- 5 days ago
Highlights from a full festive fixture list in the Scottish Premiership, including the second Edinburgh derby of the season as Hibernian host Hearts.
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00:00:30Good evening, we hope you had an amazing Christmas, and if you're still full and stuck to the sofa, then stay right there as Leanne Crichton and I talk you through a rare six-game Saturday.
00:00:49We begin with the early kick-off from Easter Road, a game that never disappoints. It's the Edinburgh Derby.
00:00:54Ready.
00:01:24That's from last weekend's draw at Tanadice, as the experience of O'Hara is called upon at the expense of Zach Mitchell.
00:01:31Lawrence Shanklin is six in this fixture, but is without one in his last four against Trebs, though he did take his club tally to 12 last weekend, as Halkett replaces Kent.
00:01:40150 years and two days since the first Edinburgh Derby was contested on the Meadows. Christmas Day 1875. A lot of water has flown under the bridge since then.
00:01:56As Nicky Cardin gets it across, McRath sticks his boot at it, and Hibs lead!
00:02:02The dream start for the home side.
00:02:09They've had to listen to their neighbours wax lyrical about the season that they've been enjoying.
00:02:19But when David Gray went to bed last night, he could have seldom managed to dream up a better start to the Derby than this.
00:02:30Jamie McGrath, seventh of the season. He's taken it beautifully, and Hibs lead the Derby.
00:02:37And McInnes is something to think about.
00:02:43Here's Kingsley. Shanklin's the air!
00:02:49He will be furious with himself. He's not at least hit the target with that.
00:02:54Gonna plant it into that far corner.
00:02:56It's not just the fact that Harts are clear at the top that will annoy Hibs, the fact is there's a 16-point gap between these two, and that will not do for Havernian.
00:03:12It's McGrath against it across. Campbell hits home!
00:03:17Stunning!
00:03:19A stunning scoreline in Leith!
00:03:21And the substitute, Josh Campbell, puts them two ahead!
00:03:30And having scored early in the first half, they score late in the opening 45.
00:03:39And Josh Campbell's a wonderful header.
00:03:42McGrath this time, the set-up man!
00:03:46And Harts are in a hole!
00:03:51And Boyle, that's a lovely little ball through to Kieran Bowie!
00:04:04Neil Feely should have done better.
00:04:09There's a great chance for Bowie.
00:04:11And if Hibs go 3-0 up, you're probably talking game over, even at this early stage in the second half.
00:04:22Finlay's giving it away.
00:04:24Here's Bowie, he's got another chance.
00:04:26Here!
00:04:26Which he's taken!
00:04:31No mistake this time!
00:04:33And Hibs are putting their neighbours to the side!
00:04:45Well, the Harts fans have been on cloud nine all season, really.
00:04:52The Hibs are taking full advantage.
00:04:54This time, Stuart Finlay with the error.
00:04:56And Bowie having missed a huge opportunity a minute ago.
00:05:03Snaps that one up.
00:05:05And Derek McInnes is three down at Easter Road.
00:05:10They've only lost once this season, Harts in the league, but they're clearly in trouble here.
00:05:15And it could get worse for them, it's Josh Mulligan!
00:05:18And now he's got Messers, Bowie, and Boyle in his ear.
00:05:24Because they're waiting for a tap-in.
00:05:28And he couldn't resist.
00:05:30He's smashed it, looking for that far corner.
00:05:36And Hibs won't want to offer Harts any kind of encouragement that they'd get back into this.
00:05:42As Kizaridis lets fly, and Salinger tips it behind for the corner.
00:05:48Not the worst effort from Kizaridis.
00:05:54And Ingemi for Shankland.
00:05:57And he's got Kabangu ahead of him.
00:06:00Instead, it's out to Alexandros Kizaridis.
00:06:03Away from Megua.
00:06:05It's open up for him again here!
00:06:08And Salinger chooses to tip over.
00:06:12Called into action a couple of times.
00:06:14Now, has Salinger, having had a pretty quiet afternoon up to this point.
00:06:22Here's Milne.
00:06:25Devlin.
00:06:27Back out to Kizaridis.
00:06:29Oh, and there's one back!
00:06:31The skipper!
00:06:37With 15 to play!
00:06:41And Harts are still beating here!
00:06:44Only just!
00:06:47But that's given them hope!
00:06:51Hope that looked to have been extinguished!
00:06:543-1!
00:06:55Harts top of the pile.
00:07:05And only once in the last 13 seasons is the side sitting top at Christmas.
00:07:08Not going on to win the league.
00:07:12And a decent run of fixtures coming up after this to Harts.
00:07:15Regardless of what happens between now and full time.
00:07:19Here's Ben Ingemi.
00:07:20It's an effort from Kizaridis, which is spilled by Salinger!
00:07:25And Kami Devlin's there!
00:07:30And suddenly, in a flash, Harts are back to within one!
00:07:36Once an error from the keeper, Devlin doesn't score many.
00:07:40He's having a fantastic season.
00:07:43And he's just hauled Harts back into this contest.
00:07:46From nowhere!
00:07:47And it wouldn't be like Harts to do it the easy way.
00:07:56Here's Halkett.
00:08:00It's been misjudged by Chris Caden.
00:08:03Harts could be in here.
00:08:04He's a lead.
00:08:04This is Shankland!
00:08:07It's outstanding from Salinger!
00:08:12Shankland cannot believe he has not squared this game!
00:08:15And I think everyone thought that was going in!
00:08:22Nervie in for David Gray.
00:08:23Where did this come from?
00:08:29Well, that's going to fall for Peejay.
00:08:31He can settle it now!
00:08:34Cholo holds on.
00:08:38They're still in this.
00:08:40Quite how's anyone's guess?
00:08:41Criota.
00:08:45The clean penalty.
00:08:46It's play on.
00:08:47It's Benigni!
00:08:49And Salinger again!
00:08:52Well, he was at fault for Harts second, but he's...
00:08:56redeeming himself.
00:08:57Save after save all of a sudden.
00:09:02Which follows up for it.
00:09:03Last chance.
00:09:04For the league leaders.
00:09:05He's a lead-up.
00:09:07He's a lead-up.
00:09:10Devlin.
00:09:12He's a lead-up.
00:09:15In it comes.
00:09:16Cholo's in there.
00:09:18The touch.
00:09:19It's a vital one too.
00:09:20Salinger prevents the corner.
00:09:23They are surely there now.
00:09:25Away it goes.
00:09:28And John Beaton blows for full-time.
00:09:33A seismic win for Hibernian.
00:09:36Who inflicted just a second league defeat of the season on their neighbours.
00:09:41They did not want Harts coming to their patch to lord it up.
00:09:46At the top of the table.
00:09:48A quite pulsating derby.
00:09:50Ends and hits three.
00:09:51Harts two.
00:09:51We set the tone really early.
00:09:54They got goals at good times.
00:09:55When we were on top.
00:09:56That was probably something that we've been guilty of in recent weeks.
00:09:58Where when you are on top you need to take your chances.
00:10:01And we've done that today.
00:10:02Which then gives you the platform.
00:10:03I was delighted with how we started the second half.
00:10:05So the message in at half time.
00:10:06You find yourself 2-0 up to make sure you don't sit back.
00:10:09And allow Harts to come back into it.
00:10:10I thought we were aggressive again.
00:10:13And then obviously full credit to Harts right to the very end.
00:10:15Which has shown they've went all the way to the end.
00:10:17The pushed us right to the end.
00:10:17Big save for the goalkeeper.
00:10:19And the fine margins have went for us right to the very end.
00:10:21Which is probably something that in recent weeks maybe haven't.
00:10:23You have to say Hibs I thought were better than us.
00:10:27Probably for a good hour of the game.
00:10:29In terms of what they want to do.
00:10:30The last half hour was a wee bit more intensity.
00:10:33A wee bit more speed about our play.
00:10:34A wee bit more belief in what we're trying to do.
00:10:37And we nearly just nearly got something for the game.
00:10:39And that would have been something that would have been great for the supporters.
00:10:43We turned up with a lot of hope here the day.
00:10:44But it's a sore win for us.
00:10:46But we've got to own that.
00:10:47We deserve the win over the piece.
00:10:49And the fans can go and enjoy the wins against your local rivals.
00:10:52It's always a special day.
00:10:53Special games to be involved in.
00:10:54I'm sure the neutrals involved it.
00:10:56Enjoyed it.
00:10:57I'm going for a lie-do.
00:10:57It's Hibs who get the bragging rights in Leith, Leanne.
00:11:04What a game to start the day with.
00:11:05It was absolutely brilliant, wasn't it?
00:11:07It was.
00:11:07It was breathtaking.
00:11:09A really good start to the day.
00:11:10Not often that you get the six games out, as you mentioned, at the top of the show.
00:11:13And any derby game is enjoyable.
00:11:16But I often think they can disappoint.
00:11:17Because there's so much hype and hysteria around it.
00:11:20And you know how much the players want it.
00:11:21And how much the fans want it.
00:11:23But there was certainly not much it didn't have this afternoon.
00:11:26Real quality in the goals.
00:11:28Good energy.
00:11:28A really good game plan, I think, from Hibs as well.
00:11:31You look at that man, David Gray.
00:11:32He'll be pleased for his team tonight.
00:11:34And their performance and the way they went about it.
00:11:36Yeah.
00:11:37Not a lot of people would have seen the opening hour coming.
00:11:39Given how good hearts have been recently.
00:11:41But at the start of the game, both teams look dangerous.
00:11:43Especially down the left-hand side on either flank.
00:11:46For them, good, decent balls into the box.
00:11:48Yeah.
00:11:49That's been a theme.
00:11:50Certainly with Hibs and the manner in which they started the game.
00:11:53Cadden hugging the touchline in the far side.
00:11:55Something that he does.
00:11:56And he's done really well since coming to Hibs.
00:11:58He's definitely a key player for them.
00:12:00For any manager that would be looking to assess the game.
00:12:03But what a quick fire start.
00:12:04A really good finish from McGrath.
00:12:06Sits up just as he goes to hit it.
00:12:08I think hearts defensively.
00:12:09They'll be disappointed when they look at it.
00:12:11And how they've conceded the space.
00:12:13I think you need to go and at least affect the cross.
00:12:16They don't do either.
00:12:17And they then just collapse onto that six-yard line.
00:12:20What you want is your two lines of defence.
00:12:21As you know, Tomo, you've got a goalkeeper that can deal with anything across the six.
00:12:24You want your back line on that line of the six.
00:12:26And you ideally want your midfielders to go and cut out that second ball.
00:12:30They don't do it.
00:12:31Hearts have a similar type theme down the left-hand side as well.
00:12:35A really good chance for Shankland as well.
00:12:36He's unlucky.
00:12:37I think he gets so much right with it.
00:12:38He does and it's not until you see it from a better angle in terms of how close it was.
00:12:43But his movement was excellent.
00:12:46Shankland was probably one of the bright sparks, I would need to say, for Hearts in that early part of the game.
00:12:50Wasn't too much between the sides in the first half other than the goals.
00:12:54But real credit goes to Hibbs in the way they went about it.
00:12:56McGrath at this point.
00:12:57There wasn't a lot of width to Hibbs at points.
00:12:59But he goes and eats up the space.
00:13:01He's patient in the build-up.
00:13:02And the quick feet just shifts enough space.
00:13:05And that, for a header, as you know, Tomo, more than me in that space.
00:13:09Often when you go beyond the front post as an attacking player,
00:13:12it becomes so difficult to go and get the power in the ball to really go and redirect it.
00:13:17But he does ever so well.
00:13:18And for it to Nesso in the bottom corner was absolutely everything that Hibbs had served at that point.
00:13:22They were by far and away the better team at that stage.
00:13:24Derek McInnes, he changed it up at half-time.
00:13:27Changed it tactically.
00:13:28A wee bit of personnel change as well.
00:13:29But they lose that third goal almost straight away.
00:13:32And you're fighting fires at that point.
00:13:34And there's no worse feeling as a manager when you do that.
00:13:36You roll the dice.
00:13:38I'm sure Derek would have been clutching at straws at half-time
00:13:40because it wasn't a side in his own team that he recognised.
00:13:43I think based on the performance, they've been so good this season.
00:13:46They've been so consistent.
00:13:48This afternoon just wasn't their day.
00:13:50They changed the shape.
00:13:51Credit to Hibbs, though, because I think at 2-0 you could come out
00:13:54and be a bit timid at points, sit off the game, wait to see what Harts do.
00:13:59They were so aggressive.
00:14:00They were so on the front foot in terms of their press.
00:14:02They forced Harts.
00:14:03Yeah, look, he was excellent.
00:14:04He's a focal point.
00:14:06He's a real good bundle of energy, but he's at quality.
00:14:08And he's got aggression in that final third as well.
00:14:10He wants to score goals.
00:14:12This, again, a moment not often do you see Harts passing the ball as tamely
00:14:16across the back line.
00:14:17Hibbs were all over it.
00:14:19And that's probably a moment that Mulligan will be glad that the game finished 3-2.
00:14:23Because it might have been a moment in the dressing room if it doesn't finish 3-2.
00:14:26You'd be asking why he doesn't roll it to boil.
00:14:28Right, exactly.
00:14:30Fair play to Harts.
00:14:31From 3-0 down, Derek throws on more attacking players.
00:14:35And they have a go to try and get back into the game.
00:14:37And as both managers said, they very nearly did it.
00:14:40Look, you would expect that from Derek and the side that he's got.
00:14:43The players and the squad that he's put together.
00:14:45Finished the game with three centre-forwards on the pitch.
00:14:47So you absolutely could see the intent was there.
00:14:50And Harts did finish the stronger of the sides.
00:14:52But I think at the point, Hibbs, in the game, you're looking to try and see the game out.
00:14:56Which can be tricky at points.
00:14:58But there was so much pressure.
00:15:00So much intent.
00:15:02So many forward passes, forward runs.
00:15:03Which you can afford to do that.
00:15:04When you're down and out in a game like that and you're chasing it.
00:15:07Certainly for Hibbs, it was interesting.
00:15:09That's an unbelievable stop for Salinger.
00:15:12At that point in the game, he's made the error that Devlin follows up for the second goal.
00:15:17But the reactions to keep that one out.
00:15:18You could see Shanklin's reaction.
00:15:20He was off and set in the brain.
00:15:22Absolutely.
00:15:23And they tested and they tried.
00:15:24But ultimately, this afternoon, it was all about Hibbs and their performance.
00:15:28And you look at the manner in the shots on goal from Harts.
00:15:31That final 20 minutes, you can see the pressure.
00:15:33It's all about, for Harts, not letting that affect them.
00:15:37Because they have been sensational this season.
00:15:39And for Hibbs, it's about trying to build on that.
00:15:41And having a second half of the season like they did last year.
00:15:44Look, I think Hibbs are really good in the big games.
00:15:48And I know they've not always come out with the results this season.
00:15:50But I think they're a team that, under David Gray, they're always organised.
00:15:53They're really aggressive.
00:15:55They've got some real good players.
00:15:56Real quality players.
00:15:57This far, they've had a good season.
00:15:58I don't think they're quite at the heights of last season in the performance levels.
00:16:03But this afternoon is certainly a marker for them.
00:16:05If you can take that and you can take that level of performance and the threat that they carry towards goal into every other game.
00:16:11You know, let's see where Hibbs can finish the season and how good they can be.
00:16:14OK.
00:16:15Well, we are at Levy now.
00:16:16As Celtic look to cut the gap at the top to just three points.
00:16:19It's a fixture that usually only goes one way.
00:16:24Celtic have won the last nine meetings.
00:16:27And will be aiming to build on the win over Aberdeen to put pressure on Hearts at the top.
00:16:33Livingston's only victory this season came in early August.
00:16:36And they solely need something from the game to avoid becoming detached at the bottom.
00:16:42Ryan McGowan returns from suspension for David Martindale's side.
00:16:46And Lewis Smith comes back into the starting line-up as well.
00:16:49as Brenny and Bukila drop to the bench.
00:16:52The only change made by Wilfried Nancy following that first win over Aberdeen is in goal.
00:16:58Where the injured Kasper Schmeichel misses a league game for the first time this season.
00:17:02And is replaced by Viliyami Sinisalo.
00:17:06Rayo Atate returns to the bench.
00:17:14It's given away.
00:17:16And forward will come Montagno.
00:17:18Oh, Yang trying to get back at him.
00:17:20That might fall for Montagno!
00:17:23What a start for Livingston!
00:17:25Smashing it home off the uprights.
00:17:28An absolutely dream start for the home side.
00:17:33It's Tierney's crossfield ball.
00:17:36Unclear who he was looking for.
00:17:38Montagno was first to react.
00:17:40And then Yang's touch simply leading further into the path of Montagno who gleefully accepted that late Christmas gift.
00:17:51And Livingston with the early upper hand.
00:17:54It's Tierney looking to strike back quickly.
00:18:00Austin Trusty's trying to free himself as Engel swings it in.
00:18:03It's a free header and there's the equaliser.
00:18:06That is Benjamin Nugren.
00:18:08Livingston's lead didn't last long.
00:18:10Not even four minutes.
00:18:12There's Wilfried Nugren's side draw themselves level.
00:18:17It's a well-worked corner.
00:18:20Free header there for Maida.
00:18:24And Newgren's onside as he taps home.
00:18:27Slip from Maida.
00:18:36Finlay's in.
00:18:37Now it's Pittman.
00:18:40Stands that up to the back, he's got to come to Montagno again!
00:18:44Oh, would you believe it?
00:18:46Christian Montagno with his second goal inside the opening eight minutes.
00:18:52This is utterly astonishing stuff.
00:18:55Well, he surely can't believe it.
00:19:00Maida with a slip there, which proved costly.
00:19:03Pittman does really well here.
00:19:06And Montagno with another stunning finish beyond Sinisalo.
00:19:12What a feast of festive football we're enjoying here in the early stages.
00:19:17And none more so than Christian Montagno beautifully executed.
00:19:22What's the response like from Celtic this time?
00:19:25You feel there's going to be more goals.
00:19:28We could get one here as Maida plays it across.
00:19:31It's not cleared.
00:19:32Yang.
00:19:33It's Yang for the equaliser!
00:19:37Well, it's the game that just keeps giving.
00:19:41We've not even played ten minutes.
00:19:43And it's already Livingston two, Celtic two.
00:19:48It's a neat little flick from Negrin.
00:19:50Maida's ball causes the problems.
00:19:53Livingston couldn't get it clear.
00:19:55And there's Yang eventually to poke home.
00:20:01Crazy, crazy stuff.
00:20:03McGregor.
00:20:04Coming on to Tierney.
00:20:09Looking to find room for the cross, which he does do.
00:20:12Montagno head's clear.
00:20:14Picked up by Maida.
00:20:18Tierney once more.
00:20:19Negrin with a bit of space inside the box.
00:20:21What a finish!
00:20:22Sensational!
00:20:25And Celtic move ahead for the first time in the game.
00:20:30And it's a really classy finish from Benjamin Negrin, their top scorer this season.
00:20:35He just needed that yard.
00:20:37And you just don't stop those.
00:20:39A tenth goal in the Celtic jersey this season for Benjamin Negrin.
00:20:43And that's precision for you.
00:20:46And you wouldn't imagine if Livingston can afford to go two goals behind after to have any ambitions of taking anything from the game.
00:20:54Trusty and Wilson.
00:20:57Again, hustling in the middle.
00:20:59It's another dangerous looking ball.
00:21:01And somehow Celtic can't turn it into the back of the net.
00:21:08Here they come again, though.
00:21:11Austin Trusty out in the left wing.
00:21:13It's not a bad ball, you know.
00:21:20There's a check here.
00:21:23For a possible penalty.
00:21:28Finlayson's arm is certainly outstretched as the ball comes in.
00:21:37Celtic penalty.
00:21:39It could spill real trouble for David Martindiel.
00:21:43It's still in the side.
00:21:45And Callum McGregor.
00:21:46Looks like he's going to take.
00:21:50And he's passing it on to Arna Engels.
00:21:52He's got a good record from the penalty spot.
00:21:55And there's the Belgian.
00:21:56There's one missed.
00:21:57There's one missed.
00:22:00Since making a move.
00:22:03There's a chance here to make it 4-2.
00:22:06And he does so.
00:22:07Cool as you like on Engels.
00:22:09Since you don't be on the wrong way.
00:22:12And Celtic open up a two-goal advantage.
00:22:15He's got a push ahead of half-time.
00:22:22Nice turn for McEwen.
00:22:24Trying to release himself from Pittman.
00:22:26And if he's allowed his play to continue.
00:22:27And he's picked a really good pass.
00:22:30But Kenny could not quite apply the finishing touch.
00:22:33McEwen does terrifically here.
00:22:40Almost an inch-perfect pass.
00:22:46May.
00:22:48Good play from Stevie May.
00:22:50Early ball in.
00:22:51Chance for Bakila.
00:22:53And he turns it well wide.
00:22:55And he knows that was a chance.
00:22:57Great play from Stevie May.
00:22:59First touch past Ralston.
00:23:01And in the second end to the path of Bakila.
00:23:03Who could only steer it well wide.
00:23:06And I feel they're not quite out of this yet.
00:23:09As May sends it back post.
00:23:12Up goes Finlayson.
00:23:13Comes back to Montaño.
00:23:15Good save.
00:23:15Sinisalo.
00:23:17Christian Montaño.
00:23:18Just welts it.
00:23:19Get his body into position to get this one on target.
00:23:22It's a good reaction save from Sinisalo.
00:23:25It's all over.
00:23:31Wilfried Nancy has back-to-back victories.
00:23:35The second half didn't quite match the drama of the first.
00:23:39In which Celtic twice came from behind.
00:23:42Inside the opening ten minutes.
00:23:44Before accelerating clear.
00:23:46And claiming all three points.
00:23:50To narrow the gap at the top.
00:23:53It was hard fought.
00:23:55And Livingston ultimately fail once more.
00:24:00Despite an early double from Christian Montaño.
00:24:03And they will continue to have to strap away at the bottom.
00:24:07But Celtic emerge victorious.
00:24:10As usual at Ammon Vale.
00:24:11It finishes.
00:24:13Livingston two.
00:24:14Celtic four.
00:24:17Obviously we're happy with the spirit.
00:24:19Because we came back twice from behind.
00:24:22And this is something that I like to see.
00:24:23Because it means that we have a good competitive spirit.
00:24:27And after that we score the four goals in the first half.
00:24:32But second half could have been better.
00:24:34I feel we've got more than enough in the changing room to stay in the league.
00:24:37I do.
00:24:38I honestly do.
00:24:38I think bringing players in is going to really help that.
00:24:41But the biggest one.
00:24:42The biggest one that helps you throughout the season.
00:24:45Is winning games of football.
00:24:46Building that kind of positive momentum.
00:24:49We're falling on the wrong side of that of late.
00:24:53And that's difficult.
00:24:54That's difficult.
00:24:54But I do.
00:24:55I do genuinely feel.
00:24:57That there's a lot of positives within the performances as well.
00:25:03Another very entertaining game.
00:25:05Celtic close in in Hearts at the top.
00:25:07They are in Molybby kicking themselves a wee bit.
00:25:09It's not often you have a start like that.
00:25:10You're twice in the lead against Celtic at home.
00:25:13They will be.
00:25:14They'll certainly be kicking themselves the manner in which they then conceded the goals.
00:25:18I often think you can score too early.
00:25:20As silly as it sounds in that type of game.
00:25:22Because the game plan would have been to stay in it for as long as you possibly could.
00:25:26Look to try and keep it at 0-0 for as long as possible.
00:25:29So I don't think you'd really consider the what-ifs that you won't score this type of goal within minutes of the start of the game.
00:25:36And it's brilliant from Montagnolo.
00:25:37It's far too easy from a Celtic perspective in the way that he manages to plough through virtually the midfield in the backline.
00:25:44A real breakdown in communication.
00:25:45You would want Anthony Ralston to come and engage in it and defend the situation better.
00:25:49But as Wilfred Nancey said, he was pleased that his side responded twice in the game.
00:25:54Negrin switched on.
00:25:55He won't score an easier goal to flick on from Maida at the back post.
00:25:59But Livy, when you think of a Livy team, it's the types of goals that I'm sure David Martindale would rather his side weren't conceding.
00:26:05They were more robust and resilient.
00:26:07This again defensively all over the place from a Celtic backline.
00:26:10Lack of communication between Ralston and Yang.
00:26:13Lees Montagnolo, three at the back post.
00:26:16Take nothing away from the finish right enough because I know he's creeping in at the back post hoping that the ball arrives at him.
00:26:21But to go and take it first time on the half volley, it's an unbelievable strike.
00:26:26And again Celtic, the energy and the intensity in the opening seven, eight minutes of this game was frightening.
00:26:31It is.
00:26:32There's bodies everywhere.
00:26:33And when Davey Martindale looks back and reflects in the game, and I'm sure he'll analyse it tonight and tomorrow,
00:26:40he will be asking his players to do a lot, lot better.
00:26:42Be more composed in those types of moments.
00:26:44You would want Jerome Prier to be more astute, use his hands, get on top of the ball, try and manage the situation.
00:26:52It was a bit calamitous.
00:26:53It was a wee bit.
00:26:54Celtic then scored two more and were comfortable in the game probably after that.
00:26:59Negrin's second was a moment of real quality.
00:27:02Real quality.
00:27:02And he's the one player, I know it's been a tough season for Celtic and a lot's been made about that.
00:27:08And there's been so much going on in Scottish football in general.
00:27:11But I feel Negrin's one of those players that has been a bright spark.
00:27:14I think you can see the quality that he's brought to the Celtic team.
00:27:16You look at the goals that he's brought as well.
00:27:18I think that's his 10th, you know, and goal scoring midfielders are hard to come by these days.
00:27:22And at this stage of the season to be there, this was the moment that led to the penalty and you feel for Finlayson because I felt at the time there was a slight nudge from Maida, from behind.
00:27:33But you need to credit the officials in the sense that they've taken a fair amount of time over this decision this afternoon.
00:27:39They've looked at it.
00:27:41They've asked the referee, Matthew McDermott, to come up the screen to look at it.
00:27:45He ultimately has a final say.
00:27:46And I think regardless of what you feel about certain decisions in games and moments, all you want to know is that the referee is the person who makes the decision ultimately on the pitch.
00:27:54He does that.
00:27:55I mean, he does handle the ball, but you can't deny that there's also the wee nudge there from Maida, which maybe moves his body towards.
00:28:03And that's how I feel looking at it.
00:28:06And I think as anybody that's played the game, you understand how that impacts your ability to go and defend the situation.
00:28:11So the handball rule within the laws of the game is one that's really subjective.
00:28:17We know that.
00:28:17It divides opinion week on, week in, week out.
00:28:20We've seen a few, yeah.
00:28:21And this afternoon was no different.
00:28:22Instances over the course of the season.
00:28:24One thing that we know for sure under Wilfred Nancy is that we're going to see goals.
00:28:28And I'm not just talking about or Celtic against Celtic.
00:28:31I mean, it's just so open, incredibly attacking.
00:28:33But if you're brave against this Celtic team, you know, you're going to get opportunities in the game.
00:28:38You will.
00:28:38Look, it's enjoyable to watch.
00:28:39And I think the last number of performances from Celtic, you can see what he's trying to do.
00:28:44And a huge amount of credit needs to go to him to do that as soon as you've come in the door.
00:28:48Many managers might have, you know, been able to shy away and wait a number of weeks.
00:28:52He's gone for it from the get-go.
00:28:54But there's a lot of work to be done defensively without the ball.
00:28:56And I'm sure over the next number of weeks, as the game's come thick and fast,
00:28:59those are the moments that he'll look to try and nullify within his Celtic team.
00:29:03But certainly going forward, it's exciting.
00:29:05It certainly will be.
00:29:06A big game now at Ibrook says Rangers.
00:29:08Welcome Mudderbell.
00:29:09This is the first of an Old Thorn doubleheader for Motherwell as they put their 10-game unbeaten league run to the test.
00:29:19Rangers are looking to bounce back after Hearts and ended their own long unbeaten league run.
00:29:25Rangers change shape to a back four as Asgard, Gassama and Chamiti replace Aarons, Miofsky and Moore.
00:29:34Motherwell make two changes from the win over Dundee.
00:29:37Charles Cook drops out.
00:29:39Slattery's on the bench.
00:29:40In come Tom Sparrow and Ibrahim Saeed.
00:29:42Motherwell have won on their last two visits to Ibrook Stadium, as many as in their previous 45 in the league.
00:29:56And they're on the front foot here.
00:29:57It's Faddinger.
00:29:59Butlin to the rescue for Rangers.
00:30:01Silky football from the Steelmen.
00:30:07Delicate touch from Sparrow.
00:30:09Hendry to Faddinger.
00:30:11He does everything right really.
00:30:12Well, what a ball that is for Saeed, who takes it in his strides.
00:30:22And he's picked out Hendry.
00:30:25Butlin bails out Rangers again.
00:30:28And Ibrox roars in frustration.
00:30:31Motherwell could be at least one goal in front in the opening quarter.
00:30:40Gassama will keep this in.
00:30:42And he takes it on a run.
00:30:46Gassama.
00:30:48Megoma.
00:30:50Delivers.
00:30:52And it is Gassama.
00:30:55Wraps the right foot around the ball.
00:30:59Not enough curl from Gassama.
00:31:03He has looked lively early on for Rangers.
00:31:10Tavernier.
00:31:11Diamonde.
00:31:11It's Barron.
00:31:13Saved by Ward.
00:31:14Gassama.
00:31:16And again.
00:31:21Stout rearguard action from Motherwell.
00:31:24First the goalkeeper, Ward.
00:31:26And then the defenders flinging bodies in the way.
00:31:30Gassama has to score, though.
00:31:31Rangers have come to life as Asgard takes it, good strength and footwork.
00:31:42Asgard into the side netting.
00:31:46And some of the ground.
00:31:48And some of the ground thought that may have squeaked in at the near post.
00:31:54Wrong side of the upright, though, from Taelo Asgard.
00:31:57Oh, what a ball that is for Just.
00:32:02And Buckland again.
00:32:04Keeps Motherwell at bay.
00:32:07It's superb play.
00:32:09And just keeps his effort low and on target.
00:32:15And this game has been breathless.
00:32:20Pretty much from the word go.
00:32:22As Diamonde finds Gassama.
00:32:23The go-to man for Rangers in this game.
00:32:27And he's driving for the byline.
00:32:28Still going.
00:32:30Ward blocks the path to goal.
00:32:36JD Gassama keeps beavering away.
00:32:41Hasn't beaten Ward yet, though.
00:32:42Raskan.
00:32:49Tavernier curls one in.
00:32:51Away by McGinn.
00:32:53Magoma.
00:32:55It is Gassama.
00:32:57And Raskan.
00:32:59And there is one now.
00:33:04A smile from the little Belgian.
00:33:08As he gives Rangers a lead.
00:33:09Brilliant work from Gassama.
00:33:17And there's a mix-up in the middle of the Motherwell penalty area.
00:33:20And Raskan rolls in.
00:33:22Expertly placed.
00:33:24But there is a suspicion of offside here.
00:33:27From Yusuf Chermity.
00:33:29In the way of the Motherwell goalkeeper, Callum Wards.
00:33:37Tavernier.
00:33:39Rangers briefly thought they had taken the lead.
00:33:44Gassama rolls it in.
00:33:45Chermity.
00:33:46And Moore surely blocked.
00:33:49Moore still.
00:33:50Oh, and Ward clings to it.
00:33:53How have Rangers not scored there?
00:33:57Mikey Moore can't believe it.
00:33:59Cultured flick from Chermity.
00:34:00And the block on the ground is quite something.
00:34:08Gassama, he's in the mood.
00:34:11Advantage being played.
00:34:12Barron curls one in behind.
00:34:14Chermity.
00:34:17Wards leaps in the air to gather.
00:34:19Incredible, this game is still goalless.
00:34:29Gassama.
00:34:32Squeezes it to Barron.
00:34:33Out his feet.
00:34:35And Raskan.
00:34:36Thought he'd scored once.
00:34:42Desperate to get on the score sheet.
00:34:44Nico Raskan, but straight at the goalkeeper.
00:34:46This match still so finely poised as Just picks out Hendry.
00:34:54He's got space.
00:34:57Buckland with another top-drawer save.
00:34:59Make that four for the game.
00:35:02Hendry has so much freedom here.
00:35:04And the goalkeeper does his job.
00:35:09He ends Berta Lasky will feel his side.
00:35:13Could have a few goals at Ibrox.
00:35:15But the home side could certainly say the same.
00:35:17As Raskan gallops forward.
00:35:19Gassama now.
00:35:22One-on-one.
00:35:23On to the left foot.
00:35:25Ward to the rescue.
00:35:26As guards.
00:35:29Flag stays down.
00:35:30And finally Rangers have a goal.
00:35:34Relief around Ibrox.
00:35:39As the deadlock is broken.
00:35:41In the 67th minute.
00:35:45And Gassama has always looked the most likely to create for Rangers.
00:35:48Forces the save from Ward.
00:35:50And Asgard is there to tap in his second goal of the season.
00:35:56Barron.
00:35:58Rangers want to kill this.
00:36:01Weaving forwards.
00:36:03And now it's Megoma.
00:36:05Stings the palms of words.
00:36:08Who's been largely excellent for Motherwell.
00:36:14You still feel there's more goals potentially in this game.
00:36:20Osong.
00:36:21Wriggles out of that situation.
00:36:25O'Donnell now.
00:36:27Motherwell pressing.
00:36:28Faddinger.
00:36:29Goes down.
00:36:31The Motherwell players are screaming for it.
00:36:34David Dickinson.
00:36:36Unmoved here.
00:36:38As Faddinger surges into the box.
00:36:40Does Fernandes get a touch on the ball?
00:36:42I'm very happy for the group.
00:36:46I think except for the first 15 minutes.
00:36:49We were good in the game then.
00:36:52Especially at the end.
00:36:52We had so many chances.
00:36:54Where we have to close the game.
00:36:55To adrenal.
00:36:56And then it's always tough in this league.
00:36:58You never know what happens.
00:37:00But I'm very happy with the performance.
00:37:02And especially with the three points.
00:37:04We gave ourselves the opportunity by creating.
00:37:07By playing.
00:37:09Sticking to our approach.
00:37:10We knew that it was going to.
00:37:12Especially going behind.
00:37:14Be an open game.
00:37:16And against the top players.
00:37:18We knew that we're going to give it away.
00:37:20Chances in the other end.
00:37:22So we needed our goalkeeper.
00:37:23And our defenders.
00:37:25To play to their very, very best.
00:37:28Which they did.
00:37:29And I think we did everything we could.
00:37:31And created also a few opportunities in the end.
00:37:34And also an opportunity that should.
00:37:37Any day.
00:37:38Have led to a penalty.
00:37:41Just the one goal for this game.
00:37:42At Ibrook's put it.
00:37:43I mean it should have been way more.
00:37:45Leigh-Anne.
00:37:45The amount of chances.
00:37:46Big chances in the game.
00:37:47For both teams.
00:37:48Way more.
00:37:49I mean you can get hung up in stats.
00:37:50In football at times.
00:37:51But I think today lends itself to that.
00:37:53So many opportunities.
00:37:55Both goalkeepers.
00:37:55Really busy.
00:37:56Throughout the afternoon.
00:37:58The quality perhaps lacking.
00:38:00Yeah.
00:38:00In the overall game.
00:38:01In terms of the middle of the pitch.
00:38:03And the way both teams move the ball.
00:38:05But when you speak about transitional moments.
00:38:07And attacking the game.
00:38:08And looking to try and get after it.
00:38:10We've seen that from Motherwell all season.
00:38:11It's a joy to watch actually.
00:38:13Teams to go to Ibrook's.
00:38:14And really take the game to Rangers.
00:38:16Is what you want to see.
00:38:17You know I think it's absolutely applaudable.
00:38:20When you look at the stats.
00:38:21I think the edge of the possession stats.
00:38:23Early on in the first half.
00:38:25Just that cutting edge was missing.
00:38:26From Motherwell this afternoon.
00:38:27And the one goal as you say.
00:38:29You'd have to see the cutting edge was missing from Rangers as well.
00:38:32Throughout the game.
00:38:32You know in terms of the chances that they missed as well.
00:38:34Absolutely.
00:38:35Look and I think there was moments there.
00:38:36I just mean that overall.
00:38:38The decision.
00:38:39The final moment.
00:38:40Obviously Asgard gets the same goal.
00:38:42But I think both sides will be disappointed with end product.
00:38:46I think the time in play.
00:38:48When you know somebody mentioned this afternoon.
00:38:50I think it was 63 minutes that the ball was in play.
00:38:52Which is phenomenal.
00:38:53Normally when you look at that type of stat.
00:38:55You're talking you know 42 minutes or thereabouts.
00:38:58This afternoon it was you know far greater.
00:39:02For Rangers they'll be pleased with the three points.
00:39:04As you heard from Danny Rule.
00:39:05I think at this stage of the season.
00:39:06When the games do come thick and fast.
00:39:08And they're chasing.
00:39:09Three points is absolutely the conversation.
00:39:11Knowing that you're edging towards that January transfer window as well.
00:39:15Yeah.
00:39:15Let's take a look at some of the chances throughout the game.
00:39:19These ones are mostly from the first half.
00:39:22And you know I think it's been documented at Rangers.
00:39:25The strikers haven't scored enough goals.
00:39:28And you could possibly be critical of Motherwell.
00:39:31They're brilliant at everything else.
00:39:33But when they get into you know the final third.
00:39:36And the chances that they create.
00:39:37Do they take enough of them?
00:39:39No.
00:39:39I think they lack.
00:39:40As a team.
00:39:41No they lack that cutting edge.
00:39:43And I think the league table will tell you that.
00:39:45And I think the form this season from Motherwell will also tell you that.
00:39:48I think they've had nine draws over the course of the season as well.
00:39:51They've had many clean sheets.
00:39:53And really good strong performances.
00:39:55It's just been at the top end of the pitch.
00:39:58That they don't have that luxury.
00:39:59They don't have that strength and depth to the squad.
00:40:01Which is why when you know people speaking about Motherwell.
00:40:04Being in a title race.
00:40:05Which I was asked this afternoon.
00:40:06And I think it's difficult based on resources when you don't have that luxury to bring key players and strong players off the bench.
00:40:13To go and enhance your playing performance towards the tail end of the game.
00:40:17But they still create.
00:40:19And they've got a real identity in the way that they move the ball.
00:40:21They were unlucky this afternoon.
00:40:22Because they did create enough.
00:40:24And credit to Jack Butlin.
00:40:25Because he had three or four massive saves.
00:40:27As you've seen.
00:40:27A big one in the second taff.
00:40:29And I think that one's in this particular pack.
00:40:31A big opportunity.
00:40:32But again.
00:40:32As I said.
00:40:33Both teams getting opportunities you'd expect maybe to take.
00:40:37Yeah.
00:40:37And Ghissam was really lively this afternoon.
00:40:39I felt his performance.
00:40:41At moments off the left hand side.
00:40:42Off the right.
00:40:43Was really lively.
00:40:44And he causes those problems.
00:40:45This is the one.
00:40:46As did Motherwell.
00:40:46Yeah.
00:40:47And that's a big save.
00:40:48And a big save.
00:40:49To go and make the save initially.
00:40:51But also to make sure it's out of danger.
00:40:53And you don't clock back into the middle of the six.
00:40:56So credit to Jack Butlin for that.
00:40:58That's why he's here.
00:40:58That's why he's the type of goalkeeper he is.
00:41:00And Telo Asgard ultimately will be the deciding goal.
00:41:05He won't score an easier one with a tap in at the back post.
00:41:08And as I say.
00:41:09Rangers will be pleased with the three points.
00:41:10I think that's what you can take from it.
00:41:12I think they pushed and tried this afternoon.
00:41:15In front of a frustrated fan base at points.
00:41:18Because you know the pressure that's associated with being at Rangers.
00:41:22Ultimately you get yourself over the line.
00:41:24And you're on to the next game.
00:41:25Motherwell had a late penalty claim in the match.
00:41:28We've had quite a good look at this throughout the course of this afternoon.
00:41:33We watched it live.
00:41:34And at the time you and I kind of thought there might have been something there.
00:41:38Simply because we've played the game.
00:41:40And you recognise the reaction of the player and the motion.
00:41:43Also where you are on the pitch.
00:41:45And when you take that next step.
00:41:47As Faddinger does to go beyond.
00:41:49And it looks to me like he's in and goal.
00:41:51So it would have been silly for him to then go down without there being contact.
00:41:56Needless to say.
00:41:57The incident wasn't looked at for very long.
00:42:01If it.
00:42:01We know it would have been checked by VAR.
00:42:03But it was checked very quickly.
00:42:05Yeah.
00:42:06Fernandes looks to me like he's dangled the leg.
00:42:08I think the referee's in an exceptional position.
00:42:11Yeah.
00:42:12Which is a big part of a referee.
00:42:13Needs to be in the right position to see the incident.
00:42:16And I think that he believes there isn't contact.
00:42:19But I mean.
00:42:20It certainly looks like there was contact there.
00:42:21And I suppose at that point he's then relying on VAR to look at the situation.
00:42:25And sweep it up for him.
00:42:26Yeah.
00:42:26And if they feel there was contact.
00:42:28Then ultimately he would have been brought to the screen.
00:42:30So you can understand the frustration from Jens Bertalasku when he was asked about the
00:42:34situation as well.
00:42:36And ultimately Motherwell leave Ibrooks this afternoon really frustrated.
00:42:39Okay.
00:42:40Dens Park now for.
00:42:42No.
00:42:42We're not.
00:42:43We're going to the trails first.
00:42:44Yes.
00:42:44I knew I'd get something wrong tonight, Leanne.
00:42:46Right.
00:42:47Trails it is then.
00:42:48Thank you for that.
00:42:49Off the ball is on tomorrow.
00:42:51It's Sunday at 12 o'clock.
00:42:54SPFL Scottish Football Roundup is available on Monday online.
00:42:58There's games on Tuesday evening.
00:42:59They'll be on your radio from 6 and Jonathan will be here with them on the TV.
00:43:03BBC 1 at 10.30.
00:43:05And the sports scene road to the World Cup is in Hugmanay 8.45 BBC Scotland.
00:43:12For too long Scotland have been off the world stage.
00:43:15Consigned to a watching brief back home.
00:43:18While the greatest show on earth thunders on without them.
00:43:24It is Ganondoke with the drinks and with Tom and it.
00:43:29It's Ravens.
00:43:32Lights off looking four.
00:43:38Ferguson's heading out.
00:43:39Giving away but it takes the tier.
00:43:41It's your man.
00:43:47They've given it away.
00:43:48Shoot.
00:43:48Here's McLean, he's going to shoot, he's not going to hit him!
00:43:57It's unbelievable!
00:44:09Yeah, I don't think any of us will ever get sick of watching that.
00:44:12That looks absolutely sensational, hugging my knee at 8.45.
00:44:16And now, Dens Park for the visit to Falkirk.
00:44:46As he competed Kilmarnock a week ago, Adams, Yeats and Williams come into the starting line-up,
00:44:50while McCann, Cartwright and Tate drop to the bench.
00:44:59John McCracken plays it to Dre Wright.
00:45:01Starting off on this left-hand side, more naturally a right-sided player as Dre Wright,
00:45:08who's pulled within the first minute by Falkirk's Finn Yeats.
00:45:12Lunging challenge from the young midfielder, given his start today.
00:45:17It's whipped in by Danda, the header.
00:45:22Drifts just wide of the post.
00:45:25Nearly half-chance for the home side.
00:45:32Ryan Astley to wind this one up.
00:45:35And it goes.
00:45:40Error from Yeats.
00:45:43Might drop for Congreve.
00:45:44Neat turn from Congreve.
00:45:45Trying to work a shooting angle.
00:45:50And Bain had to be sharp.
00:45:51The ball coming through a crowd of bodies.
00:45:54Pass cut out by Joghani.
00:45:58Spencer with the challenge.
00:46:03And it's a red card for Brad Spencer.
00:46:07The Falkirk captain has been sent off.
00:46:13Ashley Hay has stayed down,
00:46:16and Brad Spencer has been given his marching orders.
00:46:19Or maybe not, as the case may be.
00:46:22As Duncan Nicholson heads to the monitor.
00:46:32I think the VAR just showing him where the contact came from.
00:46:41And the yellow card has been given, the red rescinded.
00:46:44Falkirk keep all 11 men on the park.
00:46:52As Joghani's cross into a good area.
00:46:54Ball not fully cleared.
00:46:56Here's Danda with the strike.
00:46:57Shouts of handball.
00:46:58Duncan Nicholson unmoved.
00:47:01The VAR is having a look at that potential handball decision.
00:47:11Here's the decision.
00:47:17Penalty Dundee.
00:47:18Penalty Dundee.
00:47:24Big moment at Dens.
00:47:25It's Danda.
00:47:27Brilliantly taken.
00:47:29Jan Danda sends Scott Bain the wrong way.
00:47:34And fires Dundee into a first-half lead against Falkirk.
00:47:39And Steven Presley will be delighted with that heading into the half-time break.
00:47:49It was well struck, well placed, and Bain had absolutely no chance.
00:47:53Crack in the centre over half-way.
00:48:06Header won by Allen.
00:48:12Samuels.
00:48:14One for Murray.
00:48:21Cross hung in.
00:48:22Comes out as far as Dre Wright, who goes for goal.
00:48:27Just past the post.
00:48:31Dre Wright has had an impressive afternoon, and that would have capped it off had it found the bottom corner.
00:48:38Right.
00:48:45Into Murray.
00:48:47Now it's Hay.
00:48:49Good football from Dundee.
00:48:51Down goes Hay, no foul.
00:48:54Ross.
00:48:56Murray chasing after him and nipping at the heels.
00:49:01It's a Falkirk free kick.
00:49:08And it's a red card for Simon Murray.
00:49:13For the second time this afternoon, Duncan Nicholson has brandished a red card.
00:49:21And it's the Dundee striker who's been sent off for this one.
00:49:28That looked like a really sore one for the Falkirk winger.
00:49:31One red card has been overturned this afternoon.
00:49:35But it looks as though this one stands.
00:49:41Henderson.
00:49:43Tate.
00:49:45Into Miller.
00:49:47Able to turn but not able to get away from Luke Graham.
00:49:50That's well went back though by Philip Lyssa, who goes for goal.
00:49:55Strong goalkeeping from John McCracken to keep the score at 1-0.
00:49:59A frantic, frenetic end to this one.
00:50:06And it was good work from Lyssa to win the ball back.
00:50:11And it's full time at Denzpark.
00:50:15Dundee with three crucial points.
00:50:20It was Jan Danda's first half penalty, which separates the sides.
00:50:27And that is a massive victory for the home side.
00:50:31We had managed to create some good moments in terms of arriving in the final third, especially with our wide players.
00:50:44But it was just the final pass, the final cross, the final decision.
00:50:48We needed to improve on that.
00:50:49But there was a lot of good things in our performance.
00:50:53You've got to remember, we have two very young centre-halves.
00:50:56Luke Graham and Billy Cometeo.
00:50:58And I thought they were absolutely outstanding today.
00:51:01Turned the ball over too much.
00:51:02Didn't really quite flow.
00:51:03Didn't make the right decisions.
00:51:04One of the days where it didn't quite click for us.
00:51:07It's not the end of the world.
00:51:08We're disappointed, obviously.
00:51:09You always are.
00:51:10We put enough into it.
00:51:12And it's only a penalty kick for a handball.
00:51:16It's a lottery situation, you know.
00:51:20A massive three points for Dundee today, Leigh-Anne.
00:51:23A few talking points in the game.
00:51:25Obviously, the one that was just mentioned there by John McGlynn is the VAR spot.
00:51:28The handball in the box.
00:51:32Where do you lie with it?
00:51:33Yeah, look, it's a difficult one for Finn.
00:51:36I know the way he kind of turns his back on the ball is probably the reason it comes off his hand, ultimately.
00:51:43I think it looks to me like it's goal-bound as well, albeit an audacious attempt.
00:51:48But that's what the referee and certainly the VAR team would have looked at.
00:51:53It does come off his hand.
00:51:54I think you can see it from this angle slightly better.
00:51:57But if he doesn't turn his body away from the ball, it probably comes off his chest.
00:52:03It's probably the distance.
00:52:04I know.
00:52:05I mean, the distance isn't that close, actually, when you look at it.
00:52:07But I think it's more to do with the fact that it's goal-bound.
00:52:10The attempt is probably the influence on the referee and team this afternoon.
00:52:14And Yandanda makes no mistakes.
00:52:16It's an excellent penalty.
00:52:17And you mentioned that it's a really valuable three points for Dundee in the end.
00:52:21They needed that win to Dundee.
00:52:23I mean, it's just a second win in the last ten games.
00:52:25But it just eases things a wee bit at the bottom at the end of the table,
00:52:29where obviously they've been spending a lot of their time.
00:52:31It does.
00:52:32And you know how congested this period in the season is as well.
00:52:34So you want to pick up as many points as you possibly can.
00:52:37You earmark your home games as a place that you feel you can do that.
00:52:41This afternoon, John McGlynn mentioned, they didn't feel his fault so you get close to their performance.
00:52:45Which is rare for them this season.
00:52:46It is.
00:52:47Because they've been really good.
00:52:48They have.
00:52:49And they've been so consistent.
00:52:50They've been a joy to watch.
00:52:51Certainly a newly promoted team.
00:52:52But for Steven Presley, it's absolutely about picking up the points.
00:52:55And this afternoon, they managed to do that.
00:52:57And what's pleasing is the clean sheet also, regardless of how the opposition played.
00:53:00It is.
00:53:01That was their first one since they played Celtic in October.
00:53:03Which is huge.
00:53:04It is.
00:53:05It's massive.
00:53:06And they also play Kelly midweek.
00:53:07I mean, that's huge.
00:53:08Just three points separating themselves in Kilmarnock.
00:53:10But it takes a bit of pressure off getting into that game knowing that you've picked up three points this afternoon as well.
00:53:15I think it would change the complexity of that fixture even more had they not picked up a victory this afternoon.
00:53:21So they'll go into that with a huge amount of confidence, no doubt.
00:53:24Okay.
00:53:25St Mirren have been playing well.
00:53:26Could they keep it going against Kilmarnock today?
00:53:30St Mirren's Christmas present came early when they won the League Cup a few weeks ago.
00:53:35But can they add three points to the celebrations?
00:53:38Glmarnock today, he travels and kills under the 계c Boss.
00:53:40Glmarnock.
00:53:41Glmarnock, meanwhile, just want their first win since the 4th of October.
00:53:43st Mirren name an unchanged side an unchanged side, they look for a fourth win on the trot.
00:53:50It's been for a fourth win on the trot.
00:53:51It's been a long time since that happened, they expect Alex Gogich to deputise him in the field in place for Keanu Bakku.
00:53:56Kilmarnock, meanwhile, make two changes.
00:53:59Robbie Dees is suspended and replaced at the back by Ethan Schulte-Brown.
00:54:03Liam Polworth drops to the bench, his place is taken by Tom Lowry.
00:54:10Brad Lyons, a couple of Kilmarnock players,
00:54:13playing against their former side.
00:54:16He's looking to get on the end of that one.
00:54:19He's kept it in play and won the free kick as well.
00:54:23Decent graft from the Killy captain, just shoved in the back there by Richard King.
00:54:30It's Dom Thompson to clip this one in.
00:54:33There's the header from Tyrese John-Jules.
00:54:37Shamal George always behind it.
00:54:45Greg Kilty just lays that off to Thompson for another ball in.
00:54:49They might get a second bite at the Cherry Kilmarnock here as Lewis Mayo is invited to shoot!
00:54:54It wasn't a bad effort.
00:54:56Shamal George always behind it.
00:54:58Pam's behind for a corner.
00:55:00But this would have been some strike from Lewis Mayo.
00:55:03Doesn't score all too often.
00:55:06Caught it well enough.
00:55:08All right.
00:55:13John-Jules will keep that one in.
00:55:17Picks out Kilty as well.
00:55:18He goes for a goal, it's whipped just over.
00:55:22And there was a deflection on that as well.
00:55:24He's been lively in the opening stages, Greg Kilty.
00:55:27That wasn't far away.
00:55:34Declan John with the out-swinger to the front post.
00:55:37And it's palmed away by Oluoyemi.
00:55:40Here comes St Mirren again.
00:55:42Watson head's clear.
00:55:44James Brown slides into the 50-50 with Phillips, who comes out with the ball.
00:55:49The cross end isn't the best, though.
00:55:52This was a smart stop from the on-loan Celtic keeper at his front post.
00:56:01Watson misses the header.
00:56:02St Mirren still trying to come forward.
00:56:04And he doesn't have it the second time either.
00:56:08Gogic playing it forward to Odowo.
00:56:10Has a go for goal!
00:56:11All the way, Yemi was scrambling there.
00:56:14As Odowo threatened to find the bottom corner.
00:56:17Just a few inches the wrong side of the post.
00:56:23Gogic just dinks that out to the left-hand side.
00:56:27John to Odowo.
00:56:29Well, there's a shout for a penalty.
00:56:31There's a shout for handball as well.
00:56:33It's just a corner.
00:56:35Odowo with his arms outstretched pleading.
00:56:39Freckleton slips that through to Declan John.
00:56:47And it goes just wide at the front post.
00:56:49I think it was a combination of James Brown and Lewis Mayo.
00:56:53Another half chance for St Mirren that they fail to capitalize on.
00:56:58Well, the buddies have probably just about edged this first half,
00:57:04but the deadlock remains unbroken.
00:57:07Gogic with the chance to cross.
00:57:10Looking for Killian Phillips.
00:57:12Headed away.
00:57:13Declan John will swing this back in towards the back post.
00:57:16There's the diving header from Gogic.
00:57:18Straight at Odowo Yemi.
00:57:20Another opportunity goes begging for St Mirren.
00:57:27They've had plenty of them now.
00:57:35Flicked on.
00:57:36St Mirren coming forward again here.
00:57:38That's lovely footwork.
00:57:40James Brown blocks.
00:57:42St Mirren will have another go here.
00:57:44It's McMenamin who wins the corner in the end.
00:57:49It was a lovely run from the Northern Irishman.
00:57:54Just ghosted away from a couple.
00:57:58Nice footwork, but Brown closed him down.
00:58:05This is well worked by the hosts.
00:58:08McMenamin tearing into the box, plays it to Richardson.
00:58:11Comes across, brilliant save.
00:58:13I don't know how Tobey Oluiemi has got a foot to that.
00:58:18But he has saved Kilmarnik there.
00:58:22Because that looked a certain goal.
00:58:24Well, it might have been chalked off anyway.
00:58:27Richardson might well have been offside when this ball was laid to him.
00:58:30Although Yemi wasn't to know.
00:58:33And Lundaloo.
00:58:36Phillips.
00:58:37Brilliant ball over the top to find Declan John.
00:58:41Slips it towards McMenamin.
00:58:44Another big shout for handball this time.
00:58:47It comes off Brad Lyons.
00:58:49St Mirren are adamant there's a foul in there.
00:58:53Don Robertson saying it's close to his body.
00:58:56Let's have a look.
00:58:57Ooh, I'll let you make your own minds up on that one.
00:59:00Killian Phillips plays it forward.
00:59:08Again it's St Mirren who are having the better of it here.
00:59:11Connor McMenamin on the spin.
00:59:13Might try the shot.
00:59:14Straight at Oluiemi.
00:59:17And that's been about the best of the second half for St Mirren.
00:59:23Not much to write home about.
00:59:26We had so much of the ball, so much of the build.
00:59:29Our final decision, final finish,
00:59:32was the reason that we don't take all three points.
00:59:34I thought we totally dominated the game.
00:59:36We didn't land a lot of second balls first half,
00:59:40but we still delivered loads of ballings.
00:59:4247 balls into the box, 47 crosses,
00:59:44and we haven't managed to get on the end of any of them.
00:59:46Some of the quality of them could be better.
00:59:48Some of the movement could be better.
00:59:50We had a great chance with Dan.
00:59:52Their goalkeeper makes a fantastic save.
00:59:54But the positives.
00:59:56We've gone five unbeaten now in all competitions.
00:59:59That's our third clean sheet in a row in the league.
01:00:01So that's a real positive for us,
01:00:03and we want to keep that run going.
01:00:04I thought first half especially, again,
01:00:06we looked a threat.
01:00:07We looked on the front foot.
01:00:09But I asked the team not to just defend in the front foot,
01:00:12but play attacking-wise in the front foot.
01:00:15It doesn't change for me.
01:00:16I want to see teams attack and score goals.
01:00:19We're just lacking that wee bit of a final cutting edge.
01:00:22But it comes.
01:00:23It comes with confidence.
01:00:24It comes with understanding.
01:00:25Huge positives to take.
01:00:27And I think for the fans,
01:00:28they can go away happy with what they've seen today.
01:00:30And I think the players can be happy with the support they've got
01:00:33and also their performance as well.
01:00:35No goals in Paisley, Leanne.
01:00:38We're running out of goals after a great start to the programme,
01:00:40I have to say.
01:00:41We've dried up, certainly.
01:00:42About five and then six the first two games.
01:00:44Was it a better point from Kilmarnock's point of view,
01:00:47given they'd lost three in a row going into this
01:00:49and just where they are?
01:00:50Do you think they'll be kicking themselves a bit?
01:00:53Because, you know, as Steven Robinson said,
01:00:54they had a lot of control in the game.
01:00:56Look, I think for both teams,
01:00:57I think you would take a point in the face of it.
01:00:59I think for Kilmarnock, where Chris Doolin is just now
01:01:01with the group and the squad and the season that it's been for them,
01:01:04I think they'll be pleased because it's a game that you've not lost.
01:01:07And when you're looking to try and turn that corner,
01:01:09I'm sure Chris is searching for that moment,
01:01:11that momentum shift within the group this afternoon.
01:01:14That could be it against a really good St Mirren side.
01:01:17But ultimately, Steven Robinson is quite consistent as well
01:01:20with the fact that he was disappointed with his side
01:01:23and that they lacked that cutting edge.
01:01:25You know, they've had a good season so far.
01:01:27He mentioned the stats in terms of the unbeaten run
01:01:29and the clean sheets.
01:01:30But ultimately, goals is what wins your games.
01:01:32And when you look at the league position just now,
01:01:34I know St Mirren have got a couple of games in hand.
01:01:36They were hoping they can capitalise on that.
01:01:38Yeah, I think they're actually the lowest scorers in the league
01:01:40at this minute, as it stands, just as a team.
01:01:42Yeah, and that's what you would look to try and change.
01:01:44So again, the transfer window opening,
01:01:46you just wonder if Steven Robinson, that or by the department,
01:01:49that he'll look to go and strengthen because to have delivered,
01:01:51you know, three consecutive top six finishes,
01:01:54for him you will feel the pressure to go and try and do that again,
01:01:57albeit...
01:01:58Got the cup run in the bag right now.
01:01:59It does, it probably eases it.
01:02:00I'm glad you've managed to get that.
01:02:01I didn't worry.
01:02:02It just slips out every now and again.
01:02:03I was going to say, I mean, do you think that Chris Doolan
01:02:06has an opportunity to land the commandant job on a full-time basis?
01:02:10Well, I think this is his chance, isn't it?
01:02:12To certainly go and show that he can do the job and the capabilities,
01:02:16which we know he has.
01:02:17You know, Chris has managed and certainly done a great job at Partick Thistle
01:02:21when he was there.
01:02:22Whether you would want to lose him from the role that he had at Kilmarnock
01:02:26in terms of the Head of Development and Under-19's head coach
01:02:29and you would look to then try and fill that position.
01:02:31Who knows, but it's a job that many folk will be interested in.
01:02:34I'm sure there's been a number of CVs fired in since it became vacant
01:02:38because we know the type of club it is,
01:02:40the opportunity that gives to managers,
01:02:42whether it's a Derek McInnes that's gone there
01:02:44that's allowed him to then go and step again and take the heart's job
01:02:47or whether it's a young manager that can go in there
01:02:49and certainly cut your teeth and have that opportunity.
01:02:51Only time will tell.
01:02:53Correct.
01:02:54Last up, Patoji for Aberdeen against United.
01:02:59Aberdeen saw the seventh game unbeaten domestic spell
01:03:02broken at Celtic Park last time out.
01:03:05They did equalise with 60 minutes to play
01:03:07and only lost the game in the last few minutes.
01:03:10Dundee United have eight points from eight away matches
01:03:13with just one away league win
01:03:15and that's the reason why they're in the bottom half of the table.
01:03:20Aberdeen without Dillon Logman sent off with a 3-1 loss at Celtic.
01:03:24Jensen and Lasatic both drop onto the bench.
01:03:27A trio of players coming in.
01:03:29Graeme Shinney, Dante Povara and Kevin Nisbach.
01:03:33Thunder United took the lead against Hibs but ended up 1-1.
01:03:36The goal scorer, Lucas Stevenson, is suspended.
01:03:39Ryan Strain and Ross Graham miss out
01:03:42thanks to injuries picked up in that game.
01:03:44He can bet is like Yuri Yulvo and there's a rare start for Dario Namo.
01:03:53Dimitar Amitov organising what's in front of him.
01:04:00Ferry with that left foot, it's a teasing ball in.
01:04:03This is up for all in the back.
01:04:09And Amitov saw that deflected and all the way in.
01:04:15Well, it might have been allowed previously.
01:04:18You've got to be careful how you try and block a goalkeeper.
01:04:21So Amir Fattah thought he had the ball in the back of the net.
01:04:26But if you are actively standing or jumping to get hit, it is a foul.
01:04:33Try to battle for it.
01:04:34Carlsen will play it on onto Oshish.
01:04:37Nisbach made the run into the middle.
01:04:39Here's Carlsen.
01:04:41Showing good control.
01:04:42Lovely turn.
01:04:43Gets the shot away.
01:04:45And Richards for the save.
01:04:48Well, Jesper Carlsen is the kind of player
01:04:50that teammates simply want to feed with the ball.
01:04:54And then you can see if he can work his tricks.
01:04:56Lovely twisted turn.
01:04:58Richards out to make the save.
01:05:01It remains 0-0.
01:05:13Opportunity for Dundee United to go through Fattah.
01:05:17Dangerous when he steps on the inside.
01:05:20And that's precisely what he's done.
01:05:24Aberdeen of the lion's share of the ball.
01:05:27But it's Dundee United to bite first.
01:05:31Amir Fattah of the Swede.
01:05:33Took his chance beautifully.
01:05:39Simple ball up, not dealt with by Devlin.
01:05:42Fattah robbed him.
01:05:44Milne.
01:05:46Wasn't quite sure.
01:05:47Had a little jab out to try and make a tackle.
01:05:50But Fattah was quick.
01:05:52Milne was concerned about the man in behind him.
01:05:55But Fattah took it in stride.
01:05:57Knocked it past Dimitar Mitov.
01:05:59Aberdeen nil than the United one.
01:06:06Once more Carlsen.
01:06:09Armstrong plays it through.
01:06:10Shinny.
01:06:11There's the mistake from Essilic.
01:06:12Shinny with a chance.
01:06:14And Richards out.
01:06:16Corner.
01:06:19Well no wonder the goalkeeper's getting thanked by the defender.
01:06:21Essilic swiped over it.
01:06:23And Richards out very quickly to narrow the angle.
01:06:26And then the ball.
01:06:27And Sapsward has played through by Waters.
01:06:28Zach Sapsward's hook playing to your pace.
01:06:29Does he have the finish?
01:06:30Jabs it across.
01:06:31No takers.
01:06:32Waters was the only one who gambled into the area.
01:06:33And Sapsward has played through by Waters.
01:06:36Zach Sapsward's hook playing to your pace.
01:06:37Does he have the finish?
01:06:38Jabs it across.
01:06:39No takers.
01:06:40Waters was the only one who gambled into the area.
01:06:42Use Nisbet.
01:06:43He's able to drop deep to get the service.
01:06:44Oshish.
01:06:45Lovely little curling effort.
01:06:49Carson should finish.
01:06:50He does!
01:06:52Richard spilled the shot from Oshish.
01:06:54And Jasper Carson helps himself to simple tap-in.
01:06:59Well Oshish rumbled his way forward.
01:07:03He's able to drop deep to get the service.
01:07:05Oshish.
01:07:06Lovely little curling effort.
01:07:07Carson should finish!
01:07:08He does!
01:07:09Richard spilled the shot from Oshish.
01:07:10And Jasper Carson helps himself to simple tap-in.
01:07:15Tappen.
01:07:17Well, she's rumbled his way forward,
01:07:20cut inside, the shot
01:07:22not held, swiped
01:07:24the air with a hand.
01:07:27And Richards knew
01:07:27exactly what was coming.
01:07:29And that was the ball going beyond them.
01:07:34Carlsen with the equaliser,
01:07:35it's Aberdeen one, Dundee United
01:07:37one.
01:07:41Well, the two
01:07:41changes may have made
01:07:43the difference.
01:07:45Dundee United scoring
01:07:50one and a half hour, Aberdeen scoring on the hour
01:07:52and Dundee United looking to try
01:07:54and get back ahead, no ferry,
01:07:56yet to find the back of the net for
01:07:58Dundee United, and that one deflected
01:08:00away.
01:08:04That's the long throw,
01:08:06Dundee United with the first ball, win the second
01:08:08ball, Aberdeen win the third,
01:08:10Sapsford goes down,
01:08:12still problems, there's a jersey being
01:08:14pulled, Kereshtes has his jersey tucked,
01:08:17not enough for the referee,
01:08:18and Sybil fires over
01:08:20with Milne and a handful of
01:08:22Kereshtes' jersey, that's a kind of thing you're
01:08:24going to be exceptionally careful about in the area.
01:08:28Aberdeen is certainly committing the players forward,
01:08:30no doubt about that,
01:08:31and the United working hard,
01:08:33everybody back behind the ball,
01:08:38Milne,
01:08:39In the first half we shouldn't be behind, we should be, we have to be behind, we have
01:09:09to do better in this moment and don't give the opponent a chance to have something to
01:09:15build on when you control the game so well, but they scored and it was a chasing game
01:09:21in the second half, but today we are not sharp and good enough in this moment to get the
01:09:26whole way.
01:09:27So, I shared as the spoils up at Pettodri and Aberdeen, more of the ball on the night,
01:09:33but United are doing a really good job of frustrating them and their supporters throughout the match
01:09:39really.
01:09:40Yeah, I think that's a trait with Dundee United that they are able to do that in terms of
01:09:44the frustration element, being well organised, comfortable working without the ball, which
01:09:48not all teams are comfortable to play out of possession.
01:09:50I think Jim's sides are always really well drilled and well organised and they play in
01:09:55those moments of vulnerability when they then win it back and they go and transition in the
01:09:59counter-attack.
01:10:00That's a typical moment, really good from Amar Fata in terms of picking the pockets of
01:10:04Nicky Devlin in a really cool, calm finish, but I think the possession stats at this point
01:10:09in the game were somewhere along the lines of 25% possession for Dundee United and they
01:10:15go and they grab the goal, which Jimmy Tullin alluded to there in his post-match interview,
01:10:19that that's something that they need to try and prevent happening because it was at a
01:10:22moment in the game that it really shouldn't have happened because of how dominant they were.
01:10:26Yeah, Jim Goodwin don't want to see back the equaliser.
01:10:31I mean, he's had problems with goalkeepers making errors throughout the season and unfortunately
01:10:35for him, it's another one.
01:10:37Look, you feel for Dave Richards because everybody across the pitch, all the players make mistakes
01:10:42and errors throughout the game, but unfortunately when you're a goalkeeper it's going to be highlighted
01:10:47and punished a lot more than other players.
01:10:50Carrollson's alert, you would need to say, but the save is pretty routine and you're right,
01:10:56I think Jim Goodwin and his staff and his players will be frustrated in the manner in which they've
01:11:01conceded that type of goal because it's been ever so costly and it's been a theme that's
01:11:06been constant throughout the season.
01:11:08OK, we can now hear from United manager Jim Goodwin.
01:11:10The initial defending with Oshish, you know, we know he's right-footed, we know he wants
01:11:15to cut in and get a shot away, I think we have to try and keep him down the outside away
01:11:19from goal and then, you know, look, Big Dave and the goal has been excellent since he's
01:11:23came into the team, but he knows, you know, that shot needs to go wide away from the danger
01:11:28area.
01:11:29Unfortunately, he comes back out into the middle of the box and Carrollson is the first to
01:11:33react.
01:11:35Clearly gutted there, Jim, but United came into this game in decent shape.
01:11:38They'd beaten Celtic, draws against Motherwell, who are obviously going really well.
01:11:41Hibson, that's another draw today up at Pataudry.
01:11:44They're maybe not emulating last season completely, but they're going along OK.
01:11:48It's a tough run of games as well, when you rhyme off those teams and the types of fixtures
01:11:52and the stage of the season it's at when they do come thick and fast.
01:11:56I'm sure Jim's probably at a stage now where he'd be frustrated, like this evening.
01:12:00He would have wanted more from that game, the fact that they had a foothold in the game.
01:12:03But I think they're consistent and they're picking up points in most of the games and
01:12:09certainly the big challenges this afternoon.
01:12:12You know, it's a point.
01:12:13You can take it.
01:12:14I think you're frustrated with the manner in which you've conceded the goal.
01:12:17But the reality is the squad that he's got, they will keep marching on.
01:12:21OK, let's have a wee look at the table tonight.
01:12:25Harts top on 41 points.
01:12:26Celtic three behind on 38.
01:12:29Rangers into third with Motherwell fourth.
01:12:31Hibs are on 28 points.
01:12:34Aberdeen sixth tonight, Dundee United in eighth.
01:12:36At the bottom, Kelly are on 13 points, with Livingston still just on the nine points.
01:12:43Thank you very much to Leanne.
01:12:45We end tonight with a tribute to a Scottish football great,
01:12:48John Robertson, who sadly passed away on Christmas Day.
01:12:51If you've been to Wembley in the tunnel behind the goal,
01:13:01and you see all these waves of Scottish blue and white,
01:13:06just unbelievable feeling playing for your country.
01:13:08It's something I dreamed of when I was a wee boy.
01:13:11It was a game that either team could win.
01:13:13I don't think there was many goal mouth incidents.
01:13:15And David Proven gets his ball wide on the right.
01:13:18On it goes to Archibald.
01:13:21That's a good-looking ball.
01:13:22Archibald pushed, surely.
01:13:24He's given the penalty.
01:13:25A penalty to Scotland.
01:13:27And I remember screaming, penalty!
01:13:29And then put my hands down and thinking,
01:13:32oh God, I'm taking it.
01:13:34Ready to go.
01:13:35And who runs up to the England goalkeeper,
01:13:38but Trevor Francis?
01:13:40Look at Trevor Francis, who plays with Robertson.
01:13:47Even at the time, I thought, what on earth is going on here?
01:13:49They're just trying to put him off.
01:13:52Now, will it affect Robertson?
01:13:54And John, hardly without taking a step,
01:13:58here it goes.
01:14:00Just swept it past him.
01:14:04One-nothing for Scotland.
01:14:06He's doing a question-and-answer session in town,
01:14:08and he gets to the last question and the interviewer says to him,
01:14:11right, John, I'm going to come on to your greatest ever goal now.
01:14:13A warm night in Madrid.
01:14:15John says, I've got to stop you there, son.
01:14:16That's not my greatest ever goal.
01:14:18My greatest ever goal was beating England with Scotland at Wembley.
01:14:22And there was an audible intake of breath,
01:14:24and then the whole place cracked laughing.
01:14:26And I thought, only John Robertson would get away with that in Nottingham.
01:14:29His greatest goal isn't winning the European Cup.
01:14:32It's beating England with Scotland.
01:14:33That's John Robertson.
01:14:34But I had an ambition to score the winning goal at Wembley.
01:14:39And fortunately for me, it came in that game in 1981.