31/12/2016 Sportscene

Good afternoon and welcome to the last Results Show

of the year, the jewel in the crown of the BBC's Hogmanay schedule -

We'll usher 2016 gently toward the exit with scores,

Helping see the old year out this derby day with Old Firm old boys

Pat Bonner and Craig Paterson, and Old Faithfull Tom English

of the BBC, as well as our men and women out and about

Things are a wee bit different today because most of the matches have

already been played, just a couple still afoot.

So we'll start with a look at the results and latest scores.

Here it comes. Hearts, nil, Aberdeen, one.

That match played last night. Those all confirmed results. The one match

being played, Ross County, who 2, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, one.

In the up on the matches under way. We

start with the Premiership, the Highland Derby, Ross County against

Inverness. The timing is impeccable. Ross

County netted a third. Martin Woods breaking into the box. Drove it into

the corner and found the net. In the championship and over to

Paisley, where St Mirren are at home to mort earn. Here is Kenny

Crawford. After 57 minutes, the difference

between the teams so far, has been Gary McKenzie's headed goal. But

don't rule out high-flying Morton just yet.

Thank you very much, Kenny. Right on to the big Glasgow Derby. Rangers

versus Celtic at Ibrox. Even the kick off time

? 12:15 on Hogmanay - Celtic, celebrating their third

Old Firm win of the season, They had to come from

a goal behind at Ibrox. Kenny Miller with the first goal

of the game 12 minutes in. Moussa Dembele equalising 12 minutes

from half time, his fifth With an unmarked Scott Sinclair

getting the winner from an Armstrong cross -

Celtic now 19 points clear of Rangers at the top

of the league with a game in hand going into the Premiership's

winter break. Well, against, what do we make of

that? Pat, you first. 20 years at Celtic. You were pleased with that

today? Well, it was a terrific game, wasn't it? We really, really saw a

good game. Rangers started off well. The first half an hour I was

impressed with them. They pressed away. I thought that they would

press Celtic. Coming out three up front. The wing backs through the

back. They got Celtic under pressure. Celtic were unable to

control the game. They got the goal, Rangers, that was important to the

game. But then the reaction of Celtic when they got their goal was

terrific. Whatever Brendan said to them, they came out flying in the

second half and created about nine chances in the second half. All good

chances. It was a game that is still alive right up to the end.

Definitely. The toughest, most #45rd-fought win Celtic have had

over Rangers this season? I think so. But it was going to be that way,

Rangers in front of their home crowd. They did to a point do

something but they were blown away a little. They had big chances in the

second half and should have scored with Kenny Miller.

Craig, 130-odd appearances, what is your take on the events? Rangers in

progress, and we saw progress. Coming out of the traps, Barry McKay

leading the way. They were pushing Celtic back,

forcing Celtic to defend. Celtic's big players were struggling to get

involved. Everything looked comfortable, then they gave away a

bad goal. Scot Sinclair hits the post, scrambles for a corner,

Dembele is on his own. He take as great touch and smashes the ball

into the back of the net and Celtic are a different team. Armstrong is

on the ball. Everybody is on the ball. They are all getting on the

ball. Taking that to the second half. Rangers had two or three good

chance but #1e89ic had half a dozen. The better team won. The reiningers

fans are looking at it, saying they enjoyed the first 30 minute but

fellway. There is a gap between the sides. The question is will the

clubs be big markets when the tramp window opens in January? Tommy never

played for either club. You can shine the light of neutrality on the

events today. I thought it was an excellent game.

An old firm game, I don't remember a game that I enjoyed so much. Like

the lads, I thought that Rangers were excellent for the first 30

minutes and the game switched. Were you surprised? I was a little.

The attitude was excellent. The intensity was excellent. No regard

for who was at the top of the table. They got the goal, they deserved it.

They could have got a second goal but Celtic's quality and ranger's

vulnerability in defence came out. Kiernan is not good in defence. We

are talking about the defence, not breaching the gap, they will not

breach it with the likes of Kiernan. There was a problem in the second

half. Opened up time and time again. When you are open you can leave

yourself short on the back. There was a lot of chances, a lot of

saves. Dembele, what an effort, down and off the bar. But Rangers could

not cope in the second half. Whatever was said, they came out,

struggled defensively, and maybe with the impetus that Celtic had but

struggled defensively, and maybe they suddenly had another winger

with Sinclair, maybe they could have changed it to a back four but they

should have bought time in the second half. It looked like there

could be something created. But that was the difference there.

There is a Gulf there, we can see it. But Rangers are a better team

now than in the 5-1 or the 1-0. They were under the cosh. I suspect that

a number of months ago, with all of the chances that Celtic had in the

second half that Rangers would have folded but they didn't. They were

getting a drubbing but they were still in the match.

They were always in the match. And then the goalkeeper, he was

impressive. Five really good saves. Mark Waugh Burton said don't judge

me on season on performances against Celtic but if we were judging him on

today's evidence, the verdict would not be one he would read hearing?

Most teams get crumbs of comfort when they play Celtic, the crumbs

that they had today was that never gave up, they put it up to #1e89ic

but could not close the deal. No points but a little bit of feel good

in that they turned up. They did not turn up in the 5-1, and were

outclassed in the 1-0. But it was in front of the home

crowd. If you can't perform, then wow. But there was an improvement in

Rangers Celtic have many good players.

Do we read into the buying of players? There will be one or two

quality players brought in but spending the money properly and

adding to the group of players. But they need one or two in key

positions. Whoop Look at Dembele and Sinclair, the new signings, they see

a guy who can get a player and bring him into the team and the player has

an impact. I like the Celtic manager, I see him not only picking

good players but revitalising the old players. Lee Griffiths on the

bench, that is a luxury. Since he has come, he has impressed.

Tactically he gets it right. It was interesting although

Griffiths did not play in the game. He was on the television celebrating

the goals. This is a team squad player. It reflects the overall

togetherness of this Celtic team under Rogers.

From the Glasgow Derby to the Highland one.

Up dates on the events there. It is Ross count county, three,

Inverness one. Andrew Davis flicked a corner, a goal returned to the

back post. And then the ball glanced home and in off the bar. You worried

for Inverness but they responded with Dorran and levelled after a

period of pressure. Marco found a corner with a header.

County roared back, and after Martin Woods' drive, the ball was wide, it

went in via the slightest touch of Josh meekiness. There should have

been a third but a third arrived by Alex Schalt, bursting into the box.

Inverness are up against it and looking like remaining at the foot

of the table. looking like remaining at the foot

Time to talk with Kenny Crawford watching St Mirren. Kenny,

predicting a comeback from the tale of the Bankies? Not sure now it is

St Mirren 1, Morton nil. St Mirren have the lead thanks to Gary

McKensee's goal. From the corner which #34k kensie rose and headered

into the bottom right-hand corner. A precious goal for the side seven

points adrift. On 59 minutes, Morton down to ten

men. A red card for Jamie McDonner from the referee. A tangle with

Quinn. They fell to the ground and there was a foot at the face of

Quinn. The referee had no hesitation but to show a red card. So 25

minutes to go it is St Mirren, one, Morton, nil.

And Craig, two goals for Boyce? He is important to Ross County. Scoring

half of their league goals. They have lost the last couple to give

them a goal there. The second goal I'm not so sure. But, with him in

the team, Ross County are definitely top six material. Without him they

go to the pack with the rest of the team. They need to keep him fit.

Not looking good for the end of year celebrations in Inverness? They are

right down there. Nobody has been taled off yet in this. The next

couple of games, that's when Inverness could get taled off a

little. They need a win now to keep in the pack otherwise it becomes

very difficult. And the confidence is down. A wee break now. When they

come back fresh, they will be back and will probably be parking

everything and trying like the start of a new league.

It shows you if there are no wins in ten if they lose this match. It is

three points from 30, yet probably only one point off the bottom. Now

that shows you, again, talking about crumbs of comfort, that is that for

Inverness but it shows that the bottom of the league it is cut

throat. Also prim and poor! Exciting also! Well, Partick Thistle drew but

jumped up after some good runs. Well, the bottom of the championship

and St Mirren could be on course for a vital win. That would be the third

in four matches? It would be important for them. They had a

horrible start. Jack Ross takes over. A defeat last week. If they

are hit by a win today, the problem for the Duffy side is that unbeaten

at home, that would be the fifth away. They have to be on right side

of that. So the matches are one of the host of Hogmanay

The home side, Hamilton, starting the day next to bottom

in the league against local rivals Motherwell who before

John Barnes has the lowdown from Lanarkhsire.

Hamilton's run of matches without a win moves on to 11 games.

The visitors had the best of the early play with Gary Woods making a

save to deny McDonald the opener in. But after 27 minutes Lee Lucas was

sent off for a challenge. After the interval, Daco claimed his sixth

goal of the season to put the Accies in front. A goal line clearance from

McManus, prevented Crawford adding a second. But then Louis Moult scored

his sixth goal in four games to equalise for Motherwell to ensure

that the Lanarkshire Derby ended all square.

Our next derby day destination is Dens.

Dundee were ninth this morning, St Johnstone were fifth ahead

of their lunchtime match - how did they fare?

Brian McLauchlin tells this Tayside tale.

It finished Dundee, three, St Johnstone, nil, in front of a crowd

of 6492. The home fans entering the New Year with smiles on their faces.

The opening goal after a near cross. St Johnstone hit the crossbar from

25 yards, the second goal came before half-time, with a Volley high

into the roof of the net. The killer goal before the hour mark, good work

by Marco O'Hara in mid-field. The cross met by the Saints captain, who

deflected the ball into 9 back of his own net to finish with a score

line at Dens Park of Dundee, three, St Johnstone, nil.

And now, With two wins on the spin,

Partick Thistle broke into the top At home to Kilmarnock,

Alasdair Lamont was An uneventful match here. Partick

Thistle the better side for the most part but they could not turn it into

goals. On both occasions where there were

goals. chances, they were denied by the

assistance off side flag. Kilmarnock could have gone home with three

points, the ball was scoped over the bar from close long-range and a long

range shot from Stevie Smith but there was share of the spoils.

Nil-nil. Against, I will ask you each a

question on one of the games. Craig, since you played for Motherwell and

Hamilton. I come to you on that one. McGee looking delighted there.

Yep, one nil down, you take that after going ten men down. They have

to follow up with a hard-earned point. For the Accies it is 11 games

without a win. This year they are 11. Last year a year of one run in

15. They always have this section of the season where the wheels fall off

but they tend to finish strongly, but need a result soon.

Paul? Dundee is at home, OK but three goals and up against St

Johnstone, who are going well. So I think that is a result of the day.

You can imagine where Dundee was a couple of months ago when people

were talking about Hartley getting the sack. Now, they have started to

turn it around. Playing three at the back, the good

organisation about them and scoring goals. Huge confidence.

Paul, you get the goaless one? The short straw, thank you, chaps.

Partick Thistle, I'm surprised. They have been flying. They won the last

two. They were really good in a 1-0 to Celtic before that. They should

have beaten Hearts. They were all over Hearts and should have won it.

So to draw here, it has taken me by surprise.

It's a great point for them but Inverness Caledonian Thistle have

finished in really good spirits. It looks it hey not be enough points

to keep them at the top? But they are in the right direction. They

have traction. They are moving forward, scoring goals, OK, 0-0

today but an improving side. And your game, Motherwell, Hamilton,

the young McCue. He is back. He set up the goal

today. He had a horrific injury at the start of the year, it took a

while. I'm delighted to see him back.

Into the Championship, just one match still underway St Mirren

at home to their local rivals Morton.

The other four fixtures all done and dusted, let's find out

Falkirk versus Hibs was first to finish.

So let's find out what happened at the Falkirk stadium

Hibs had to per sear what could be a priceless victory. The winning goal

with three minutes remaining. There had been little between the two

sides in the contest. Falkirk broke the deadlock. Converting from close

range for the second attempt but the home side lead lasted only a few

minutes. Hibs had to battle hard for the victory to restore momentum to

their pursuit of the championship title.

A dozen games unbeaten in the Championship helped

Dundee United to the top of the Championship: They were away

to part timers Dumbarton today; worth noting that the Sons had

already beaten United at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium -

from where Jonathan Sutherland reports.

1-0 and Dundee United relinquish their lead at the top of the

championship. Here in terrible conditions. Strangely a repeat of

the score line between the sides in August. And the same goalscorer,

Mark Docherty. And the blustery conditions helped it. A cross from

the left-hand side. But it evaded everyone in the box and the wind

helped to whip the ball into the net to give Dumbarton a lead. United

struggled to get going. Simon Murray ruled out for off side. In the

second half United tried harder to get the equaliser that they needed.

Substitute Smith had a deflected shot on the roof of the net. And

then stoppage time. Donaldson hitting the post with a header. But

not their day. A hugely important three points for the home side. A

horrible Hogmanay for United. Next up, a top of the table clash with

Hibs on Friday. Next up is an update from the Ross

County versus Inverness Derby in the Highlands. A goal? It is Inverness

three, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, two. Inverness hit a shot. It was

saved but then substitute Fisher managed to poke it in and Inverness

are back in the game. On to a Championship match involving

two teams desperate for a win; Queen of the South who hadn't had one

since September, and Ayr United It is 0-0. Queen's fast rest out of

the traps. As the first half progressed, the

visitors looked good for the goal. Half-time approached and Dobie

passed up an opportunity for the homeside, Dobie, Jordan and marshal

all with chances. Lyle had incompetent ball over the net twice

but the flag was up for off side. A free kick, it almost sneaked in

off the back post but nobody found the net.

0-0. Now, the Queen of the south

championship. Change at the top? A Goodwin. A big surprise, Dundee

United losing for the first time since September, I think.

They did lose to Dumbarton. 1-0, I didn't see that coming. They

hit the post later on. But a boost for Hibs. They will go nip and tuck

until the end of the season. At the moment Hibs are in front. It was

interesting to see, a goal for Chris Commons and an assist for Chris

Commons. I don't think he is 100% fit but he is having an impact.

He is there until the end of the year? The 15th of January was the

sign-off. But he enjoys playing. Is there a point to go back to Celtic

to play in the U21 s? He is a player.

Yes, and the 6th of January, a fantastic game. Looking forward to

Yes, and the 6th of January, a that one. The two teams fighting it

Yes, and the 6th of January, a out. Real competition. I didn't

think that Dundee United would be challenging that much this year. So

they have done well after this season. A lot of change there. They

could struggle but look at where they are. A fantastic be job. That

can go either way. Let's find out how it is going St

Mort morn against Morton. There is 80 minutes on the top it is

St Mirren, one, Morton nil, thanks to Gary McKenzie's heard. Morton

flying with pressure. An effort just wide from a corner.

Tomas O'Ware has scored nine goals in the past year. He was close

there. A good attendance in Paisley, 4092 souls braved the wind and the

rain. 1362 are Morton fans but they tonight have anything to cheer about

The last round of Premiership matches of 2016 kicked off last

night when Hearts played Aberdeen at Tynecastle.

Hearts hoping to build on their midweek thrashing

of Kilmarnock, Aberdeen hoping to get their third league

There was just the one goal in it, and here it is:

Craig no surprise who popped up with this one? John I Hayes is going

well. Watch him. He comes to the front of the box. Darting from the

edge to the back post. That was clever. Right in the box. A good

cross from McGinnin. I watched the game last night. When you go to

Tynecastle, you expect to be under pressure. That Hearts will give a

tough game. That was not the case last night. I thought Aberdeen

dominated for a long period. And just two wins for them against

Tynecastle in the last decade? And they were not playing anything be

Tynecastle in the last decade? And like their best. That was a big win.

It was not a reflection of the dominance in their match. They were

on top for the vast majority of the game. For Hearts it is troubling

times. It was said after that they didn't

have the required amount of physicality.

We can hear from the man himself now. Both spoke to our man at the

match. Initially we probably last the fight

to make the game we wanted it to be. It was difficult for us to get

started. You know, the game became closer to what Aberdeen wanted. And

in those moments, although it was difficult and there was a bit of

suffering and stress in there, I think that the players showed good

fight and spirit to keep getting through that, that we managed to do

up until half-time. Whether it should have been 0-0 it is a valid

question but we fought through it. That is a quality. To come here, the

away team, the Tynecastle atmosphere, when the Hearts team go

off to boos at half-time, you think that is a part of the job done, we

have to crank it up. But a good link up play between Kenny and Niall and

thankfully it was Johnny that managed to do it. No doubt from me,

we were the better team. I thought we were accomplished and tidy.

Making good decisions. That went to play. And recognising the strengths

of the Hearts team. That is the happiest I have heard

him sounding. And no wonder, three wins on the trot? When they are

good, they are very, very good. It is puzzling with them not having

Rooney in the team. But having Adam Rooney, Nile McGinn and Johnny

Hayes, we were puzzled when they have not played. He has tried others

and it has not worked. have not played. He has tried others

Aberdeen's season started in May it was a long, hard season.

He is trying to manage the squad but if those three are playing well,

they are a real force. They have the wins, they will want to build on

that. They will feature going ahead. Two points behind Rangers but with a

game in hand is it down to a race between those two? It looks like it.

I think that they need time but when you hear him saying there is a lack

of fight in the team... Only in the first 10 minutes.

But that is not the case. Hearts have built their success on a

physicality, a high octane intensity. Without it they are

vulnerable. I have seen them playing against

Partick Thistle. That cliche that they used to win

the battle first. Go out and win the bat the, the rest will take care of

itself. Maybe in the modern language they say you have to control the

game but you have to work to control the game. Then you can play. Nowhere

near it last night did they control the game at any point And of course

missing the principle goalscorer. But also last night, they were

playing with one up front. But so many people away from them. No

support up to the big boy, Johannsson up front that is not

hard. Playing against Hearts there are two or three bodies in the box.

Look at Aberdeen's goal, bursting to get into the box. That did not

happen with Hearts. He played in the middle of the pitch against Novak,

kitschin but he has not the legs to get up there. The break, gives Kath

row a time to get his ideas across to Hearts. He will need it. The next

two fixtures are Celtic and Rangers away and at home.

He has had five games. Has he had time to put his mark on the side? He

will want to change things, bring in other players. He must turn it

around. Hearts were genuine contenders for second place but they

are falling back. St Johnstone barring them today. They are getting

close. There could have been a cash cow for

Hearts on the transfer window? A big move there, it coulding on ice? It

is a big blow to lose that. But give Ian Catterick a chance to establish

himself. A young manager coming into the team, coming in the middle of a

season, it is difficult. Now he has team to settle in. Bring in players,

Craig Levine doing the job alongside him. And the Hearts fans have to cut

him slack. Vp He was booed off. Booed off against Inverness

Caledonian Thistle as well. They have to calm down. Give him a

chance to work with these players, maybe bring in a couple in January.

Rogers when he came to Celtic, he said that the fans had to be

patient. But he is Rogers. For this man to say it? The football fans are

not known for patience. I can understand why some Hearts fans are

getting jumpy as the results have not been good.

And the win for St Johnstone is a blow to them.

But there is a different scenario, it is different to where they have

been. They look worse Hearts now, than

when Neilson left. Is that understandable?

You have designed a system that Hearts. You mentioned Patterson,

Nicholson has been out for the last half-dozen games. He is a big-time

player. Jamie Walker now has to make things happen in the final third.

When they get Mickelson back, that will be a major plus. The manager

needs time to get his ideas across and then we will see how they do. He

was talking to Chris and said it was another lesson learned? He has had a

view. There were lucky against Partick Thistle, drawing a match

they should have lost. Against Dundee, they lost a match they

should have won. It is all a bit frenetic at the moment. He is

learning about his players and the league, he is learning about the

support, the media, he is learning one thing that, at a big club like

Hearts, you are under pressure all the time. When you don't have

experience in a job, there nothing to fall back on. He's got Craig

Levine? But you have to make the decisions. You can't go to the

stands and ask Craig Levine. When you don't have the experience to

fall back and think, what did I do there? I heard a manager talking

about last night, they were brilliant until half-time, his team

talk, everything organised, and suddenly the opposition scores ten

seconds before half-time. Now you have to quickly change and find

their way of doing it. That is the experience and the learning. Will he

be given time to learn? I'm sure he will. I'm sure he will, five games,

some have been ropey. He has a very supportive board, that believe in

him. At his full-time in the last derby of the day. Ross County

against Inverness has come to a conclusion. The final score, 3-2 to

Ross County. No wonder Liam Boss was happy. Let's hear what Martin has to

say about the match. Full-time, 3-2. Liam Boyce delivering the goals,

which let them enter the year on a high. He netted very early. Davies

on a corner. Boyce anticipated to nod home. Inverness responded well

and got back on level terms. County responded quickly again. Boyce fired

in on an angle. He should have had a third, when he went wide from close

range. Martin Woods run beyond and fired into the corner. Credit for

the visitors, keeping ongoing. Alex Fisher knocked home. They made it

nervous as Inverness pressed. Ten games without a win. They prop

everybody else up. Contrasting fortunes for both clubs.

It means Caledonian Thistle and the year as black markers. You don't see

as a team like that, they'll always solid and dependable, but they have

been losing goals hand over fist. County, the home form is usually

strong. A couple of home wins against Aberdeen. A local derby, one

that they want to win. Inverness have a spectacular record. Leaves

County seven points off the bottom? It shows you how bonkers this league

is. They have a goal difference of -13, it is only their third league

win since August. They are in the -13, it is only their third league

top six. A lot of draws in there! A lot of draws and Liam Boyce goals.

With the goal difference, do you think they will be in the market for

defensive back-up? Inverness? County. They were talking about it

the other night, journalists saying that his chairman might, but he

didn't want to bring in as many. A goal, who is it for? Into the third

minute of added time, St Mirren are winning 1-0. A last gasp equaliser

for third place Morton. Ricky Lambie. It was a corner from Forbes.

He hit the bar in the first half, and he was there to put it home, low

and into the bottom corner. St Mirren are absolutely gutted. They

looked like they were going to get a precious win at the bottom and

reduce the deficit. Morton have got the equaliser. About 30 seconds of

injury time left. 1-1 in Paisley. There is still time! St Mirren have

a habit of going ahead and not closing matches? It is another

point. When you lose a late goal, it is a sore one to take, but they are

making progress. They have some impetus. They have a couple of wins

and drawers, something to build on. Tom? A very optimistic view of

things. At the start of the season, they were going nowhere. Now, they

have something to build on. That is a secular, if it ends 1-1. They end

the year feeling pretty good about themselves, but a draw is not going

to send them into the New Year feeling bad about themselves. They

need to get their skates on, but they are improving. Is that Howard

finished? Yes, a terrible feeling for St Mirren funds, almost 5000

fans here. -- fans. They thought they were going to go home happy,

with a reduced gap at the bottom. A brilliant late goal by Morton,

Rickie Lambert, poking home after a scramble from a corner. That was

Rickie Lambert, poking home after a after Gary McKenzie had given St

Mirren a first half lead, a header from a corner. Morton, in the second

half, reduced to ten men when McDonough was sent off. He aimed a

kick, after a tangle on the ground. It didn't look like Morton were

going to score. St Mirren seemed comfortable. Jack Ross, on the

touchline, barking out instructions like he was playing Charente is.

They tried to cling on, but they couldn't do that. It has finished

1-1. -- playing charades. We can now hear from some Premiership managers.

99% of the game, we are happy with. We had enough opportunities and

should maybe score three four, and We had enough opportunities and

should be over. Again, we are losing points in the last seconds of the

game. We are leaving people standing at the side of the box, which is

criminal. We kept going, we could have lost another one a couple of

times, but we could have got the equaliser earlier. In the end, the

guy who, or one of the guys, who we want the chance to fall to, it fell

to him and he buried it. Luckily there were 25 seconds to go, a good

time to score. Criminal neglect Iain Hamilton? You can understand the

manager, Tommy Times has he watched his team go ahead and failed to win

games? They have won three home matches this year. This year they

managed to beat Ross County and Aberdeen. They have not managed an

away win so far this year in the league. Would that be 11 draws they

have had? They just cannot pick up three points. They cannot get wins

in front of their own fans. As a centre-half, also, somebody that

would be out there. He can see what should be happening, leadership at

the back, organisation and getting it right. Willing to defend the

goal. It is the eighth 1-1 goal, the fourth time this season they have

conceded a late equaliser. No wonder he is doing his nut. A convincing

win for Dundee over St Johnstone, 3-0. The manager spoke to Brian

MacLachlan. This has been a tough start. It has not been easy. Look at

the home form over the last five games, 13 points out of 15, we have

to continue that. The players deserve a break, mentally and

physically. I think it is good to get away from the club and maybe

away from me at times. I think it is good for us, a couple of days, there

will be back, working hard, and coming back. Boo it's hard to lose a

derby game, and we think that we shouldn't. I will not take anything

from what the players have achieved in 2016. Clubs with many more

resources, we continually do better than them. Who would want to get a

break from him, in that form? Delighted. I think he is right, it's

great to get away. I don't know if you ever had a break at Christmas or

New Year? When you were playing? No! I think it must be great, going away

with their wife and family. I'm not sure, if you have to hang around

here. A mental break away from Paul Hartley, I think that helps. Tommy

Wright, disappointed. A staunch supporter of him? That is another

one that surprised me, Dundee have found this capacity to score goals.

They lost to Stuart, in the early part of the season, it was all about

where on earth they were going to find goals from. Scored three today,

three against Hearts a week ago, a great feat of management to be able

to turn that around. I know they are not in the top six yet, but they are

in the right direction. It is an unusual type of loss for St

Johnstone. He was right what he said, what they have achieved for a

small club. Every year they are up there. He has done a magnificent

job. As an ex-goalkeeper, he sees the game, you knows what is going on

and deserves every credit. Is there any goalkeeper in the history of the

game that moves like that? If you make a mistake, you have to get

criticism, but in the main... We can now go to the classified results

round-up. Let's look at the league tables,

starting with the Scottish Premiership.

Livingston lost today, but they stay at the top. Airdrie have not played

yet. Chelsea are going from strength to

strength, another win for them. They are nine points clear of Liverpool,

but Liverpool are at home to Manchester City this evening.

Newcastle United are the leaders in the Championship, having played one

more match than Brighton, and one point better off than them.

Right, I have already told you that Chelsea beat Stoke this afternoon.

We can get details from Jacqui Oatley at Stamford Bridge. Has

finished here, 4-2. A fairly comfortable, in the end. Chelsea

have made it 13 Premier League wins in a row since the back-to-back

defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal in September. They have

equalled Arsenal's record for a single season from 15 years ago, and

a club record of ten successive wins in all competitions. There were made

to work hard by Stoke, who have not won in five and have conceded 11

goals in their last three away games. Cahill powered Chelsea in

front with a first half header. Bruno Martins Indi levelled after

the break. Willian scored twice, either side of a Peter Crouch

equaliser. Diego Costa, five minutes before full-time, his 18th goal of

the season. Antonio Conte is going around every player and celebrating

with them. A crucial game ahead of their game against Spurs. Vicki

Sparkes is next up. She was watching Manchester United against

Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. A really dramatic finish. Manchester

United beat Middlesbrough 2-1, two goals in two minutes, right at the

death, taking Manchester United to within a point of the Champions

League places. Martial's goal, and Pogba, after Leadbetter's effort

looked to have earned Middlesbrough a win. There was a controversial

disallowed goal for Ibrahimovic in the first half, but it doesn't

matter for them now. Their fifth straight win in the Premier League.

You can hear the song around me, they go marching on. Middlesbrough

did not take chances on the break, apart from that one by Leadbetter.

They will feel they could have got more out of the game, Manchester

United would say they created enough to win it. In the end, that is what

they did. Full-time, 2-1. Let's go to the foot of the table, to Wales.

Swansea, managerless, at home to Bournemouth. Let's hear how it went.

3-0 to Bournemouth. The caretaker boss could not work any magic. Bob

Bradley might have gone, the issues remain the same. A few glimpses of

hope, if I am honest. The fourth game in five here, when they have

conceded three. Joshua King put icing on the cake after goals by

Benik Afobe and Ryan Fraser, Bournemouth's second away of the

season. A tough baptism for anybody who takes charge, reinforcements are

needed quickly. Staying in the lower reaches, we can find out how

Sunderland fared away to Burnley this afternoon. Here is Damian

Johnson. Andre Gray became the first Burnley player to score a Premier

League hat-trick, and created a real platform to stay up in the New Year.

He pounced onto some defensive platform to stay up in the New Year.

uncertainty to score the opener. He platform to stay up in the New Year.

rounded the keeper to make it 2-0, and latched onto the three Mack'

assist. Barnes himself got a penalty. Jermain Defoe got a

consolation for Sunderland. Wracked by injuries, and two more today.

What a year for Burnley. Quite a year for Leicester as well, at home

to West Ham United. A fitting end to 2016, so many great memories. This

game will not be one that is talked about for too long, but it could be

pivotal, coming into the New Year. The winner, a terrific header by

Islam Slimani, sending it across the goal and into the corner. Bilic will

be unhappy that their winning streak comes to an end with a whimper. A

first clean sheet in 11 games for the Foxes, the pizza is on Claudio

Ranieri tonight. Chelsea, are they confounding expectations this year?

I don't think many people had them down as potential champions?

Absolutely, compare last year, how they went off the rails, the group

of players, some of them are still there and they went off the rails

also. He obviously has this managerial thing that he makes a

connection with the players somehow. You see how he talks in the

interview, going around the players, he has a connection. He is a young

man, he is hyperactive when you see him on the sideline. I watched him

on the European Championships, in the summer, and he is the same. Off

the pitch, calm and collected, knows what he's about, Italian, strong

tactics. He has obviously changed it around. He took all of the report is

out for a pint after the Conference. That should be across the board in

Scottish football! Pledge of journalists would take him up on

that. You look at what Brendan Rodgers has done that Celtic, he has

done something that is similar that Chelsea. He has revitalised Coster,

Hazard, playing three at the back, three outstanding defenders. That

formation is working like a dream. A brilliant manager and a brilliant

man manager. They can't lose, Liverpool and Manchester City are in

action against each other. A draw is good, if one team wins, the other

drops off the pace? Doesn't matter, because Chelsea are getting win

after win, the other teams are cutting each other's throats and

taking points off each other. There will be difficult to catch because

taking points off each other. There they don't have a weakness. I think

Manchester United have done well, he has the big players playing now,

Paul Pogba. 30 million, it's about time! If they get to the top four

this year, I think he has done a good job. Poor result for David

Moyes's team, 4-1, beaten, Sunderland. Swansea, managerless,

they will find it tough in the summer? Probably good news for David

Moyes that Swansea of floundering with no manager, Hull are struggling

to pick up points, to be fair to Sunderland, they've had a bit of an

upturn recently. At Turf Moor is a tough place to go. Now we will head

to Firhill. Alistair spoke to the managers. I thought we'd put a lot

into the first half. The conditions weren't great. I think that played a

part. Kilmarnock at two of the best chances in the second half. After

the first half, we just couldn't get in their runner. Hard-fought point,

with injuries to key players, important players to us, asking

loves to play in different positions to what they are normally used to,

young players alongside other young players, when you want them

alongside experience. For us to keep a clean sheet against a team

informed, going into the game in the second half, we had our own chances.

A good basis to start. For us, it means we can regroup, hopefully get

the majority of the injured players back for the Hamilton cup tie.

Hopefully have new players coming in also. You are the go to man for

Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock, what did you make of that? Lee Clark

talking about regrouping and freshen things up? You likes to do that. He

needs 115 players, that is what it seems like in the summer. He summed

it up quite nicely, it is a really good point for them, a clean sheet

against Partick Thistle, who have been in really good form. That is a

bit of a foundation. He needed to stop the bleeding, in terms of

conceding goals and dropping points. stop the bleeding, in terms of

He has a point there. A really good Partick Thistle side. Four points

off the bottom spot, that looks good, given how concentrated the

teams have been? Everybody down there would love to pick up points

on a weekly basis. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.

Kilmarnock, the lowest scorers in the league, I think that was a

positive result. Victory in the Highlands for Ross County, we can

hear from their manager now. Jim McIntyre spoke to Martin Dowden. I

think you are a very happy man? Yes, dilated. Really pleasing to get the

monkey off our back, we have not beaten Inverness at home since we

arrived here. I am delighted for the players. Fabulous effort. I thought

was a keenly contested derby. Inverness had a lot of the game as

well. I think our chances were better than theirs. We deserved to

win. He is so influential? Here's a clever player, we can ask him to

move about positions. He can play a deep line, playing a wider area. He

has that game awareness, gain knowledge, how to help the

opposition. More talk about Liam Boyce, he is thriving? Seven goals

in his last eight. When you have a striker like that in this league, a

dependable goal-scorer, you will be on the top six. He is a bit of a

predator, so consistent. You cannot replace a body like that. You said

he is a predator, will predatory clubs be looking at him in the

transfer window? I don't think so, I think he is happy there. He will

score goals, of course, but I think he is happy at Ross County. They

will not wanting to go anywhere. I'm looking at Hearts, places like that,

where they think, he could save us from relegation, or get us up there.

That is why this transfer window was horrible for some of the managers.

If you lose a player like that, what a difference that can make.

Let's head back to Hearts now. Richie, obviously disappointed but

was there is a part that was especially difficult? The set piece.

It should have been cleared off the near post. . It is poor from my

point of view. You are up against it straight away. But credit to the

players. We stuck in there, got our goal. Back in there, the second goal

was probably the poorer goal to give away. By letting in Boyce. School

boy stuff. He crosses, there is a deflection of meekiness, it goes

into the back of the net. When year down there, these things happen.

But, disappointing. Today is probably the first day I thought we

looked a bit nervy, a bit low in confidence.

All over the park. I thought we were low on confidence. When you are like

that... Craig, interesting, Richie says he thinks that he are low in

confidence, which he has not seen previously? No but on a run of ten

games, that is a going to happen. Conceding goals, only winning one

last season. The last victory against Motherwell.

They are struggling. That's just about that

for today and 2016 from us. We've got time to re-cap today's

results in Scotland's Wins for ab-Dean. A Goodwin at

Tynecastle. All square in the Lanarkshire Derby.

Championship, a big win for Dumbarton.

Now you can see highlights of the Premiership matches on Monday

night at 7pm on BBC Two Scotland, repeated after Match

Now the Premiership may be going into hibernation, but we're not -

the Results Show is back next week at 4:30 on BBC One.

The derby day delights continue on Off the Ball's

Saturday Supplement - with Stuart Cosgrove

but not Tam Cowan, Annie McGuire standing in today.

Craig and Tom for their wisdom wit and wherewithal.

And thanks to you for watching - see you in 2017.