11/11/2012 Sportscene

By a handful of teams went into this latest SPL weekend hoping they

would emerge from it as league leaders. In the company of the

Scottish international goalkeeper Andy Ross County captain. Paul

Andy Ross County captain. Paul Mitchell was at Celtic Park. It is

McLean. Wilson comes towards them. It is a bad patch. Maclean but sit

back. He chips the ball over but it back. He chips the ball over but it

is too close to the goalkeeper. St Johnstone. Hasselbaink. He should

have driven it on towards Johnston but he did not. He spotted the

chance there really well but the chance was wasted. In the end it

was very tame. Scott Brown. Kris Commons. Agreed ball end. That came

off his shoulder. He was trying to power it through with a header.

Kris Commons. Working his way free. Up and over the top. He scored in

both the matches against St Johnstone this season. It is a

decent effort. Celtic with the introduction of what are beginning

to move up a gear in this second half. -- Tony what. He has got a

chance and it is end. He scores in his third straight game for Celtic.

Music is played to celebrate. The ball was bundled over the line and

the keeper did not keep it out. St Johnstone pushing again. Handball,

David Robertson. It might fall to Dave Mackay. Not a bad effort. He

scored here last season. It was just wide on approach. Matthews is

finding space. He is looking for the striker. He is down and will

need some treatment. Mackay is strong here with a header. It comes

on to Mulgrew. Tony what has just come on. He was waved on to the

field of play. It looks like the referee expected this pass. Nothing

more came of it but a corner. Steve Lomas is unhappy about what

happened. If he continues his protest he will get sent to the

stand. He is off! That was outside the box. The referee says corner.

They wanted a penalty. Ambrose made contact just outside the box, I

think. Strong play here. Miller. My caddie. Guided on and headed away.

Here is a chance. The rate saved by the goalkeeper. Up and over the top.

Fraser a deflected the target. He had very little to do this

afternoon. He threw an arm up. Great reaction save. Samaras has

turned his back on this, there could be trouble. The TEC has been

taken very quickly. Up to Mackay. Maclean, nodded on. Down to

Hasselbaink! There is the equaliser for St Johnstone. That is a great

turn and finish. Foster with no chance and the persistence has paid

off. The 4th of the season for Nigel Hasselbaink. Samaras trying

to go in there. On to Mulgrew. There is some space. The shot is up

and over the top of the crossbar of Mick Mannus. I think it is fair to

say that was always going to be a It was going to be tough to get a

result after that match with Barcelona. What should not be lost

in that, even with Celtic not firing on all cylinders, St

Johnstone did very well. Yes, to go to Celtic Park and get a result is

a credit to them. Steve Lomas watched some of the game from the

stand. This is what troubled him. We seek Tony what being injured

there and he was taken off. Then the player was allowed back on.

Just before this, he was allowed back on the pitch and then was

immediately involved in a Celtic attack. That is clearly what fired

up Steve Lomas. I think his language not what the best -- was

not the best. It is a difficult one for the referee. You can understand

why the manager is angry at that, it sets up an attack and perhaps

his language got him in trouble but you can understand that the referee

is a little bit unlucky the year. Per haps he should have been a

little bit more angry about this. When we look back at the penalty

claim. In the end a corner kick was given which may not have been quite

right, perhaps a bit of a fudge. Should this have been a penalty?

is tough. He is maybe just inside the box. To it is difficult for the

referee, the angle he was that, he would have had to be right on the

line to know. I have warned you about sympathising with the

officials! Now what about when St Johnstone did score? When it came

into the box it was a good first touch. Nigel Hasselbaink had a

really sharp touch -- sharp turn and I hit. It was a fantastic

finish for him. He did not give the keeper a chance. I think it was

just before this, the corner that came after that which led to be

goal eventually. There was nothing the keeper could do about that. He

is having a fantastic time at the moment but no chance with that one.

You perhaps owe them one? They are I did side. They were reduced to 10

men in the game against ourselves. It was a credit to them that they

managed to plug away. I think it was in the 85th minute. They

continued their run and I think they won another few games after

that. It is a tough game but one I am looking forward to. Ross County

against St Johnstone next Saturday. at Dundee United. In common with

Brown's around Scotland at the weekend there was a one-minute

silence for Remembrance Day. Commentary on Hibernian verses

Commentary on Hibernian verses Dundee United from Lee MacLeod.

They will continue their run at the top of the table. There is Leigh

Griffiths and that is 1-0. The finish of a man en forme. Leigh

Griffiths scores his 12th goal of the season. What a season it has

been for him. The ball in from Doyle was exquisite, as was the

finish. Griffiths smacking the ball past the keeper as the look to go

top of the league. Russell. Dundee United. This man is getting back

into a bit of form in the last few weeks. That was some run from

Russell. A painted by the mid Devon. -- Up ended by mid Devon. --

McGivern. He sliced it. Leigh Griffiths will take the free-kick.

That is not bad either! Doyle first, then the skipper was so close to it.

Kearney. What about that? Billion from Kearney. Doyle! 2-0. Another

superb goal from Hibernian. They are on the march here. Owen Doyle

West and a great finish. After some magnificent work from Paul Kearney.

Dundee United have so far had no answer to Hibernian. That is an up

and under that Hanlan is trying to deal with. He is under pressure

from Russell. We carry, Steven, and it is 2-1. Hibernian cutting their

own throats here. Williams took a horrible touch on the ball. Stephen

who was on in the first half as a substitute for Mark Millar curls it

home. It was just about an empty net. Williams could not cover the

ground. Rudi Skacel of Hearts fame. Again, Dundee United trying to

press this Hibernian defence. What's in this time heading well

over. Flood. Skacel. He finds the net but the flag is up. I tell you

what, that looks on side. Hibernian are out of jail. Skacel. The width

of the crossbar keeps that at 2-1. Dundee United can consider

themselves unlucky to still be behind in this game. Skacel

grappling at the crossbar. Still, the tangerine its press for a

leveller. That was close! Williams made this looks like an easy save.

It was straight at them. Pat Fenlon knows he is very close to another

victory. Hibernian are unbeaten at home this season. Clerk in for

delay. Skacel. It is not going to happen for the Hearts legend.

Hearts of two Hibernian, Ross County are one of the few teams

they have beaten this season. have had a great start today season.

The have won very few games. With the oil and Griffiths up front you

weaker side as well. He has hit that perfectly in. The goalkeeper

had no chance. News he has been drafted into the Scotland squad.

This guy is an unsung hero, but you know him from his back and the day.

He has got bags of tricks. Takes nothing away from the finish, a

great finish from Doyle. You did wonder if it was written in the

script that Rudi scratch on would come off the bench. Pretty close.

He when you see it again, he is onside. That is a difficult one -

when two players are going in the opposite direction, and when the

ball arrives, it looks certain that it is offside. But when you freeze

it, it is level. The Hibs fans were not too pleased to see Hempel stop

lots of Boeing. He was and often a bit of everything. He has got a

quality about him, and always seems to be in the right place at the

right time. That is a tremendous piece of skill. Here again, just

staying out of the box, and managed to get the ball laid off. Once it

drops on the left foot, not the maist -- most-favoured person

around Easter Road, quite bad memories from last season. I don't

not think those numbers went down too well. This weekend, Aberdeen

here in Paisley. In recent times, one win in the last nine. What they

finished! Just battered this past Craig Samson. Good play by

McGuinness. And there was whose... They don't look it, but the

Aberdeen bench will be happy. It was Steven Thompson's header. Not

going well for Danny Lennon. Parkin was up, McGuinness put it clear.

Chris Clark, Hayes. Brian Fraser. Young Player of the Month for

Fraser is on the film of his life right now. Really good finish from

Niall McGinn. Right on the line. Jamie Lang field is calm. He has

got crunching into Ryan Fraser. The bolt was one, and he has taken a

heck of a lot. You can see what the Aberdeen skipper makes of the

challenge. It has left Fraser in a bit of distress on the St Mirren

Park turf. Saints running out of time. Have not played especially

badly, but defensively, they have not been great this season. And

that is Jamie Lang field, with a save. Tried to give St Mirren a

three points. It is cut! 3-0. The boos rang out, but Aberdeen are as

convincing a way from home as they have been in a long time. Chris

icing on the cake for Aberdeen. Mark Reynolds come forward... And

suddenly, it is a 4-0 again! Aberdeen are rampant. Jubilation in

the always stands. Mark Reynolds would the third goal. And then a

big break. It will be a fifth straight SPL defeat for them. They

have wreaked havoc in Paisley, they have got their defence. And it is

just consolation. St Mirren's defensive or wars continue. Ross

County beat Aberdeen last weekend, but Craig Brown's team looked like

his side competing for the European place. Yes, if they keep their

players injury-free. One thing you a guaranteed his goals. Young at

Ryan Fraser is a major talent, isn't he? But he seems to be

targeted pretty regularly. I think he is lucky. It is dangerous, high.

I do not doubt he is going for the ball. He possibly get a little

touch and it there, just before he gets the player. It is a hard

challenge, and fortunate to get away with that. A strange decision.

A red card. As Craig mentions, it is endanger in the player, and you

do not want to see tackles like that. For me, I think that is a red

card. Mark Machin isn't a -- an amazing goalscorer, isn't he?

a fantastic run of form at the moment. I think he was a big loss

at the start of the season. He got injured after the second or third

league game. He came back to fitness and on fighting form.

a player that feels he did not get enough chances at Celtic, and was

to show everybody what you can do. Yes, and that is exactly what you

want from your striker. He can do other things as well. He can score

all types of goals. A few headers in there as well. They have lost

five on the bounce now. They are now just four above Dundee. Should

they be concerned? Not at all. Still early days. To lose five is

getting stuck a rut, maybe, but the players and a great start to this

season. They have got good experience. I am sure be just

needed a result. To it probably sums up Kilmarnock's season that

travellers recently - their last away win came in August. First,

prole Heffernan tested these -- up. And the visitors had their keep

her defying again, as Nelson's header looked to be when it on its

there his team while at the other end, Bell had not been tested. Bell

must have thought he was called upon. Quinn perhaps should have

you were of a Michael Fraser. The Ross County keeper was called into

action again. Sheridan's low shot hit our well. It was shaping up to

be a busy afternoon for Fraser. Sheridan's balloon and Paul

Heffernan's stretching effort kept a free kick. And finally, a

breakthrough for Heffernan. He has been hit hard by injuries, and

quite a way to Marjo return. Kilmarnock were on the attack again,

and just watch this from Gary Harkins. No wonder he enjoyed it -

he was also back in the starting 11, and what is strike! Kilmarnock were

not done it there, and ended up quite an afternoon for Heffernan.

It was not dealt with, but was a finish for the striker. He will be

hoping that is his injury problems behind him, as well Kilmarnock, as

they bounced back from defeat last weekend.

Heaven and looks likely natural- born goalscorer, doesn't he? Yes,

and to come back and start scoring goals. To come back and get a

couple of goals in your first game back, a great time. Also his team-

mates as well - they know what he is capable of. Last season, you got

15 goals. He is one of these guys that is not too bothered about how

they going, as long as they do. Sign of a good striker. As long as

he hits the back of the Met, it still means the same thing. There

was... At that point, you're not thinking he would stick in the top

corner. No, he still had a lot to do. Just does not do any better

than that. Right in the corner. The keeper was never saving that.

just wonder if it was as good as this one from a little while ago.

Delighted to school that one! One I sized that up, and I looked at the

keeper - he is big. He lost yesterday, but you are three good

performances prior to that, on the back of three straight defeats.

People were thinking, I wonder if Ross County will cope with the SPL.

The boys were fantastic. After three result, they were Clowry back

the criticism. A credit to the boys we got. Them we beat Aberdeen as

well at home. A credit to ourselves. A good start for us. Do you feel as

if you have a foothold in the SPL? We have had a solid start. The

players we have them our squad have all played in the Premier League.

Good experience at this level. They saw it start. I have been up to a

few games and the locals are loving it. They certainly are - I look

forward to the derbies this year. Just need to keep it going. Are a

refreshing addition, Craig, to the SPL, Ross County? Yes, they're

quite comfortable now. I watched the game that Tynecastle, and

looked as if they would see that game out. Might have a few more

points than at the moment. They have conceded a few late goals, and

if they can cut that out, they can make a big leap up the table.

were talking Kilmarnock as well, we He is fantastic. He does a lot of

work that goes unnoticed in the game as well. It would be -- it is

fantastic he has been called into the Scotland squad. Highlights of

the Motherwell match with Jonathan There is an chance here. A slight

tug perhaps. Certainly that is what Millman was seeing to the referee.

A real chance. Maybe the slightest of touches. This man has got good

pace. He has had an exciting game so far. That ball went straight at

the Rab Douglas. If the ball had gone either side of the former

Scotland keeper they may well be 1- 0 up. What can Tom Hateley deliver

here? Gary Irvine, spectacular. On that occasion they it was

spectacular. Brandon de create something? Jim McAllister goes

inside. -- can Dundee T eight something? -- 28. Tom Daley does

not get the ball. Reilly gets the ball. It is done geek who take the

lead against the run of play. -- then D. The ball bounced off

Heatley. Riley gathered and when he took his chance, he took it

brilliantly. I'm really good finish to beat a Randolph. Motherwell

desperately trying to find some sort of response after going behind.

Tommy Hateley with the ball in the box. He should have done better.

The ball coming to the feet of Ma FE. It seemed to get almost stuck

beneath him. The Motherwell fans are a bit flat after their

opponents taking the lead. He then! And it is 1-0. -- he didn't. Right

on the stroke of half-time Motherwell find their equaliser.

That changes the complexion of this game. It will probably change the

team talk from Stuart McCall at have time! Heatley into the box. It

is almost then! It is safe to say that was probably intended as

across. It got more than Rab Douglas by surprise! A chance! It

had to be tipped over the bar by Randolph the. That was a slight

deflection off of Nicky Law. I greet the save from Randolph. It

will be a valuable point for its been dead if they can hold on to

this. A deflection. It is India. It is 2-1, or is it? The linesman has

his flag up. It is off side. How tight was it? Good reactions from

the striker. Right at the death, can Motherwell find that

breakthrough? It is just worried! It would not cuddle into the bottom

corner. Is that the last chance here for Motherwell to take all the

Motherwell are still four points behind at the bottom. Four points

out of the last six will probably make them feel better? I think so.

Four points away from the bottom is not a lot at this time of the

season. They have a good squad of players. They have got Nicky Riley

back and if they keep them fit I am sure they will get results. Are you

surprised that Motherwell have only won one in seven having started

well? They looked like they might be the team after last season who

would be pushing to get to Celtic to try and win the championship, on

at least get closer to Celtic. Their recent form has brought them

back into the pack again. They have still got the same players who

performed well for them at the end of last season. They still have

time to turn it around and get back up to that second spot again.

Michael Higdon was denied a goal. It was a tough call, wasn't it?

Without a doubt. As you can see here, it was very, very tight. He

was maybe half a body of. It was very tight and credit again to the

officials for getting it right. fit was not for that Motherwell

might have been off and running again. We looked at that several

times tonight and decided it was just off side. It would have taken

something like that to just kick- start Motherwell and maybe put them

on a good run again. Let's see how it went for Hearts on dead pitch

then it goes. The ball was cleared then it goes. The ball was cleared

nicely. A good cross end. The goalkeeper favourite to get there.

Here is Andrew shinny. Doran is on the outside. The striker continues.

He tries to work be one/2. Tudor Jones picks up, he is going for the

strike, that is a terrific goal. It is his first four Caley Thistle. It

was a hammer or of a shot, Owain Tudur Jones. It gets better with

every viewing! The ball breaks for Billy McKay. He gets pulled back.

Richie Foran! Saved by Jamie McDonald. Another good save from

the Hearts goalkeeper. He has to be careful not to concede a penalty.

Battling in midfield. Doran. He Chenies inside. His chance for two

balls. Driven against the goalkeeper. Owen Tudor Jones. Of

Saeed was Andrew shinny. Cracked it in again. Terry Butcher once more

from his team now. David MacGowan on to Andrew driver. The cutback,

the shot from Stephenson pushed down. Penalty! Owen Tudor Jones,

the man who scored four Caley Thistle has conceded a spot kick.

He was rather unlucky in the challenge. He went for the ball but

he hit the man. 1-1. And after a rotten week for haugh Sir. McCamley

taking penalty by the captain. -- a rotten week for a Hearts. 10

matches unbeaten despite the late equaliser. Are you allowed to say

anything complimentary about your have been on this run for so long

have been on this run for so long and they have continued with it.

Hopefully be great atmosphere can be continued at our place. I feel

like I am listing the entire Scotland squad for Luxembourg but

we saw another young man in that match. I do not think he has been

took another Scotland camp yet. He deserves it. He is India on merit

and if he can get a cap it will be a great thing for Inverness, the

club and the town as a whole. Tudor Jones conceding a penalty and

scoring a belter of a goal. He took a great first touch and then just

slices it. Poots his foot right through the ball. The keeper does

not have a chance of saving that. He was caught out with the penalty,

he was just trying to lump that down the pitch, wasn't he? He S. I

think everyone accepted it was a penalty. He did not see the player

coming, he just wanted to clear the danger. It is a penalty. Hearts

possibly deserved it for their second half showing. They probably

deserved a point. How do you feel about what is happening to you all

team at the moment? The financial problems they are facing? It is a

horrible situation at the moment, �450,000 they have to raise by

Thursday and another 4.5 by the 21st, it is a lot of money to try

to find from nowhere really and I know the fans will stand up and be

counted now. They are a good bunch of fans and I will know they will

get together and do their best. Appear of your old goalie gloves

are being auctioned off in Edinburgh today but is it fear that

the fans have to see their club, surely it all comes down to bad

management? Yes, but the fans love their football. For that to be

missing from Scottish football would be an real shame. The fans

will come good. It is disappointing that it has had to come to this but

there is no other choice. For people who love Hearts, they will

come out and tried to do their best for the club that the Louth -- the

love. When you think back to October 2005 when Hearts were at

the top of the table and now here it has gone now, has a Oman will

just lost interest in the club? do not know, he has not been seen

for many months at the club. I do not know if that is the case or not.

Looking back at that table, they had really good teams at that stage.

That is perhaps what has happened to football all over Scotland, but

the financial restrictions that have been put in place in all the

clubs, not just in Scotland, it has put paid to some clubs, just like

Grainger's, hopefully we will not have too many more. Hibernian are

two points ahead of Celtic. Inverness, some Johnstone are on 19.