19/03/2017 Sportscene

This could be something quite sensational. Right out of the top

drawer. It is outstanding. The shot is an absolute beauty. Oh, yes!

What a finish. Right here, right now, this is history.

Good evening and welcome to Sportscene. Mid-March and the

Premiership title could potentially have been one this weekend, but as

it happens it's delayed until after the international break and after a

long, hard season, we are looking forward to a well-deserved weekend

off, Thompson and Michael Stewart. Plenty of business to get through

this weekend. Let's get straight to the lunchtime match, Dundee at home

to Celtic. The champagne on ice for the champions, with points on top of

both sides, Liam McLeod was there for us. -- on offer.

Paul Hartley has restored Kevin Gomis to the side after a month.

Dundee are looking to bounce back from successive defeats. Calum

MacGregor starts and plays for Celtic's Burstein for the time. He

takes near Bitton's place in the side as he did at half-time in the

Derby last week. Sviatchenko is replaced as the champions look to go

within touching distance of the title. Before kick-off there will be

a minutes silence for the Celtic legend, Tommy Gemmill, who of course

served Dundee with distinction as well as player and manager. -- as

both player and manager. Plenty of height for Stuart

Armstrong to aim at. Headed wide, Dembele. I am sure he is targeting

the 40 goals that Leigh Griffiths got to last season. 32 at the

moment. Celtic are 22 points clear of

Aberdeen at the top of the top-flight. Lusted knocks it across.

Dembele could not quite gather. Still therefore Celtic -- Lustig.

This was the run from Callum MacGregor. He had a bit of the

jersey there, and he's already been done for that this afternoon. A

yellow card for it early on. In it comes. Holt. Armstrong. He

gets it back in. Then it is headed over by Boyata. Scored a couple in

single goal victories over St Johnstone and Aberdeen, Dedrick

Boyata. Former Dundee United midfielder

Stuart Armstrong getting some stick. He has been over just about every

set piece for Celtic. That is a better one. How on earth did that

stay out? Boyata must have thought he had given Celtic the lead here.

Armstrong's best delivery of the day and that has been blocked on the

line by McGowan. Armstrong again. James Forrest. That is a great

challenge by Kerr. Forest gets the break of the ball. And it has gone

in, it has crept in. Simunovic gives Celtic the lead right on half-time.

As they did against Dundee in Glasgow just before Christmas.

Simunovic's first goal of the season edges Celtic that bit closer to six

in a row. The big Croatian defender hardly caught that. It is the touch

of Kevin Gomis that has taken it away from the grasp of a pain. -- of

pain. Dembele. MacGregor. He keeps it going. Armstrong, Dembele down

the middle, and Armstrong. And that is terrific.

Paul Hartley will lament the defending but Brendan Rodgers

applauds as one of his men of the season gets on the scoresheet yet

again. He will surely win his first Scotland cap in the upcoming

double-header. James Forrest picked him out and they made its -- it look

so, so easy. That is a rare loose ball by Tierney

and Paul McGowan is in, and Marcus Haber. He has got to at least hit

the target with that. Celtic have only conceded four goals at home

this season, and Marcus Haber scored one of them. It looked all the way a

route back in for Dundee. Armstrong. James Forrest, who set up Armstrong

for the second goal for Celtic. Here is Tierney. A big chance for number

three. Dundee just about defend it. It's been a little bit too easy from

the Dundee point of view for Tierney to get on to that. It just bobbled

ahead of him. McGowan has shown too much of it for

Scott Sinclair, who thought about the early shop. We might be in any

way. Sinclair, Dembele, but a brilliant challenge by Gomez --

early shop. -- Gomis. Losing out to Sinclair with Dembele to his left.

Dembele did not bargain on Gomez. It is a good bit of defending.

Armstrong's latest corner. Lustig. Floated delivery, Scott Sinclair. He

must have lost sight of where the goal was as Dembele hits the deck

under the challenge of Ojamaa. No penalty. Scott Sinclair, and Dembele

went down way too easily. If Dundee are to get anything out of this they

are going to have to think about scoring pretty soon. What a touch

that was by El Bakhtaoui week, and he has a go. What a goal. Dundee

have a way back in. And it comes in spectacular fashion from Faizal El

Bakhtaoui. That is an absolute rocket. And it has halved the

deficit. He has smashed that past Craig Gordon. Inspired management by

Paul Hartley. And Dundee, who were 2-0 down, have

an opportunity to equalise. Away by Dembele, backing by Kerr.

Well passed from Haber. Not a prolific goal-scorer, Haber, but

he's done a good job in other ways this afternoon.

At times today we played fantastic football. We just failed to make the

final pass that would have made the game more comfortable, but like you

say, we know if we have to defend a game like that when it's coming in

early into the box, we can do that. And by the end we were very happy

with the win. We changed the shape and we had a real go and scored an

excellent goal through El Bakhtaoui E. Haber had a fantastic opportunity

and we put balls in the box. Celtic had to change to a back three, but

I'm pleased with the attitude of the players. No champagne today but yet

another victory for Brendan Rodgers's side. Stephen, how'd you

characterise that Celtic performance today? Not the best, and the second

week running they were under par. Not vintage Celtic but they have

shown the winning mentality -- winning mentality. They grind out

results, and they did that today. It was the little level of intensity

they have had this season, but it's to be expected. They have been at

such a levels for so long. For Scotland next weekend against

Slovenia, how many Celtic players should be in the starting XI? You

have five in the starting XI for Celtic who are in the squad. James

Forrest has been wonderful form all season long. He set up both goals.

Here is one from earlier on today, and I think I would be surprised if

he was not in the starting XI. Craig Gordon has gone from strength to

strength since getting back on the side and signing a new contract.

Unbelievable, wasn't it? Scott Brown is backing the team and is a certain

starter. That is a wonderful pass -- back in team. Very strong at

left-back as well. Here are the two of them combining well. You have to

remember that Leigh Griffiths is sitting on the bench for Celtic. He

started at Wembley in the last Scotland game. Stuart Armstrong is

the real gem at the moment. A wonderful run and a great header. He

is the one, breaking into the Scotland squad, the big question

will be whether he starts the game. I would be amazed if he's not

starting because he's in the form of his career and is playing

wonderfully well and scoring goals. Are you impressed by that header? I

thought the cross was superb from James Forrest, drilled it across.

You look at the five plays in the starting XI for Celtic they could

easily be in the starting XI for Scotland and Leigh Griffiths, you

could be looking at six Celtic players. Paul Hartley thought Dundee

were excellent in the second half and it was an excellent strike from

Faizal El Bakhtaoui E. An unbelievable strike and it was slack

from Celtic not dealing with the quick free kick, but El Bakhtaoui

drives at the heart of the defence that is a non-believable hit. That a

fantastic hit. He has struggled for me to make the step up to the

standard of the Premiership. He scored 30 goals last season. But

that was only his third in the Premiership. We know he has the

undoubted quality but he's not bringing it on a weekly basis but

that was an unbelievable strike. Dundee had done well to rally

towards the end but they could not get the result. Just needs to apply

a bit more consistency to his game will

you could apply that to Dundee as a whole. They've been very

inconsistent. He clearly has goal-scoring ability but he's not

able to maintain it this year. OK. The forlorn chase of Celtic for

Aberdeen in second place and we've known it for some time, but Derek

McInnes's side aiming to clinch the runners-up spot ahead of Rangers.

Hearts were the visitors this weekend. Andrew Consett iron is free

from suspension and returns to the fold at the expense of Jayden

Stockley -- Consett iron. They are aiming to win nine home games on the

trot. Ian Castro was that impressed last week that he has named the same

11 as last week and Aaron Hughes is fit again and sit -- sits amongst

the substitutes as hearts look for a first win of the season over

Aberdeen. It was a goalless draw between these two in August.

Aberdeen with the better of it. Hearts may be at the best chance, as

Nicholson goals -- goes for gold. That was a decent opportunity carved

out by Sam Nicholson. Taylor waiting for the corner. A bit of grappling

and there was a shout for handball by a couple of the Hearts players.

It might have been the midfielder it came off.

Hearts looking to build on the wonderful win over Hamilton last

week. Brilliant challenge by Logan. And Nicholson. That is the best

chance of the game so far. Tony Watt, who was on loan at Hearts,

when he missed his best opportunity at the tawdry. Considine for McGinn.

A good ball, and Logan is there. He once again has the important

delivery and Logan stole in from right back. He has enjoyed that one.

Aberdeen in front. Aberdeen won nine matches in a row,

and it was Hearts that stopped their run. He is offside, he is not in

agreement with the decision. Pretty much on line with Logan to be fair

to him. Brilliantly touched and Rooney is

there but he is offside. Celebrations cut short. Graeme

Shinnie, that was outstanding. His head and shoulders were in line.

Hayes. Both he and Graeme Shinnie will feel very aggrieved they are

not in the Scotland squad for the upcoming double-header. McLean has

been superb in recent times. McClean went after it. It's number

two. Nine in a row. He's on his way for Aberdeen. Oh dear. That is a

horror show. Jonny Hayes gobbles up the chance to double their lead and

it is the least they deserve. They are cruising.

Look at that. You know someone is playing with confidence when you hit

that from 30 yards. So unlucky, tipped over by Hamilton. Xinyi works

it to Hayes. -- Shinnie. Hamilton beats its way. McGinn's effort

blocked. Jonny Hayes is very difficult to keep a lid on. Sell

theirs is in here. There was no flag. Just what the Aberdeen defence

is looking for. Joe Lewis played to the whistle. It comes off the

Aberdeen defender. Aberdeen picked up their 100th victory over Hearts

just before Hogmanay. Victory number 101 is just about coming. Niall

thinks he should have made it 3-1. He was offered a contract by Hearts

in January. That should be easy. Jayden Stockley has become embroiled

and Stockley is off. It was a flailing arm. Steven McLean, the

referee will now sort things out. I think it's great as a manager when

you see a team so relentless with their work. Their honesty. I thought

we spoke before the game about players being aggressive. Pressing

the life out of the opposition. I thought we did that.

Much has been made from Craig Levein being in the dressing room in the.

How much influence does he have in the 90 minutes? I work in a certain

way, with collective staff, always been involved with technical staff.

People connected to us throughout the game. Everything you see or

focus on or want to try to create,. He is not providing coaching advice?

That's my job. Yet another great home victory for Aberdeen. Is it

that big a deal, Hearts director of football communicating with his head

coach Ian Cathro during the match? No. I think that's fair enough. They

are wise to utilise that vantage point from the stand. I don't have a

problem with that. In the 21st century I think they could get

something a bit better connected by running up and down the stands! I

think it's the changing room think that is the real issue. As a player,

you are sitting in the changing room and we are led to believe that they

have a bit of a gathering, ideas are spoken about. Craig Levein is not

speaking directly to the players but if you sit there for a couple of

minutes and wonder where the head coaches, then he eventually comes

through and you have another senior figure just standing net and not

saying anything, just the fact he's there, adds to the confusion. I've

never experienced anything like that. In the changing room it is

normally one voice, one leader. You do get a better view from the stands

sometimes. They are obviously comfortable with it but it's not

been communicated well exactly what the role of Craig Levein is. I don't

think Cathro explains it well either. They need some clarity. It's

understandable the supporters, media, people, the director of

football role is not normal in Scottish football so what is the

defining difference between what he's doing and what Cathro is doing?

It needs to be explained, more transparency. Another senior figure

in the change in creating confusion because as a player, you wonder who

is making decisions. Who is giving us the direction? His mere presence

is confusing. Confusion on the bench as well. When results are not

happening, you will get more scrutiny. At this point, there is a

line and as a full-back, you never want to cross that and get dragged

over. Look at his body position. He is closed off, he never looks. This

is the first occasion he knows that Logan is behind him. The cross comes

in. This happened all day long. You know Aberdeen, their strengths,

really using the wide areas and they didn't put enough pressure on the

Aberdeen wide men to stop crosses coming into the box.

He's got his back to him there. This continued right through the game.

You have to get touched tight. Right through the first half, it was clear

Hearts were getting forced onto the back foot. Aberdeen played

brilliantly. To be expected. They pressed them all over the park.

Hearts were on the back foot. They do it every week. Isolated upfront,

Steven? You can see the midfielder miles away from Hillier. -- away

from him here. Either it's a bit naive for them to

go chasing blindly. Aberdeen forced Hearts back the whole game and you

have to squeeze it out. We discussed Hearts in depth. This was a

fantastic victory for Aberdeen. Phenomenal home record. They are

playing with such confidence and what an achievement to equal Sir

Alex's record. He described it as relentless. You were there, does

that sum it up? Definitely. It epitomises Aberdeen under Derek

McInnes. They thoroughly deserved their victory. The more you talk

about two clubs challenging at the top of the table and Aberdeen are up

there, Hearts 1 million miles away at the moment. They've got a great

opportunity, Inverness at home next. A great chance to do it. Next,

Ibrox, Rangers keep the pressure on Aberdeen. Pedro Caixinha took the

reins for the first time and greeted the fans. Commentary comes from Rory

Hamilton. COMMENTATOR: Pedro Caixinha's first

selection as manager sees just one change. Jon Toral comes on. Four

goal loss at Tynecastle. The early ball forward finding

McKay. Danger for Hamilton. McKay for Holt. The shot is just too high

from Jason Holt. McKay kept his cool to pick out the past. Holt lacked

composure. Lovely turn from Martyn Waghorn. He goes for gold. -- goal.

A good record in this victory, scored in all three games this

season against Hamilton Academical. A turn to get away from the party,

very impressive. -- get away from Donati. Tavernier. He returns to

write back. Freedom to move forward. This is nice from Rangers. The first

goal of the Caixinha era at Ibrox is scored by Emerson Hyndman. A

fantastic flowing move. Tavernier picked out the American and he

scored for the fourth time since joining on loan from Bournemouth. 26

minutes in, Rangers lead 1-0. Hamilton have had precious few

chances. McMann. Crawford, the only man in the middle. Gillespie

arriving now and Crom but... You went for the spectacular. Easy

enough for Wes Foderingham. Crawford did score here on the very opening

day of the season. Wilson for Tavernier. Hooks up the line where

it McKay has switched flanks. Taken out of the play by Alexander Gudok

pitch. Rangers will have a free kick in a dangerous position. Jon Toral

assessing his options. He will swing this in with a left foot and it's a

good one. Rangers have their second goal. After 41 minutes. The

38-year-old has shown his instincts again to score for the third game

running. Kenny Miller couldn't get enough on it and Hill couldn't miss.

Tavernier likely to be the favourite. He struck it well. Just

couldn't get it to come down and nestle in that top corner. They get

it away but only as far as Waghorn who goes down under the challenge of

Donati and Robinson points to the spot. No doubt in the referee's

mind. Rangers have a penalty kick. No complaints from Donati either.

Woods faces Waghorn and Waghorn goes down the middle of the goal and

Rangers have their third. The results has rarely been in doubt.

His 15th goal of the season, five of which have come against Hamilton.

Wallace. Up the line for Barrie McKay. Far too much pace for

Sarries. McKay is in. Holt was arriving. The first touch seemed to

come off Darian MacKinnon. A little too close for comfort in knocking

that past his own goalkeeper. Toral, confidence flowing amongst the

Rangers players. Lee Wallace. Miller. For the return to his

captain. It comes back to Kenny Miller. Waghorn and into Lee

Wallace. That's will round it off very nicely. For Rangers. The

captain gets in on the action. 15 minutes left to play. The Caixinha

regime at Ibrox gets off to the perfect start.

All eyes on Pedro Caixinha, a dapper gentleman, like yourself. How do you

assess his first match in charge? Impressive. We managed to pick out a

few things that were not that worthy. Rangers were often

criticised for being laboured and predictable in the build-up under

Mark Warburton, but here they are direct, a long ball, a flick on, and

every time Rangers got the ball it seemed like their first thought was,

how can we attack? Kenny Miller was superb. Again, Rangers, how quickly

can we get forward, and when this comes into the box, you see five

men, and that was the theme for Rangers. It was very impressive.

Look at that attack. For Rangers fans at Ibrox, they were so

accustomed to see teams parking the box, but this is how you get around

that -- parking the bus. Watch Lee Wallace. Wants to catch it and

attack it. One end of the pitch to the other here and basically five or

six seconds, and it's fantastic. I think the Rangers fans will be

entertained by this more dynamic style. You see the first one, the

long ball over the top two Waghorn. That is not a punt up the park, it

is a great pass. It is entertaining to watch because as a fan you want

to see shots on goal and goals scored, and it was certainly a stark

contrast to what it had been like for a lot of the season, in

particular at Ibrox. Possession for possession's sake. And with the

workrate, big changes from what we saw under Warburton? We highlighted

the workrate last week and it was excellent but it struck me that

Hamilton could not string for five passes together and everything was

taken away. Rangers were hunting in packs to win it back and the

turnover was incredible, the amount of times they won the ball back and

they were superb. When they won it back, the first instinct was, can we

attack again? I think that has probably been the one thing for me

that Caixinha has brought in this week. The constant desire to attack.

Here is an example. When the ball back, what can we do with it? This

is another shot from Kenny Miller and he should have done better. I

think Rangers fans will be entertained. It's incredible in the

time he has been in. Five days. A huge difference in a short period of

time, given that Hamilton have shipped a lot of goals of late, 14

in the last three games. They've only scored one in five games. From

the Rangers perspective, a lot of positives. I felt we learned quite a

lot from that analysis. But you feel that from the semifinal in the

Scottish Cup against Celtic is where they will learn most. That is where

they will be judged. It is a massive game and then in summer he can check

out how good the recruitment is but that will be a game where he is

judged. Looking gloomy for Hamilton. Bottom of the table. Is that where

they will stay? There are not too many positives or lights at the end

of the tunnel to suggest they will drag themselves out of it. 14 goals

in the last three games, conceding far too many and not scoring enough.

Not a great combination. Motherwell are in trouble as well.

Steve Robinson was made permanent manager in the week and he took on a

St Johnstone side pushing for a top four place.

Having been appointed permanent Motherwell manager in the week,

Steve Robinson is forced into a defensive reshuffle. He welcomes

back Louis Moult following a ban. Tommy Wright lost the services of

Keith Watson to a knee injury in training but sees no need to make

any changes following the 2-0 victory over Dundee last time out.

Jewels wins the header. Craig gets Cummins on his way. It is Graham

Cummins. That is a good ball in. Craig had continued his run and he

finds the back of the net with the header, eight minutes played an St

Johnstone lead at Fir Park. It was Liam Craig who started the move,

Graham Cummins had time and space to measure the cross and Craig tucks in

his fourth of the season. Freer, and he's got plenty of pace down the

left-hand side. A good ball as well. McDonald goes down, claims he was

held by Brian Easton. No penalty. Cummins. Looking to go round the

outside of Jules, and he got the shot in. Samsung tips it over, and

he was fantastic last week. -- Samson.

Can't beat the first man, Cavan. Comes back to Frear, having to work

for his space. Into McDonald, and Cadden on the half volley could only

fire over the top as Motherwell threatened to equalise. Headed away.

Hamill returns it with interest. It might drop for Cadden. It was the

challenge from Payton. Louis Moult continues the attack, but they are

able to clear. It was Cadden who went down under the challenge from

Payton. Greg Aitken said no. McHugh. Moult, to McDonald. Lovely

interchange. It comes back to Scott McDonald and what an incredible miss

by the Australian. Well, he did the hard bit and the linkup with Moult

was almost perfect, and when it dropped for McDonald the footwork

was good but he could not apply the finish. Malta. He has done well here

-- Moult. Scobey. Clay. Might drop for McDonald, and persistence pays

off for Motherwell. They have got the equaliser just a minute before

the break. Scott McDonald makes no mistake this time. And he has Number

ten for the season, and it is all squared up at 1-1.

Frear. There is Jules. McManus called into action after coming on

at half-time. Jules. Tossing it back into the middle, and Louis Moult

can't get the header on target. Jules must have thought that he had

put Motherwell in front here. Great save. Incredible to think that

Motherwell have not won at home since mid-November. There is Louis

Moult, looking to change that. Their top scorer was not far away. St

Johnstone will not want to give him that much space again. Foster. Up to

Maclean. Swanson. Maclean is hovering on the right touchline.

Clearing header but only to Liam Craig. What a hit that is Liam

Craig. He has his second of the game, midway through the second

half. St Johnstone restored their lead -- restore their lead.

Ferguson's header did not do enough to clear the danger and Liam Craig

has made him pay. Swanson. Cummins. Another great ball in for Liam Craig

but he could not guide it into the net. Some hat-trick that would have

been. Took it down nicely, and Motherwell having to come from

behind again. That is for Louis Moult. That is the man, Stephen

Robinson would have wanted it to fall to him. Uncharacteristically,

he could not hit the target. McDonald gets it back. Looking to

supply for Bowman. It comes off the inside of the post, and somehow it

stays out. Motherwell cannot believe this.

When you come away from home and get three points, and it's a massive

three points as it almost takes us in the top six, the performance

probably at times could have been better. We had seven clear-cut

chances and one penalty, it's incredible how we didn't get it, and

that wasn't given. There was another debatable one but it just didn't go

for us. We hit the post in the last minute and Louis Moult has a chance.

Six or seven clear-cut chances. They get to when they put them in the box

and scored. Be done clay crosses into the box, is what happens. St

Johnstone up to fourth in the table -- if you don't clear crosses.

Motherwell had their chances and penalty claims as well. Should

either have been given? Should both of them being given?

This one I'm not convinced about. I've seen them given but I don't

think there's enough. He is already falling down. Where is this one, the

second one, no doubt at all that Cadden is taken out. As it drops

down, he gets his foot in the first and Payton clears him out. He's in a

really strong position. It is a definite penalty. He gets cleaned

out. That is a penalty as far as I'm concerned. Every right to be

aggrieved but they did create a lot of opportunities and probably should

have taken something. Yet they are in the mix at the bottom of the

table. Three points off the bottom of the table and they need to try

and stabilise quickly. Ibrox next week. They are just conceding far

too many goals and if you concede too many, you don't give yourself an

opportunity to stay in the game. They conceded more than any other

team this season. What about the tactic of that kick out? It is

random. They are trying to stop the keeper kicking early and accurately.

But it was largely ineffectual. I don't think it works particularly

well. Is it worthwhile at all? I've seen it done before but he's not

even putting the goalkeeper under pressure. Mannus is just kicking up

the park. We talked about conceding too many goals. I'm not saying you

can't concentrate on more than one aspect of the game, but from their

perspective, they are ineffectual, those things. You need to be getting

the defence sorted out, stop conceding goals. Too many crosses

into the box coming in easily and you will never get a chance to get

points and draws and wins if you Chuck goals in the back. Fantastic

victory for St Johnstone. Could be a European spot. You have three out of

the four semifinalists have an opportunity to win, and then fourth

place will be in Europe. You cannot give St Johnstone enough plaudits.

Year after year they continue to get in and around the European spots and

they are in fourth and looking comfortable, second-best away record

which normally you would expect at home, but away from home has been

the bedrock of success. Only Celtic have the better away record. Cannot

give them enough plaudits. Fantastic from St Johnstone.

Two more sides glancing at the trapdoor, with Inverness Caley

Thistle starting the weekend bottom of the table and Ross County just

four points ahead. Two changes from the side that drew

at Partick. Ross Draper comes back in from suspension and Brad Mackay

and Polworth give way. Two changes for the visitors after the loss

against Kilmarnock. Paul Quinn is injured and there is no Mark Wood

's. Andrew Davis and Christopher routers are recalled.

Might break for Vigurs at the edge of the area. That is a terrific

effort from Iain Vigurs. Scored his first senior goal for Ross County in

the Premiership against Inverness Caley Thistle and tried to get it on

target there the home side. Voices the runner. Naismith. Great little

ball across. And Alex Schalk is an inch away from the opening goal.

Lovely interchange with boys. It fizzed across that he could not find

the touch. Deep towards Davies, and he brings it down. Alex Schalk

tumbled in the box and Raven was behind him. He thinks he was fouled.

He yells at the referee and Davies won the header. Raven certainly made

contact with the player in the area. Played across. That is pure. Tansey

is calling for it and he gets it from Polworth. And he gets the

opening goal. The deflection was key, but Inverness Caley Thistle

don't care. Greg Tansey scores for the third time against Ross County.

Having enjoyed a difficult first 15 minutes of the first half, within

three minutes of the restart, Inverness Caley Thistle Lara head.

The goalkeeper with no chance. Davies with a deflection -- are

ahead. He should have put that in the stand, but he didn't. The leader

was perfect, and Tansey accepts. Polworth tries to work the 1-2.

Draper. Tremarco stealing in at the back post. Mackay can't get back in

time. Gardyne will slide in. Tremarco with a fine goal-scoring

season, seven already, he could not put it on target. That was inviting.

The last six games between these sides have found a winner. Ross

County have one to this season. Caley Thistle leading and looking to

add to it. Mackay tries to pick out Tansey in the middle. Naismith

chases after it. That will be a free kick. And the yellow card to.

Tremarco bearing the brunt of the challenge from Jason Naismith.

Having a fine game, but that was reckless. Tansey more than capable

from here. And the goalkeeper knew it. The Irishman popping it over the

top. Tested the keeper. Frazar. On two boys. Naismith --

onto Boyce. Great ball, and Craig Cummings is marked. He should have

scored. It's the chance he has been waiting

for. The former Tranmere and Carlisle man. He seemed to be in two

minds about what he should do. They have only kept one clean sheet at

home this season. They are driving and looking for another. It came

back to Tremarco. Tremarco. He holds off his man. Hits the bar. Billy

McKay does as all good strikers do, tried to anticipate to get in there

and he's a lucky. Naismith. Boyce. Into the middle it goes. Jim

O'Brien. Williams taking no chances. It was rising. O'Brien, one goal in

nine appearances for Ross County. Accepted the gift from Draper and

forced the keeper into the stop. It will come in. A nice touch. The shot

has broken away from Warren. Second touch, Jason, and the equaliser from

Alex Schalk. Four minutes to play and Ross County level. The

substitute, a brilliant header, took at two defenders and Alex Schalk was

calm and controlled, aiming for the top corner. Ross County are level.

Four minutes to play in the Highland derby and what a crucial goal that

could prove to be. It feels like a bit of a defeat but

we are a point better off than before the game. Proud of the lads.

We looked solid. We dealt with a lot of crosses into the box.

Disappointed with the goal we conceded but all in all I thought

the boys did well. Every team, is in a relegation battle.

Sometimes the look on players face can say so much. We see the close-up

on David Raven's face, it tells a story. First, I think it is a clear

penalty. I don't know whether the referee was an cited but you can see

the slow motion, Alex Schalk touches the ball and Raven comes in and

breaks the back of his calf. It's this one. He's looking for the

referee, saying, you didn't see that, did you? Thankfully for him,

the referee didn't. Should the referee Hasina? Absolutely, for me

it was fairly clear. The goal of Alex Schalk, into the realms of

anatomy, a hint of handball? It was a hint. All those Inverness players,

none of them claim for it. It is just his shoulder, I think he gets

enough of his chest, shoulder area. I think it's OK. You don't see any

of the Inverness players around him complain and also Richie Foran,

there were no complaints. A fair enough goal. No complaints from you

if you were doing that as a striker? Absolutely. It is a bit of a season

of thanks for both of the Highland clubs. We have spoken at length

about the fact Ross County should be doing a lot more with the quality

they've got. Inverness, Richie Foran's first foray into management

and it has been a bit of a struggle. But they seem to have a bit more

grit about them, a bit more like his character as a player. I think they

will have enough to see themselves out of this. A psychological boost

also, seeing lots of off the bottom of the table. It's a better for Ross

County. Inverness need to start turning those draws into wins.

Especially home games. Only six points between the bottom five side

so it will go right to the end and fascinating to watch. To the battle

for top six safety now. Partick Thistle began in possession of that

coveted spot. Kilmarnock hoping to replace them in the top half. Before

the match at Rugby Park, a minute's silence, for Joanne Johnson, the

wife of former chair Mr Johnson. WHISTLE

APPLAUSE COMMENTATOR: Kilmarnock have

experienced campaigners back after suspension. Robert Wilson dropped

the bench. Partick Thistle make one change to their line-up with

Christie Elliot, normally seen as a right-winger, taking the place of

Callum Booth at left-back. Six of the last nine meetings between these

sides have been draws. We expect another close encounter. An early

opportunity for the on loan Newcastle United midfielder, he's

been impressive in writing times Brash recent times for Kelly. Two

victories and two feats for Lee McCulloch. It is Boyd. Brilliant

save to deny Scott Boyd the opener for Kilmarnock. Terrific

goalkeeping. Taylor. Boyd and Sammon. It's Christie Elliot who

gets the final touch to deny Conor Sammon, giving Killie the lead.

Kilmarnock have started very positively. Jones. Looking towards

Mackenzie. Still Jordan Jones. He didn't quite get enough power on

that effort. A yard of space away from Christie Elliot.

Chris Erskine. Did well to create the opening for the shot. So close

from Chris Erskine. He's already got eight goals so far this season.

Tansey looking towards Gulen. Breaking away of Lawless. Kilmarnock

relieved to see that will come back off the crossbar. Still clear. It is

now. Scott Boyd's clearance straight to lawless who took the opportunity

well. Doolan. Ryan Edwards. Australian midfielder.

Missing the target as he's tried to steady himself.

Adam Barton. That looked as though it would be a scorer all the way for

the Partick Thistle midfielder, no wonder he's shaking his head. He

thought he had got his third goal for the Firhill club.

Chris Erskine. Partick Thistle in front. Chris Erskine claims his

ninth goal of the season. He got the break of the ball back off Taylor. A

fine strike to dispatch it beyond the woodman. Kilmarnock desperate to

get themselves back on level terms. Conor Sammon. Striking it. And

that's on its journey. Conor Sammon doesn't care. He fires that one in.

Straight through the goalkeeper's hounds. Kilmarnock are back on level

terms. That is Sammon's third goal since moving from Hearts. Killie

pushing for a winner. They are up in towards Boyd. Sammon. It breaks to

Boyd. Not quite sure what the infringement was. Didn't seem too

much there. Overall I will take the point.

Partick Thistle in the second half, probably they were the better team

today. We had a good victory last week. Got a point today so four

points out of six. I'm always looking at the positives. Kilmarnock

were better in the first off, very direct and played the Pitreavie

well. We didn't we caused a lot of problems on set plays and I think

the referee could have helped us out. They were blocking. The

officials didn't help us out. The second half was much better. He

praised the performance last week. Can't be perfect all the time. In

terms of what Alan Archibald was talking about, blocking at set

pieces, how big an issue was that? It's a big issue when you see the

highlights of how much space Kris Boyd gets. Partick defenders need to

do better. They allow themselves to get detach from Kris Boyd far too

easily. Alan Archibald said it was good movement to be fair to him.

Partick have to deal with it better. This shows you that Lee McCulloch

has clearly been working on a few different aspects of set plays. When

you are playing in these games that are really tight, sometimes set

plays can be the difference between getting three points and not. Lee

McCulloch obviously very much in his career, very good in the air so he

recognises that. There is something more about Kilmarnock at the moment.

They look better organise. The set plays are indicative of that.

Clearly getting up a good idea of what they are meant to be doing.

Partick Thistle conceded late goals, it was Inverness last week. A

different story in terms of points they got. They are in sixth place

just now, if they'd got four extra points and hadn't conceded the late

goals, I think they could have cemented that sixth place. And not

be too far behind Hearts. Disappointing for them but I think

at the same time, they will be glad they are looking to stretch that gap

to six. Quite a transformation. We had a chuckle and we talked about

Partick Thistle being a top side and the way things are going, they might

have half an eye on catching Hearts? They have a five-game unbeaten run.

I'll must feel reluctant to seem surprised by how well they've done.

Every year they do well and they've been fantastic this season. Full

marks to Alan Archibald. Partick Thistle are going up. There is not

more trajectory. Hearts are going down fast so it's not without the

realms of possibility that they could catch Hearts. We'll leave it

for them time being. Four games to play before the split, the table

looks like this. Let's start with the lower half for a change.

Brendan Rodgers' side might well do that in two weeks' time. That is

when we are back after the international break. Good luck to

Scotland as always. Until next time, goodnight.

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