scottish Championship with just two wins in 13 games so far. Whereas for Ayr, they sit just four goals outside the top four as the Honest Men sit 5th in the table which the visitors will certainly be content with ahead of their trip up the A9. Ross County’s only two wins come over fife sides, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline. They have suffered many shock defeats this season against the like’s of Queens Park and Arbroath. The Staggies failed to make it out their Premier Sports group earlier on this campaign with Championship rivals, Partick Thistle claiming top spot. Whereas for the Honest Men, they have suffered a dip in form, failing to win in their last three following an impressive nine game unbeaten streak. Ayr did make it out their League Cup group but a defeat to Partick Thistle dumped them out. Ayr have racked up some big victories with a big away win at Raith Rovers not long ago and a 1-0 win away to Dunfermline with Scott Brown defeating his former gaffer, Neil Lennon. Last meetings Last time these sides met was at Somerset Park in September where the sides drew 1-1 with Ethan Walker putting Ayr ahead in the opening two minutes with former Ayr man, Jay Henderson levelling the game for County. Last time out Last time out for the Dingwall side, they suffered a heavy defeat in Angus with Arbroath securing a big 3-0 win over Tony Docherty’s men with Harry Cochrane, Jacob MacIntyre and Taylor Steven all on the scoresheet. For Ayr, they were on the wrong side of the result as Scott Brown suffered defeat to former gaffer, Neil Lennon and Dunfermline last Friday night with on loan Falkirk man, Barney Stewart suffering the blow for the team from Ayrshire. Stats Ross County average 1 goal a game in their last five in which they have also been given the most penalties (3) in the Scottish Championship this season so far and Trevor Carson has mad the most saves in the league so far this campaign (3.8). Ayr have also averaged 1 goal a game in their last five but haven’t scored in their last two outings. Ayr have been ranked the third best side on their travels in the Championship this season.

November 8, 2025

Thistle Keep Pressure on Saints After Glasgow Derby Heroics

Partick Thistle reign supreme in the Scottish Championship’s Glasgow Derby, destroying local rivals Queen’s Park 5-0 at Firhill Stadium. First half goals from Patrick Reading and Ben Stanway put Mark Wilson’s side ahead at the break, before three goals in the last fifteen minutes from Tsoanelo Letsosa, Logan Chalmers and Luke McBeth completed a derby day rout for the Jags. The result brings Thistle back to winning ways following a defeat last week to Raith, and keeps them only three points behind league leaders St. Johnstone. Patrick Reading got his first goal since the opening day of the season just after quarter of an hour played. A well worked free-kick routine seen Ben Stanway lay him off from the edge of the box, and the left-back unleashed a thunderbolt into the bottom right corner from all of 25 yards out to give Thistle the lead. Play was stopped for about ten minutes 24 minutes in due to a horror injury for Queen’s Park’s Charlie Fox. The centre half collided with Tony Watt on the touchline, and the Englishman was unable to get back to his feet. The referee rightly waved play on, but in a commendable act of good sportsmanship, Watt pleaded for play to be paused for Fox to receive treatment as quickly as possible. The game was halted, and Queen’s Park man was applauded by both sets of fans as he was stretchered off. The home side were able to get that two goal cushion deep into the added time provided from this lengthy stoppage. The ball broke to Ben Stanway, who, not one to be outdone by his teammate Reading, took aim from 20 yards and curled the ball into the top right corner in the final minute of the ten added on. The next goal in the second period was of upmost importance and the away side came agonisingly close to getting this and pulling themselves back into the game with 25 minutes to go. Tyrece McDonnell had an effort tipped over the bar, and from the resultant corner, he had a half volley cannon off the crossbar from the edge of the box. But the third goal of the contest would go Partick Thistle’s way. With just fifteen minutes to play, midfielder Tsoanelo Letsosa put a low ball in from the right hand side, and Logan Chalmers had the easy job of firing it beyond Callum Ferrie to make it 3-0. And just two minutes later, Chalmers turned architect for Letsosa. The winger created space on the left wing, and fizzed a ball across for the 21 year-old to get his name on the scoresheet for second time this campaign. There was time for a fifth to complete the rout. Jags’ Luke McBeth got his head on a cross with the last kick of the game to make it 5-0 as Hawaii Five-0 rang out on the Firhill speakers. Thistle remain second, just three points off leaders St. Johnstone. The Jags travel to bottom of the league Airdrie on Friday night in an aim to reduce the gap to zero, for less than a day at least. As for Queen’s Park, they are looking to end their winless run at home to Barry Robson’ s Raith Rovers on next Saturday but will be without Charlie Fox who has started every game for the Spiders so far this term. PARTICK THISTLE: Clarke 5, Reading 8, O’Reilly 7, McBeth 6, McPherson 5 (Logan 78’ 1), Smyth 6, Fitzpatrick 5 (Lawless 68’ 2), Letsosa 7 (McArdle 78’ 1), Stanway 6 (Turner 46’ 5), Chalmers 8, Watt 6 (Samuel 68’ 2) QUEEN’S PARK: Ferrie 6, Pignatiello 4, Murray 4, Fox 2 (Friel 4 32’), Shiels 4, Savoury 5 (Sowa 82’ 1) Longridge 4, Connolly 4, Drozd 3 (McDonnell 62’ 4), McLean 5 (Carrick 62’ 2) Fowler 5 (Waugh 82’ 1)

November 1, 2025

Partick Thistle Level on Points With League Leaders

Partick Thistle continued their terrific start to this year’s Championship campaign as they came from behind to defeat Ayr United 2-1 at Firhill. Ethan Walker put Scott Brown’s side in front in added time of the first half, before a five minute double after the interval from Tsoanelo Letsosa and Ben Stanway gave Mark Wilson one over his former teammate. The result moves the Jags behind leaders St. Johnstone only on goal difference, with the Perth side inflicting Thistle’s only league league defeat this season on the opening day. It is the first time Ayr have tasted defeat since Thistle dumped them out the Premier Sports Cup in August. The away side were under pressure for large parts of the first half, but Thistle failed to make their advantage count. Jamie Murphy sent Walker through, and the right winger made converted The Honest Men’s only attempt on target of the half in first half injury time. Whatever Mark Wilson said to his players certainly had a lasting impact. One minute into the second period, Logan Chalmers whipped a cross in from the left flank, and Letsosa turned the ball home to bring the scores level. Then on the 50th minute, Stanway pickpocketed Kyle Ure inside the Ayr penalty box, and his finish sailed to the top right corner with the aid of a deflection to complete the five minute salvo. Ayr’s goalscorer Walker picked up his second caution of the match with 18 minutes to play, making Thistle’s job of protecting their slender advantage all the easier. Partick Thistle are now level on points with St. Johnstone, and travel to another one of Wilson’s former teammates in Barry Robson this Saturday to take on Raith Rovers, who have lost their last three games. Ayr are back in Glasgow on Saturday to face Queen’s Park, hoping to keep 5th place Dunfermline from leapfrogging them into the playoffs before facing them in the Friday night fixture on Halloween.

October 22, 2025

Arbroath vs St Johnstone Preview

Arbroath welcome St Johnstone to Gayfield as the Perth Saints look to get back to winning ways. Arbroath have had a good start to their Championship campaign as the Lichties currently sit fourth in the table following their promotion from League One last season. Arbroath have recorded four victories as well as three draws and defeats so far this season. However, Arbroath haven’t been on the best of form as they have only picked up one win in their last five outings. Arbroath have recently suffered a few big beatings after a 5-0 home defeat against Neil Lennon and Dunfermline, as well as a 3-0 defeat away in Kirkcaldy against Raith Rovers. On a positive note, they have had their ups, defeating Queen’s Park 4-1 as well as a big 1-0 win against Ross County in Dingwall. Whereas for the visitors, they are currently unbeaten in the Scottish Championship since relegation from the Scottish top flight for the first time since 2004. The Perth Saints have only lost once in their last 16, which was a defeat in extra time against Motherwell, dumping the Perth side out of the League Cup. St Johnstone this season have won 7 league games as well as 3 draws and, of course, 0 defeats. St Johnstone haven’t had any poor showings but have had some huge victories along the way, including a 5-1 home win over fellow title challengers Partick Thistle and a vital 2-0 away win to Barry Robson’s Raith Rovers. Both sides last season Arbroath last season were the League One champions as they finished seven points ahead of Cove Rangers in second spot. The Lichties picked up 19 victories across the season with 10 defeats and 7 draws. Arbroath had some big victories last season, defeating Cove Rangers 4-2 in Aberdeen, which proved to be vital in their charge for the title, as well as a 2-0 win away at Inverness. St Johnstone were unable to stay in the Premiership this time around as the Saints finished rock bottom as they finished five points below Ross County, who also suffered relegation after a play-off defeat against Livingston. St Johnstone suffered multiple nasty defeats, such as a 6-0 home defeat to Celtic, a 3-1 home defeat to rivals Dundee, as well as a 2-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock being some noticeable defeats. St Johnstone did reach the Scottish League Cup semi-finals but were unable to cement a spot in the final as Celtic put on a 5-star display, defeating the Perth Saints 5-0. St Johnstone also picked up a famous win at McDiarmid Park, defeating Celtic for the first time since 2016 after a 1-0 win, but that was unable to help Simo Valakari and St Johnstone in the top flight. Last time the two sides met The last time these two clashed was back in August this season at McDiarmid Park as St Johnstone ran away 3-0 winners courtesy of goals by Jack Baird, Jason Holt, and Stevie Mallan. Last time out Last time out for the Lichties, they defeated Queen’s Park 4-1 at Gayfield as Arbroath look to continue their winning streak. For the visitors, last time out they drew 0-0 at home to struggling Ross County, who also were sucked down into the Championship last season. It’ll certainly be a tricky match for the home side as an undefeated St Johnstone side will be looking to continue their form and get further in front at the top of the league.

October 17, 2025

Tony Watt Header Earns Narrow Partick Thistle Victory

Queens Park 0-1 Partick Thistle Watt (7′) A first-half Tony Watt goal moved Mark Wilson’s Partick Thistle into 2nd place in the Scottish Championship. The former Celtic striker headed home a deep Logan Chalmers cross to secure all three points and their fifth straight league victory. This summer, Wilson took over permanently at Firhill, and his side has impressed in the league following a 5-1 opening day defeat to St Johnstone in Perth. Defeat for Queens Park leaves them 8th in the table, with one victory in the opening eight league matches. They travel to KDM Group East End Park to face Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline on Saturday, while The Jags host Arbroath. Teams Queens Park: Ferrie, Pignatiello, Fox, Shiels, Fieldson, Longridge, Connolly, MacGregor, McDonnell, Scott, Fowler Partick Thistle: Clarke, McPherson, Ashcroft, O’Reilly, Logan, Stanway, Crawford, Chalmers, Letsosa, Fitzpatrick, Watt

September 30, 2025

St. Johnstone Remain Unbeaten at Championship Summit After Late Victory Over Dunfermline

St. Johnstone continued their unbeaten start to the league season, with wingers Kai Fotheringham and Josh McPake scoring second half goals to pick up a hard earned 2-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic. The visitors had taken the lead two minutes before the half time whistle through forward Rory Macleod, but a determined, domineering St. Johnstone were able to cancel this out once they regained a foothold on the game. The result leaves Simo Valakari’s men top of the table, having only dropped 2 points from their opening six matches, whilst Neil Lennon’s side are still yet to win two games in the league consecutively, since his arrival late on last season. The home side nearly took the lead on the 3rd minute, when Josh McPake stole the ball from Dunfermline captain Kyle Benedictus deep in the Pars half, but his effort was saved by Mason Munn in the Dunfermline net. Benedictus’ heart was in his mouth again just four minutes later, when Saints captain Jason Holt fell inside the penalty box following a challenge from the centre back. Referee Matthew MacDermid awarded a goal kick to Dunfermline rather than a penalty, with a furious Holt protesting the decision, as well as Benedictus and his teammates, suggesting the midfielder took a dive. There is no VAR to re-referee in the Scottish Championship, remember. St. Johnstone controlled the opening quarter of an hour, but despite their dominance, did not create anything meaningful. Left midfielder Josh McPake, who has scored two in his last two, was at the centre of anything Saints were doing offensively, causing havoc when cutting onto his right foot, and created Saint Johnstone’s best chance when his curling cross from the left was met by right back Adam Forrester, but again Munn was equal to his close range effort. Dunfermline took a while to get going, but when they did, they changed the perception of the match. Their first chance of the game was made around 25 minutes in, a bobbling cross on the deck from Zak Rudden that was hastily defended by St. Johnstone, and this is what seemed to give the Dunfermline players and healthy number of travelling supporters a new lease of life. Pars’ summer signing Jefferson Caceres, who tried catching goalkeeper Toby Steward off his line from range a couple times already, played a dipping cross from the left flank on his right foot on the 43rd minute. The ball curled over everyone and bounced invitingly for young striker Rory Macleod, who fired the ball high into the left side of the goal with aplomb, marking the first league goal of the 19 year-old’s senior career, and giving his side the lead as the teams headed up the tunnel for halftime. The hosts though started the second half just as they did the first, with total control. A 50th minute corner was met the glancing head of Adama Sidibeh, forcing another great stop out of Munn, but it only went as far as Kai Fotheringham who tapped the ball into an empty net to level the scoring. But the breakthrough came for the home side in the 82nd minute. Sub James Gullan whipped a looping ball on from the touchline halfway into the Pars half, sailing over everyone and was met by that man Josh McPake, who’s first time finish completed the turnaround for the league leaders and queued the rendition of the Saint’s faithful’s version of ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA for the talented left winger. Dunfermline chased an equaliser and so nearly had it in the last minute of added time. Andrew Tod’s free kick crashed off the post, before a resulting rebound was tipped onto the bar for a corner, which was then met by the rising Jeremiah Chilkoa-Mullen, forcing Steward into a diving save to protect the points being shared. St. Johnstone look to continue their vein of form next week, as they travel to Airdrieonians on Tuesday, whilst Neil Lennon will face Scott Brown as Ayr United visit East End Park. JOHNSTONE: Steward 5, Foulds 5 (Boyes 2), Diabate 6, Baird 6, Forrester 6, McPake 8, Holt 7, McAlear 7, Svedberg 4 (Wanner 5), Fotheringham 7 (Gullan 6), Sidbeh 5 (Ikpeazu 2) DUNFERMLINE: Munn 7, Otoo 6, Chilokoa-Mullen 6, Benedictus 5, Fraser 5, Amade 6 (Ritchie-Hosler 2), Gilmour 5, Kearney 6, Caceres 6, Rudden 2 (Tod 4), Macleod 7(Oakley-Boothe 2)

September 19, 2025

Scottish Championship