09/04/2016 Sportscene

Good afternoon and welcome to another bumper edition

Forget the Grand National, we're all about title

races, relegation battles and play off places.

And we might even find out which teams have made it

Our studio guests are under starters orders, thoroughbreds that they are.

Pat Bonner, Craig Paterson and Tom English.

We'll start with news of today's lunchtime match.

After Aberdeen's defeat to Hearts on Friday, Celtic had the chance

to stretch their lead over Aberdeen at the top of the Premiership

To do that, they'd need to beat Motherwell at Fir Park.

Liam McLeod will tell us what happened.

The Premiership title ship appears to have sailed into the horizon,

with Aberdeen left in the harbour after the Celtic victory lifted them

eight points clear at the top with just five league games to go. Leigh

Griffiths scored both either side of the interval, taking his tally to an

incredible 37 for the season. He should and would have had more had

he not missed a first half penalty and encountered a superb goalkeeping

performance from Connor Ripley. Sadly for Ripley, his mistake gave

Griffiths his second. They were well on top in the first half in

particular, and thoroughly deserved this victory, which has them on the

cusp of five in a row. It also means Motherwell are currently sweating on

their top six place, with three out of six sides vying for it. Celtic

can relax with the title all but in of six sides vying for it. Celtic

the bag and can concentrate on the Scottish Cup semifinal next weekend

against Championship champions Rangers.

You were at Fir Park today, Pat. A narrow win for Celtic, they should

have won much more convincingly? It was surprisingly upbeat did not win

by five or six. After the first ten minutes, both teams were giving away

the ball, then suddenly Celtic took control. Tom was there also, Connor

Ripley had unbelievable saves. Saves you would expect, but he really

performed well. He made about seven or eight states, he had a great save

with his feet. Then in the second-half, Mark McGhee had

obviously had a word at half-time, no doubt, change the formation,

pushed an extra up front. Got at Celtic a bit, then they scored, they

had a goal chalked off. Controversial, he said it was a

shocking decision, he is not happy? It was right on the line. If you

raise Celtic supporter you would say oxide, if you are not... What if you

were a former Motherwell player?! The goal that was chalked off, he

was dead level when the ball came in, but because he was on the move,

you looks a yard off, the flag went up, but it was impossible for the

linesman to get that right. Is that the title race done and dusted? To

be honest, I think even of Celtic lost today it was done, I don't

be honest, I think even of Celtic think Aberdeen can put together the

run of victories that they would need. Celtic got the job done, they

were deserving winners, they had a chance is in the first half, seven

shots on target, the one that missed the target was the penalty. If Leigh

Griffiths could take a penalty, he has missed several this season, he

would have 40 goals! He was down on himself in the mouth chair, -- in

the match, missed an easy penalty under goal, but he cannot be put

down. We will return to Motherwell against Celtic later and hopefully

will be for here from both managerial teams. There are top six

will be for here from both places to be run and Premiership

security to be secured, so let's start at Victoria Park, where Ross

County and Partick Thistle are in action, Martin, what is happening?

Ross County are ahead 1-0, Jim McIntyre could not have written a

better script. An excellent early Alec Schalk goal settling the notes,

further settled by news from Hamilton. County are seemingly in

command. But, and it is a big but, a Thistle equaliser might change

things, and they have started on the front of it. We are up to New

Douglas Park, Hamilton, where Dundee are in the running for a top six

place, or they were before today, Kenny? Hamilton two, didn't e-mail.

Crawford struck on the halfway mark before a penalty from Tena put the

hosts two up. Dundee's top six hopes might be dashed. Let's hear from

Jonathan. They are not doing any favours, Kris Boyd with an

all-important goal for Kilmarnock, only his fourth this season, they

should be more than 1-0 ahead. Kris Boyd hit the post, Higginbotham

missed, there was a great save by MacDonald. Come on exile playing

some pretty good stuff. Bottom club Dundee United are at

home to Inverness, Alistair Lamont is there. Inverness lead 1-0. Dundee

have shown little appetite for the battle to avoid relegation. Miles

Storey has scored the only goal of the game so far. Let's hope the

manager can give them a good talk. Rangers are playing in the cup

tomorrow, but second place in the Championship Falkirk are at home to

St Mirren, Brian? Falkirk one, St Mirren nil. Lee

Miller with the goal. It is his ninth goal of the season. It could

be a crucial one in the attempt to get the second place. Hibs are away

to already relegated Alloa, it is being watched by Connie MacLachlan.

It looks like they are throwing it away at the moment, Allah will lead

1-0 after a late first half strike from Michael Duffy. It hit the bar

and bounced out but the goal was deemed to have crossed the line.

Chaps, back to the Premiership. It is complicated, three teams

confirmed in the top six, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts, as for the

other places, it is up in the hour. Motherwell, despite losing to Celtic

in the lunchtime match, are in with a chance, the way that scores are

panning out? It is a great chance because Dundee and Partick have to

win to go above them on goal difference, both are losing, so I

think they will be settling. But until it is done, they had to sit

and hope for the best, anything can happen, people are fighting for

their lives, but Motherwell are in a really good position. It will all be

in the last ten minutes, I will tell you. It is as exciting as it was

last week in the Championship match between Raith Rovers and Rangers. St

Johnstone need a point to guarantee top six, they are losing 1-0 away to

kill mana? And going down to kill mana gives never easy on that

surface. -- Kilmarnock. We were giving them plaudits early in the

season, they went into an awful run, they have jumped back, but this is a

big one for them. They need to get something out of the game, but

Kilmarnock are fighting. Tommy Wright said that finishing in the

top six this season would be a bigger achievement than previously?

In fairness, he is always fighting budgets, they don't have a lot of

money, top six would be an achievement. Kris Boyd, God bless

them, his fantastic head of hair, his first goal since December. The

goal was a soft goal, the goalkeeper should have done a whole deal

better. We are watching pictures coming in. But what a win that would

be if they were to see a tout, and Hamilton, as well. Doomsday for

Dundee United. They have got 45 minutes, unless they make something

happen or get luck elsewhere, I think they are gone. They were

toothless in the first half, I am surprised. As they stand, eight

points adrift at the moment. We will take another spin around the

grounds, but before we do, the top six as it stands, Motherwell, St

Johnstone and Ross County in fourth, fifth and sixth, let's check on the

team currently in sixth position, Ross County against Partick Thistle,

any updates, Martin? Not in terms of scoreline. You just get the sense

that Thistle will chuck everything at this. They have had a couple of

chances already in the second half, Pogba with a header palmed away by

Fox for a corner. Brian Edwards throwing himself the diving header.

He could not get it on target. They look like they are facing an early

second-half, Liam Boyce is just about to come on. Alex Schalk got

the early goal, adding to the League Cup final winner he got last month.

This could be another crucial one for his side. As things stand, if

they get this win, they will be in the top six, just one goal for

Thistle and they could leapfrog them. It is very tense. Dundee,

currently in seventh, are away to Hamilton. They were 2-0 down in the

last we heard from Kenny, still the same situation? Yes, into the 51st

minute and it is still 2-0. When the half-time whistle went, Dundee fans

booed loudly, even though they have had a fairly good season they are

not happy that they are training here, probably because Hamilton's

home form is terrible, they have not won here since September, it looks

like they will do that at the moment thanks to goals from Crawford and

Tena. Those goals have come about much thanks to the industry of young

forward Eamon Brophy, who was brilliant at setting up Crawford 's

goal. Crawford drilled it brilliantly into the bottom corner.

It was his run which invited a challenge by a player already on a

yellow card, you was not booked for conceding the penalty so Dundee are

maybe still fortunate to have 11 men on the pitch. Tena drilled in the

penalty to make a 2-0, we're now into the 52nd minute. Jonathan

Sutherland is a shrug and Park, where second bottom Kilmarnock car

at home to St Johnstone, still 1-0? Yes, axes are doing St Johnstone's

top six credentials a favour. Kilmarnock cab started well, Kris

Boyd, who has not had much luck in front of goal this season hits the

post in the 23rd minute after a cross from Josh Magennis, but two

minutes later he came good, just as fourth goal of the season, a free

kick from 20 yards low into the fauna of the net. -- corner of the

net. Jamie MacDonald in the coal mana goal made a brilliant soul. But

Carl Kagan bottom placed to Kris Boyd. Higginbotham had the ball in

the back of the net, it was ruled for outside. And Josh Magennis with

a near post header just before half-time was almost in the back of

the night. They could have been three or four Gold Cup. At the

moment, it is still any body's game, St Johnstone just need to get their

act together. Alasdair Lamont is as Dundee against Inverness. Deeply

unimpressive from Dundee United, you would not think they were scrapping

for their Premiership lives the way they have performed so far. They

trailed 1-0, Miles Storey scoring early in the first half. He beat the

offside trap only for the goalkeeper to save well. But he did not heed

the guard -- but indeed did not heed the warnings. Draper squared the

ball again for Miles Storey, on that occasion he beat the goalkeeper,

that is the goal that has made the difference thus far. And it has just

been doubled, the lead by Inverness Caley Thistle, and Ian Fry goes has

one leading from 25 yards to add to Dundee's misery. Caley Thistle have

just doubled their lead, United are really staring Championship football

in the face. We are staring chubby tune football in the face, we will

hear from Ryan McLaughlin watching Falkirk in second spot in that

hear from Ryan McLaughlin watching division at home to St Mirren? It is

still 1-0 to Falkirk, veteran, if you can be called a veteran 32, Lee

Miller scoring with the header. Lee Miller nodded home the opening goal.

St Mirren started better, Quinn went through and it was only a terrific

challenge by the centre-half that denied them what would have been an

opening goal. In the second half it a little St Mirren, Shankland

heading just over and eight horrific shot. In fact, that is an equaliser

coming in from St Mirren! A free kick from 25 yards, the ball curled

around the wall behind Danny Rogers. They have been on top and they are

now deservedly on level terms. I wonder if there will be a goal

against Hebburn Ian? Al OS still lead 1-0. A poor first half was

jolted into life as Michael Duffy's strike was deemed to have crossed

the line. It hit the underside of the bar and came back out and most

people thought it hadn't been given. But the rhetoric had some

discussions with his assistant. They awarded the goal and play continued.

Before that, James Keating, with a couple of half chances. I had a

going over the bar. And a header from Anthony Stokes going wide. In

the second half, it has been all Alloa although Hibernian have a

corner at the moment. I love how Connie always ends with a

question. With your deep knowledge of Hibernian, would you expect them

to come back and get something out of that match? If you'd ever asked

me two months ago I would have been super confident. Right now, I can't

be. If they go to Alloa today, they could be relegated. They haven't won

a home game all season. Struggling for goals. I always think the team

who are playing the something, Hibs and Falkirk, desperate not to have

the first play-off match, you have got to finish in second place and

they have time to turn it around but Hibs have lost this bat. Tom

English, has consigned them to the championship next season, do you

share his pessimistic prognosis for them? Yes. 2-0 down now and going

into the last half an hour, really difficult. The interesting thing is,

the play-off spot, if Hamilton one and Kilmarnock won and who are the

other two were going into those last five games, they will be playing for

that play-off. To avoid the play-off spot, I should say. Can they get in

the top six, because everybody else will not be involved. Everybody else

looks like they will be involved until the final day. That could be

Lee Clark's first win in charge. Tommy Wright are making the mistake

of picking up his old pal from Newcastle. I didn't see it coming. I

didn't see where Kilmarnock were going to get a win, the way they

have been playing. But that is going to be, if it turns out a victory,

that is a season saver. It means, in all probability, they are not going

down automatically, they have given themselves a chance. And also given

themselves a chance to get up to ten. I should point out, you are not

a qualified member of the medical profession. Just in case. This was

the week in which a stomach bug ran rampant through the heart stressing

room. How come it's Aberdeen

who're suffering a real Well, Kheredine Idessane talks us

through their meeting Such an anticipated match with third

hosting second. Hearts come forward will stop Sam Nicholson within a

whisker of giving Hearts and early lead. The defence didn't deal with

the danger particularly well. But they survived. Might be in here.

Chances for Aberdeen. Church! It is a dream start. Simon Church with his

sixth goal of the season. What's up treasures want it could turn out to

be in the context of the season. Nice football from Aberdeen. Perfect

cross. Churches onside, and no problem with the finish as they go

ahead at Tynecastle. Really good spell from Aberdeen. Great chance

for Nile McGinn. He knows it should be 2-0. What a chance this is. Great

delivery. Still Aberdeen have been doing all of the pressing. Almost

turned into his own net by Rossi. Great delivery from Hayes. Good

goalkeeping from Neil Alexander. A few things for Robbie Neilson to

change. Hearts trying to get themselves back on level terms. Real

chance here will stop bogus steam's header cannot just squeeze over the

line. -- August team. This was the initial chance. Real

chance. Walker, just about finds his feet. Hearts will come forward,

looking for this equaliser. Is stuck with the shot. -- as Turk. Hearts

are level after 33 minutes. Aberdeen won't be happy with the space

allowed. Not great goalkeeping. That is one apiece. Corner. Again, chance

for Hearts. Aberdeen struggling to get the ball out of their own area

at the moment. Walker. Rossi. What a fine effort from Rossi! Good play

here, as he turns away. That is a fine effort.

Some defending for Hearts to do. Everyone switched off, the ball is

still in play. Logan's delivery is deflected. Another great chance for

Nile McGinn goes begging. He could and should have had a couple. This

is a wonderful chance and that header should we finding the back of

the net. Aberdeen have just gifted that back

to Hearts. Hearts tried to set Jamie Walker free. Great cross. Great

header and a great goal for Hearts as they come from behind to take a

2-1 lead. An ecstatic Tynecastle. Aberdeen will be furious with

themselves. Poor defending, but nothing wrong with a header from

Jamie Walker. Hearts are ahead. Now McGinn is their! And another

night, Nile McGinn could have had a hat-trick. Hearts should be able to

see this out now. The dying seconds. There goes the final whistle. The

Aberdeen manager deflated, defeated. His title bid damage now by a 2-1

defeat at Tynecastle. We will hear from Derek McInnis

shortly, but our reporters will tell us about the goals. Kilmarnock fans

can barely believe their eyes. Two goals from their side this

afternoon, Calum Higginbotham has given his side the lead. What a

vital three points this could be for Kilmarnock in the grand equation.

2-0 up against St Johnstone. A goal from Dundee? Yes, Gary Hawkins has

got one back. It was a great finish. He came on as a half-time

substitute, ran through the middle. It was a defence splitting pass.

Then it was chipped over Michael McGovern. 2-1 to Hamilton Accies. We

can now hear from Derek McInnis and also Robbie Neilson, their comments

made after last night's match. It is a huge result, if we didn't win

today, it would be over. Getting the result gives us a chance to try to

catch Aberdeen, who are having a great season. It would be great for

us if we can do that. They will be trying to catch Celtic, so they will

be gunning hard. Where does that leave things now in terms of the

title? It has gone for us now, I would imagine. We have got to make

sure we get back to basics and CEO of the threat from Hearts, first and

foremost. Hopefully we can get back to winning games. But in terms of

five games to go, at this stage of the season, Celtic can only throw it

away. I wouldn't expect them to now. The title has gone for us now, I

would imagine? They have had a lot of chances, got within touching

distance of Celtic and then they have fallen back. It has happened

again this week. Aberdeen had to step up and take three points. They

did win at Tynecastle earlier in the step up and take three points. They

season. It is not an easy venue. Chances either end of the winning

goal some ring up will stop they Chances either end of the winning

need to win the games. They have taken a quick free kick, given

Hearts possession and a wonderful break. He had cramp. I don't

remember having cramp. It was a wonderful goal from Hearts, but

Aberdeen will see it as that. Deep down did you ever think Aberdeen

have the right stuff to push Celtic? I have always said Celtic will win

the championship. Celtic have given them so many opportunities this

year. They have done OK, they will end up with more points than last

year, but when it comes to a crucial moments, they have always fallen

away and they have lost that crucial game. Down to resources? I think

Aberdeen have made strides over the last number of seasons, but they are

not good enough, in terms of title winners. They are not good enough at

centre-half, too small in the midfield. The goalkeeper last night

was poor. Adam Rooney has been a loss. But in midfield they are too

small. Hearts team are dominated, apart from the first 15 minute when

Aberdeen had a great edge. They didn't take their chances. They went

1-0 up. Hearts came back into it and didn't take their chances. They went

physically, they took a grip on the game. They have physically big

players. Aberdeen don't have that. They need a footballing bruiser in

the middle of the park, and they don't have one. Speaking of

footballing bruiser 's... Do you agree with Tom, Aberdeen didn't have

the resources and the quality to match Celtic? Not quite, when

the resources and the quality to Aberdeen were flying, when Hayes,

now McGinn and Adam Rooney were flying in tandem, you thought about

it. Simon Church scores goals, but certain players have gone off the

boil at times. Can Hearts catch Aberdeen? It is unlikely. What is

disappointing for Aberdeen, they are three points behind where they were

less time last season. Even if they take away the title challenge, they

are not as good as last season and that will be disappointing. After

Celtic won the league, which they will do in the next couple of weeks,

they might throw it in. That will give Hearts a chance to catch them.

There has been a goal between Hearts give Hearts a chance to catch them.

and St Mirren. Falkirk back in front. Will Foulkes had just tip the

post. The cross came in again and up the back was the substitute, Barrie

McKay you, who nodded the ball beyond Jimmy Lange field and into

the back of the net. Could be a big day for the Burns in the race for

second spot in the championship, but it was a big night to Scotland's

women last night in their campaign to qualify for the European

Championships. They had four wins from four matches

going into their match against Slovenia in Paisley Now it's

five wins from five, Anna Signuel's team topping

the table.and looking good for a place in the finals

in the Netherlands. They are looking good for a place in

the finals. A Scottish team qualifying for a major tournament?

On the crest of doing something special. They will want to go

through as champions. The six best teams will go through, the other's

play-off against each other. Scotland won't want to do that, they

will want to qualify as champions. We will start now in the pram in

ship -- Premiership. I cannot take my eyes off this. Fingernails well

and truly being trimmed. County sitting in the top six, but Eric

Schalke's early goal allowing that advantage. But Partick Thistle

knocking on the door. If they brought a kitchen thing, they are

about to throw it. They are bringing on Aidan Nesbitt. They have had a

few chances in this second half. Close range shot just touched away.

Thistle are coming closer and they no one goal might put them into the

top six, depending on what happens in Hamilton. I am sure you will be

updated. As Martin has pointed us in the

direction of Hamilton, let's had there. They are at home to Dundee.

70 minutes gone, 2-1 to Hamilton. Thomas Conrad almost equalised for

Dundee but his header was well saved. Crawford has got his fifth of

the season and Tena got a penalty. But the second half Dundee

substitute Danny Harkins neatly flicked one past McGovern in front

of the visiting fans, which has got them nice and loud. Jonathan is

watching Kilmarnock against St Johnstone. Arithmetic has never been

my strong point that I can just about make out that St Johnstone are

hanging onto their top six or dench old by the skin of their teeth. They

are losing 2-0, Kilmarnock deservedly in French, Kris Boyd with

the first half goal and Calum Higginbotham making it 2-0 midway

through the second-half. Sustained St Johnstone pressure, Craig just

had header ruled out after a push, and their Bulgarian defender playing

for St Johnstone today had a diving header saved by the ever reliable

Jamie MacDonald. At the moment, this looks like being a vital first win

for the Kilmarnock can manager, Lee Clark. Alistair Lamont is next,

keeping an eye on Dundee United, Inverness. It looks like they will

move eight 's clear of Dundee United, with Dundee trailing 2-0 at

Tannadice, Miles Storey with the opening goal for Inverness Caley

Thistle and Ian Fry goes volleying to doubled their advantage. -- and

Iain Vigurs. There was a superb save, but that is

all that Dundee United have had to offer.

Time to hear once again from Ryan McLaughlin watching Falkirk, second

placed on the Championship, against St Mirren. Still 2-1, Liam Miller

giving the home side the lead. Steve Mallon equalised 11 minutes into the

second period, a terrific free kick which gave Danny Rogers no chance.

Falkirk back in front thanks to super substitute Bob McCue -- Bob

McHugh. Over to Connie MacLachlan, Hibs back in the game? The ad says

no. It is still 1-0 but they trailed to Alloa. Anthony Stokes had a good

chance, but it was saved well by the substitute goalkeeper. Them the best

chance, Jason Cummings setup David Gray. He was five yards out and just

chance, Jason Cummings setup David had to get a touch, he could not

manage to connect. So Alloa still lead 1-0. Why don't we choose a more

Championship fat? -- Well, folks, why don't we chew some

Championship fat for a while? Because the title race

there is officially done and dusted. Rangers are the league winners,

wrapping up the title and a return to the top division

with four games to spare. This James Tavernier goal

against Dumbarton taking them out you have an issue with the

positioning? At centre forward position, I don't think I would want

my full up there, that anybody who has watched Rangers, James Tavernier

and Lee Wallace have been fantastic, chipping in with goals week after

week after week. Worthy champions, they have won by a good distance,

they give very little away, I think only Morton took anything away from

Ibrox in the league, great job. Tom, remember when Rangers lost to

Falkirk? You questioned... You questioned whether they had the

stomach? I did, they had drawn a couple of games before that, then

Falkirk deservedly beat them at Falkirk, I thought they were

wobbling, they did not seem to have much bite that day. But they proved

me completely wrong. They went on a big winning run at about, started

brushing teams aside. Worthy winners, they have played some

excellent football. I think they will have to change their team, you

look at what Hearts did, they were runaway winners of the league last

season, but for the Premiership they have bought 11 players since winning

the Championship, so a Championship winning team, even if it is a

decisive win, does not mean you will cut it in the Premiership?

decisive win, does not mean you will for your effort, boys, but cheerio!

There is an element about, the Hearts team is very different to the

one which won the championship. They have been more direct, stronger and

more physical. They played football last year. Rangers play football at

the moment, but will he had to change his philosophy and become

better balanced and play more directly? He needs players in the

middle of the pitch. Rangers are not overspending, they are spending what

they need to spend to get out of the division, in the first couple of

years they were scatter-gun, buying players all over the face and paying

them and the manager too much. What is needed at Ibrox next season,

maybe not to challenge Celtic... Or maybe it is to challenge Celtic?

Fans will expect Rangers to do what Hearts has done, to go in compete.

The manager will learn a lot, he has a cup final he is expected to win,

then the semifinal against Celtic. To build up against the team that

will win the Championship and show what they can do, can they force the

passing game onto Celtic, will they struggle at the back against the

likes of Leigh Griffiths? Lots questions, he might be more clear

after that on what he needs to do to get a team into the Premiership and

go toe to toe? Did you mention that cup final? It will be covered by the

BBC. You can listen to it or you can watch it on BBC Alba at high noon

tomorrow, Rangers against Peterhead. Mark Warburton, Pat says, will treat

this as a warm up for the game at Hampden a week on Sunday against

Celtic? It will be a different game! No question. He is expected to win

tomorrow, I am sure he will probably No question. He is expected to win

win. Peterhead have done well to get there, it will be a big occasion for

them, but next week is completely different. The challenges of a

them, but next week is completely different magnitude? A different

type of game. You are laughing! Peterhead, Celtic, one is lukewarm

to tap it, the other is red-hot to scalding. Slightly different! He

says he is treating it as a warm up, is that tone in cheek? It is a must

win game, back at Hampton, they are going to hand to play Celtic, so it

is a warm up to that extent, but in terms of games of football, polar

opposites. Do you think Rangers fans will believe they can beat Celtic? I

think there is more belief than last season. It was one-sided, they have

enjoyed the style, they have enjoyed winning the Championship, now they

will get the chance to see what their team can do. When the draw was

made, Celtic went through a rough patch, have they come out of that

now? They have played Dundee in the last couple of weeks and did not get

a goal against them. Celtic are up and down, you do not know where they

are at. I still think they are ahead of Rangers, it will be interesting

that Rangers have moved forward. When they have played Celtic in the

League Cup semifinal, they were in a dark place. I did not see that and

the game, I saw them against Hearts, Celtic paid differently because they

were pressed. Celtic played well and they should have scored a lot more.

It depends how Rangers play. It is the title race and be Championship

over. So it's now between Hibs

and Falkirk for second place. Important because the runners up

face one less play off tie. Hibs ending a five-game winless

streak at home to Livingston on the same night

Rangers won the title. Craig, do you remember this? One of

those games that they had to win, dominate possession, dominate

chancers, Livingston then got a really good goal through Jordan

White, no Chancellor goalkeeper. The fans were starting to grumble and

the team had to try to dig back in. With 15 minutes to go, Hibs are

still wondering, you are looking for somebody to produce the goods,

Anthony Stokes. Hibs are looking for something special. Can we get a

winning goal? If you're looking the something special, just wait, Martin

Boyle will never score a better goal. He hates this, it is still on

the way up, when it hits the back of the neck it was a magnificent stroke

which look like they might be back the neck it was a magnificent stroke

on track -- back of the net. They are winning any match. Good news for

Hibs fans, we have a goal to report, it is for St Mirren, away to second

place Falkirk. It has come from the guy who scored

the first, Stephen Mallan. It came in from the left hand side, Mallon

drilled the ball beyond Danny Rogers, a real talent. You can see

why clubs like Dundee are keen to sign him for next season. It is 2-2

with eight minutes remaining. We will return to Championship chat

later, the trike now we will hear from the management teams after the

lunchtime match in the Premiership, Celtic winning 2-1 away to

Motherwell, let's hear what their representatives said to our

reporter? Celtic deserved to win. By

half-time, we could have been out of it. But we could have got something

out of it. I have looked at the disallowed goal, for me it is level.

I think it was a bad decision and should stand as a goal, but apart

from the second half performance when we did much, much better, got

closer to them and grated those chances.

It was always going to be tough. The most important thing is three

points. We had to hang on for a spell in the second half, in the

first half we had plenty of chances that we did not quite take. When it

is 1-0 it is always uncomfortable. We could not get a second goal and

see the game out. Eight points clear with five league games to go, we are

in a good position, but we do not take our foot off the Gas, we try to

extend the lead. No Celtic manager, he did not speak to the media

representatives, he must have brought himself hoarse? He did two

or three, maybe he is all roared out? And Mark McGhee initially

refused to shake hands with the Celtic manager. He later told our

reporter that he thought he had blanked him before the match. It is

the hissy fit world of football management, passions run high. He

was a bit annoyed. He was trying to appear as if he was not annoyed. On

the radio interview he was very annoyed. He is sweating on a top six

finish. If you look at what Mark McGhee has -- Mark McGhee has done,

you deserves credit restaurant it was a good run, then they hit the

skids, then you win six out of seven, getting a good position, once

you are in the top six you know what kind of is coming in, you look at

budgets etc, so it is easier once that is settled, but I think he

would have liked a point this that is settled, but I think he

afternoon, but Celtic were better. We gave him so many plaudits, he

deserved it. After that, they did not win for five or six weeks,

incredible. But he bounced back well. There is a bit of a lesson to

the fans and the leadership to stick with somebody for a while, give them

an opportunity. Mark is experienced, he has shown really good leadership.

Motherwell and Mark McGhee? Google compared to this time last year --

compared to this time last year, they had to survive through the

play-offs, it was nervous and sweaty, now they are looking up in

the world. Mark McGhee is a man of stature, physically and footballing

wise. I think he has instilled a lot of confidence and organisation. I

was disappointed with them today in the first half, they did not turn

up. Their use of the ball was poor, I expected more. They are guilty

enough, Motherwell, they are hard to eat. He was capable of changing, I

thought that the first half tactics were wrong, they gave Celtic total

possession and Celtic created chances. In the second half they put

on more pressure and created, they had the disallowed goal which went

in. That was interesting. That looked

level. If it finished in a drawer, it would have been a travesty to

Celtic. We are breaking off and going to rub the park. There is a

penalty between Killy and St Johnstone. Penalty for Kilmarnock.

Shaughnessy bringing a player down. It will be Kris Boyd, who opened the

scoring, who will attempt to put this way to seal all three points

for Kilmarnock. And he does so. 3-0 to Kilmarnock will stop Kris Boyd

puts the ball into the corner of the net. Three vital points for

Kilmarnock as they try to ease any relegation fears. But day for St

Johnstone. After we go to find out what is happening in the game

between Ross County and Partick Thistle. You just think Partick

Thistle are going to throw everything at Ross County, who to be

fair are managing this pretty well. Not too many efforts directly at the

goalkeeper. There will be four minutes of injury time. Shot going

in from Chris Dillon. And I am what is happening in Hamilton and what is

happening in front of them as Ross County still looked on course to

finish in the top six place. Kenny Crawford, at the game between

Hamilton and Dundee. Still 2-1 to Hamilton Accies? Yes, but it is very

nervy. Hamilton Accies are not used to preserving leads but they have

come close to losing it. A few minutes to go. The goals for them

seem a long time ago, both in the first half, Crawford's low drive

into the corner and a penalty but them 2-0 up at the break before Gary

Harkins made it 2-1. I want to flag up a couple of things. Hamilton

Accies are deep, clearing everything at every opportunity, which I'm

worried about. Also I am worried for Dougie Emery, who has been books. He

is so up for this and there is a lot of bad blood between Hamilton Accies

and Dundee. He has already exchanged a few words with the Dundee manager

at the side. Don't worry, it will be fine. Don't think it will be

at the side. Don't worry, it will be the Dundee United. There is

absolutely no sign of a dramatic comeback. Almost as if they are

resigned to their fate at the foot of the Premiership table. If anyone

looks likely to score it looks like Inverness Caley Thistle. Otherwise,

Inverness Caley Thistle are the superior side. Let's hear from Brian

watching Falkirk against St Mirren in the championship. It is a goal

for Falkirk. Lee Miller has scored with seconds left. Ten seconds left.

It is now 3-2, to Falkirk. They led twice. Stevie Mallon twice equalised

for the visitors, but with injury time looming, it is now 3-2 to

Falkirk. I knew we shouldn't have gone there. Carney, can you match

that folate drama Alloa Hibs? Hibs are banging on the door. Same story

for the last few weeks, hips, they are banging on the door. Same story

don't start playing until they are a goal down. There were lucky not to

be two goals down. The initial goal should have killed the game. It is a

scrappy affair. We are into stoppage time. Our Hibs handing over the

second place in the championship? She has done it again, ended with a

question. Think she is after this job. Peter Houston was on the show

and he was adamant they have secured their play-off spot, but he wanted

the second spot. This could go a long way securing that the them?

They could end the day six points clear of Hibs. They meet on Tuesday

at Easter Road, so it is a huge game. But avoiding the play-off

game, they beat Queen of the South, Rangers. They beat Hibs, played home

and away. The two game against Motherwell, Motherwell looked

sharper. If you miss one of those games, it is a big plus. Hibs have a

sharper. If you miss one of those lot of fixtures, congestion? Hibs

have lost the plot. They lost one game in six months, now they are

losing games left, right and centre. It is set up perfectly for them to

win the Scottish Cup, Craig? Full-time at Ross County? Yes,

County who, barring something unbelievable, and it is Alec Schalke

at the decisive goal. Strip the winner in the League Cup final last

month. They have achieved the top six finish. The show was low past

the goalkeeper. Thistle tried everything in the second half to get

level, which might have earned them the top six spot. Despite having a

lot of the they didn't threaten Scott Fox too often. What is a

season to remember the Jim McIntyre. Thistle, no realistic threat of

relegation, Mike be a consolation after coming close to a top half

finish themselves. Full-time at Kilmarnock against St

Johnstone. Finally come good for Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark. Five

games out of six they failed to score. Today they manage three

against St Johnstone. After a slow start to the match, Kilmarnock

deservedly took the lead in the start to the match, Kilmarnock

first half. Kris Boyd with a free kick from 20 yards, fired it into

the bottom corner. Come Monarch should have scored more goals. They

had a goal disallowed for offside. Kilmarnock made it 2-0 in the second

half. Callan Higginbotham, whose downward header made it 2-0 as

Kilmarnock took control. St Johnstone tried to take chances. The

Buchel Monarch goalkeeper was in inspired form and made several great

saves. St Johnstone made sure of the victory. A header was ruled out for

pushing and Kilmarnock made sure of all three points. McKenzie fouled in

the box and there was Kris Boyd, who has been much maligned this season

for his lack of goals. He may two today stop and a vital three points

for Kilmarnock this afternoon. Time to hear from Carney, is it all over

Alloa, Hibs? Yes, finished 1-0 and a serious blow to Hibs' chances to

finishing second. Duffy's only goal of the match causing confusion as to

whether it crossed the line or not. The referee had a brief discussion

with his assistant and awarded the goal. Into the second half, Alloa

look determined to hold onto their lead. They contained Hibs well and

force them to try shots from distance. Anthony Stokes came

closest with an excellent drive from the edge of the box, forcing a

decent save from the substitute goalkeeper, David Crawford. Then

David Gray couldn't connect, when he should have had it in the back of

the net. Five minutes later, Duffy should have killed the game Alloa

and doubled their lead. The keeper managed to save. Mob. The Hibs, they

stay behind Falkirk. Back to the Premiership, it is full-time at New

Douglas Park. Hamilton against Dundee. Hamilton Accies have

121-macro. Hamilton gets their first home win in over six months. They

also preserve the gap between them and Kilmarnock. There are scenes of

relief amongst the fans, who aren't used to seeing wins here. Joyous

scenes. Ali Crawford's goal put them 1-0 ahead. That was double bank

still a penalty. Dundee got one back in the second half. Despite more

pressure, they couldn't get the second to blow Dundee United down.

So that was unfortunate for Dundee, but it was a great win for Hamilton

Accies. Back to the championship, Falkirk against St Mirren and it is

full-time? Thriller here in front of 4331. 3-2 for Falkirk. Miller popped

up with his ninth goal of the season. Stevie Mallon equalised. A

terrific curling free kick, only for Bob McCue to the Falkirk back in

front. Just a few minutes after coming on. Stevie Mallon again,

equalised just eight minutes from time after a cup back from Jim

Goodman. Looked as if it was going to be a point apiece, but Blair

Olsson thought otherwise. In the final minute, he struck from six

yards, hammered the ball beyond Jamie Langley, to secure what could

be a vital three points for Falkirk in the battle for second top spot.

They play Hibs on Tuesday night at Easter Road. Staying in the

championship, clean up the South were at home to Raith Rovers this

afternoon. Let's say hello to Sandra. Raith Rovers confirmed their

place in the top four with a 2-1 win in Dumfries. Robbie Thomson saved

and effort. For most of the first half, Raith Rovers come to be dealt

with Queen's attack. Kyle Hutton with a long ball forward the Dale

Hulse and his smash them ball past the goalkeeper. Raith Rovers

restored the advantage just after the hour mark. Queens pushed to take

something from the game. Raith have Cuthbert to thank, he said shots

from Wilson. But despite their efforts, Queens couldn't muster an

equaliser. Back to the Premiership, Dundee United against Inverness. It

finished 2-0. United lurching closer to the drop. Toothless display will

stop Inverness Caley Thistle's second win in eight matches. The

first goal was a tap in and the second was an impressive bowling. It

means Dundee have two win a minimum of three of the remaining five

games. That is just to avoid automatic relegation and the

evidence of this match, it is an improbable sequence of results and

evidence of this match, it is an the full-time mission greeted by

doing by most of the United fans who had remained inside Tannadice. Not a

doing by most of the United fans who good day for Dundee United. We were

conferring during that. We have now got the top six. We will start in

reverse order. Ross County, I cannot believe they are in there, three

wins in ten games. On a terrible run, but they have done it? They

have been on a poor run since the League Cup. Even before that. But

that is a huge win for them today. It just kind of validates the

coupling, but it means they will be downturn at the end of the season.

It is all positive for Ross County, they have one cup, in the top six,

it is a fantastic season. St Johnstone in fifth, upon behind

Motherwell. Intriguing battle for third spot sorry for the spot with a

potential European place of the grabs? They can all now enjoy

themselves. That horrible pressure of being down, fighting against the

play-off situation, that has gone for them. If they do get into

Europe, any of those teams, Motherwell, Ross County, St

Johnstone, Europe would be a huge bonus. Go and enjoy the games. Now

we can go to the classified results round-up.

had the disallowed goal which went in.

Defeat for Dundee coupled by a windfall, Nick leaves the gap

between them at eight points. -- coupled by a win for Kilmarnock.

Rangers are confirmed champions, the graduations to them. Raith Rovers,

congratulations, their place in the play-off places is confirmed. Alloa

were relegated last week. Dunfermline are the champions in

League 1. Peterhead and a United are confirmed in play-off spots,

Stranraer are not quite over the line yet.

East Stirlingshire 's defeat today means they will face a pyramid

play-off. Leicester and Tottenham played tomorrow.

A familiar look about the bottom of the table. Aston Villa are clinging

on, only by mathematical possibility, one would have to say.

Let's get some details of the matches in the English Premier

Let's get some details of the League this afternoon, starting with

the London derby, West Ham United against Arsenal. Jonathan Pearce has

details. West Ham three, Arsenal three. West Ham had the ball in the

net first only for Lanzini to be ruled offside, especially cruel when

Mesut Ozil was judged marginally on-site. And when Sanchez finished

off a lovely move for 2-0, Arsenal were well in command. But a header

and a deflected blast, two in two minutes from Andy Carroll, Rod them

level. Arsenal thought that the battering ram centre forward Andy

Carroll should have been sent off, but after 52 minutes he was there to

head in his hat-trick, only for the win to be denied by Kush Elneny's

close range equaliser 19 minutes from time. Restless and wonderful,

like the whole season. Jonathan also sent breathless! Jacqui Oatley has

details of Crystal Palace against Norwich City. Crystal Palace win

1-0, finally winning a league game in 2016, the last team to do so.

Jason Puncheon's goal hugely significant. It's release the

pressure valve at Selhurst Park, a rare moment of quality in, frankly,

a relegation dogfight. Norwich felt they should have had a penalty in

clear of Norwich with a game and sat clear of Norwich with a game and sat

-- game in hand, Norwich still have work to do, starting with Sunderland

next weekend. How did bottom club Aston Villa get

on against Bournemouth? Eddie Howe is celebrating the win for

Bournemouth, they get past 40 points, but eight defeats in a row

for Villa, their worst Premier League run of results. There has not

been worse since 1963, relegation League run of results. There has not

only delayed for another week because of Palace's win against

Norwich. Bournemouth are past the 40 point mark to safety in their first

season in the top flight. Villa fans unveiled a banner saying no fight,

no pride, no hope, which just about sums it up. You castle United also

in the relegation zone, Tony Husband watch the match away at Southampton.

The clock is ticking on their Premier League survival. The

frustration for Rafa Benitez will be that Newcastle only showed a threat

when they were 3-0 down and effectively out of it. Talented

individuals, highlighted by the goal-scorer, Andros Townsend. 2-0

down at the break, Wanyama made it three. Townsend's goal was great,

but individual moments will not save Newcastle.

Swansea are not safe yet, but a win over Chelsea today will do their

prospects no end of good. Let's hear all about it. What a difference a

year makes, Swansea have beaten Chelsea 1-0, this time last year

Swansea, in full pump, won 5-0. Gylfi Sigurdsson scored his ninth

goal since the turn of the year. He has been key to the Swansea revival.

A first league defeat for Guus Hiddink on the second time around,

plenty of work for Antonio Conte. Watford played Everton this

afternoon. 1-1, these teams in their poor runs continue, one win in six

for Everton, non-in 64 Watford. The poor runs continue, one win in six

girls get the stroke of half-time, McCarthy put Everton forward, then

Holub asked's header was deflected past his own goalkeeper. In the

closing stages, Watson saw a 25 yarder brilliantly saved.

Plenty to talk about in the English Premier League, starting with West

Ham United and Arsenal, Craig. Is that Arsenal's title hopes gone?

They had to win every game and hope that the best and they could not get

it done, so I think so. Every time there is a criticism about Arsenal,

it is that they are soft. Andy Carroll, and a planned at them,

bowled over type striker, get a hat-trick. They got a point, showing

bowled over type striker, get a character, but league champions? No

chance. They are playing good football, but you have to have more

than that. Compare that to Leicester City, their character and fight,

that is why they are top of the league and Arsenal cannot get there.

Great players, something missing. Do you think that they would hunger for

the 1-0 wins under George Graham? There was a banner saying that all

great stories have to come to an end, meaning that finger has to go.

I think he has to go. -- meaning that Wenger has to go. How many

years have people said that Arsenal RA soft touch? They need to bring in

tough, and field centre halves. -- midfield centre halves. They have

blown it again. The types of player who have been fantastic for

Leicester, who go and do the hard work and are good enough on the

ball, I am surprised that that is the type of player that Arsene

Wenger does not get. Two horse race between Leicester and Tottenham? I

would have thought so. Spurs play Man United, lest it would be

expected to beat Sunderland, if it goes that way, they are a step

closer. Aston Villa are a huge step closer...? They are gone, fair play

to them, they will get ?100 million for being relegated. That is the

obscenity of this new Premier League television deal, they get a pot of

gold for being useless. The heart and Soul has gone out of that club,

as with Newcastle. So Mike Ashley will be rubbing his hands, but it is

not looking good for them Leicester mug 3-1 loss at Southampton? They

are a huge club, passionate fans, they will go down again. Some of

these teams might not come up for a couple of years. I know the

parachute payment is great, but unless you jump back up, you are in

trouble. Newcastle is one of those teams. A good result for

Southampton, good to see them going well. Burnley are top of the

Championship, the winner scored by Scott Arfield, Scotland have said,

we do not want him, he is now Canadian. He is not good enough for

Scotland! I thought he was always Canadian!

Let's talk about the Scottish Premiership, we know who will be on

the top six at the bottom six. We focused on the top six and earlier,

let's look at the bottom six, you focused on the top six and earlier,

have unanimously agreed, probably for the first time, that Dundee

United's goose is well and truly cooked, but it is close between

United's goose is well and truly Kilmarnock, Hamilton and Inverness?

Do you see anybody else being sucked in? The Inverness game on Tuesday is

big. If they win that, eight game, it gets them to 42 point, and I

right? It opens it up. If they don't, they open the gap between

themselves and Hamilton. Every game will be tough for them. It is a

different type of pressure at the will be tough for them. It is a

bottom you spoke about the reinforcements that Aberdeen needed,

John Hughes has spoken about the difficulty of getting people up to

Inverness, he is losing players to Dundee? That is the problem, Dundee

can offer better contracts. We can pay a little bit more, is it enough

to get players to uproot families, moved to Inverness, change schools

etc? That will always be a problem, Inverness and Ross County have

donated job but you wonder how far they can go because they are out of

the way, it is difficult to get players from England and the South

of Scotland. The manager must be wondering where it went wrong. I

Hard to beat. They win games, they Thistle. Indeed's problem, 14 draws?

Hard to beat. They win games, they lose games, if you turn two of them

into wins, it is a different story. You have got to get the points if

you want to finish top six. They did last season, just couldn't quite get

you want to finish top six. They did there this season. Partick Thistle,

I feel sorry for them because they had a period of fixture congestion?

A bit unlucky. They went through a nice patch where they were winning

games. I think they will move forward. I know it will be

games. I think they will move disappointing for Alan Archibald.

But I do think they have moved forward. I think we have sent Kenny

Crawford too often to Hamilton. He has gone native, worried about them.

Should he be worried, looking at the table? It is a big result for them.

They get them close enough to the other group to give them a chance

and keep the gap between themselves and Kilmarnock. Every game will be

like a cup final. Is it five games they have to play? Inverness will

play the extra game. That could be tremendous motivation for

Kilmarnock, going into the final furlong? When you are six games

without a win and only one goal scored, you are looking for

something. You get the best result of the season when you find Hamilton

also get a win. They have managed to beat St Johnstone twice, they have

to use it as a springboard. And a clean sheet for Jamie Macdonald, I

would imagine will be their Player of the Year? He has been brilliant.

Looking at footage coming in, he made a magnificent save in the top,

right hand corner. He is not the biggest guy, would you go and sign

him because about, but look at the season they have had. Without him,

why would they be. Given Dundee United bottom spot, who is next?

Kilmarnock are the team in second bottom, a 4-point gap between them

and Hamilton. A win and a draw and hope he will get your goal

difference sorted out. These last five games will be immense. And the

game between Kilmarnock and Hamilton will be the biggest.

the lab Brooks Scottish Premiership. the lab Brooks Scottish Premiership.

-- Ladbrokes. Highlights of that little lot

tomorrow night with Jonathan You'll be annoyed with yourself

if you don't catch live coverage of the Scottish Cup semi-final

between Hibernian and Dundee United And the results show is back at half

past four next week on BBC One. Before that, you can listen to Off

the Ball's Saturday Supplement with Stuart not Tam this week,

Annie Maguire deputising