04/05/2014 Sportscene

Good evening. It's all getting very real indeed in the premiership.

Squeaky bum time all over the place but some are squeaky than others.

Great action and plenty of drama. He had to cast their professional eyes

Great action and plenty of drama. He over the games, Pat Nevin and

Michael Stewart. Let's get straight to the drama in the bottom six. Just

one match this afternoon, Kilmarnock started the day in the dreaded

play-off place but they faced Hearts. It had been a happy hunting

ground in recent seasons. Kilmarnock make four changes to the

team that lost last weekend. Pre-match, a minutes silence.

It has been an impressive start from the home team. They have roared out

of the Ryan Stevenson scores! It took a

deflection on its way through. It flashed past Craig Samson. Hearts

are ahead after 11 And that is Kris Boyd with the

overhead kick. Kilmarnock have been under the cosh in their opening

exchanges and are happy to be creating anything in front of

The makes him pay for his mistake and it is a double for Ryan

Stevenson. That was really poor defending. It went through the legs

of the Latvian defender. Kris Boyd with a shot at goal.

Looking for a gap year. Kilmarnock are furious about this.

Paterson made the challenge and didn't get the ball but no penalty.

Kilmarnock are again in disarray. Stevenson has scored twice already

but was not going to score again this time.

And who was there but Ryan Stevenson to complete a glorious hat-trick?

Right on half-time. Just when Kilmarnock thought things couldn't

get any worse. What a goal that is. Stevenson marched into the middle

and applied the finishing touch. King is in for number four. It is

chaotic Kilmarnock who are being shredded here by Hearts. They are in

all sorts of trouble and find themselves now four to zero down.

They are charging into the middle. It is Paterson who gets the

important touch and makes it 5-0 at Tynecastle. It is becoming ever more

humiliating for Kilmarnock. And inside an hour, they are 5-0 down.

That was a poor performance. A great performance. Delighted with the way

we started the game. We passed the ball well. We had five goals so

delighted. For me, they showed no desire. That is not good enough.

Almost unbelievably, the Manukau had won their previous six matches at

Tynecastle but they were thumped today. -- Kilmarnock had one. Ryan

Stevenson had a hat-trick. How impressed we do with him? Hugely

impressed. As bad as Kilmarnock were today, there was huge credit to be

given to Hearts as well. This is poor defending. Good

finishes from Ryan Stevenson. That was him that played the ball from

deep inside his own half. He was there to finish it would Ryan

Stevenson? That is the dyes I dashed desire that Stevenson shows. Right

from the off, couple Hart Scott have them in from the kick-off, they

turned Kilmarnock and put them under real pressure. They got an early

goal and it is amazing. Goals change games and gave them the impetus to

keep that going. Kilmarnock never offered any fight at all. Kilmarnock

are second bottom in the premiership. How much pressure is

manager Allan Johnston and? Everybody in the club is under

pressure. If you are at the bottom, that's it, that's the deal. You have

to accept it. To lose in such a whimpering sort of way today, when

you know... He said himself he was supposed to be chasing everything.

Toulouse by that margin. Apart from the massive effect it has on your

goal difference which might become important... Big, big worries but

the biggest worry is the one I've said all along. They are dependent

on Kris Boyd. If Kris Boyd can get them out of it, but he is going to

have to score six. It's so tough and worrying time.

Not long, St Mirren were being tapped. If you wings have seen the

side to soar. They are looking at their best top-flight finish in 25

years. Work was still to be done. Ross County saw so desperately in

need of three points. St Mirren have found some good form

just St Mirren have found some good form

unchanged side for the visit of Ross County, who themselves make one

change from the win over Kilmarnock. This is a promising position. Well

tipped round the post by Mark Brown. Just killing it around the

tipped round the post by Mark Brown. of the wall there. -- curling.

Saint Marin just couldn't convert. Starting the second half, much as

they played in the first, on the front foot. Steven Thompson here

getting closest to it. Travelling County fans are desperately hoping

for a win to steer them clear of that relegation play-off spot. This

could be a chance. Richie Brittain, their captain. That's a beauty.

County have come more into the match as it has progressed. There is a

chance for Cooper. Straight down the goalkeeper's.

Cooper does well. He makes an opportunity for himself.

Danny Lennon's side have played well. They haven't quite managed to

make the breakthrough though. What a strike from Gregg Wylde! Well, that

is a goal worthy of winning any match. What a precious when it could

be for St Mirren. Full credit to Gregg Wylde, who absolutely lashes

that past Mark Brown. Oh, that is a wonderful strike from

Maclean. So unlucky to see that comeback off the inside of the post.

It was almost Cristiano Ronaldo like, the way dipped.

He has done everything but score today, Maclean.

Time running out for Ross County, so unlucky, that substitute! He took

that so well. But he just could not quite keep the line.

Another three valuable points together today to once again get

another sprint finish and they are very much welcome and then I thought

it was thoroughly served. -- desert. We got into good as Asians in the

second half and we were better then but credit to St Mirren, the goal

that goes in, that was an outstanding strike from sexy Craig

Samson. St Mirren and victory for Hearts means that St Mirren are

safe, they cannot finish second bottom of the Premiership. Fantastic

for a side that not long ago, plenty of people thought might finish

second bottom. Congratulations to St Mirren and what a goal to seal that

victory? You may as well celebrate well and this is a good fit. Clean

as a whistle. Well done. As you say, written many

times and Danny Lennon was written off as well. There was a period when

the radio programmes saying, who is the next manager? It is finished. He

was very dignified all the way through so I am absolutely delighted

for him. Could have been different in this match, St Mirren could have

scored more and Ross County might have got something? If you look at

these clips, it shows you just how tight it is at the bottom, so

unpredictable but what a fantastic strike from Kenny McLean. It was

like Ronaldo. Spot on, that technique. Quinn, hitting the top of

that crossbar. That shows just how tight it is. And you predicted that

St Mirren would finish second bottom! Say that again! In terms of

St Mirren, they can finish as high up the table as others? There is not

much of the season left but they can relax and sometimes when you relax,

you play better. But I think they have had their best period this

season, they have timed things very well. I will be intrigued at their

next game. Who would be a Hibernian fan at this moment? So much talk but

the mental and straight defeats pointed to Hibernian finishing

second from the bottom. The side are floundering although they did manage

one goal in the Edinburgh derby. Partick Thistle the visitors at

Easter Road. Kris Doolan leading the way. Taylor on the bench. Brian

McLaughlin has the match. This'll first to strike in this battle to

avoid relegation play-off spot. Kris Doolan knocking the ball from --

knocking the ball from Williams, the rebound coming off his chest and

into the back of the net. Kris Doolan flirting with offside.

Despite the efforts from Stevenson, it ended up in the goal. Liam Craig,

their top goal-scorer, with nine, was unable to find his way past an

inspired Paul Gallacher. Much for Butcher to think about as Paul

Gallacher was one brilliant form. This effort from Michael Nelson

product this wonderful one-handed stop. The rebound from Jason

Cummings was knocked onto the post. Alex Harris hand across, Nelson once

again. Paul Gallacher, his right hand, onto the post before the

danger was cleared. Just before half-time, this terrific chance for

a second goal. Lyle Taylor on for the injured goal-scorer, feeding

Chris Erskine, his effort lacking penetration. The second half and a

booking for Michael Nelson would prove crucial. This challenge on

Taylor merited a yellow card from the referee. With ten minutes left,

Nelson again against Taylor, the striker fell to the ground and a

second yellow card for the defender... And a red card from the

referee. Few complaints from the Hibernian players. Craig tried his

luck again from the dead all situation.

luck again from the dead all spot on. Hibernian was ordered to

Richard number one, forcing Gallaher into action. Again, the former

Scotland player came out on top. Then the dramatic equaliser towards

90 minutes. Ryan McGivern given space before launching high into the

box, Collins having the better of Balotelli. Not known for his heading

ability, but this was a crucial goal for the youngster. He is a fantastic

ability, but this was a crucial goal when I see him because

ability, but this was a crucial goal Man of the Match when he plays us!

ability, but this was a crucial goal This is a valuable point

ability, but this was a crucial goal feels like defeat but we

ability, but this was a crucial goal the boys up and it is in their

ability, but this was a crucial goal Their efforts rewarded.

ability, but this was a crucial goal like they might be frustrated with

ability, but this was a crucial goal a string of fantastic saves. He is a

top goalkeeper. -- Partick Thistle. a string of fantastic saves. He is a

This isn't good career he has, great shot stopper, you can see this, ten

This isn't good career he has, great yards, maximum. You can get his

hands up quickly. And this is the best one, so quick to react. This

one from the free kick, classic. Great save. If he misses out, you

will say, what are you doing? All-round great performance from a

number of top class saves. Sam Stanton eventually getting the goal?

Deserved? Look at this first of all. All of that space that he has two

run into. With two minutes, they have done would every team does,

they go too far back. They go deep and they don't need to do that but

it is only human nature. They are holding on, desperate to get those

three points and their full-back. That is why the manager is saying,

get up there! They know that is a danger. And they punished for that

extra five yards, Gallaher would have got that. Bad news for Partick

Thistle but for Hibs, you can see the signs. Very good in this game.

They deserved one point at least. Let us look at the bottom half of

the Premiership table. St Mirren are safe. 14 is in the mix. -- teams.

Kilmarnock second from the bottom on 36 points. Let us look at the

fixtures midweek. This is a massive game on Tuesday night. Ross County

at home to Hibernian. If Hibernian win that one, they are safe. Huge

incentive for them. They have already won twice at Dingwall this

season. Huge incentive to get three points, something they have Naughton

urged too many times this year but this is a massive game. If they can

get that victory, they can get the beach towels and! Chance for Colmar

Nick Milligan. Have they got a better chance against the Saints? If

you had a choice, you would choose St Mirren because they are safe, you

don't want to fight teams that will rattle and fight all the way.

Sometimes it does not work that way, sometimes that relaxes them and they

play brilliant football. Should be interesting and we will have all of

the midweek action on the website. Hearts will be Kate the Premiership

but who will replace them? Dundee could have sealed the fate of

yesterday with victory over could have sealed the fate of

Dumbarton. The park was packed to the rafters and the home crowd on

their feet when Dundee were headed in front. And it gets even better

for the dark blues when Peter in front. And it gets even better

McDonald put them into the two that 0/2-time lead. 2-0. The Matt - on

the sidelines from Paul Hartley. And this massive invasion of the pitch.

Celebration time for Dundee football club, the champagne flowing. Dundee

back in the big time. It is all about us today, the City and the

club, the people who have invested in the club and I am absolutely

delighted for them. We have given them a great day, it has been too

long. Onwards and upwards. Huge congratulations, champions of the

Championship on 69 points. Hamilton on 67, despite that astonishing

victory over Morton yesterday. How good an addition will be -- will

they be to the Premiership? The manager at the start of his career,

this could be an exciting time. They are exciting, they may do quite

well. Motherwell needed eight goals in that astonishing victory. The

drama of the day, to get that swing and put pressure on Dundee. You

could sense that it was seeping through from the crowd, if they

conceded that goal, and the only have the draw, they would have

fallen into the play-off spot. It just adds to the home drama. On any

other weekend, first against second in the Premiership would be top link

for the spotlight is elsewhere. Celtic against Aberdeen turned out

to be something of a blog Oster. Commentary from Paul Mitchell. --

blockbuster. The same side was named that hit Inverness for six last

weekend. Aberdeen make one change from the side that drew with St

Johnstone last time. Barry Robson is in. Clark Robinson onto the bench.

That is a very long ball, not well dealt with. Kris Commons nipping in.

That was long from Mulberry. Antony Stokes could not get there. Kris

Commons did. Anti-dash-macro Adam Matthews. Back inside, that is a

very good turn. Great finish from Scott Brown! His first League goal

since January 2013. And he celebrates in style. Matthews with

the ball inside, dragged past Barry Robson, and the left foot shot

finding the corner. That was a little short, Niall McGinn! 1-1!

That was such a gifted goal. The ball came off Rooney. Played to

Matthews but this gift, the goalkeeper perhaps went to ground

too early. That little shimmy in the open goal. This

too early. That little shimmy in the Celtic. Wide to Adam Matthews. He is

advancing away from Niall McGinn. Scott Ryan! With the touch, into the

corner. He scored against Hearts in the Scottish Cup and he

corner. He scored against Hearts in goals today. The lead for Celtic is

restored one minute from the break. Scott Brown, cracking it into the

corner. Credit to Adam Matthews, that one, too. Scott Brown

corner. Credit to Adam Matthews, rest. Good passing play

Anthony Stokes. Drags the ball back, back to Antony Stokes. 3-1, Celtic!

Is 20th goal of the season. -- haze. -- his.

Is 20th goal of the season. -- haze. that more. Shaleum Logan. Still

inside, could be a chance for Shaleum Logan. That was a stunning

goal! And a stunning celebration also. His 16th appearance for

Aberdeen, this is one to treasure. Fraser Forster had no chance. Into

the bottom corner! Good game. Fraser Forster had no chance. Into

chap. Beautifully done. And what a good save from Jamie Langfield

chap. Beautifully done. And what a well. That chip was precise.

Continues running. He is making a great run. Here is

Continues running. He is making a against Efe Ambrose. Penalty? Not

given! He is beside himself! The referee says no. Well... Did the

A gentle little past to Collins. He looks like a penalty from here.

A gentle little past to Collins. He made a great run. Two touches and

the ball is in the back of the net. Celtic lead again by two goals.

It is off the post. It wasn't the hardest hit shot in the world that

it had all the accuracy needed. Celtic are unbeaten since their lead

to launch against Aberdeen. Good passing. Into the box it goes.

Collins celebrates in swinging style.

I am thrilled with the way we are playing. It is three, 65 we've

scored in the last few games. People had said we had taken our foot off

the pedal. It shows the professionalism of the players at

the minute. The penalty was a pivotal moment in the game. It was

an opportunity for us to equalise and from -- take full advantage. It

was a great match and Celtic are now 30 points clear of Aberdeen at the

top of the table. Michael, it could have been different at 3-2. Should

it have been a penalty? Ambrose gets himself far too flat.

He is too square on. That is a penalty.

I think there is a chance the defending... Doesn't get the ball in

time. It is one of those ones, he might have got there, he might not.

If it is maybe, the referee... It's definitely a penalty. Running out of

things to say about Chris Collins but he has 30 goals for the season.

He's been phenomenal. Wait for the space develop. There he is. That

He's been phenomenal. Wait for the where he loves picking the ball. He

doesn't need a lot of space. To me, a football field, everyone is trying

to stop the space developing. He is asking for it. Most guys will wait

for the ball but he is not. He is looking whether spaces again. For

me, he's got lots of talent. Look at that. That could have been in the

middle of any park in Scotland, he's got so much time. Usually cover. He

has had a great season. He's a great player. I think he's getting better

all the time. People think playing in that position is easy. It's not.

He has banged in 30 goals. He's an intelligent player. There's no

question who is player of the year. The place for second place is very

much alive. Motherwell is in the mix. Could they pick up three points

against St Johnstone? There have been for Motherwell

changes. -- four. Here is McFadden. No real power in

the end from James McFadden. It deceives everyone, including the

goalkeeper. Motherwell has the lead. We will give him the benefit of the

doubt. It is aimed is worth's 11th goal of the season.

St Johnstone are back level. The St Johnstone skipper and marks there.

That ball was floated in. The court between the Motherwell defenders.

Away from Sutton and beyond McManus. across the line. Motherwell in

front. The referee seems to be delaying somewhat. It was Anderson

who was on the line, trying to palm it away. The ball was definitely

over the line by that stage. His assistant referee is back towards

the halfway line. He believes it to be

Here is David Weatherspoon. He wasn't too far away with that

effort. A patient build-up from them. Weatherspoon curling it wide.

Gary Miller chipping that winning. This is Chris Miller. Gary Miller!

The Motherwell goalkeeper did well to get down to that one. A confident

save in the end. No way through for St Johnstone.

In the first half, we were excellent. We deserved to come in

ahead. In the second half, they put us under pressure. In the first

half, we probably didn't play as well as we could. We

half, we probably didn't play as back in the game.

half, we probably didn't play as well as we could first half. Second

half, we were probably the better team. Motherwell close the gap with

one point to... Are you convinced that did cross the line? Convinced

is a strong word. Not a bad save, it has to be said,

by Anderson. The best we can do, and I'm going to try and freeze it here

for you, look at Anderson's feed. Look how Bach -- how far back he is.

Almost certainly, the ball is in the net. At suspected official has got

it right. He certainly got that right. It should have been given as

a goal. And yet the referee books Steven Anderson after awarding the

goal. He doesn't get that part right. I don't understand that at

all. I can't for the life of me fathom out how you could book. The

ball is in the back of the net over the line of that is it. End of

story. Crazy. Aberdeen will finish second. They

are stumbling over that line. I think Motherwell... There's only one

point there but I think Aberdeen will on. Inverness Cali Thistle...

Cali Thistle are hoping to bounce back after a campaign last week at

Celtic Park. They made three changes. As for Dundee United, a bit

hot and cold of late but last weekend, they've been outstanding in

a five to one Rand... After recovering from flu, Watkins

waited no time in making United feel six. -- sick. This was headed home

by Ryan Christie. The former... The goal came on the seventh minute.

This player had scored twice last weekend to take his tally to 17 for

the season. But he was denied here by Dean. United will soon on their

way once again. This time, this player had the chance. Dean Brill to

the rescue. In the second-half, more the same. Quick, passing football

from Dundee United. Dean Brill this time denying his opponent.

Sometimes, when you are a striker, it's just not your day. Brian Graham

this time failing to hit the target. But United's persistence would pay

off, albeit in controversial circumstances.

off, albeit in controversial ball into the net. Cali Thistle

keeper, Dean Brill, appealed in vain that he had been impeded by the

striker in the build-up. We are quite happy we got a draw but

saying that, I still feel their equaliser was a free kick on Dean

Brill. He jumped into him to put him off. That's a free kick. We have

five or six with a good chances in the game. I don't think we played

anything like we can. We started the game quite flat. We had a good

response in the second half. Even goalkeepers... Dean Brill thought he

should have been given leave free kick. What did you think? They are

normally a protected species. When you see the replay is here, he jumps

into him. That's not what I'm seeing. The Inverness defender is

the guy who makes more contact with the goalkeeper. There is an argument

to be had that when we pause it just here, we see this player's hand

tickles his face. You want your goalkeeper to be stronger in the box

there. I don't think it was a serious challenge but there is an

argument, you could get if free kick for the hand in the face. I would

actually say I would have given no penalty at all. I voted three or

four times. The keeper has got to be stronger. The last time we watched

it, we slowed it down and he has got his hand in his face. The referee

has got it right. I'm confused. In the end, well done, referee. You can

see that the Inverness defender is the guy who makes the most contact

with the goalkeeper so I can totally understand why the goal was given.

Midweek fixtures in the top six. Let's look at them. They make for

pretty tasty viewing. Especially Tuesday night.

It should be a good game. It should be a cracking game. Dundee United

are a fantastic team to watch. Aberdeen have a lot to play for.

They need to get over that finishing line. At the moment, they are

stumbling there. It's a massive game for both teams. The Motherwell match

will be important as well. I must admit, if they both go and play

their best and put their best sides out there... They have bigger fish

to fry but I would like to see both teams going for this. This would be

the game of the season I would enjoy most. They've got different styles

but I love watching Dundee United. I'm not sure they will put best

August side out but in the end, Aberdeen could be the best team. The

premiership table tonight looks like this:

so much left to play for, especially at the bottom end of the table. If

final weekend lies in wait. For us, for now, good night.