:00:07. > :00:18.hello, good evening and welcome to Sportscene. It is unbelievable.
:00:19. > :00:28.Unbelievable! A spectacular opening goal. The shot is an absolute
:00:29. > :00:38.beauty. A chance and he has done it. Is this a bit of history? It is.
:00:39. > :00:48.What a finish! That is it, I would imagine. Good evening and welcome to
:00:49. > :00:52.Sportscene. Eight games with 20 goals and countless moments of
:00:53. > :01:22.controversy packed into 55 minutes. It all looks something like this.
:01:23. > :01:32.And, keeping count in the studio, Pat Nevin and Steven Thompson. We
:01:33. > :01:38.start at Tannadice this evening and the clash between Dundee United and
:01:39. > :01:41.Kilmarnock. Do die battle, win or bust. Insert your own cliche. They
:01:42. > :01:49.all apply to this one. Billy McKay does the business. In
:01:50. > 3:53:35goes for now. Nick Ross. Dundee Billy McKay does the business. In
3:53:36 > 3:53:35in front. It took a deflection. -- Dundee are in front. He was not
3:53:36 > 3:53:35happy with that. The manager makes a raft of changes for United as they
3:53:36 > 3:53:35tried to stay afloat in the top flight. They are looking to win
3:53:36 > 3:53:35three straight games, Kilmarnock. A good ball. Two straight with the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35finish. Either side of the goalkeeper and Kilmarnock would have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35had the ideal start. Blair Spittal! That was a great
3:53:36 > 3:53:35drive from Blair Spittal. What a shot! Good build up play. That was
3:53:36 > 3:53:35clinical into the corner. Dundee United... The manager will be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35delighted. They have the lead. They have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35another chance. A nurtured. He kept going but the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35whistle went. Much to the dismay of the home fans, who started to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35celebrate. Ian Anderson gets this right. That was a bad header by
3:53:36 > 3:53:35thinly. Murray, just shove on the back of by the Tony and the free
3:53:36 > 3:53:35kick. 2-0 Dundee United. Mark Durnan is
3:53:36 > 3:53:35off the bench for the first time and schools for the first time for
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Dundee United. A great ball in. -- and scores. McGuinness could not
3:53:36 > 3:53:35track him. Two defenders went for it. As good
3:53:36 > 3:53:35as his first goal was, this one is fortunate. He played it in. It was a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35cross ball. Two defenders went for it. Mother could get their heads
3:53:36 > 3:53:35onto it. It distracted the goalkeeper. -- neither could get.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Kilmarnock are up against it now. Three down. Seven points in the last
3:53:36 > 3:53:35four league games and Dundee United had taken just one in that spell.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35The deflection. Dundee United have not scored four goals in a game this
3:53:36 > 3:53:35season. They have hit four in the first half here at Tannadice. Rankin
3:53:36 > 3:53:35with the volley. He talked up the importance of this game and he has
3:53:36 > 3:53:35scored in it now. A handball. No penalty given. Hands
3:53:36 > 3:53:35up if you think this is a penalty. I will tell you what, it should have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35been. That was nicely done. Dylan still
3:53:36 > 3:53:35going. Sean Dillon with the 1-2. It is Barcelona like from Dundee
3:53:36 > 3:53:35United. Sean Dillon plays the role of line message. What an afternoon
3:53:36 > 3:53:35for Dundee United! What a reaction Dundee United have given the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35manager. The goalkeeper trying to keep a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35clean sheet intact. A series of corners continues.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35A consolation from Kilmarnock. McGuinness moves into double figures
3:53:36 > 3:53:35for the season. A real hiding for Kilmarnock. The boys today were
3:53:36 > 3:53:35absolutely first half. Whenever we played the ball behind them, we know
3:53:36 > 3:53:35where they played before. They anticipated things really well. The
3:53:36 > 3:53:35defence were determined to take the upper hand. I really good
3:53:36 > 3:53:35performance. The first 45 minutes were not good enough. We needed to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35do better and that has given Dundee United a huge boost. We have many
3:53:36 > 3:53:35wins to get. I have said for a long time, I believe we will do it. I
3:53:36 > 3:53:35truly believe that. Before today, I said it. I still say it. I know
3:53:36 > 3:53:35people will be looking and going, no. I know people who will not give
3:53:36 > 3:53:35us a chance. We must win. I understand that.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35The players had a meeting among themselves this week. How much would
3:53:36 > 3:53:35that have galvanised them? I have been involved in a lot of meetings
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and there are some home truths told. If we loose Saturday, we are
3:53:36 > 3:53:35relegated. It has given them a glimmer of hope. It will be a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35massive psychological boost for them. If they can cut the gap down
3:53:36 > 3:53:35to the split, seven, eight points, then anything is possible. It was a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35huge victory and a huge few weeks coming up for Dundee United against
3:53:36 > 3:53:35sides in and around them. When it was 1-0 against the cill, Hamilton
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and Motherwell, it will be incredibly hard for them. They are
3:53:36 > 3:53:35winnable games, games they will probably have to win. It will be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35difficult. Some players are playing with some special confidence. Two or
3:53:36 > 3:53:35three fantastic goals and one very special performance. Blair Spittal
3:53:36 > 3:53:35is someone we have talked about in recent weeks. He was at the fore
3:53:36 > 3:53:35again. His reaction was good. He did not panic. He waited for the ball to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35come to him. He did it perfectly. It was a corner but his delivery from
3:53:36 > 3:53:35free kicks and corner kicks, this is a nice thing. He keeps on
3:53:36 > 3:53:35retreating, going backwards, going backwards. That is quite unusual. He
3:53:36 > 3:53:35believes he can take the players on and he wants the space to do it. He
3:53:36 > 3:53:35was a bit lucky. He played really well. He is technically gifted. An
3:53:36 > 3:53:35orthodox finish. Well done to Dundee United. In a word, Stephen, de
3:53:36 > 3:53:35United stay up? Know for me. Simon could they need to win eight out of
3:53:36 > 3:53:3516 and that is unlikely. -- They need to win. Kilmarnock have been so
3:53:36 > 3:53:35inconsistent this year. They are one of six teams who are all capable of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35being in the play-off places. Hamilton's season goes from bad to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35worse. They were thrashed 8-1 by Celtic on Tuesday. This afternoon
3:53:36 > 3:53:35they faced Hearts. Their only two in September have come against Hamilton
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and Aberdeen. Gillespie is injured. Robbie Neilson
3:53:36 > 3:53:35is happy to go with the same side that destroyed Motherwell last
3:53:36 > 3:53:35weekend. A double save from Michael McGovern.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35A lovely ball in. The Hearts top scorer will be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35annoyed he has not found him. He lost his bearings. A bad-tempered
3:53:36 > 3:53:35clash earlier in the season. Billy King scored here earlier in
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the campaign. A good save. Igor Rossi is claiming he has come of the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35worst. Hearts had Callum Paterson set off in controversial
3:53:36 > 3:53:35circumstances back in August. Surely they are about to lose another
3:53:36 > 3:53:35player to a sending off? There it is. Confirmation. Igor Rossi looks
3:53:36 > 3:53:35perplexed. He surely has no complaints. Hearts are down to ten
3:53:36 > 3:53:35men for the second time here this season. This coming after Billy King
3:53:36 > 3:53:35drew a terrific save out of McGovern.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35He is having a look at the referee. Callum Paterson was challenging him.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Awkward. Only as far as Crawford. Second chance. Devlin is up. A flag
3:53:36 > 3:53:35up on the near side as that Lynn attacked this ball. Good pressure.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Obviously the initial effort, they scored the winner here against
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Hearts in the 3-2 victory. Good ball! Off the crossbar. They
3:53:36 > 3:53:35are claiming handball. Well, that is as close as Hearts have come. A good
3:53:36 > 3:53:35ball in. Flash of the crossbar. The two centre halves combining.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Hamilton will be rocked by that. They have the extra man. Hearts have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35come closest. No contact. He is making a meal of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35it. Hearts are on the counterattack. Imrie has clearly dived. Just inside
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the box. journey he has been scythed down by
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Tena, he has fallen off the tightrope, it is turned against ten
3:53:36 > 3:53:35with a roundabout five to play. Hearts in the ascendancy just now as
3:53:36 > 3:53:35well, they have been the better side recently and Jesus Garcia Tena
3:53:36 > 3:53:35ensures both teams will finish the game with ten. Ozturk takes it.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Headed back across... Dario Zanatta hits the bar this time. What a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35chance for the young Canadian. He has beaten McGovern.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Are Hearts about to lose ground on Aberdeen? Draw the gap would be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35eight between third place Hearts and second placed Aberdeen. Dario
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Zanatta again. They have the bit between the teeth, as they say, in
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the closing stages. This is last chance time. August Dean didn't
3:53:36 > 3:53:35catch it... Brilliant goalkeeping by Michael McGovern -- August Dean. It
3:53:36 > 3:53:35has saved Hamilton a point. This was the last action. I think when you
3:53:36 > 3:53:35play against an experienced team and they sit in their shape, it is never
3:53:36 > 3:53:35easy. We could have won it, but Michael makes a good save at ten of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35these, so overall, a point gained. I think we played well and had a lot
3:53:36 > 3:53:35of opportunities and kept a shape well and towards the end of the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35game, with probable it should have won it, the chances we had and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35didn't score. A couple of big decisions for referee Bobby Madden,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35we will get to those very shortly, but in the end, a better point for
3:53:36 > 3:53:35accurate than Hearts? I would say so, I thought over the piece, hearts
3:53:36 > 3:53:35were the better side, they had the better chances. Conditions were
3:53:36 > 3:53:35awful, and it is an open ground as well and I applaud the players for
3:53:36 > 3:53:35making a game of it in the second half, but I think Hearts with a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35better side. The last time I met was the controversial sending-off of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Callum Paterson. A couple today the Bobby Madden, did he get them right?
3:53:36 > 3:53:35I think they are both pretty self-explanatory. You can't make a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35two footed challenge and that is blatant in front of the referee. I
3:53:36 > 3:53:35think he gets injured himself, he takes a bad one but it is now a game
3:53:36 > 3:53:35of who can push each other the most. Yes, he is not wearing studs, but it
3:53:36 > 3:53:35is still extremely dangerous and without doubt the right decision. I
3:53:36 > 3:53:35have not found anyone who has argued against that. The referee gets one
3:53:36 > 3:53:35view, he gets that one right. In terms of Jesus Garcia Tena, we have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35a good angle of it and it looked pretty clear-cut. If you are 11
3:53:36 > 3:53:35against ten, you think the referee can make it even, you have to be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35calm. That is just bad. And another big game of let's push each other
3:53:36 > 3:53:35about. What is he thinking? The ride comes and then the left hits him as
3:53:36 > 3:53:35well. It is late in the game but it wasn't a vicious game. I have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35absolutely no idea what he is thinking about there, unless it
3:53:36 > 3:53:35wants a holiday for a couple of weeks. I can't believe there are
3:53:36 > 3:53:35that many people sliding about on Astroturf! But your manager will be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35furious, all joking aside, Hamilton need all of their players. There was
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the 8-1 drubbing from Celtic so in terms of the reaction from the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35players, that is good. The clean sheet is massively important.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Obviously, they have lost a few goals recently, and the Celtic game,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Obviously, they have lost a few defensively really disappointing so
3:53:36 > 3:53:35to get a clean sheet is massive. But don't get players sent off, you need
3:53:36 > 3:53:35everybody. Your fringe players have to come in and it is a bit of a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35nightmare. Do they have enough in the tank to catch Aberdeen? It'll
3:53:36 > 3:53:35have to be a great run, and they think they are a great side but I
3:53:36 > 3:53:35think it is a year early. After Motherwell's drubbing at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Tynecastle last weekend, Mark McGhee was looking for a response from his
3:53:36 > 3:53:35players. The omens looked good, yesterday's visitors Ross County had
3:53:36 > 3:53:35never won at Fer Park. This match sparked a life after 20
3:53:36 > 3:53:35minutes, Jack the curb and with the opening goal. He had been named
3:53:36 > 3:53:35amongst the stubs but only started the game after Martin Woods fell ill
3:53:36 > 3:53:35during the warm up. How would Motherwell respond? With gusto, as
3:53:36 > 3:53:35it turned out. Lewis Moult with a header tipped over the bar by Scott
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Fox. A sloppy pass from Ian McShane then letting Chris Cannon, making
3:53:36 > 3:53:35his first start for Motherwell. Fox again with the save. -- Chris
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Cadden. Stephen McManus went close with a header, Scott McDonald inches
3:53:36 > 3:53:35away from bundling get home at the back post. So 1-0 Ross County at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35half-time. In the second half, Motherwell upped the ante more as
3:53:36 > 3:53:35they searched for an equaliser. Scott McDonald just unable to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35connect with Johnson's fierce cross. At the other end, County almost went
3:53:36 > 3:53:352-0 in front. Johnson this time clearing Michael God I'm's header
3:53:36 > 3:53:35off the line. -- Michael Gardyne's header. It was Michael Gardyne's
3:53:36 > 3:53:3530th birthday and he was presented with a golden opportunity to score
3:53:36 > 3:53:35but Ripley saved well. Jim McIntyre's side continued to looked
3:53:36 > 3:53:35dangerous on the counterattack. Jackson Irvine fed substitute
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Stewart Murdoch. And his cross found of Graham. 2-0 to County and Graham
3:53:36 > 3:53:35with his fifth goal of the season. With four minutes left to play,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Motherwell hit back. The ball falling to Stephen Pearson, who
3:53:36 > 3:53:35smashed home to give the home crowd some hope of a late rally.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35With time slipping away, could Motherwell fashion one last chance
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and grabbed an equaliser? The chance fell to Captain Keith Lasley, whose
3:53:36 > 3:53:35shot looked destined for the net, but Fox pulled off a brilliant save
3:53:36 > 3:53:35as Ross County held on for their very first victory at Fir Park.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35He was excellent and Jim McIntyre said post match that his form has
3:53:36 > 3:53:35dipped in recent weeks and that is why he was on the bench but he took
3:53:36 > 3:53:35his opportunity. Broke his nose, scored a goal, and you were
3:53:36 > 3:53:35impressed with his hair. Yes, he had a very eventful match, he is a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35talented player and it was an all action display. And it was an
3:53:36 > 3:53:35important victory for Ross County, because they had lost their last two
3:53:36 > 3:53:35league games and they really needed a win to get themselves back into a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35good area. They are now fourth in the league. Good run and pass,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35continues his run into the box and it is a great finish. It does look
3:53:36 > 3:53:35like a sore one he has got. He broke his nose, he came back on the pitch
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and Ross County have a league cup semifinal against Celtic next
3:53:36 > 3:53:35weekend. Can you play with a broken nose? Depends what size your noses.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35To be have been impressed with them. Sometimes, you are not ready to the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35coal and other times you are completely relaxed, you just run on
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and play effortlessly -- ready for the call. I am jealous of his hair,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35I will say that right now. It doesn't cost us much is your hair.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Can Ross County beat Celtic next weekend? They can, but they are
3:53:36 > 3:53:35massive outsiders. Celtic are shown with the different players they can
3:53:36 > 3:53:35bring it, they can play two teams that are capable of beating any team
3:53:36 > 3:53:35in the league at their best, so it is tough but cup games, it can
3:53:36 > 3:53:35happen and it has happened in the recent history at Hampden Park.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Stephen, in terms of Motherwell, good effort but it wasn't their day
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and they would have wanted to bounce back after that 6-0 drubbing against
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Hearts. They would have wanted to show the reaction. It has been a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35poor January, considering the December they had and they will be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35looking to pick up points, because they are one of a lot of teams
3:53:36 > 3:53:35sitting just by the play-off places. Friday night saw Aberdeen host
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Dundee. Could they keep the pressure on Celtic at the top of the table?
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Commentary comes from John Barnes. Aberdeen make one enforced change to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the line-up. Mark Reynolds is suspended so sees Andrew Considine
3:53:36 > 3:53:35return to the centre of defence. Paul Hartley starts with the same
3:53:36 > 3:53:35team that beat Partick last week. Kane Hemmings again leads the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35attack, 13 goals this season. McGinn with the corner. Out by
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Stuart. It breaks the way of Rooney. Blocked
3:53:36 > 3:53:35by Scott Bain. The pressure not over.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Turned away by the Dundee goalkeeper. Taylor lurking at the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35back post. Good effort, excellent stop.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Jonny Hayes making his 150th appearance for Aberdeen. Keylor
3:53:36 > 3:53:35knocking it down. It is Taylor again! Excellent save by Scott Bain.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Taylor was trying to set it up for Adam Rooney. It broke of David
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Goodwillie. -- off. Rooney caught in position. Greg Stewart threw towards
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Hemmings. Scott Brown down to make the save. Making his first start at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the tawdry since May. -- the . Jonny Hayes in towards Rooney! And
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Adam Rooney makes the breakthrough. His determination at the back post
3:53:36 > 3:53:35to get in ahead of Paul McGinn and that is Rooney's 16th goal of the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35season, his sixth in his last five starts against Dundee and it is ten
3:53:36 > 3:53:35goals in his last 12 league games. Excellent strike rate.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Good Willie is onside. David Goodwillie. Trying the shot. He has
3:53:36 > 3:53:35put that one just wide. David Goodwillie desperate to get on the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35scoresheet. His last goals came against Hearts back in September.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Wasn't too far away there. McGinn's corner. There is Taylor. He
3:53:36 > 3:53:35is claiming for the corner. But it was another positive piece of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35football from the big defender. Conrad looking for Hemmings. That is
3:53:36 > 3:53:35a good effort. And turned away by Taylor after the initial save by
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Brown. Hemmings on a good run of form, he has scored seven goals in
3:53:36 > 3:53:35his last four matches. It breaks off Taylor and it is Scott
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Bain again to parry that one away. Wonder. At full stretch. -- wonder.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35-- wonderful stop. There is Rooney! About should have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35been a number two for Adam Rooney. How did he miss from there? McGinn
3:53:36 > 3:53:35knocking it in and Rooney at the back post scooped it way over the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35top. It was across that became a shot and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Scott Bain had to deal with it. Time running out for the visitors to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35try and claim the equaliser. Gary Harkins knocks it over the top of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the bar. It was Darren O'Dea with the flick on at the front and the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35captain may have missed the last opportunity to level it up. It is
3:53:36 > 3:53:35only 1-0, and with the opposition and the quality they have, that you
3:53:36 > 3:53:35are never totally relaxed but we have do enjoy the result all the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35same, it was a strong performance from us and a lot of good play and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35we are thankful to win the game. We could have nicked an equaliser on
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the last kick of the ball but overall, I was really pleased with
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the players, the effort, the attitude and the work ethic, real
3:53:36 > 3:53:35togetherness about the squad and the shape was brain. -- good. Aberdeen
3:53:36 > 3:53:35grind out another three points and they have one man to thank.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35If there is one man to watch, it is Adam Rooney. How has he been so
3:53:36 > 3:53:35successful? You say he needs to be watched, well, keep your eye on him.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35This particular goal, he is down at the bottom of the screen. Keep an
3:53:36 > 3:53:35eye on him. He is working well and getting close. If you can see the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35back of the defender you are in trouble. That is what happens in
3:53:36 > 3:53:35this situation. If you can see his number, you are in massive trouble.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35He makes another run. This time, once again when you can see the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35number on the back. He was aware but, just at the vital moment, now
3:53:36 > 3:53:35he has no idea where Adam Rooney is. If you look, one, two, three, four,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35arguably five players marking one player. You find yourself with two
3:53:36 > 3:53:35against three in the box. No great surprise he can make the run and get
3:53:36 > 3:53:35in and score the goal. Is fantastic. A poacher 's goal, isn't it? This
3:53:36 > 3:53:35underlines it for me. He does not run straight. He runs wide. He is
3:53:36 > 3:53:35dragging the defence a bit wide. I think, if the ball is played into
3:53:36 > 3:53:35this area at all, I think he gets to get. He has a brilliant chance at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35goal but he has to play that ball in. Here's one on one with the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35goalkeeper. They are so narrow. If I was Adam Rooney, I would be looking
3:53:36 > 3:53:35for diagonal balls. Paul Hartley was talking about the fact the team was
3:53:36 > 3:53:35organised and the structure was quite good. Time and again, they
3:53:36 > 3:53:35managed to find that position and space. This, I do not think there is
3:53:36 > 3:53:35any excuse at all if you are Dundee. Classic textbook. They are one, two,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35three, four. That is awful defending. That is not the worst
3:53:36 > 3:53:35part of it. The worst part is, there is a Rooney. He will run straight
3:53:36 > 3:53:35through. See how many people watch him. This is the most important
3:53:36 > 3:53:35player of the team. He is through. Nobody near him at all. If you're
3:53:36 > 3:53:35going to play against a team and you know the strengths, Aberdeen are
3:53:36 > 3:53:35really strong down the right and the left. Who will score a goal? It will
3:53:36 > 3:53:35be Adam Rooney. It happens constantly, all the way through the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35game. I do not think there is much of an excuse here. You have a man.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Keep your eye on Adam Rooney. He is there. You can see him. It does not
3:53:36 > 3:53:35matter. You know where the problem is. Adam Rooney is coming in.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Everyone thinks it is dead but it is played back in. Let's have a look at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35this, just before it moves. There is a great chance for him to run into
3:53:36 > 3:53:35that position. I have a number of problems with this. He has been left
3:53:36 > 3:53:35alone again. He is the most important player on the team. The
3:53:36 > 3:53:35defenders are all over the place again. The left-back has been
3:53:36 > 3:53:35brought right across the front post. The biggest problem is, what is he
3:53:36 > 3:53:35doing? He is in no man's land. Should he be back there? If he had
3:53:36 > 3:53:35come back, it would have allowed for Adam Rooney's run to have come in.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35How about this? One, two, three, four. Once again, there is where the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35problem is. Definitely. He is not personally want to leave free at the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35back post. A few weeks ago I said how impressed I was with Dundee, a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35fantastic structure. It may well be they had to make a substitution at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35left-back. Changing the back for all the time. If you are working in a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35back four, you wanted to be the same. They have probably not had the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35opportunity to go over these things. What is the real story? Bad
3:53:36 > 3:53:35defending all good attacking? Both. Adam Rooney's movement is good but
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Dundee are disjointed. Time for a breather. Let's rewind back to 1982
3:53:36 > 3:53:35and a game that kick-started Aberdeen's run to the cup. They
3:53:36 > 3:53:35faced Motherwell and John Hewitt was about to enter the record books with
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the fastest ever Scottish Cup goal. We have seen this man a lot on
3:53:36 > 3:53:35sports -- Sportscene. He held from Edinburgh. A typical cup tie
3:53:36 > 3:53:35atmosphere. A great chance for Hewitt. He scores. John Hewitt. That
3:53:36 > 3:53:35must go down surely as the quickest Scottish Cup goal I have seen,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35anyway. Great stuff. A tale of contrasting form next. St Johnstone
3:53:36 > 3:53:35against Celtic, undefeated in their last five matches. Fresh from the
3:53:36 > 3:53:358-1 midweek hammering of Hamilton Academicals. Commentary on this one
3:53:36 > 3:53:35comes from John Barnes. Celtic make two changes from the side that
3:53:36 > 3:53:35pumped Hamilton 8-1 midweek. O'Halloran is back in the St
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Johnstone line-up. Dave Mackay and Craig Johnston dropped to the bench.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Lovely skills from Griffiths. He tried the shot. Gary Mackay Steven!
3:53:36 > 3:53:35He made no mistake with that one. -- that is the first goal of the season
3:53:36 > 3:53:35for Gary Mackay Stevens. It fell kindly for the former Dundee United
3:53:36 > 3:53:35player. Oh how R.N. Did well to the byline.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35That was the equaliser. Within three minutes of going behind, St
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Johnstone have pulled themselves level.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35No takers in the middle. Lee Griffiths was at the back post. He
3:53:36 > 3:53:35could not get onto the end of that one.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Driving forward. Still the Israeli midfielder with it.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35A good save by the goalkeeper to deny McGregor. He was on the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35scoresheet midweek against Hamilton, McGregor. Not this time.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35A good delivery, knocked away by Brian Easton. Celtic have it back.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Armstrong! Terrific finish from Stuart Armstrong to put Celtic back
3:53:36 > 3:53:35in front. Armstrong's third of the campaign. Excellent volley. Getting
3:53:36 > 3:53:35in ahead of his man. Griffiths with the follow-up. He
3:53:36 > 3:53:35could not find the back of the net. He is in a good run of form. Eight
3:53:36 > 3:53:35goals in the last format coaches. Going to ground. Mackay-Steven takes
3:53:36 > 3:53:35over and finishes it. It is eight double four Gary Mackay-Steven. He
3:53:36 > 3:53:35was trying to pick out Griffiths. He gets his first two goals of the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35season in this game. Stephanie Hanson was on the back
3:53:36 > 3:53:35post covering. It was a good delivery in. Johannson with the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35clearance. Knocking it through. In four Liam Craig. It looked like the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35ideal chance for St Johnstone. Terrific play is a wide area. Craig
3:53:36 > 3:53:35denied with the great reflex is of Craig Gordon. They have won seven of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35their last eight away matches. Wide of the target from Michael
3:53:36 > 3:53:35O'Halloran. Good control, good touch and turn. I
3:53:36 > 3:53:35think we are going to be very hard to beat. Everybody is working really
3:53:36 > 3:53:35hard and we win the ball in good situations. We are hard to beat.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Considering the former Celtic are in, and how they played today, I
3:53:36 > 3:53:35thought they were excellent. We put a lot into the game. The first goal,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35they got a little break with a deflection. We should see it out to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35half-time. We conceded that goal at a bad time. At the start of the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35second half we done OK. We looked a bit of a threat. The third goal
3:53:36 > 3:53:35killed. I think it was a foul on Brian Stevens. I am disappointed the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35referee did not give that. So most chat before the game about one
3:53:36 > 3:53:35winger, Michael O'Halloran. You did have an impressive game is today.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35The winger who has not hit the heights so far for Celtic this
3:53:36 > 3:53:35season had a good game yesterday. Not always his own fault. When you
3:53:36 > 3:53:35come into a team, you need to be able to play with a little bit of
3:53:36 > 3:53:35belief, confidence and freedom. It is hard to do that at Celtic. When
3:53:36 > 3:53:35you score a couple of goals and play well, suddenly that comes back. A
3:53:36 > 3:53:35sharp for a free kick. He is totally relaxed. He passes the ball into the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35net. It is difficult to have the relaxed attitude when playing for
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Celtic. You are under pressure for your place and have to win every
3:53:36 > 3:53:35week. Different when you're playing for Dundee or any other team in the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35league. It might take longer that he is getting into good positions and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35playing with that belief. Click centric spin the end. Good to see
3:53:36 > 3:53:35him doing well. Michael O'Halloran very much to the fore yesterday. So
3:53:36 > 3:53:35much linkage with Rangers at the moment. St Johnstone have the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35massively cup final next week against Hibs. Will he still be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35there? He is such a massive player for St Johnstone. There would have
3:53:36 > 3:53:35to be such a big offer made for him to go. I do not think they will sell
3:53:36 > 3:53:35him on the offers that are being made. They are trying to get him a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35move to Celtic in the game. That was after the match yesterday. A massive
3:53:36 > 3:53:35player for St Johnstone and they will do anything in their power to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35hold onto him. Do Aberdeen need to be Celtic? They do, absolutely.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Inverness against Partick this'll next. Could they make it six wins?
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Inverness Caledonian Thistle have failed to score in the last few
3:53:36 > 3:53:35matches against Partick. This past to release Miles Storey.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Cerny a sharp off his line. A good effort from the goalkeeper.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Inverness Caledonian Thistle came in with just one loss in eight games.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35They continue to create the better of the chances. This link update
3:53:36 > 3:53:35ending with an attempt at the edge of the box. It was not on target.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Miles Storey and Raven were ever present in the first half. Draper
3:53:36 > 3:53:35could not make it two league goals in two league games. The first
3:53:36 > 3:53:35league meeting of the season between the two ended goalless. It was
3:53:36 > 3:53:35looking like that again despite the best efforts of the top goal-scorer,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Miles Storey. Journey made the save. -- Cerny made the save. They found
3:53:36 > 3:53:35themselves under continued pressure. It would be the substitute who did
3:53:36 > 3:53:35not take advantage of the fine work by Miles Storey, putting his shot
3:53:36 > 3:53:35wide of the post. Indecision almost cost Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Chris Elliott with a golden chance. He could not find a finish to match.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Iain Vigurs had one more opportunity but the fists of Tomas Cerny
3:53:36 > 3:53:35prevented a late knockout blow. Inverness ended with money but no
3:53:36 > 3:53:35goals in the bank. The hard performance, hard-working
3:53:36 > 3:53:35performance, the shape was good, just disappointed we didn't win the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35match. There was a lot of good stuff played, the conditions didn't help,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35but an important point after such a disappointing performance and result
3:53:36 > 3:53:35last week. Very honest from Alan Archibald, pay what you can, what
3:53:36 > 3:53:35would you have paid? ?7, maybe. I think both managers admitted it
3:53:36 > 3:53:35probably wasn't the best game, Partick have poor first half,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35improved in the second, but there wasn't a lot of action. It is a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35shame, in all seriousness, pay what you can, trying to attract a few
3:53:36 > 3:53:35numbers and it is not the greatest in terms of entertainment. It is
3:53:36 > 3:53:35tough because you build all of this up and you get a lot of advertising,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35it has been brilliant, and I think the lads went through it with a fine
3:53:36 > 3:53:35tooth comb looking for some highlights and got very little
3:53:36 > 3:53:35indeed. Here is a new idea, how about pay what you think it was
3:53:36 > 3:53:35worth after the game. They probably wouldn't have got much money. Trying
3:53:36 > 3:53:35to revolutionise Scottish football again! Inverness back in the top
3:53:36 > 3:53:35six, looking for more punch up front. A decent point per Partick
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Thistle but Inverness still looking for that attacking quality. I think
3:53:36 > 3:53:35John Hughes admitted as much, they have missed players, Watkins, Billy
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Mackay, Ryan Christie going away. I think they are missing that spark in
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the final third and that has been the piece of the jigsaw this season.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Time for a look at the Ladbrokes Premiership table. And Celtic's
3:53:36 > 3:53:35fourth league win in a row sees them stay six points ahead of Aberdeen at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the top. Ross County take Saint Johnstone's
3:53:36 > 3:53:35place as the best of the rest. At the bottom, Dundee United are just a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35mere 11 points behind Kilmarnock. To the Championship now and in a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35moment, we will see how Falkirk heard away to Livingston but first,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35no place in Hibs, Bakkali to' starting 11 for Anthony Stokes, but
3:53:36 > 3:53:35he was on the bench. -- Hibs' starting 11.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35All of the focus on Anthony Stokes but another on loan Celtic player
3:53:36 > 3:53:35would shine for Hibs. The Henderson fouled on the edge of the box, play
3:53:36 > 3:53:35would be back. -- pulled back. And when Henderson took the free kick,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35it was a thing of beauty. And certainly deserving of a celebratory
3:53:36 > 3:53:35hug. Hibs in full flow can be a sight to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35behold and cause opposition defences all sorts of problems. A great move
3:53:36 > 3:53:35ended with John McGuinness firing the Easter Road side into a 2-0 lead
3:53:36 > 3:53:35-- John McCain. Scoring against his former club. It has been a season to
3:53:36 > 3:53:35endure rather than enjoy for Saint Mirren fans, is much talk about
3:53:36 > 3:53:35avoiding relegation is qualifying for a play-off spot. Amid the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35general gloom, the odd moment to lighten the mood. A free kick gave
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Stevie Mallan the chance to show his prowess in a dead ball situation. A
3:53:36 > 3:53:35moment to savour for the away fans. All the talk had been about Anthony
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Stokes. He got his chance off the bench with 20 minutes to play and he
3:53:36 > 3:53:35got his chance to score in the 90th minute. He couldn't really miss.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Next up for Alan Stubbs' side, a league cup semifinal against St
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Johnstone's. -- Sam grid could have been a lot more but
3:53:36 > 3:53:35I am delighted with the performance, delighted with the three points and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35it has set us up nicely the next weekend. You have to give Hibs
3:53:36 > 3:53:35credit, they have a lot of quality in the squad. They made a few
3:53:36 > 3:53:35changes and we went to 4-4-2 latterly with 70 minutes to go and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35we had to try and get the equaliser -- 17 minutes. I know most of the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35players here and I was coming into a team I was confident I would settle
3:53:36 > 3:53:35in quickly and the manager was a big attraction because everyone I spoke
3:53:36 > 3:53:35to spoke very highly of him and said he was a great man manager and yes,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35I just had a good feeling and it has been a good start.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Falkirk's phenomenal run of form has seen them become real contenders in
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the Championship, and they took the lead against Livingston. Craig
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Sibbald with the cool finish. But in the second half, Livingston
3:53:36 > 3:53:35found a way through the Falkirk defence. Liam Buchanan with the goal
3:53:36 > 3:53:35for the home side, who lie second bottom of the table.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35It is good to get a point here at home, probably our first point for a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35good few months, so something to build on so I am hoping we can keep
3:53:36 > 3:53:35going and maybe bring one or two extra players in and hopefully start
3:53:36 > 3:53:35climbing the league. They didn't create any chances. A long throw in
3:53:36 > 3:53:35beaters and it is our own fault we didn't pick up three points. And
3:53:36 > 3:53:35here is the Ladbrokes championship table. Hibs are back up into second
3:53:36 > 3:53:35place. Rangers play Morton tomorrow, the match is live on BBC sport
3:53:36 > 3:53:35sound. At update the St Mirren yesterday, just how impressive were
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Hibs? -- Todd update the St Mirren. They were impressive and thoroughly
3:53:36 > 3:53:35deserved the points. They dominated most of the match and Liam Henderson
3:53:36 > 3:53:35was outstanding in the middle of the park and scored a magnificent free
3:53:36 > 3:53:35kick as well. I was really impressed with him, they have a very strong
3:53:36 > 3:53:35midfield and they have competition for places all over the pitch.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Anthony Stokes got on the scoresheet, he couldn't really miss.
3:53:36 > 3:53:35How big an impact do you see him having at Easter Road? He is a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35top-quality striker. They have a plethora of strikers but him and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35comings of front together is certainly a front to pairing better
3:53:36 > 3:53:35than the division they are in. Stokes has certainly made a very
3:53:36 > 3:53:35impressive season for Hibs, they are fighting on three fronts, the league
3:53:36 > 3:53:35cup semifinal, the Scottish Cup and the league championship. There is
3:53:36 > 3:53:35talk about doing the trouble, do they have the squad to cope with it?
3:53:36 > 3:53:35They signed goalkeeper today. And Thompson has come in. Hibs fans
3:53:36 > 3:53:35can't believe what is happening, it has been a long time, looking at the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35squad and thinking, that looks really good. You mention the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35strikers but the midfield looks pretty good as well. He has done a
3:53:36 > 3:53:35great job and it is also a very balanced looking squad. There are
3:53:36 > 3:53:35goals from lots of different areas. It is an enjoyable place to go and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35watch football, really entertaining the way they are playing and if you
3:53:36 > 3:53:35look at what is happening at Rangers, more of the transfers that
3:53:36 > 3:53:35are coming into the Championship than what is happening in the
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Premier Magda Linette SPFL. Falkirk, you could see the disappointment on
3:53:36 > 3:53:35the manager's face, but they are in the mix. They are, I think Pearson's
3:53:36 > 3:53:35disappointment will be have the goal came about, a long throw in that
3:53:36 > 3:53:35bounces twice and should have been dealt with and that will get him
3:53:36 > 3:53:35annoyed but they have been ever so consistent and I think the like --
3:53:36 > 3:53:35they like the fact that nobody talks about them, it is always Hibs and
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Rangers and they are under the radar and every bit as good as the other
3:53:36 > 3:53:35two. Falkirk against rages next weekend, that will be massive at
3:53:36 > 3:53:35Ibrox. -- against Rangers. I have no doubt there will be some big ones
3:53:36 > 3:53:35that fall here and there and the likes of Falkirk, Hibs and Rangers,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35they think they will win all of the games but the other teams will be
3:53:36 > 3:53:35looking to take some scalps and we will see if they can. The strongest
3:53:36 > 3:53:35team will win but I think it is between Rangers and Hibs. Thank you,
3:53:36 > 3:53:35it has been a pleasure. A massive weekend of League Cup semifinal next
3:53:36 > 3:53:36weekend. From all of us on the sports -- Sportscene team, goodbye.