- 18 hours ago
Steven Thompson brings you extended highlights of Falkirk against Hearts, Dundee Utd v Motherwell and Dundee’s trip to Livingston.
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00:30Good evening and welcome to Sports Scene.
00:39Three games coming up and as ever you'll experience the full emotional spectrum tonight.
00:43Joy, rage, hope and despair.
00:45Stephen Cragan will make sure of that.
00:47And we start with the league leaders' hearts as they travel to face John McGlynn's Falkirk in the late kick-off.
00:53For hearts, tonight is all about focus and ensuring that all the good work of last Sunday at Celtic Park
01:02is not compromised by failing to leave without all three points having been secured.
01:07Moving up a division that hasn't cramped Falkirk's style.
01:10There's been no lack of action and excitement with them.
01:13The Falkirk Stadium has seen 30 goals scored in the 10 matches played here across all competitions.
01:19Falkirk suffered at the hands of Hebs last week.
01:23A 3-0 loss resulting in four changes.
01:27In comes Sam Hart, Kyrell Wilson, Henry Cartwright and Alfregia Aguero.
01:31Out go Leon McCann, Brian Graham, Dylan Tate and Ethan Williams.
01:36Hearts were good value for their win at Celtic Park.
01:40No great surprise then that Derek McInnes stands by the same starting 11 from that game.
01:45And he's charged then with delivering three points here in what's proving to be a cracking atmosphere
01:50at the Falkirk Stadium.
01:58Goes past Cartwright, Magnussen.
02:03Hearts gather, early chance for Shankland!
02:07Opportunity for Braga!
02:08And inside 75 seconds, the league leaders are ahead.
02:15Well, it's a stunning start from Hearts.
02:18The header picked up, lovely interchange.
02:23Shankland let fly, goalkeeper got a touch.
02:27Did well to keep it out.
02:32Hearts got the header away.
02:33Magnussen, and it came back because he just turned it on the inside.
02:40And Claudia Braga, hammered it all.
02:44What a start for Hearts.
02:45Four kick, nil.
02:46Hearts won.
02:49Well, the Braga song being sung by the Hearts fans
02:52to acknowledge the opening goal.
03:00Magnussen sees Devlin.
03:01Mell.
03:06Round the corner looking for Braga.
03:09They saw have played that, and it will be a corner.
03:20Stuart Finlay, four goals in his first four games as a Hearts player.
03:23Nonsense.
03:24Chance for the opportunity.
03:29Well, Hearts come close again.
03:30Look at the opportunity.
03:33Appeared to bounce off the Falkirk defender.
03:36Henderson getting across.
03:38Steinwinder claiming.
03:45Henderson.
03:45It's not a night to be a cameraman.
03:47As the ball gets played forward on to Milne.
03:52That's been given away.
03:53Here's the chance for Kelvin Miller.
03:54Miller takes a deflection.
03:57And Sherlock holds on.
04:02Oh, it's just a little bit slow to react here.
04:03McInty.
04:05And Miller not making enough of it.
04:07Magnussen.
04:12Everybody tilted to that.
04:15Falkirk left-hand side.
04:17Here's Braga.
04:20Inside onto Shankland.
04:21Opens up.
04:23Well, you can see what Lawrence Shankland was trying to do.
04:26Opened up his body.
04:27He was looking to curl this into the corner.
04:31And the Hearts skip up.
04:32Unable to do so on that occasion.
04:39Lisa.
04:41Aguant.
04:42Back to Philippe Lisa.
04:43It's a good play.
04:45Here's Wilson.
04:47Wilson delivers.
04:47There's a terrific run into the box.
04:51And Steinwinder.
04:52It's to knock it behind.
04:54Falkirk's best move of the match so far.
04:57It's a great teasing ball.
04:59Lisa not a million miles away either.
05:08Hearts leading by one to Nell looking for more.
05:12Can we see this?
05:13Shankland was calling for it.
05:14Braga will play it on.
05:15Onto Lawrence Shankland.
05:18Trying to find the top corner.
05:20Couldn't wrap his foot round to come across the goalkeeper.
05:24That's a glorious chance for Hearts.
05:26Great communication.
05:28Braga Ente's path.
05:29And Shankland under a little bit of pressure.
05:34That's a great ball through the middle.
05:36And here's the opportunity.
05:37The goalkeeper goes down.
05:39And it's a block by Nell.
05:41Wilson should have scored.
05:44That is brilliant defending from Harry Nell.
05:47They will do a check to ensure there wasn't an arm involved.
05:52But Aguiman, it was a brilliant ball through.
05:54Milne realised that if he'd taken him down, he was off.
05:58Now, was the arm in a natural position coming through?
06:00Cavallo pushed him wide.
06:03Well, the arm is tucked in.
06:06And this is a big call for Villa.
06:08And it's Andrew Dallas.
06:09It was stopping the ball from going in the back of the net.
06:12But it was natural on the slide.
06:16So, no penalty.
06:17Thank you, man.
06:24That was brilliantly read.
06:26Devlin on to Shankland.
06:29Kizaridis.
06:31Scored a stunner at Tynecastle against Falkirk.
06:33And Sam Hart makes sure there was no repeat.
06:40First corner of the second half.
06:45Milne drops it to the edge of the area.
06:47Kizaridis in.
06:48There's the header.
06:49And Bain with a save.
06:51Braga's header was goal-bound.
06:54And Scott Bain.
06:56Palming it away.
06:58Turned his body so well.
07:00There was no way Scott Bain was letting that one go past him.
07:04Hark's looking for a second goal.
07:06They've conceded only three in the last six.
07:10One more Aberdeen.
07:12Kirsten three points and one from Killy.
07:14Kirsten two.
07:16But it will take all three points from Falkirk tonight.
07:20With a stunning goal from Stephen Kingsley.
07:24His first meaningful touch of the evening.
07:29And he rattles the back of the net.
07:35But a simple clearing header.
07:37McInty played it across the first touch.
07:40Fell into his path.
07:41And he's zinged that past Scott Bain.
07:44The very definition of unstoppable.
07:47And Stephen Kingsley looks like he's clinched it for Hearts.
07:50And the Hearts fans continue to pile out their tunes in the rain.
08:02It's got Arfield.
08:05Arfield.
08:06Tate.
08:08It's going to open up a little bit for Hearts here.
08:10Magnuson.
08:14Kuzaridis.
08:15Shanklin is available.
08:17Kuzaridis.
08:17Still going himself.
08:18Now to Shanklin.
08:20Bain with the save.
08:21Well, it looked like Lauren Shanklin wanted this play just a little bit earlier.
08:37And Hearts see it out.
08:39It's a 6th away win and 9 for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
08:44Just a second home loss in 9 for Falkirk.
08:48The Hearts started early through Claudia Braga.
08:51In just 75 seconds.
08:53And then the impact substitute.
08:55With the impact hit, Stephen Kingsley.
08:58Leaving Scott Bain with absolutely no chance.
09:01With his first goal of the season.
09:03Job done.
09:04On a wet and windy Saturday night for Hearts.
09:07Falkirk, Neil.
09:08Hearts 2.
09:10I thought we've had a couple of real quality moments for the two goals.
09:14But we get off to a perfect start.
09:18Good combination play.
09:19Great strike for Lawrence.
09:20And Braga's fallen in.
09:21My first thought he might have been offside.
09:23But obviously the lads at the bench said he wasn't.
09:26And then I thought we were guilty at times of overplaying.
09:29And trying to connect the game too much.
09:32And we just needed to try and turn the ball over.
09:34And try and keep it simple.
09:36These sort of conditions.
09:37You've got to play percentages.
09:38I thought we had a team that could play that way.
09:40Obviously we've got Kizridis on the right.
09:42Who can give us wee moments.
09:44And we thought we could get a wee bit more joy from that.
09:47But I think Alex has had one big save.
09:49And Harry's obviously tidied that mess up on the line.
09:53And we caused that opportunity for Falkirk ourselves.
09:55But I thought by and large.
09:56I think in answer your question.
09:57I thought we were very professional.
10:00Did what needed to be done.
10:02Particularly second half.
10:03We've kept the danger away from the goal.
10:05More often than not.
10:07We had more possession.
10:08We had more shots.
10:09We carried a bit more of a threat.
10:12As the game went on.
10:13And we're just thankful for that second goal.
10:14I think the key moments are the goals.
10:16I think the goals are the thing.
10:19Hardly the game started.
10:20And we found ourselves a goal down.
10:21Which was a great strike.
10:22Which Beanie's managed to tip onto the bar.
10:24And they've reacted quicker to getting it.
10:26So you find yourself a goal down within a minute and a half or so.
10:30And I thought we did really well to stay in the game and to work.
10:34The moment for us is when Kyrell's went on the goalkeeper.
10:36And if he scores then, the game's even.
10:38It's level.
10:39And we get a massive lift from that.
10:42It maybe puts a little bit more pressure on hearts.
10:44Probably didn't do enough in the second half.
10:46We got into some good positions in the wider areas.
10:48Our crossing wasn't great.
10:49So quality in the final third would be the thing that I'm frustrated about.
10:54Hearts extend their lead to six points at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
10:59And Stephen, they didn't have to wait long.
11:0067 seconds on the clock when Crudio Braga headed this one home.
11:05Well, it's the perfect start because it backs up their excellent performance and result last weekend against Celtic.
11:10Now, this is a tricky game because Fulker away is a tricky game in the Premiership.
11:14But also the conditions, the wind, the pitch.
11:16But Lauren Shanklin, do you talk about instinctive strikers?
11:19And have nothing else in your mind apart from wanting to score goals and wanting to get shots off.
11:23The minute the ball lands at him, Tom, there's only one thing in his mind.
11:25He's not thinking about passing it or taking a touch.
11:27He's thinking if he's just setting himself up, he does it perfectly.
11:30I think Scott Bain should do better in the goal.
11:31You'll see it.
11:32But then you look at a player on form who's been searching goals out all season.
11:35There's been a real threat on the left-hand side.
11:37Or Bain has sent the forward.
11:38Braga, look at him.
11:39He's waiting for the ball to come back into play.
11:41Whether it's a save, whether it's off the crossbar.
11:43He's alive and alert, waiting for a tap-in.
11:45He gets it in the end.
11:46This is eighth of the season.
11:47It is, and it was a night you didn't really want to be chasing the game.
11:50No.
11:51Just conditions.
11:51It's difficult.
11:52The pitch was crazy.
11:52There was loads of turnovers in the game as well, wasn't there?
11:55Lots of turnovers.
11:55And I think conditions played a part in that.
11:57Yeah, they did.
11:57So once you get yourself in front, it's all about managing from there on in.
12:00Falkirk wanted a penalty.
12:02The referee didn't give it.
12:04VAR obviously didn't give it as well.
12:06Do you think this is the right decision?
12:07Absolutely the right decision.
12:09You have to say it was Falkirk's best passage of play in the game.
12:11Alfie Aguiman does really well.
12:12The holes of play up, the pace of Wilson in behind, he goes round.
12:17There's concerns could he hit it a little bit earlier, should he, went over the goalkeeper.
12:20But I have to say, defending from Harry Millen, he could easily give up there.
12:24He doesn't.
12:24He sticks to his task.
12:25Wilson has the awareness to get his arm in the width of his body.
12:29He doesn't make his body unnaturally bigger by stretching it out.
12:31So it's incredible defending and resilience and desire for him to get back.
12:35Do you think there will still be people saying that that is a penalty?
12:37Well, people will try and argue.
12:38Because we've been saying all season that, you know, we want to not see penalties given
12:42for handball situations.
12:44You know, clearly his arm is in by his side.
12:46He's not made his arm bigger.
12:47He's not tried to stop the ball with his arm.
12:49Football doesn't want to see that as a penalty.
12:51But there still will be people.
12:52There will be.
12:53It's fine when it's against your team.
12:55You only argue.
12:56Yeah, yeah.
12:56You know, when it's for you, of course, you'd rather have a penalty.
12:58Yeah, yeah.
12:59Stephen Kingsley, he sealed the win.
13:00And he's only, I think this was his first touch with his foot of the ball.
13:03What a strike it is from him.
13:06Well, we keep asking, can Hearts stay in the title race?
13:09Can they stay in the fight?
13:10When you're bringing players like this off the bench, Stephen Kingsley, who could easily
13:14be a Scotland international way he's played over the past few seasons.
13:17It's a wonderful strike.
13:18He's got a lovely left foot.
13:20I mean, I don't think he scores many tap-ins for Hearts.
13:22They're usually spectacular.
13:23But he sets himself up perfectly.
13:25And, you know, he just straight through the ball.
13:27It just kills Fulkirk off.
13:28They were still in the fight at this stage.
13:29It's always a worry at 1-0, isn't it?
13:31It's always a...
13:32A worry at 1-0, a scoreline.
13:33Of course it is.
13:34It takes a moment of brilliance, a lapse of concentration, an individual error.
13:38But I just felt Hearts really managed the game well today.
13:40When you think of the core of their team, and Halkett, and Finlay, and Devlin, and McEntee,
13:44and Shankland, they manage it on the pitch.
13:46They're secure.
13:47The ones around the edges can drift in and out of games.
13:49But Derek McInnes knows he can rely on the core of his team.
13:51And it was so important to follow up that win against Celtic.
13:54For Fulkirk, it's back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, since they came back into the Premiership.
13:59Just 1-1 in six as well for them.
14:03Will that be concerning for the manager, John McGlenn?
14:05It's four games without a goal as well?
14:07I think that's more concerning.
14:08But is he just happy with the fact that, after 17 games, they're still in a healthy position on the 21 points?
14:13Well, you think of the last four games.
14:15They've had to go to Ibrox.
14:16They've played Motherwell at home.
14:17They've had to go to Hibs.
14:18They've had to play Hearts at home.
14:19Four teams who are doing okay.
14:21They're picking up points in the league.
14:22Clearly, he wasn't expecting a plethora of points from it.
14:25The lack of goals may be a slight concern.
14:28Once it starts creeping into another couple of games, I think it's a major concern.
14:31They have to find a way to go.
14:32It's always the biggest challenge for the team coming up from the league below.
14:35It's can you find a regular goal scorer?
14:37Can you hit the target on a regular basis?
14:39They had done up until four games ago.
14:41Now it's dried up.
14:42It's about getting back on track.
14:43I think a way to Dundee next as well.
14:45Sorry, a way to come on at a way to Dundee.
14:47Two tough games.
14:48John McGlenn will want something from those two.
14:50And quickly, Rangers are at Hearts in the next game at Tynecast.
14:53So, they've had a tremendous record.
14:55They're unbeaten so far this season at home.
14:57They'll fancy themselves to go and beat Rangers for the second time this season.
15:00They'll be licking their lips.
15:01They've beaten Rangers at Ibrox, beaten Celtic at Celtic Park.
15:04They'll be licking their lips for Rangers coming to Tynecastle.
15:07Okay.
15:08A massive game now as bottom club Livy take on Dundee.
15:12Hoping to close the gap to just one point with a win.
15:14The weather was far balmier when Livingston won their only league game back in August.
15:21Now, in the bleakness of winter, they are 13 without a win.
15:25The incentive for Dundee is to put seven points between them and their hosts.
15:33Ryan McGowan starts for Livingston for the first time since September after his battle with illness.
15:38That's one of three changes from the defeat by Motherwell.
15:40Boquila starts up front and Brené also comes into the 11.
15:45Joe Wesley is missing for Dundee after he was forced off against Aberdeen last weekend.
15:49Paul Digby comes into midfield in his place.
15:51And the rest of Steven Presley's line-up is the same as a week ago.
16:00It is a massive game for Livingston as they try to close the gap on Dundee.
16:05Dundee, not going to do it like that as they give up cheap possession.
16:09Hamilton with a strike.
16:11Dunda reacts.
16:13And Dunda scores.
16:16It's his first in the dark blue of Dundee.
16:20And it's an important one.
16:21In this battle of the sides at the bottom, Hamilton wraps the left foot right around that shot.
16:31And it's just excellent reactions from Dunda.
16:34Cushions it into the far corner.
16:36Yogan runs up Brené and chops on to the right foot.
16:46Dangerous ball.
16:46Congreve.
16:49It's two and five minutes for Dundee.
16:53It is dream stuff for the visitors.
16:57And it's a disastrous start for Livingston.
16:59Yogan showing his pace and power and the precision to loft it to the back post.
17:11Where Congreve is completely unmarked.
17:14So often the provider, he now gets his first Dundee goal.
17:26Congreve gets the challenge in.
17:27And that's deflected into the Dundee box.
17:32Dre Wright.
17:32Oh, he's caught here by Bukila.
17:34Chance for Jeremy Bukila.
17:37Blocked by Cometio.
17:39And then Graham deflects.
17:40Pittman's follow-up wide.
17:41The referee's blown the whistle anyway.
17:45Well, Dundee have worked hard to get themselves two goals in front.
17:49And Dre Wright far too casual there.
17:53Bukila can't find the target.
17:57Montaño for Pittman.
18:04Bukila.
18:06And it's Tate.
18:07Well, it's more promising from Livingston.
18:13But that one was always rising over the crossbar from Macaulay Tate.
18:25Montaño, Pittman lets it run across his body.
18:27McCracken down low to his left to stop that one.
18:33Could Pittman have got this closer to the corners?
18:39Well, probably not with the bodies in his way.
18:41David Martindale furious at the defending from his side.
18:47And Cometio gets a touch on that.
18:51And isn't a million miles away from making it 3-0.
18:53And that really would be game over.
18:57Joghan, too quick, yet again.
19:07Wreaking havoc down this left-hand side.
19:10Still going.
19:11Oh, it's come off the top of the bar.
19:15The wind catching that one from Tony Joghan.
19:19It is difficult conditions for both sets of players.
19:22And Livingston could have at least done more to stop his running cross.
19:37Montaño, low ball in.
19:41Dundee deal with it at the front post.
19:45Sosoho touch to Smith.
19:48Decent effort.
19:50He was a fair way out, Lewis Smith.
19:53McCracken alert once more.
19:56Livingston have certainly come out better in the second half.
20:04Well, Livingston have already come from two goals down against Dundee this season.
20:08The problem was they conceded a stoppage time penalty.
20:12Montaño.
20:15Got it on target.
20:17McCracken with a strong glove.
20:18Not sure whether Christian Montaño was trying to whip this across for the players in the middle.
20:26Either way, he forced the goalkeeper to make a save.
20:32Congreve.
20:33Dundee's go-to man this season.
20:36Montaño was too strong.
20:40Montaño has found a pass for Bakila.
20:43Out muscles.
20:43Cometeo.
20:45And there is the lifeline.
20:50And you have to say it's been coming.
20:53Livingston a different side in the second half.
20:55And Jeremy Bakila's fifth Premiership goal of the season sets up an exciting final quarter of this game.
21:03Good centre-forward goal.
21:05The strength.
21:06The run.
21:07And the composure.
21:08Dundee set up for a nervy ending.
21:18Pittman.
21:19Stevie May.
21:22Saved again.
21:24Stevie May part of the attacking cavalry.
21:27David Martindale is sent on as he chases a winner.
21:31Now.
21:35Huge final ten minutes or so.
21:38Mate.
21:46Has a look at goal.
21:48Well he went for it.
21:49Took a nick.
21:50On its way through.
21:51Wasn't far away from the bottom corner as well.
21:55Livingston get the corner as they continue to ask the questions of Dundee.
22:03Corner hoisted to the back post.
22:05And that is a good chance.
22:10And Montanio's claiming he was hauled down as well.
22:14Dundee living dangerously in that back post area.
22:17And it comes again.
22:24Dundee scrambling here.
22:28It's Smith.
22:30Blocked and away.
22:31But the ball just keeps coming into the Dundee box.
22:35Macaulay Tate.
22:36Sends it in again.
22:37It's Yenge.
22:39It's in.
22:44Massive goal for Livingston.
22:47They have come from two down in the second half.
22:49And you have to say.
22:53Deservedly so.
22:53With the pressure and the chances they've had.
22:56John McCracken won't want to see this again.
22:58He's there to make the save.
23:00And it runs right through him.
23:01Hayes flick.
23:05Acqua pulled down to the AstroTurf by Ryan McGowan.
23:10He's claiming he was pulled.
23:12But the referee disagrees.
23:15Dismissed.
23:16For denying.
23:19A goal scoring opportunity.
23:22And Livingston having battled back to get level.
23:25Going to have to see out the last couple of minutes with ten men.
23:33At this moment in time it feels like two dropped.
23:35Because at half time.
23:37You know we'd played so well in the first half.
23:40But as I said the conditions were difficult.
23:42They had the wind behind them second half.
23:44And you've got to defend properly.
23:46And we didn't defend on a couple of occasions properly.
23:48Probably a wee bit of frustration.
23:51Disappointment and relief.
23:52All mixed.
23:54Because frustrated.
23:55Disappointed.
23:56I find ourselves 2-0 down.
23:58But really only got ourselves to blame there.
24:00And then a bit of relief that we get something from the game.
24:03But I think when you look at everything overall in the game.
24:06I thought we were the better team.
24:07I thought we controlled a lot of the first half.
24:10And the second half.
24:11And we created some good chances.
24:13But again we're standing here.
24:16Drawing a game of football win.
24:18Through a wee bit of defensive slackness.
24:21Could have done a wee bit better at the top end a couple of times.
24:24To get that kind of.
24:25Get the winner.
24:26Or get an earlier goal.
24:28So a wee bit of relief.
24:30Disappointment.
24:31Frustration.
24:32An entertaining game in the end.
24:35Given the conditions through in Livingston this afternoon.
24:38Credit Livy for the comeback.
24:39But it's another game without a win for David Martindale.
24:42And he can blame that first half performance.
24:45I think he actually said after the game.
24:46The goals that they conceded were embarrassing.
24:49And we will talk about the fight back.
24:50And the spirit.
24:51And the resilience.
24:51But when you're bottom of the table.
24:53The last thing you want to do against the team.
24:55Who are closest to you.
24:56Is give them a head start.
24:57I mean why they're taking a short goal kick.
24:59And trying to play it from the back.
25:00And then they end up lumping it up the park.
25:02It doesn't help them at all.
25:03You know.
25:04It's just a catalogue of errors.
25:06I think they shoot themselves in the foot so many times.
25:07Pre-Or I think has to catch it.
25:09Daniel Finlayson doesn't follow in.
25:11Daydreaming.
25:12But you take it from here.
25:13Look at the lack of urgency from the centre halves to close the game.
25:16They're jogging up the pitch.
25:17And because they're slow to get out.
25:18Livingston are so stretched.
25:20Again taking a short goal kick.
25:21Why they want to do that.
25:22No idea.
25:23In a relegation battle.
25:24They eventually get bodies back behind the ball.
25:26No one really puts pressure on Ethan Hamilton.
25:28And Pre-Or.
25:29I mean we're talking.
25:30Yes conditions.
25:31But surely the goalkeeper has to get the hold of that.
25:33Finlayson switches off.
25:34Or if he is moving it to the side.
25:35It's got to be further to the side.
25:36Or round for a corner.
25:37And this one's just a structural issue.
25:39Because he's 1v1 in a wide air brunette.
25:42Normally when the full back goes out.
25:43Someone comes and plugs the gap.
25:44Fill the gap and help your team made it out.
25:46Ryan McGowan stays in his position.
25:48And you just think.
25:48If Ryan McGowan is in the right position for me.
25:51Yogan probably doesn't go down the outside.
25:53He may check off and come back inside.
25:55And not put the cross in.
25:56Brunette has to do an awful lot better to try and stop the cross.
25:58And Daniel Finlayson again.
26:00He gets himself involved in something in the middle of the six yard box.
26:03He doesn't need to get involved in.
26:04Deal with your man.
26:05But again in a wide area.
26:06You've got to stop the cross.
26:07There has to be a better level of defending.
26:10When you're at the bottom of the table.
26:11Otherwise you're going to be in all sorts of trouble.
26:12But you've got to give Dundee credit as well.
26:15I mean obviously Livingston didn't defend well in that first.
26:17And didn't play well in that first half.
26:19But Dundee put themselves 2-0 up in the game.
26:20And had a decent first half.
26:22When the first goal goes in they get a lift.
26:23Because they know it's a huge game for them.
26:25So the confidence starts to flow through the players.
26:27But it was a five minute spell.
26:28First goal, second goal.
26:30They were in control.
26:31I just felt as if then Stephen.
26:32That they maybe felt right.
26:33That's the job done.
26:34We'll be trying to protect what we have.
26:36And that's always a dangerous tactic.
26:38And when Livingston get the third goal in the game then.
26:41It's a complete role reversal.
26:42Well let's look at the second half.
26:43I mean credit again to David Martindale.
26:45He kind of threw everything at it didn't he.
26:47He made a number of substitutions.
26:48We are then playing with the wind.
26:50And forcing Dundee back the pitch.
26:52And credit to them.
26:54And when you look at this from this angle.
26:55You think how can that ball get into there?
26:58What's the reason for that?
26:59One simple ball cannot take four defenders out of play.
27:02And it's simple.
27:03Look at the back line.
27:04Completely disjointed.
27:06Out of sync.
27:06And you look at Billy Cometio.
27:08His instinct and his defensive line has to be taken off Luke Graham.
27:13He can't be ahead of Luke Graham.
27:15And allow the ball up the inside for Bekele.
27:17He's ball watching.
27:18He's switching off.
27:19He's not concentrating.
27:20All the things that probably younger defenders come up with.
27:23And then later in the game.
27:24I think at this stage Livingston were throwing everything at it.
27:26There was saves.
27:27There was shots.
27:27There was crosses.
27:28Disappointing thing for Steven Presley.
27:30It's a lump into the box.
27:31There's enough Dundee players in there.
27:33No one wants to go and head the ball.
27:35Nobody wants to be aggressive enough.
27:37And it's just a mess.
27:39Terry Yangi doesn't really make clean contact with the ball.
27:41John McCracken.
27:42I don't know why he's gone with his feet.
27:43Does he not just kneel down and pick it up?
27:45Or does he not close his legs?
27:46It's really strange, isn't it?
27:47It's just a real mess.
27:48From a game where they were in control off.
27:50And Steven Presley said.
27:51He probably would have taken a point before the game.
27:53But after it being 2-0 up.
27:54You're thinking we've let two go.
27:56100%.
27:56Ryan McGowan sent off late in the game.
27:58He was adamant that it shouldn't have been a sending off.
28:02But actually when he looks back.
28:03I think it's a sending off.
28:04But it's actually probably a really decent sending off.
28:06Given that he was through one-on-one.
28:08He was through one-on-one.
28:08It's always a sign of guilt.
28:09You go towards the referee and tell the referee you've been pulled.
28:12I think initially it's a football incident.
28:14Where Acqua and Ryan McGowan are wrestling with each other.
28:17But once Acqua allows the ball to run through.
28:19And McGowan pulls him down.
28:20There's only ever going to be one outcome.
28:22It's a clear red card.
28:24Both were pulling each other.
28:25The referee lets it go 50-50.
28:26But the final pull comes from Ryan McGowan.
28:28Can any of these teams do you think get enough points by February, March into April to relax and not have that threat of relegation hanging over them?
28:37Can you see them coming up the table enough?
28:39I can't at this moment in time.
28:41January if they're going to bring players in.
28:43I think Davey Martindale says they have two coming in.
28:45There's no doubt Dundee need players as well.
28:47They need a little bit of momentum.
28:48No side has got momentum.
28:49Livingston haven't won since August.
28:51They need a lift in their dressing room.
28:53Okay.
28:54Dundee United haven't won in six.
28:56Motherwell haven't lost in six.
28:57Today they met a ton of dice.
29:01Two teams in completely contrasting runs of form.
29:04Jim Goodwin has said this is the toughest period of his time as United manager.
29:09They're six without a win.
29:10Motherwell, on the other hand, are unbeaten in eight league games.
29:15United make three changes after the two-nil lost to St. Merren last weekend.
29:19Bert Esselink comes into the back three with Amar Fata and Max Waters restored to an attacking trio.
29:24Just like United, Motherwell also make three changes.
29:28But they won last weekend three-nil.
29:30Stephen Welsh comes into defence.
29:31Callum Slattery into midfield.
29:33And Callum Hendry starts by himself up top.
29:39Motherwell no one, of course, this season for their free-flowing attacking football.
29:43All that cross from Eli just blocked.
29:47Katrumbis going from distance.
29:50That's well over the bar.
29:53That's been the start to the game.
29:59Launched forward.
30:00Welsh.
30:01Oh, heading his own player there.
30:03That looks like a nasty one for the Motherwell defender.
30:07On his left, Elliot Watt crumpled in a heap as well.
30:11Oh, that's a really bad one.
30:14The on-loan Celtic defender will struggle to continue here as Elliot Watt at least gets back to his feet.
30:20An early blow for Motherwell.
30:22Losing possibly their best defender so far this season.
30:27A self-inflicted blow as well.
30:29United going direct again.
30:34Well, that's a lovely touch from Waters.
30:37The less said about the finish, the better.
30:40As good as it has gotten for United.
30:43And Waters gets that all wrong.
30:50Set-piece chance this for Motherwell.
30:52Comes in, it's headed away.
30:53Could drop for Katrumbis on the volley.
30:57There's a foul in the build-up,
30:58according to referee Duncan Nicholson.
31:03Not quite sure where,
31:05but that wouldn't have counted if it had gone in for Katrumbis.
31:08Coming to the end of a dismal first half.
31:15It could be United breaking away, but Tawanda Maswinise has won the ball back from Motherwell.
31:23And they try and steal away in front just before the break.
31:27Just opens it up.
31:28It's Elliot Watt from distance.
31:30And rasps it over the bar.
31:3445 minutes.
31:35That has been entirely forgettable.
31:37That sums it up.
31:39It's a turn from Waters.
31:45And now it's United who are coming forward.
31:48Sapsford.
31:49Sapsford.
31:50Their main threat.
31:52Gets it onto the left, fires it low.
31:55Callum Ward always behind it.
31:58That's his first save of the first half, which is about to come to an end.
32:02Ryan Strain losing possession.
32:11Hopefully the second half won't be better than the first.
32:16Will Ferry.
32:18His long throw always an option.
32:20It could break for Fata.
32:21It's blocked.
32:22And it's gathered by Callum Ward.
32:25Could Amar Fata have done better there?
32:28Scored a fantastic goal against Rangers just ten days ago.
32:31That was a huge chance.
32:34But it's blocked by Slattery.
32:39And before towards Mazwinise.
32:42And they will have a good record against United.
32:47They've won five of the last seven, but it's United coming forward.
32:51And it's Amar Fata again.
32:54This time drilling it just wide.
32:57Trying to pick out the bottom corner.
33:01Slattery.
33:04Trying to make something happen for Motherwell.
33:09Callum Hendry onto the vault.
33:11Keeping it alive.
33:14Motherwell have dominated possession again, but they've not turned that into anything.
33:18Here's Callum Slattery from the edge of the box.
33:21And he drags it just wide.
33:26Again, that goes into the half-chance category.
33:30But not too far away.
33:35Johnny Katrumbis trying the ball forward to just.
33:38Gordon sliding in.
33:40Had to get that right.
33:44Slattery.
33:44That's picked out by Sibold.
33:46Oh, and he's had a go from distance.
33:48Oh, it's just wide.
33:50Well, Callum Ward was scrambling.
33:53This Craig Sibold went for the Kenny McLean-esque effort.
33:59That didn't look too far away.
34:01This angle will reveal more.
34:04Oh, that's so close.
34:10Oh, well, coming forward.
34:12Sibold's halfway line effort.
34:16Sprucing them up.
34:17And it's Callum Hendry on the swivel from the edge of the box.
34:21Dave Richards calming his defence down.
34:25It was a solid punch away from the United keeper.
34:30Stephen Welsh sporting the bandage there.
34:38Ferry with the up and under.
34:42Controlled unorthodoxly by O'Donnell.
34:46That's a lovely pass to Stamatolopoulos.
34:49Takes the touch and drags it well wide.
34:54Another decent opportunity for Motherwell.
34:57Maybe he could have taken it first time.
34:59Forced wide.
35:01And the effort not troubling Dave Richards.
35:06United coming forward through.
35:09Moller goes down.
35:11And it's Charles Cook to bring the ball away.
35:14Just tries to slip it through.
35:16It's cut out.
35:19One side's battling.
35:21One goal surely enough at this late stage.
35:25Moller gets his head up.
35:27Sprays it to the right-hand side.
35:30Dolceic.
35:33Skipping away from a couple.
35:35Out to Ferry.
35:37Ross Graham up in support.
35:38Plays the one-two.
35:39Will Ferry in behind?
35:40Callum Ward makes the save.
35:43That was the chance for United to try and get the ball into a dangerous area.
35:49And Will Ferry just couldn't pick out anyone in the middle.
35:55That has been one of those afternoons.
35:57Doesn't look like either side are going to break through.
35:59This could be a late chance for Motherwell, though.
36:01Fadinger goes down.
36:03Fadinger goes down.
36:03Under the challenge of Vichko Chivet.
36:06And will go into the book.
36:11Decent opportunity now for the visitors to try and snatch something at the death.
36:15They've been on such a good run of late.
36:17Can they continue it?
36:18What chips in?
36:23Could this break for a Motherwell body?
36:26United still trying to hack this away.
36:29It comes to Ibrahim Saeed.
36:31And he drills it well wide.
36:35That tells you everything you need to know.
36:38The ball just not sitting for Motherwell in the Dundee United box.
36:44And Saeed snatching at the chance to try and win this.
36:48Charles Cook tries to slip that inside for Eli Just.
36:58Motherwell doing the late pressing here.
37:02Charles Cook.
37:04He's got options in the middle inside and Stamatolophilos.
37:08It's cut back to O'Donnell.
37:09Stamatolophilos with the header.
37:11Always going over.
37:13Motherwell have spurned a couple of chances today.
37:16That's just another.
37:17It remains goalless.
37:18For us, the pleasing aspect of it is the clean sheet.
37:23It's our first clean sheet, would you believe, since the end of August against Dundee.
37:28So, I always think that's a good foundation to build from.
37:32You know, defensively, we have to be better.
37:33We've conceded far too many goals this season.
37:35And I believe there's goals in this team.
37:38Unfortunately, today, that wasn't the case.
37:40We didn't have enough moments where we accelerated the game that we wanted.
37:45It got better in the second half, we tried to push up the tempo a little bit, but we just lacked the quality in the final third and the decisive moments.
37:55There were a few, not enough and not big enough ones.
37:58And then you'll have to accept that it's a clean sheet away and we'll take another point.
38:02And then we will use the coming week to find a higher gear.
38:06Well, we've seen better, but a clean sheet for both, I suppose, was the positive in the end.
38:12And in fact, Craggs, it's a fifth straight clean sheet for Motherwell.
38:16That's some going.
38:17I think both managers were very honest in their assessment.
38:19I don't think anybody really deserved to win the game.
38:22There was lack of a killer touch or a killer pass at the top end of the pitch.
38:25But defensively, I think both will be pleased with what they've done.
38:28United haven't had enough clean sheets.
38:30It's been a difficult season conceding goals.
38:32And Motherwell's success now has been built on clean sheets.
38:34So I think it'll help me the other round for both, although I'm sure they've taken three points.
38:37I'm sure they would.
38:38There's so much to like about Motherwell's season, but do they miss that out-and-out goal scorer?
38:44Well, that's the talk amongst Motherwell fans, that if they had someone at the top end of the pitch,
38:48maybe a more rounded striker.
38:50And today was probably a little bit unfair for the likes of Callum Hendry and Apostolos to Madelopoulos
38:54because the service wasn't great.
38:56You know, that's a kind of half-chance ball coming into them.
38:59It's more reactive.
39:00There was nothing really clear for them who you thought they should have scored.
39:03They're getting shots away.
39:04But when you look at the record, Apostolos to Madelopoulos has got one lead goal from open play this season.
39:10Callum Hendry's still looking for his first lead goal this season, Tomo.
39:13So for a team that traditionally creates a lot of chances, you're thinking,
39:18I think it's not unfair to say that Motherwell could easily have won every game this season
39:22because of the number of chances they've created.
39:23Of course, they've made mistakes and they've given up goals.
39:25But on chances created, they just have lacked something.
39:28And I just wonder, will Jen's birth Alaska be allowed to go in to the transfer market in January
39:32and potentially just add another layer?
39:34They should still have the old Lennon-Miller cash floating it out.
39:39You'd imagine it would.
39:40Home crowds are up.
39:41I think hospitality's up.
39:42They've got to the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, so that money's quartered along with the final.
39:46So there's money there, I'm sure, and the club will happily invest.
39:48Jim Goodwin was happier with his team's shape and organisation today.
39:52What did you notice?
39:53Well, I was at the game on the 29th of October at Fair Park
39:55and Dundee United didn't know whether to press or drop off.
39:58And they ended up doing a bit of both and they get picked off continually.
40:01In the first half, Motherwell had 73% possession.
40:03So I just felt today the set-up was much better.
40:05When the ball was in the Motherwell half, they were happy to go man for man.
40:08They were anticipating things coming their way.
40:09There you go, stepping in front of the ball, not allowing Motherwell free reign
40:12to knock a ball into midfield and knock a ball up to striker unopposed.
40:15Suddenly they have them on the back foot.
40:17And you know when you've got the pace of Fata and the movement
40:19and the aggression of Zach Sapsford,
40:21you've got an opportunity of creating opportunities.
40:23It just didn't fall for them.
40:24But here's another example.
40:26United give the ball away, Motherwell then win it.
40:29And you just look at Craig Sibble's positioning.
40:30He just knows that Motherwell's trying to feed balls behind him or beside him.
40:33He reads it, he delays.
40:35This could have been one of the goals of the season.
40:37It was a phenomenal effort.
40:38Callum Ward always plays so far out of his goal.
40:41It's something I think Jim said after the game.
40:42We speak about it on a regular basis when you play against Motherwell.
40:45If you get the opportunity, don't be afraid to let it fly.
40:47It's so close, isn't it?
40:47It's so close.
40:48It would have been a wonderful goal.
40:48But it's nine games unbeaten, I suppose, for Motherwell now.
40:51It's a sign of a good team that when they weren't at their best,
40:54like today, they don't come away without a defeat.
40:57They're sitting in a really positive league position.
41:00They only lost two games in the whole season.
41:02They hadn't drawn some of their nine games.
41:04They'd be right up there, perhaps.
41:06Well, just take it alone where you are.
41:08The points you have on the board.
41:09I think it's been a great season.
41:10But some of the criticisms earlier in the season were
41:12they lacked the cutting edge.
41:13They didn't have it today.
41:15When the ball turned over in transition,
41:16they were too open and gave up too many chances.
41:18I think they eradicated that in the last five games, as we can see.
41:20And they had errors earlier in the season that cost them.
41:23They've cut them out as well.
41:24So when you put that all together, that's why they've improved.
41:27OK, let's have a wee look at the table.
41:29Just the three games today.
41:31Hearts are on top on 38 points.
41:33Motherwell, third point ahead of Rangers who play on Monday evening.
41:36Falkirk into 7th.
41:37United 8th on 17th.
41:39Dundee 10th.
41:41Levy bottom on nine points.
41:43Coming up across the BBC in the SWPL.
41:47Two games tomorrow, 1 o'clock and at 4 o'clock.
41:50I play on Alper.
41:51SWPL highlights Monday night with Jane.
41:54Premiership highlights on Monday evening with the Rangers game.
41:57And Dungeoning 3 against Celtic will be on your radio.
42:01And there, of course, is a massive game tomorrow.
42:03It is the League Cup final between Celtic and St Mirren.
42:07And it's on BBC Sports Scotland live on the radio.
42:11Stephen, massive game.
42:13How do you see it going tomorrow?
42:15It's a hard one because Celtic clearly have had a difficult week.
42:19St Mirren had a good win last weekend.
42:21I think they're under the radar.
42:22St Mirren, no one's really talking about them.
42:23It's all about Celtic's issues and Celtic problems.
42:25They need the win.
42:27I know Stephen Robinson well.
42:28He'll be geeing his players up.
42:29They will just be building this up nicely for themselves.
42:31We're the underdogs.
42:32No one's talking about us.
42:33Let's go and show what we're all about.
42:34If they can replicate the form and stay put in, what, three weeks ago against Celtic,
42:39that's what we're important.
42:40When the structure, they were excellent.
42:41They didn't take the chances.
42:42But everything about the game is very, very good.
42:44It took a wonder goal from Callum McGregor.
42:46So replicate large parts of that game.
42:48They're absolutely under the chance.
42:49It's been a tough start for Wilfred Nancy.
42:51How important is it for him to get his hands on this silverware?
42:55Necessity.
42:56I mean, what a dreadful start it would be for him in his first week
42:58to lose all three games and lose it in the cup final.
43:00So I think the pressure is hugely on his shoulders.
43:03It is going to be massive.
43:04It's going to be hugely entertaining.
43:06That is for sure.
43:07Thank you very much to Stephen for joining me.
43:09And best of luck to both of the teams who are in the League Cup final tomorrow.
43:14It is going to be enthralling.
43:15Thank you for joining us and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
43:19Good night.
43:19Good night.
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43:37Good night.
43:38Good night.
43:39Good night.
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43:45Good night.
43:46Good night.