21/10/2012 Sportscene

Out of the international break with a weekend's worth of 21 SPL goals

to show you. St Johnstone midfielder Chris Miller at Aberdeen

legend Willie Miller are here. First, to Tynecastle for Hearts

from their head gnocchi suffered a fortnight back. -- they a knock --

the head knock he suffered. Paul Mitchell was at the match.

Motherwell, moving forward, Jamie Murphy gets the shot away. It is an

early corner kick for Motherwell. Jamie Murphy has scored in only one

the curling shot from Andrew Driver. Good play, good takedown from

strike from the Arsenal back -- Hearts full-back. Stunning,

unstoppable strike, Darren Randolph with No chance. And John McGlynn is

delighted. Motherwell come Oliver Goode, a recent record that

Tynecastle. That is on to Keith Lasley, Michael Higdon was calling

for it in the middle. Humphrey, just taking Danny Grainger out of

away. There was a shout for hand partner, but Jamie MacDonald was

from Novikovas. That is another good, angled ball from Motherwell

more space for Chris Humphrey, and it is headed away by Andrew Webster.

That was a heavy challenge, but referee Willie Collum shakes his

head. Motherwell had a good shout Grainger sitting off him. And

Higdon - good effort. No goals in his last two. Motherwell, again,

already seen one stunning strike this afternoon, Ryan Stevenson

his shoulder, but Humphrey does well, and Michael Higdon! Danny

Grainger had to be aware just how quick Chris Humphrey is. Michael

Picton to streak with the shot. -- Higdon too straight. John Sutton

scored five times for Motherwell against Hearts, but he was just

the line from Andrew Webster. He peeled off on to the line, he read

path of John Sutton. Callum Patterson on the angle, or an over,

it was a chance for the second goal. it was a chance for the second goal.

-- up and over. It was a happy end for a week where the cash did not

flow for Hearts. Is it difficult to know where Hearts are going to end

up at the end of the season? probably is. They are in an unusual

financial situation, they have Fatah cut their squad and are

having problems paying wages, although it is not affecting team

spirit, but the squad is smaller than in the past. There are still

questions for Hearts to answer this season. Back-to-back defeats for

Motherwell - any cause for alarm? don't think so. The squad is strong,

they have got some good players. That was a quality strike from

Danny Grainger, wasn't it? It was, it was fantastic. The defenders

have got to make up their mind whether to close someone with his

quality down. Which you thought Motherwell for not reacting more

quickly? At the time they are probably hoping that at that sort

of range, is he going to put it into the top corner? He does have a

history of striking well from outside the box. Perhaps the

defender just made the wrong decision. To sit back and not

closed him down early enough. know about his ability as a former

team-mate of his at St Johnstone. You us, he strikes the ball very

well, as you can see. This is a more on that the right leg, he cuts

inside and strikes it very well, Allan McGregor will not forget this

one in a hurry, against Rangers. Fantastic strike, that it has won

up. That was a collector's item from Danny Grainger. Motherwell

manager Stuart McCall reckoned his team were worth a point. Most

managers do think that. Should they have had a penalty kick? There was

a lot of talk about the challenge on Michael Higdon. The big striker

goes up for it. I am not too sure what is in his mind, is he trying

to take it on his chest? Andrew Mercer has every right to go for

that ball. -- Webster. I think that is good defending. He saw the

opportunity. Michael Higdon has waited on the ball. He was waiting

to take it on his chest. And Andrew Webster powered up past him and it

is a great defensive header, for me. He anywhere else on the park you

would probably get a foul, but in the box, for it to be a penalty,

there has got to be more contact. It was not given, and Hearts 1, 1

Ivy 0. St Johnstone hope to bring back echoes of the 70s against

Kilmarnock, stringing together five straight top-flight victories for

the significance of the home win. St Johnstone almost got off to a

great start. And the defender was at it again, Cammy Bell in goals

did well to kill with the the shot initially but could not keep out

the header. Davidson, the scorer. Cillian Sheridan came close for,

not, but the effort from the former St Johnstone man hit the woodwork.

After the break it was about St Johnstone. Cammy Bell was back to

his old ways, after being out for a broken hand. Michael Nelson set up

a chance forcing Johnson, who sent Nigel Hasselbaink on his way. --

Hasselbaink had been quite quiet apart from that effort, but then

there is a warning for him to look away now, he got the ball back from

Dutchman, perhaps not his finest moment. But he kept battling away,

perhaps with that Miss still on his mind when he made his run and opted

to have a go himself. His frustration was plain to see. With

the clock ticking, Gregory Tade handed Nigel Hasselbaink one more

chance to redeem that missed, and Distin, success for Nigel as a back.

He did a little jig to celebrate. And there was a player pile up to

follow. Good skill from Gregory Tade. And with his earlier miss,

Hasselbaink no doubt relieved to see discoing end. Kilmarnock then

worried St Johnstone, grabbing a goal straight back, but it was

merely a consolation for James Fowler. And now Willie Ormond is no

longer the last manager to lead St Johnstone-5 straight league

What has changed apart from the points total? We are getting breaks

in front of goal and taking chances. Not a lot has changed in training.

The confidence is back, and it has proved that way. Could you be in

contention per-second place? don't know, there is a long way to

go in the league, there are lots of other teams that can catch us. But

we have got ability. Just a matter of weeks ago, questions were been

asked about Steve Lomas, and now, he is a hero. I was at the Celtic

game and they look good and then went one down, but they have got

back and played some very good football and have gone on an

amazing run for St Johnstone. Steve Lomas has had them playing well.

Duly came they did not play well as against Aberdeen. -- you're only

game. So, it has been a great run for St Johnstone and they are

thoroughly deserve to be where the matter. -- where they art. You can

see the belief growing from game to game. Yes, that is a couple of

goals he has had this year. And this was where it all kicked off,

with the winner against Celtic. You badly-needed points at that stage.

This game, it was more important to get the victory. We held on, then

we got back into it. What do you think of the St Johnstone squad?

is strong. Steve Lomas has put together a strong side. They have

got options right through the squad, they are powerful and can play

football. Watching Gregory Tade, his energy and work-rate against

Celtic was fantastic. Nigel Hasselbaink can this chances, but

he can score them, as well. might have got some serious earache

from his manager if he had not scored that later goal. I do not

think Nigel will want to see this again. You think that he is going

to put it in, but he goes with the wrong foot. And it gets away from

him. He is in a position to miss it, shall we say. And the reverse

position, if he squares this, surely Gregory Tade scores. Gregory

Tade will be frustrated. All he needed was the square ball and he

can stroke that into the back of the net. He gets himself into

positions. He does not score with every chance increase, but that is

an opportunity for a striker to put the ball in the back of the net.

think Gregory Tade a thought twice about not passing to him, there.

Nigel just steps round the goalkeeper and tucks that away

nicely, and he deserves that, because he worked hard for the old

game. Five victories in a row for St Johnstone. It is hard to believe

that Dundee United were goal has in the SPL right through September.

United were trying to rediscover that scoring feeling against

into the swing of things. -- United. They have been in cold storage

after losing so heavily at penalty area. Mark Miller there. He

is right down their throat. United Rankin. United are back in business.

John Rankin draws first blood not getting it. This was a superb

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winning the game. That was a good ball. Has John Rankin gone for the

In look like a great game. Well Aberdeen be setting their sights on

that second spot? Absolutely. They haven't lost any players and they

have got a number of bright youngsters coming through as well.

The game yesterday was a fabulous game. It was a fabulous absurd for

Scottish football. Both managers playing with three strikers up

front and there were chances galore. It was enthralling. Is it no

coincidence that the return of McGeown has coincided with Aberdeen

climbing the table? Since he has been back, he has added the goal

scoring touch. He is a clever player and he has got a lot of pace.

Dundee United are still second from bottom, but they eat played like

their old selves yesterday. Absolutely. This strike was

wonderful to watch. What defenders do not want is a player running at

them. A fabulous strike from John Rankin. John Daly is being played

in central defence, but Johnnie Russell seems to play his best stop

when he has John Daly around him. Absolutely. It helps with the

goalscoring. You don't expect United to be at the bottom for too

long, do you? Absolutely not. could gain. Ross County have had

three straight defeats. They didn't fancy for in a row at home to Hibs.

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lucky bounce. -- he gets a lucky His third goal in three games.

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Question marks over the goalkeeper there. Just onto the roof of the

and off the top of the crossbar. So close to his second goal of the

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just couldn't finish. Time running It was your team that ended Ross

County 13 monthly grant. They needed that yesterday after losing

twice. Absolutely. When we beat them, we were down to 10 men. They

put a lot of pressure on us. It is a great win for them. A good goal

for McManaman. Would you expecting to kick on from here? There is a

classic free kick. All good strikers anticipate and they get in

there behind the defence. Ross County should get a lot a credit

for the work that has been done. It is a difficult place to go to.

Nobody likes going to Hibs. don't you like it? Everyone knows

they will get a difficult game when they go there. Hibs fans should not

be too distraught because it has been amazing for them. This year

there have been flying high, although the fans will probably not

be happy with, but they'll just have to wait for the next game.

SPL leaders squared up to St Mirren. Looking to get the build up right

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Ambrose is comfortable with the Celtic. That is some celebration! A

big blunder by it Scotland squad keeper Sampson. Made it easy for

Ambrose. Celtic have played little more than half an hour and this is

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target. Celtic threatening to it straight at Fraser Forster.

Steven Thompson misses the target and cannot bear to look. He knows

from Izaguirre. Then the reverse pass outside to David van Zanten.

That bust time in from Jim Goodwin, Thomson had a flash at it, it is a

good try, and it is just too high. Watt - 550! -- 5-0. And Natural

born finisher. That was a top quality ball from Izaguirre. And

the grounds of agree afternoon. The corner kick from Charlie Mulgrew.

That was some header for Victor Wanyama, who could not have been

St Johnstone the only team to beat Celtic so far this season - will

bustle? Anything can happen. Barcelona are one of the best teams

that anyone has seen. I hope that Celtic go out there and put on a

good show. How good is Victor Wanyama? How complete a player is

the 21-year-old? He has got pretty much everything - strength,

finishing, he just puts his foot right through the ball to finish.

He is a very good passer of the ball and a great asset plays as

well. He looks up and gets it on to the right foot and cowls that into

the far post. Top-notch strike. what is he like to play against?

Very difficult. He has all the attributes you want from a modern

He can certainly head the ball as well, that is for sure. He almost

got his hat-trick with that bullet header. St Mirren must have gone

into it thinking the same as St Johnstone, beat Celtic in between

the international break and the Champions League match, they our

felt some confidence but made too many mistakes. So St Mirren will be

disappointed with how they defended some of the goals. But, to repair,

Celtic took their chances. -- to be fair. We have spoken about an

exciting Kenyan 21-year-old, and there is an exciting eight-year-old

Scotsman who is getting more chances in the Celtic first team,

and he is taking these opportunities. He is great to see

him getting the opportunity, and he is certainly taking it. His

movement is fabulous. He is full of running as well. Importantly, when

he gets into the box, he has got a can this and he is able to sniff

out charmed -- chances -- he has got calmness. It is not easy for a

youngster to take those chances that a big club like Celtic. He has

got to get himself into that position. He is looking for it and

snuffing out chances. When he gets that's jazz, he certainly buries it.

-- that chance. There is a buzz about Celtic with and that European

victory in Moscow. They have an unlit, young players and Inter

nationals, everything bodes well for them just now. He has taken no

chance exceptionally well. And the celebration is absolutely wonderful.

He is so agile. That is a gold medal performance. Absolutely

impressed with it. Definitely 9.9, isn't it? I can remember some

impressive goal celebrations from years gone by. It was a title-

winning year ago. I think you are allowed to be happy when you have

just won the title. I tried to throw in a back flip, as well!

was a back flop. I would have to agree! This needs explaining from

the St Johnstone point of view, a pilot after the goal by Nigel

Hasselbaink. The goal was a modern take on some elders dancing, and

the pile up has become a trademark. -- some Elvis Presley dancing.

did not get involved? I am going to get some stick about that.

Inverness had a trip to dens Park with Terry Butcher's side hoping to

make it three victories on the make it three victories on the

downs. -- bounce. Dundee were not done a good run whilst Caley

Thistle were looking to make it three victories on the trot. The

visitors went ahead after four minutes. Rab Douglas came to the

shot, but the ball came off him and into the path of Billy Mackay.

Friday night became great night for Dundee as Inverness doubled their

lead three minutes later. Gary Warren at the back post. A bad

start for the home side to have not won at dens Park all season. But

then there was some neat and then breathe play between the Nicky

Riley and that set up Colin Nish. Great finish with Dundee back in it.

Three goals, only 13 minutes played. That seemed to spark in the into

life, then another lovely ball four or Jim McAllister, only for the

goalkeeper to smother his ever. There was plenty of shouting from

the Dundee manager, if only there was something for Barry Smith to

shout about. The Caley Thistle keeper thwarting Colin Nish again.

At 2-1 up, the short run Ross deeper crashed back of the bar.

Frustration for Draper. Inverness had the chance to wrap up all three

points, when Shane Sutherland was chopped down, then the boos as a

former Dundee loanee took the penalty. Andrew Shinnie scored his

7th goal of the season and was involved in setting up the winner

for Billy Mackay's second of the night, giving Caley Thistle their

second win on the grounds whilst They under the tops calls in the

SPL having doubled their tally in at the last three games. Dundee at

the bottom of the league, but they still have a lot to play for.

changes in the summer, big personnel changes at Caley Thistle.

Is that brave by Terry Butcher in what he did? He was getting some

stick, for a while, and getting rid of was tautly, looked like it might

come back to haunt him. Yes, he's a experienced players, players who

gave lots of their print -- playing career to Inverness, that the fans

enjoyed watching, so that was a brave decision, but he has looked

at his squad, he has got a fair bit of experience, and decided he is

going to be big enough to make these changes. He has gone into the

market and brought in players from down south, and put together a

squad that is looking like it can do something in the SPL. They have

built up a head of steam, it is like a smaller version of what

seemed Johnson have done. Confidence is massive in football.

You can see that, they are playing with freedom, scoring goals, if

they keep that form going they will have a chance of a top-six spot.

you fear for Dundee, five points adrift at the bottom? You have got

to. They found themselves in an unusual position, with no time, the

way, to prepare for the SPL. They might have got to take the

opportunity to come in but have not had that preparation. It is a big

jump coming up from the First Division. You fear for them a

little bit. I'm sure that Barry Smith and the Dundee supporters

will hope they can get the odd result, but at this time it is

looking rather bleak for them. There table looks better for Celtic

and Dundee at the moment. St And those that five-point gap

between Dundee and Dundee United at the bottom. We have a look at the