- 2 months ago
Jonathan Sutherland brings you all the Scottish Premiership action as Dundee take on Kilmarnock, Hibernian host Aberdeen, Dundee Utd travel to Livingston, Motherwell face Celtic and St Mirren travel to Rangers.
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00:00:30Good evening and welcome to the final sports scene of the year.
00:00:42Hope you're full of festive cheer for one night only at this time of year.
00:00:46Scott Allen and Billy Dodds are off the beer.
00:00:49We start this evening at Fur Park Celtic with a chance to go level on points
00:00:53with hearts at the top of the table, but only if they could beat fourth-placed Motherwell.
00:00:58Commentary comes from Paul Mitchell.
00:01:02For many clubs needing a five-goal away win to go top of the league would sound ridiculous,
00:01:07but given Celtic's ability to score goals for fun at Fur Park,
00:01:11the possibility cannot be discounted completely.
00:01:14What is different is that this is arguably the best Motherwell side in the last five years,
00:01:19and they're defensively strong, having conceded only five goals in nine home league matches this season.
00:01:28Motherwell were highly competitive in their loss at Ibrox.
00:01:32There's a return for Stephen O'Donnell, Callum Slattery and Oscar Priestman.
00:01:36Stephen Welsh is on loan from Celtic.
00:01:38He misses out.
00:01:39Callum Henry and Emmanuel Longiello drop onto the bench.
00:01:43For Celtic, they fell behind twice early in the first half shootout.
00:01:46A loving spin, but came through to win.
00:01:48Kasper Schmeichel returns in goal.
00:01:50Liam Scales, Paolo Bernardo and Rhea Tati are all in.
00:01:53Annie Engels, Luke McEwan and Johnny Kenny all drop onto the bench.
00:02:02McGregor, appearance 550 for Celtic tonight.
00:02:07Round the corner it goes, Tierney steps inside Sparrow, that's a lovely ball.
00:02:12Bernardo plays it back to him.
00:02:15Out with by O'Donnell.
00:02:16McGregor, look in the tongue.
00:02:21Ralston floats it in.
00:02:22First chance of the match.
00:02:24False Celtics way.
00:02:26And Yang, maybe a tad disappointed without that finish.
00:02:36The message from one manager clear.
00:02:39Get up the park.
00:02:40Sparrow, on to Prizma.
00:02:50He's going to bounce off scales.
00:03:04There's O'Donnell.
00:03:08O'Donnell, that's a brilliant ball.
00:03:09O'Donnell inside.
00:03:101-0 Motherwell.
00:03:14It's called the beautiful game.
00:03:16Sometimes it's the simple game.
00:03:19And that is a simply beautiful goal from a Motherwell perspective.
00:03:26Well, Kasper Schmeichel, none to impress.
00:03:30But Stephen O'Donnell, from the throw from Sparrow,
00:03:33had a look on the inside and delivered a wonderful cross.
00:03:42Just knocked it home with a head.
00:03:46Knew exactly where he was, knew where the goalkeeper was,
00:03:49had found the corner.
00:03:51It's been a bright start, eliminated by the goal.
00:03:54And Motherwell lead.
00:04:06That's a great ball over the top.
00:04:08Just stop presenting it to the defender, Tierney.
00:04:11Just looking to open up.
00:04:23Oh, he came so close.
00:04:24Three goals in 22 this season for the New Zealander.
00:04:30Wanted the ball, took it uncomfortably.
00:04:33On to the favoured left side.
00:04:35Just couldn't find the curl he was looking for.
00:04:38Well, it's been hauling nothing under Wilfred Nancic.
00:04:46Sounds like 1-2, lost four.
00:04:50Looking to try and get back on level terms.
00:04:53But it's Motherwell, who'll spring.
00:04:56Just.
00:04:57Saeed in the middle.
00:04:59Goes narrow on the angle.
00:05:01Saeed tries to go in second time.
00:05:03And trusty will drive it away.
00:05:05Well, the riser just hasn't scored in his last six.
00:05:09Came close in the first half.
00:05:12Favors the left side.
00:05:14Took it with the right.
00:05:18Goalkeeper have to be used here.
00:05:22Plays it through.
00:05:23Just may have been offside.
00:05:25Cuts back on the inside.
00:05:27And Schmeichel with the save.
00:05:30Now the flag goes up.
00:05:35That wasn't the hardest decision that Douglas Ross has had to make.
00:05:45For 50 minutes have been terrific.
00:06:00Celtic gather.
00:06:02No matter.
00:06:02There's the touch.
00:06:04One for the save.
00:06:07And again with a clearance.
00:06:08So Celtic building.
00:06:17Negrin through.
00:06:18Not to Shinya Maddo.
00:06:20Couldn't find the finish.
00:06:22Again there quickly.
00:06:23That's a mistake by the goalkeeper.
00:06:32Just for the opportunity.
00:06:34Back on to Watt.
00:06:36Self-inflicted error from Celtic.
00:06:39And Monoel take full advantage.
00:06:41They last scored more than a single goal against Celtic at home in August of 2019.
00:06:50And here in December 2025.
00:06:53Is that the goal that sends Monoel to victory?
00:06:57It was a harmless ball back.
00:06:59And then the ball down the middle.
00:07:01There was the slip.
00:07:02Just was in quickly.
00:07:04Said called off.
00:07:05And the celebration from Watt.
00:07:09The slip by angles.
00:07:12The pass on the inside.
00:07:14The net unguarded.
00:07:16And Elliot Watt went off to celebrate.
00:07:20Much to celebrate for the home team.
00:07:23It's Motherwell 2.
00:07:25Celtic 0.
00:07:26Celtic have it all to do.
00:07:33Forrest.
00:07:35Fadinger.
00:07:36Sticking to him.
00:07:37And that's been given away.
00:07:38Here's Just.
00:07:41Trusty.
00:07:42Trying to read the angle.
00:07:44Just coming on the inside.
00:07:45He's still going.
00:07:47He could roll this in.
00:07:48Here's the chance for Slattery.
00:07:49Schmeichel with the save.
00:07:51And it won't fall.
00:07:53It will just not fall for Fadinger.
00:07:56There was the giveaway.
00:07:58And immediately Just sprang.
00:08:01Couldn't get a great deal of help.
00:08:02On that right hand side initially.
00:08:05And then Slattery.
00:08:07Gone up there.
00:08:12Wied on to Forrest.
00:08:14Lovely ball on the inside.
00:08:15On to Negrin.
00:08:16Round the corner it goes.
00:08:18Here's the chance.
00:08:19Engels.
00:08:20Firing it across.
00:08:23And again.
00:08:24Strong play from the defence.
00:08:25Elliot Watt.
00:08:26Forrest.
00:08:29Sets up Hitati.
00:08:30Hitati on the angle.
00:08:31Shouldn't you have added in there.
00:08:33There's the chance.
00:08:33Brilliant save.
00:08:36Negrin thought he'd put a goal back for Celtic.
00:08:39Callum Warp.
00:08:40Thought otherwise.
00:08:44What a brilliant save that was.
00:08:46Right time.
00:08:48Right place.
00:08:49Negrin.
00:08:50Very little back lift.
00:08:52Goalkeeper read it all the way.
00:08:53Headed out of play.
00:09:01It's all over.
00:09:04It's Celtic Park and Mullerwell.
00:09:06In 2025 with a bang.
00:09:08It's their 50th league win against Celtic.
00:09:11They've waited over a decade to get there.
00:09:15There'll be more questions about Celtic.
00:09:17But make no mistake about it.
00:09:19Mullerwell were terrific tonight.
00:09:21And fully, fully deserved their win.
00:09:24It's finished at Fur Park.
00:09:26Mullerwell 2.
00:09:27Celtic 0.
00:09:29Probably also the best we have performed so far in the season.
00:09:32If you take the full game into consideration.
00:09:35The level of the opponent.
00:09:36And I was coming from a hard game three games ago.
00:09:41Three days ago.
00:09:42Where we had to shake off some disappointment.
00:09:44And some frustration.
00:09:45And then come today.
00:09:47And then deliver this.
00:09:49With a tactical change.
00:09:52In the way we set up our defensive structure.
00:09:56And just one day for the players to convert that into this performance.
00:09:59That was fantastic.
00:10:01I think the message you're getting across.
00:10:03But after that.
00:10:04When you face adversity today.
00:10:08And this is the reality.
00:10:10And after that there is a bit of doubt.
00:10:13Because of the adversity.
00:10:16But after that, like I said.
00:10:17We are at a better moment.
00:10:18And after that we made also many, many mistakes.
00:10:22You know, technically.
00:10:23But I believe that I saw good stuff.
00:10:27To press at a good moment.
00:10:28And to defend when it was a good moment.
00:10:31And also to stay a little bit more patient.
00:10:33But again, tonight, regarding the fact that we usually are more connected.
00:10:40Tonight was not the case.
00:10:41So the doubt is totally normal that during the game it happens.
00:10:44But again, I think that I'm going to watch the game and to see what we need to improve.
00:10:49Motherwell, absolutely magnificent this evening.
00:10:54Celtic humbled.
00:10:55Scott Allen, how much of a schooling was that from Motherwell on Celtic this evening?
00:11:01Listen, it was an absolute football lesson for me.
00:11:05In and out of possession.
00:11:06A lot of talk has been about the vulnerability of Celtic when they give the ball away.
00:11:09I think that was clear to see tonight.
00:11:11You see here, Motherwell aggressive with the press.
00:11:14Celtic's back free.
00:11:16The gaps are so big.
00:11:17And if you're careless with one of the passes, you're at sea.
00:11:20And they were.
00:11:21And listen, if Motherwell just took a little bit extra care in that final third,
00:11:24they could have had more goals tonight.
00:11:25But all night, when Celtic were in their shape, they looked vulnerable to conceding.
00:11:30And it was the composure and the calmness of Motherwell's play.
00:11:34And I think Wilfred Nancey touched on it there.
00:11:36In terms of being connected.
00:11:37It was one team that was connected.
00:11:38And another team that was totally disconnected.
00:11:39Again, you see here, one pass.
00:11:41Out the other side, a bit of composure.
00:11:43And it's these distances between with Cal McGregor.
00:11:45The distances he's getting asked to cover over the game.
00:11:47He doesn't know who to pick up.
00:11:49If you freeze this here before Elliot Watt finds that fantastic pass.
00:11:53You've got one, two, three, six Celtic players.
00:11:55Nowhere near a Motherwell player.
00:11:57No pressure on the ball.
00:11:58So trusty has to then drop off.
00:12:00He doesn't.
00:12:00And it's a wonderful finding Motherwell then could have punished Celtic again.
00:12:04But this was the story.
00:12:05It happened time and time again.
00:12:07And huge credit's got to go to ask Wilfred for setting his team up this way.
00:12:11It was fantastic, wasn't it, Billy?
00:12:13It was.
00:12:13I mean, you get...
00:12:14It was a lot like this when it was 0-0.
00:12:16And it became desperate defending, as you see.
00:12:19Motherwell just...
00:12:20All sides, all departments of the game, whether it was going after Celtic, whether it was playing through them.
00:12:26And Celtic just caught in between a rock and a hard place.
00:12:29In between stools.
00:12:31I mean, it was incredible how they couldn't pressurise the ball.
00:12:34That's a back five.
00:12:35Yeah.
00:12:35Celtic are a back five.
00:12:36There'll be two sitting in front and they get no pressure on the ball.
00:12:39Just gets to go in and get a shot away.
00:12:41So as much as there were so many good parts about Motherwell's play, when Celtic get asked to defend and defend with a bit of aggression, in the isolated moments they just didn't do it.
00:12:49And that's what will upset the Celtic fans.
00:12:50Just quickly, John.
00:12:51There's a couple of better passes that could have been more.
00:12:53It's as simple as that.
00:12:54It's quite incredible.
00:12:55We know the financial chasm between a club like Motherwell and a club like Celtic.
00:13:00And, Billy, it was Motherwell that looked like the club with all the money.
00:13:05The dominant side throughout this evening, you'd have to say.
00:13:09Yeah.
00:13:09I mean, as I said, every department, every detail of their game was on the money.
00:13:15I mean, James Bertalasku couldn't have been any more happier with the performance.
00:13:20And you see Callum McGregor there.
00:13:23I mean, time and time again, even at 0-0, the back three were all over the place.
00:13:27That is in possession of the ball with no structure.
00:13:30Never mind out.
00:13:31And, as I said, Motherwell had chances to make it even more.
00:13:35And if they were more clinical, it could have been a whole lot worse for Celtic.
00:13:40In brief, Scott, did James Bertalasku just completely outwit Wilfried Nancy tactically this evening?
00:13:46Yes.
00:13:46Yeah, I think that's the difference between a manager who's really implementing something.
00:13:51Motherwell played better football, more exciting football, than Celtic tonight for me.
00:13:54But at the same time, they had a real structure behind the ball, which caused Celtic a lot of problems.
00:13:59Celtic struggled to find any real gaps.
00:14:02I think the two shots that were troubled, Callum Ward in the goal, Hattati was coming deep.
00:14:07Callum McGregor was running about with his hands up a lot of the night,
00:14:10trying to find out how to track some of the Motherwell players.
00:14:13And then when he was landing the ball, there wasn't an easy pass on.
00:14:16And that was all down to the structure out of possession.
00:14:18So, for as much as we're talking about how good they are building out and playing through Celtic,
00:14:22out of possession, it's fantastic.
00:14:24And that's both boxes.
00:14:25And that's what then leads to being a real solid team.
00:14:28It was quite incredible as well this evening.
00:14:30This was a weakened Motherwell side.
00:14:32It was no Stephen Wells.
00:14:33She's obviously on loan from Celtic.
00:14:35Couldn't play against his parent club.
00:14:36Tawanda Maswanese away at the Africa Cup of Nations as well.
00:14:39But Motherwell didn't need them.
00:14:41And defensively as well this evening.
00:14:43Huge question marks for Celtic, Billy.
00:14:46Yeah, I mean, there's no pressure on the ball.
00:14:48And it's brilliant from O'Donnell.
00:14:50I mean, what a pick-out that is.
00:14:52But look at the set-up.
00:14:53There's no real desire to go and close the ball the way Motherwell did to Celtic.
00:14:57And O'Donnell whips in a brilliant ball.
00:14:58We should never get between the two centre-halves like that.
00:15:01Saeed just peels.
00:15:02Trusty's in trouble.
00:15:04And we all know what happened next.
00:15:05I mean, it was constantly like that all night.
00:15:08And Celtic just couldn't get to grips.
00:15:11Whether it was putting pressure on.
00:15:12Whether it was being caught in a shape and still not getting close to anybody.
00:15:16And then when that final delivery came in, they just didn't pick up.
00:15:19It was two right-backs that were playing.
00:15:22In defence from Motherwell.
00:15:23Yeah.
00:15:23So as much as we talk about players playing.
00:15:25That was Paul McGinn, Stephen O'Donnell playing there.
00:15:28And they looked really comfortable.
00:15:29And that's because of what the managers are implementing on the training ground.
00:15:32And they're now seeing it on a match day.
00:15:34How do you read the way the Celtic players are trying to implement what Wilfried Nancy is trying to do here?
00:15:41We see the second Motherwell goal.
00:15:43Celtic trying to play it out from the back, Scott.
00:15:46Yeah, well, I just think that one was really easy to compare.
00:15:49Because the team, their opposition they're playing against,
00:15:51has done it time and time again and built up and got through the Celtic press so, so easy.
00:15:55Motherwell's set up looking for it.
00:15:56For me, and it will come at us, it's well played from a Motherwell point of view and it's a good finish.
00:16:02But between Smeichel and Engels, for me, at not one moment does Engels really want that ball.
00:16:07You can tell from his body shape.
00:16:10It'll highlight it in a minute.
00:16:12Smeichel has to do better for me.
00:16:13And listen, he has had a mistake in him.
00:16:15He's this here, it's here.
00:16:16He's on the turn now.
00:16:17He's on the turn.
00:16:18His body language isn't saying, give me that ball.
00:16:20I want to demand that ball.
00:16:21Should you expect that from a Celtic midfielder?
00:16:23You should, in my opinion.
00:16:25But between him and Smeichel, they get caught in between.
00:16:28And listen, Motherwell jump on it and finish well.
00:16:31And a deserved lead at that time in the game.
00:16:33There will be so much to talk about Wilfried and Nancy.
00:16:35Let's talk about Jens Bertil Ascu finally here, Billy.
00:16:38Just how much credit does he deserve?
00:16:40And how much credit do Motherwell deserve for unearthing him?
00:16:43Yeah, the board for choosing him, absolutely.
00:16:46But the team as a whole, just taking on his instructions, playing the way he wants.
00:16:52For him delivering the messages, we've heard time and time again.
00:16:55It's all looking so good for Motherwell.
00:16:57And it's probably, and they won't thank me for this, whether they can hang on to him or not.
00:17:00But just actually, finally, Scott, where does this league Wilfried and Nancy tonight?
00:17:04You've had a couple of victories after a terrible start.
00:17:07Now this.
00:17:09Yeah, well, I don't think we've seen in the 90 minutes that Wilfried and Nancy have been in any 90 minutes,
00:17:14a complete performance.
00:17:15I think you've seen bits against Livingston from an attacking sense.
00:17:18But Motherwell took all that away from them tonight.
00:17:20And then defensively, their vulnerabilities are clear for everybody to see.
00:17:24And there'll be more of that until Wilfried and Nancy changes something.
00:17:28OK, next.
00:17:29Good Rangers keep alive their faint title hopes at home against St. Mirren.
00:17:34Commentary comes from Rob McLean.
00:17:38In the 10 league games since Danny Rule took charge,
00:17:41no team has picked up more Premiership points than Rangers.
00:17:45They want to claw their way into title contention.
00:17:48St. Mirren have their sights set on getting back to the top six.
00:17:53Scotland defender John Suter returns to the starting line-up for the home team,
00:17:58replacing Dujon Sterling in the back four.
00:18:00Connor Barron is having his minutes managed, we're told,
00:18:03and starts on the bench with Mikey Moore drafted in
00:18:06and Mo Diamonde dropping deeper.
00:18:09Two changes for St. Mirren as well.
00:18:11Jadon Richardson picked at right wing back ahead of Connor McManaman.
00:18:14And Dan in Lundaloo drops out with Mikael Mandron starting alongside Jonah Ayunga.
00:18:20Saints unbeaten in four against Rangers.
00:18:24And pre-match, those who died in the Ibrox disaster are remembered.
00:18:29In a moment of silence, the Nomenary.
00:18:31In a moment of silence, the Nomenary.
00:18:31In a moment of silence, the Nomenary.
00:18:43No free kick for Ayunga.
00:18:59And here go Rangers with Chimiti.
00:19:04Gassama, burst of pace to the byline.
00:19:06Can he pick someone out?
00:19:07He can!
00:19:08And what a miss that is.
00:19:11Nico Raskan should have been stroking Rangers into a 1-0 lead.
00:19:16He knows it.
00:19:17He knows it.
00:19:18Everyone around the ground knows it.
00:19:21It's a massive opportunity, this.
00:19:24Raskan can't quite believe he's side-footed that wide of target.
00:19:29Set up by Gassama.
00:19:30Did everything right.
00:19:32But that was horribly wrong.
00:19:35Rangers looking for a late first-half breakthrough.
00:19:39Jadon McComa with the in-zwinger.
00:19:41Well defended, near post.
00:19:44And it was Tavernier who had a stab at it.
00:19:54The corner kick taken short.
00:19:56It's a great ball in!
00:19:57And it's Tello Asghar again for Rangers.
00:20:02The match winner against Motherwell at the weekend.
00:20:05Strikes again in the last game of 20-25 against St. Mirren.
00:20:10Rangers in front.
00:20:12Just finding a little bit of room there.
00:20:15Not picked up, Asghar.
00:20:17And the glancing header sees the ball flashing past Jamal George.
00:20:23Rangers looking to maintain momentum in the Premiership.
00:20:29And add another three points to the total.
00:20:41Chermiti scrapping for it.
00:20:43Mikey Moore with the angled shot.
00:20:45And it's flapped at by Jamal George.
00:20:48And it came back off the crossbar.
00:20:52Well, the whistle has gone.
00:20:54Chermiti in need of some attention.
00:20:58And St. Mirren need to settle here.
00:21:01As half-time beckons.
00:21:03Mikey Moore trying an audacious attempt on goal.
00:21:07From an almost impossible angle.
00:21:10And Jamal George took his eye off this.
00:21:13And that could have dropped in for number two.
00:21:15John Suter with the free kick.
00:21:21No challenge as Marcus Fraser heads it away.
00:21:26Gogic.
00:21:28For the Dovu.
00:21:29And he's...
00:21:30Got the better of John Suter who stumbled.
00:21:34Big chance.
00:21:35To see Mirren.
00:21:35Jack Butland makes the save.
00:21:39And then Lundeloo can't quite force it in on the rebound.
00:21:44Rangers creating problems for themselves here.
00:21:47As down went Suter.
00:21:49And it was all about what happens next from the Dovu.
00:21:52Mandron's effort saved by Butland.
00:21:57And Rangers escape right at the start of the second half.
00:22:01Tavernier finding Chermiti.
00:22:16Bit of speed, bit of strength, bit of speed, bit of strength, and not a bad pass for Gassama who twists back onto his left foot.
00:22:28And Richard King makes a very important block.
00:22:32Rangers under pressure after the interval.
00:22:35This their first opportunity of the second half.
00:22:38In from James Tavernier.
00:22:48Diamande.
00:22:51Quickly in again.
00:22:53Big chance.
00:22:54And it's gone right through Shemal George.
00:22:57And it's Manny Fernandes.
00:23:00Who makes it 2-0 Rangers.
00:23:03Straight at the goalkeeper.
00:23:06Unable to keep it out, Shemal George.
00:23:08And Rangers having soaked up a fair bit of pressure at the start of the second half.
00:23:14Find themselves a second goal.
00:23:17Couldn't get the legs together in time to keep that out.
00:23:22Long ball for Killian Phillips.
00:23:25Up went Fernandes for Rangers.
00:23:30Gassama.
00:23:34Pressing the throttle.
00:23:36Firing through.
00:23:37Good deflection.
00:23:37Good save.
00:23:38Good save.
00:23:38Shemal George came off King.
00:23:41And the goalkeeper had to change direction to make the save.
00:23:49It's a great ball.
00:23:51In behind for Richardson.
00:23:55Can he create some leg?
00:23:56McManaman deflected and headed away by Tavernier.
00:24:02Seem to have the freedom of Ibrox there, McManaman.
00:24:06Well, VAR checking a possible penalty here.
00:24:10It was McManaman's shot at goal.
00:24:12And it struck the arm of Fernandes.
00:24:22Here's the decision.
00:24:24Penalty.
00:24:24It's Marcus Fraser to throw St Mirren.
00:24:35A lifeline.
00:24:37It's a pure penalty.
00:24:38And it's an easy save for Jack Butland.
00:24:42And it's going to be three points for Rangers.
00:24:46The Paisley team could have breathed new life into the match.
00:24:51But they don't take their chance.
00:24:56In from John.
00:24:58And it's a free header for Freckleton.
00:25:01And it's gone in for Mikael Mandron.
00:25:05Really poor from Rangers defensively at the set piece.
00:25:09And St Mirren have a goal back late on at Ibrox.
00:25:15Well, look at the uncertainty here from Rangers.
00:25:19Butland came and stopped.
00:25:21Freckleton got a free header clawed away by the goalkeeper.
00:25:25But he couldn't keep out the second effort from Mandron.
00:25:30Full time at Ibrox.
00:25:32Another three points for Rangers.
00:25:34Uncomfortable in the closing stages after Mandron got that goal back.
00:25:40But Rangers get what they wanted.
00:25:43Winners at Ibrox by two goals to one.
00:25:47We're about to go into 2026.
00:25:49In the new year, can Rangers be champions, in your opinion,
00:25:52if you keep playing like this?
00:25:53Yeah, if you take a lot of games and you take a lot of wins
00:25:57and you make a lot of things right,
00:25:59then you come in a position where you can play for something.
00:26:04But it's about hard working.
00:26:05Nobody will give us any present in this league.
00:26:08Even you are 2-0 up, you never know what happens in football.
00:26:12And this is about, be focused, 90, 95 minutes,
00:26:16one game, two games, three games, ten games.
00:26:19I spoke always about small steps and today it was the next small step, not more.
00:26:25I didn't think Shamala had a whole lot to do the whole evening.
00:26:29Jack Botlin was man of the match and two cleared off the line.
00:26:32A penalty miss.
00:26:33So it probably tells you that we had a large amount of the game,
00:26:37especially the second half.
00:26:38I thought we were X in the second half.
00:26:40Quite incredible football season continues.
00:26:44Rangers now three points behind Celtic, six points behind Hearts.
00:26:50And Billy Dodds, they keep on getting the results.
00:26:52Theo, Asgard suddenly finding the goal touch as well.
00:26:55He's second in as many games.
00:26:57Yeah, you can see there's a player there and he's definitely got a goal in him.
00:27:01But it's quite straightforward.
00:27:03They go 2v1 Rangers.
00:27:06St Myrne run a man late.
00:27:08But the delivery from the goal is brilliant.
00:27:10But he doesn't have to do a lot.
00:27:11He's never picked up.
00:27:12He's near the goalkeeper.
00:27:13He just drifts into that area and just leans on the St Myrne defender
00:27:17and just glides it into the bottom corner.
00:27:18So a brilliantly worked goal from Rangers.
00:27:21But they didn't have to do a lot.
00:27:23And I think St Myrne will be disappointed with their movement
00:27:25and altering their formation to try and pick them up.
00:27:29Was it a deserved victory for Rangers tonight for you, Scott, overall?
00:27:32Yeah, I think over the piece, Rangers had most of the control in the match.
00:27:35Bar when obviously St Myrne got the goal back,
00:27:38there was a nerve of 15 minutes.
00:27:39But if you look at Rangers, the last two games,
00:27:42my little at home, St Myrne at home, very good wins for them,
00:27:44especially leading into a big game against Celtic.
00:27:47Emmanuel Fernandes, a few question marks at times
00:27:49over his defensive moments.
00:27:52But, goodness me, fine finish for the goal, Billy.
00:27:56Another goal-scoring machine.
00:27:58St Myrne again won't be happy.
00:27:59It's a great ball in, Bichamiti, into that area.
00:28:02But you can see King's got him and just lets him go.
00:28:05And Jadon Richardson has to just shuffle a cross.
00:28:09And by that time, it's too late.
00:28:11And it's so close in, the goalkeeper can't do anything about it.
00:28:14But there's quality in the cross.
00:28:15It's a good connection.
00:28:16Shemell jogs through the legs.
00:28:18But St Myrne, they had him picked up and then just let him go.
00:28:22Tell you what, you'd be proud of a finish like that yourself.
00:28:25Actually, he just feathers it in between the keeper's legs.
00:28:27Yeah, I think the frustrating thing from a St Myrne point of view
00:28:30is if Manny Fernandes is going to score a goal in your penalty box,
00:28:34you expect it to be with his head because he's taught on you.
00:28:36It ultimately comes down to tracking runners.
00:28:37I think at the time Richard King maybe gets into a little tussle with him
00:28:41and he just obviously moves him out of the way.
00:28:43Unless he then has to tuck it away and he does so really well.
00:28:47Let's talk about the St Myrne penalty.
00:28:48There's been huge controversy over the last few weeks about penalties not given at Ibrox.
00:28:52This one was, was it the correct call?
00:28:56Scott, first to you.
00:28:57Yeah, for me, for me it is.
00:28:59It's a McMenamin.
00:29:00Shifts out of his feet and gets a shot away.
00:29:02Fernandes, he's caught in between.
00:29:04He's not too close.
00:29:04Once you half turn your back, you're not in a natural position and leaves his hand out.
00:29:09So for me it was a penalty.
00:29:11I think from there you see a lot of some inputs.
00:29:14Marcus Fraser does it, who takes the penalty, misses.
00:29:16But he does it quite a lot when he runs to him and he makes sure he's two hands behind his back.
00:29:20He's had a few this season.
00:29:22Fernandes, and I don't think he can complain when the rules are like,
00:29:27if it hits your hand and it's away from the body because it was.
00:29:30But luckily for Manny Fernandes, Marcus Fraser took one for St Mirren, scored it,
00:29:35but put it at the same side and Buckland saves it.
00:29:38And then St Mirren have a real go after that.
00:29:40I mean, they're just left to get the first header in and then Mandron just pops in for the second.
00:29:45But Rangers will be looking at it defensively now, Scott, where it was too easy.
00:29:50A lot of good deliveries, good finishes, but a lot of poor defending as well.
00:29:55Yeah, ultimately Rangers will come away with the three points,
00:29:58but for St Mirren there will be a lot of free stages.
00:30:01And Marcus Fraser, listen, it's not getting away from it.
00:30:03It was a really poor penalty.
00:30:05It was a very old school run-up in itself.
00:30:07But listen, they did have a go and maybe could have sneaked to a point.
00:30:10But listen, for me, Rangers just edged it.
00:30:13It's shaping up to be the most interesting title race, I think, in 40-odd years.
00:30:16Let's be honest.
00:30:17And you look at the teams at the top of the table.
00:30:20Are Rangers title contenders for you, Scott?
00:30:23I think they have to be.
00:30:24I think there's not a huge difference in points now.
00:30:28I think if one of the teams can go on a good run, like Hearts had done,
00:30:31up until the weekend against Hibs, then I think you'll be in the mix.
00:30:34And that's the most important thing, how big a January is it going to be
00:30:37for all the teams in the division, never mind Hearts, Rangers and Celtic.
00:30:41So if clubs can get players in in positions where they can come in to start living,
00:30:45make a real difference, they'll put themselves in a right, good position.
00:30:49By extension of that logic as well, we looked at the graphic there just a second ago.
00:30:52Billy, are Motherwell title contenders?
00:30:54If they can put a run together, who would rule anything out this season?
00:30:57This season's crazy.
00:30:59And there's more to come because what I'm saying is other teams will take points off
00:31:04all the top ones as well and they'll lose points right across the board.
00:31:08So there is so much more to come this season.
00:31:11The season is turning out to be crazy with four or five teams in the mix.
00:31:14And with Celtic in such a malaise, I'm going to get a quick prediction from both of you
00:31:17because it will be the big story over the weekend.
00:31:20The Old Firm derby, Celtic versus Rangers at Parkhead.
00:31:24Who goes into that as favourites?
00:31:25Who are you tipping, Scott?
00:31:28Really hard, really hard one to call to be quite honest with you.
00:31:32I think looking at it just now, I think it could end in a draw.
00:31:36I think Hearts will be hoping it ends in a draw and so will Motherwell.
00:31:39But for me, no team really playing with a real dominance that we've seen over the last few years.
00:31:45So for me, I think it will be really tight.
00:31:46If one is to win, it will be narrowly.
00:31:49So Celtic put to the sword by Motherwell this evening.
00:31:52Rangers seem to be sneaking these three points every weekend at the moment.
00:31:57Billy, are Rangers favourites for you?
00:31:58It's a pragmatic procedure.
00:31:59You're never favourites going to Celtic Park,
00:32:02but I'll tell you what, they're capable of going there and winning in this form.
00:32:05OK.
00:32:06Well, let's head to East the Road now.
00:32:08Hibbs, victorious in the Edinburgh Derby over Hearts.
00:32:11Could they build on that against a revived Aberdeen?
00:32:14Commentary comes from Thomas Duncan.
00:32:18Derby victory was the best late Christmas present Hibernian could have asked for,
00:32:22but can they build on it against Aberdeen,
00:32:24who are only three points behind them in the race for the top six and European football?
00:32:30One of Hibbs' Derby heroes, Kieran Bowie, is out of the squad with illness
00:32:33as Thibaut Cleejay comes in to start up front.
00:32:35One of the other goal scorers against Hearts, Josh Campbell,
00:32:38keeps his place after replacing the injured Nicky Caden.
00:32:42Jimmy Tallinn brings in Kjartan Kjartansson for his first Aberdeen start
00:32:46after an impressive couple of cameos.
00:32:49Piamfi starts at left wing back for the first time since early November.
00:32:52Jensen and Lazatic also come in.
00:32:54Ibs float one forwards, Boyle with the darting run.
00:33:05And the lob is just overcooked.
00:33:12Always a threat in behind Martin Boyle.
00:33:14Delightful ball in behind the Aberdeen defence.
00:33:19And he's unlucky with the finish.
00:33:24Piamfi.
00:33:27Carlsen.
00:33:29Finds Armstrong.
00:33:31And there's Jensen.
00:33:32Jensen.
00:33:32Not known for his goal-scoring exploits.
00:33:38Alexander Jensen.
00:33:41Floats the header well over.
00:33:45Jimmy Tallinn looking for more attacking impetus from his sides.
00:33:49McGrath.
00:33:50Martin Boyle has parked himself on the turf.
00:33:54And this doesn't look good for Hibernian.
00:33:55The captain gone down with no contacts.
00:34:04A potential muscle issue here for Martin Boyle.
00:34:09And Hebb's fans and David Gray will hope that that is very much precautionary.
00:34:19Jensen.
00:34:21Delays the cross.
00:34:22How sheesh.
00:34:25Mulligan takes it off him.
00:34:26But it breaks for Carlsen here.
00:34:28And Salinger to the rescue for Hebb's.
00:34:32Six goals for the season.
00:34:34Jesper Carlsen.
00:34:36So alive in the box here when it breaks to him.
00:34:38But the Hebb's keeper does his job expertly.
00:34:41A rather drab first 45 minutes.
00:34:54Yuan.
00:34:56Dancing forwards.
00:34:59Squeezed out wide by Aberdeen.
00:35:03Recycled to Iredale.
00:35:04And it's Yuan.
00:35:05Yuan.
00:35:08Well, they just wound up that right foot.
00:35:10And let rip.
00:35:14But it was always drifting wide.
00:35:19Oh, sheesh.
00:35:21A rear 40 forward for Aberdeen in this second half.
00:35:24And they make a mess of that opportunity.
00:35:26Mulligan.
00:35:27Finds Campbell.
00:35:28And the break's on here for Hebb's.
00:35:30Yuan.
00:35:32Always dangerous in space.
00:35:36Yuan to McGrath.
00:35:37It's back to Yuan.
00:35:39Squares it for Klee-J.
00:35:43And finally, Hebb's have the opening goal.
00:35:46Cometh the hour.
00:35:48Cometh the man.
00:35:50And it is Thibaut Klee-J.
00:35:51With the unconventional finish.
00:35:53But it ends up in the back of the net.
00:35:55All the same.
00:35:57A little smile from David Gray.
00:35:58You have to say it's deserved.
00:36:02Based on the start to the second half.
00:36:05Hibs have made.
00:36:06Yuan toying with Aberdeen.
00:36:09And Klee-J.
00:36:10Exactly where you want your striker to be.
00:36:12Between the posts.
00:36:14And gets enough on it.
00:36:15To take it beyond Smitov.
00:36:17Who's haired off his line.
00:36:20And it is Hibernian 1.
00:36:21Aberdeen 0.
00:36:22Whatever Liam Craig and David Gray said at halftime clearly worked.
00:36:30Yuan Carlson.
00:36:31Through here.
00:36:33Salinger.
00:36:34Top save.
00:36:35Whistle.
00:36:37Of Dan McFarlane has gone now anyway for the foul.
00:36:40And Salinger gets booked for his words.
00:36:44Hibs.
00:36:47Cultured swipe of the boot from Oshish.
00:36:50Carlson bundling Hanley to the deck.
00:36:54Couldn't finish anyway.
00:36:59Hibs corner.
00:37:00Outswinger.
00:37:01Hyredale's header.
00:37:03Jensen away.
00:37:04Milne stabs it to Oshish.
00:37:08Hibs.
00:37:09On top.
00:37:10And looking to kill off Aberdeen.
00:37:12At Easter Road.
00:37:14KnĂŒster.
00:37:19Headed down by Hyredale.
00:37:22And Jensen has found Nisbet.
00:37:23Now then.
00:37:25Oh Kevin Nisbet.
00:37:27Thought he'd equalised against his former club.
00:37:29But the flag is up.
00:37:32Now this could be really tight you know.
00:37:38I think it's for Nisbet.
00:37:41Nisbet moving forward in the build up.
00:37:43Where he challenges Hyredale.
00:37:46And it's very close.
00:37:48He's certainly onside there.
00:37:50And it's a good finish.
00:37:52Aberdeen denied by the offside flag.
00:37:55Campbell.
00:38:01Hoilett finds Mulligan.
00:38:06Away from Shinny.
00:38:07Oh he's away from three Aberdeen players.
00:38:10Too good.
00:38:11Josh Mulligan finds Hoilett.
00:38:13Still Hoilett.
00:38:14Oh it's squirmed.
00:38:16Beyond Mitov.
00:38:17Horrible stuff from the Aberdeen goalkeeper.
00:38:23Who took a blow to his face earlier in the game.
00:38:26But he's furious with himself.
00:38:28And Hibbs put the gloss on the scoreline.
00:38:31And they're on their way.
00:38:33To back to back league wins.
00:38:35For the first time since early November.
00:38:37And on the balance of play.
00:38:40It has been deserved.
00:38:44Hoilett just keeps his shot low.
00:38:46Hits it more or less straight at Mitov.
00:38:48Who should not get beaten from there.
00:38:51Aberdeen two.
00:38:53Aberdeen nil.
00:38:54And a good night's work for the men from Leith.
00:38:56I thought the first half was a little flat.
00:39:02Second half I thought we were very good.
00:39:04I thought fully over the course of the game.
00:39:06I think we fully deserved to win the game.
00:39:08We got what we deserved in the end.
00:39:10Clean sheet.
00:39:11Always important.
00:39:13And now when you look at it.
00:39:14Back to back wins.
00:39:15I know before it.
00:39:15You look at it on paper.
00:39:16And you say right.
00:39:17You need to try and win your home games.
00:39:18But it's difficult to go and do that.
00:39:19Against two really good sides.
00:39:21So full credit to the players for going and do that.
00:39:23I know that's the end of 2025.
00:39:25But looking.
00:39:26We've still got one more game in three days.
00:39:27Four days' time.
00:39:28It's really important that we try and finish this week off.
00:39:30As strong as we can.
00:39:32It's a difficult away game.
00:39:34Again I think Hibernian were better over 90 minutes.
00:39:38But still we can survive a game without taking one point.
00:39:42If it's not our perfect day.
00:39:43But in this critical moment right now.
00:39:46In transition moments in the games.
00:39:48We are not smart and strong enough in these moments.
00:39:53And we make it difficult for ourselves to get behind.
00:39:58And then of course we had the chance for the equaliser with a good cross.
00:40:04And I think we were three players running for the ball there.
00:40:07And that's the difference right now.
00:40:09These small margins.
00:40:10And they were really effective in their chances.
00:40:12It was a very flat first half.
00:40:16But it did come alive in the second half.
00:40:19And another big victory for Hibernian.
00:40:22In terms of the opening goal.
00:40:23Billy came on the hour mark.
00:40:24Thibaut Cleetje would finish it.
00:40:26In slightly unorthodox fashion.
00:40:28But a bit more to this goal for you.
00:40:30Yeah.
00:40:31I mean once they give the ball away.
00:40:33They've got a back.
00:40:35We've got four out of their back five in place.
00:40:38And they still don't defend it well.
00:40:39So they're pretty slack here as we know.
00:40:41And they nick it.
00:40:43Hibs break.
00:40:44Good pass inside.
00:40:45Then they just feed it wide to Johan.
00:40:47And he's got runners.
00:40:49But we'll have a freeze at it.
00:40:51And you'll see.
00:40:52You can see there.
00:40:53There's three.
00:40:53And then Jensen getting back.
00:40:55And they don't have to do a lot.
00:40:56A give and go.
00:40:57And they're in behind.
00:40:58And then Canuster thinks Johan's going to shoot.
00:41:00So he deepens when really space can't score.
00:41:03He should maybe just stay with Cleetje.
00:41:05But you see there.
00:41:06The four.
00:41:06We shouldn't get him back in as well.
00:41:08The three get attracted to the ball.
00:41:10And then Canuster doesn't pick up Cleetje.
00:41:13And it's all too easy.
00:41:15It's pretty routine for Hibs.
00:41:16And Aberdeen have to defend that better.
00:41:19Yeah, indeed.
00:41:20Aberdeen would have this disallowed goal, Scott.
00:41:23Which we've been kind of scratching our heads about a little bit.
00:41:27Because, and you have to put trust in the lines, I guess, at the end of the day.
00:41:30But it was, we all thought he was onside.
00:41:34Yeah, listen, as you said, we need to trust that it was done right.
00:41:38But for me, it was to just the eye watching it, it looked there's nothing wrong with it.
00:41:44It looks on there, doesn't it?
00:41:44It does.
00:41:46It looks on.
00:41:46And obviously he gets on the second one and puts it away.
00:41:50But it's one of the decisions.
00:41:51Listen, it's going to cause debate.
00:41:54No getting away from that, as a lot have this season.
00:41:56But very hard to call for us just watching the game.
00:41:59Against his old team, but my word, marginal.
00:42:03The sailor.
00:42:05Doesn't explain it.
00:42:06Is it the shoulder?
00:42:07It must be the line going up to the shoulder, I guess.
00:42:10But, I mean, an optical illusion, clearly, at the end of the day, for all of us who thought he was onside.
00:42:17A sore one for Aberdeen.
00:42:19Almost as sore as this moment for Dimitar Mitov.
00:42:22Junior Hoylet, former Aberdeen player as well.
00:42:25Getting the goal.
00:42:25Yeah, but a lot of credit goes to Josh Mulligan.
00:42:28Of course.
00:42:28I've seen him do really well this year, being really strong and powerful, driving, lifting the head to Junior Hoylet.
00:42:33Listen, he just looks to get a snapshot away.
00:42:35Listen, there's no getting away from it.
00:42:36It's a really poor save from Mitov.
00:42:40He'll not be happy with that either with his teammates.
00:42:43But, listen, credit to Josh Mulligan for driving in.
00:42:45Junior Hoylet asks the question, but he's got to save it.
00:42:48Yeah, I mean, Mitov's had a patchy season, but for me here as well, and I really like him as a player,
00:42:54Knuster has got to do better as well.
00:42:56See, once Mulligan squats right, feed it wide, strong, we know he's got that, pace.
00:43:02But once he takes his touch, just throw yourself at it.
00:43:04But he doesn't do enough to try and get a block in, just closes the legs,
00:43:08try to keep his legs shut just in case the ball goes through it.
00:43:11But Mitov's the main one, he's got to keep that out.
00:43:13What's missing for Aberdeen right now, Billy?
00:43:15Because, you're a good...
00:43:16Circumstancy?
00:43:16I think that's been the story of their season.
00:43:19You see them right from the start, can't get a goal, can hardly get a point,
00:43:22they get a run going, then they get a couple of good results to move into the top six.
00:43:26And you're thinking, go on, crack on from there.
00:43:28And they've just been patchy against ever since.
00:43:31And then, drawing with Dundee United, losing at Hibs,
00:43:34it's just, it's been that sort of season for Aberdeen.
00:43:37That's been a huge, huge week for Aberdeen.
00:43:40They're fifth on the table, two points behind Motherwell, ten points behind Hearts.
00:43:43Are they in the title race, Scott?
00:43:46Listen, I think it was pivotal that Hibs went and backed up that performance against Hearts.
00:43:50Obviously, Aberdeen, it was always going to be a tricky game.
00:43:53They managed to come away with the three points.
00:43:55Performance was really good, second half, as David Gray said.
00:43:58Are they in the title race?
00:43:59I don't think David Gray will be seeing that in the changing room.
00:44:01I think, again, we'll speak about it, I think they'll strengthen again in January in a few positions.
00:44:05And if they can go on another run like they did last season, then they could be in the mix come the end of the season.
00:44:10There's a few managers playing it down then, isn't there?
00:44:12Yeah.
00:44:12They all play it down, Billy.
00:44:14Play it up.
00:44:14They've got a chance.
00:44:15They've got a bit of momentum now, all of a sudden.
00:44:17And they are a big club.
00:44:18They did well last season.
00:44:19Yeah.
00:44:19And I think if they can put a real run together, why not?
00:44:23But I think anybody out with the old firm will be trying to, even Derek McKinnon, whose team are top of the league, plays it down, and rightly so.
00:44:29Yeah.
00:44:30OK, to the bottom of the table now.
00:44:31Could Dundee open up a six-point gap over second bottom Kilmarnock?
00:44:35Commentary comes from Andrew Petrie.
00:44:39Dundee without consecutive league wins since March 2024.
00:44:44Kilmarnock without a win of any kind since the 4th of October.
00:44:48Who would you rather be tonight?
00:44:50Two big blows for Steven Presley's side.
00:44:53They're without a couple of key players.
00:44:54Cam Congreve is out through injury.
00:44:56Simon Murray is suspended.
00:44:57Charlie Riley comes in for a first-ever start in the Scottish Premiership.
00:45:02Kilmarnock are unchanged from their 0-0 draw with St Mirren.
00:45:05That means Robbie Tease has to make do with a spot on the bench.
00:45:08David Watson makes his 100th league appearance.
00:45:11He's still just 20.
00:45:12Dunda under a bit of pressure gets it out to Astley.
00:45:20And that's up the line and it releases Charlie Riley.
00:45:23He crosses in.
00:45:24Decent chance at the front post.
00:45:26Could still be on here for Dundee.
00:45:28Callum Jones!
00:45:29It's saved by Alloyemi.
00:45:30And hacked off the line by Lewis Mayo.
00:45:32Huge opportunity for Dundee to take the lead.
00:45:36They've flown out the traps here at Denz.
00:45:39And that was a really good chance.
00:45:41But for Toby Alloyemi.
00:45:44As Dom Thompson misses the ball, it allows Dundee to get that ball across.
00:45:49As Yaghani keeps it alive and it looked like Callum Jones had shown composure.
00:45:57Kilmarnock trying to build back into the game after Dundee threatened to sting them early.
00:46:04Anderson lays it off to Tom Lowry.
00:46:07Well, here's John Jewels through the middle.
00:46:09It's blocked.
00:46:09Could come back to him.
00:46:11Dundee trying to scramble this away.
00:46:14Danger.
00:46:14Still on the flick.
00:46:15Through to Anderson.
00:46:16It's over the bar.
00:46:17Decent opportunity for Bruce Anderson.
00:46:22And he normally hits the target from there.
00:46:25It was scrappy stuff in the Dundee box.
00:46:28After John Jewels had fluffed his lines.
00:46:33Luke Graham and Astley failing to clear adequately.
00:46:37Tom Lowry with the flick over to Anderson.
00:46:40On the slide, it was over the bar.
00:46:46Astley.
00:46:47Off the long throw.
00:46:48Flicked on.
00:46:48This could drop for Charlie Riley.
00:46:52It's over the bar.
00:46:54Well, the first Premiership start.
00:46:56Two and a half years after joining Dundee.
00:46:59He's got his chance tonight.
00:47:01And that was a chance there as well.
00:47:03High and wide.
00:47:04Watson on the turn loses the ball.
00:47:08And Dre Wright will try and bring this away for Dundee.
00:47:11Tony Ugani running at the Kilmarnock backlight.
00:47:17A couple of stepovers.
00:47:18He's done well there.
00:47:19Curls in.
00:47:20Straight through to the keeper.
00:47:22And Kilmarnock will try and break up the other end.
00:47:28That's a foul from Astley.
00:47:32And it's Kilmarnock trying to take it quickly.
00:47:35Brad Lyons over the top.
00:47:36Oh, Luke Graham's made a big mistake.
00:47:38Greg Kilty's in behind.
00:47:39One-on-one has to be.
00:47:41And is Kilmarnock sting Dundee.
00:47:45Completely against the run of play.
00:47:47But they have their goal.
00:47:51And they are ahead.
00:47:54As Chris Doolin applauds from the sidelines.
00:47:58But it is a gift-wrapped goal.
00:48:01A few days after Christmas.
00:48:03For Kilmarnock.
00:48:05And it's Greg Kilty who punishes Dundee to full effect.
00:48:09Far, far too easy.
00:48:13Luke Graham won't want to see that one back.
00:48:16Just goes right through him.
00:48:20Chris Doolin won't care how they come.
00:48:23Inside or ahead.
00:48:25They have to defend this corner.
00:48:27It's headed and it's off the line.
00:48:28And Kilmarnock get it clear.
00:48:31Almost an instant response from Dundee.
00:48:34I think it was Billy Cometio in there.
00:48:37The ball whipped in again.
00:48:39Ashley Hayes there.
00:48:40And Oluyemi punches clear.
00:48:44Well, that was...
00:48:46Almost a fantastic response from the hosts.
00:48:50It is Billy Cometio.
00:48:56Yagane.
00:48:57Just teasing James Brown there.
00:49:02Now it's across to Jan Dandai.
00:49:03He likes them from distance.
00:49:04It's a good save from Oluyemi.
00:49:08Well, Dundee have had far more shots.
00:49:12Far more of the ball.
00:49:13But they still trail on the scoreline.
00:49:18Corner whipped in.
00:49:19Oh, it's bouncing around at the back post.
00:49:21And how's that not gone in?
00:49:22I think it's Cometio again.
00:49:26Maybe he's not expecting it.
00:49:31Oluyemi under pressure from Ashley Hayes.
00:49:35The ball will drop for Cometio.
00:49:42Up to Yagane.
00:49:44Callum Jones has made the run.
00:49:47Ashley Hayes in the middle.
00:49:48Yagane gets it back.
00:49:53Drey Wright is an option behind him.
00:49:57Clips it.
00:49:57Charlie Riley into Hayes.
00:49:59And Dundee have their deserved equaliser.
00:50:06They have fired so many shots at Kilmarnock.
00:50:10And finally, they fire one that is clinical.
00:50:15And it's good play from Charlie Riley.
00:50:18Knows he doesn't have the angle.
00:50:20Just nods it back to Ashley Hayes.
00:50:22Who can miss from there.
00:50:24And finally, Dundee have their goal.
00:50:29They'll be much happier with this second half, Steven Presley.
00:50:34This side haven't had their confidence rocked.
00:50:38And here is Ashley Hay now.
00:50:40This could drop for Charlie Riley.
00:50:43Dundee are ahead.
00:50:46And it's Charlie Riley on his first start in the top flight.
00:50:53And he has his first premiership goal as well.
00:50:56And what a vital one that could be for Dundee this season.
00:51:03He was at Albion Rovers just a few years ago.
00:51:06And he's struggled with injuries and loan spells.
00:51:12It's hardly been the life of Riley.
00:51:14But he's turned that around now.
00:51:16He has his name on the score sheet.
00:51:19And he has Dundee in front.
00:51:21And if they can hold on, this would be a huge three-point.
00:51:24He's headed away.
00:51:32Brannan just pulls it back.
00:51:34Kilmarnock trying to keep it alive.
00:51:36Their search for a goal hasn't been too desperate until now.
00:51:39Here's Dom Thompson into the middle.
00:51:41Marley Watkins' shot is smothered by John McCracken.
00:51:45And that will surely be that.
00:51:49They've not deserved much from this game, Kilmarnock.
00:51:52But they almost snatched something not to beat.
00:51:54It stays 2-1.
00:51:55Coming into this game, I stress that we hadn't recorded back-to-back victories in 20 months.
00:52:02We had to own that.
00:52:03We had to change that.
00:52:05And the players responded brilliantly tonight.
00:52:07Coming from behind in a really important game takes courage.
00:52:11And they showed that in abundance.
00:52:13I thought when we went 1-0 up, we were maybe going to carry that wee bit of luck tonight as well.
00:52:18It's kind of went against us.
00:52:19But that's not an excuse to lose the goals we did.
00:52:22And I'm just hurting for everybody because, like I said, so much effort goes in.
00:52:28But, you know, when you're always chasing the game, it's not a good position to be in.
00:52:32A real sense there from the Dundee manager, Stephen Presley, that this was a big moment.
00:52:37And it's been a good week for Dundee Football Club.
00:52:41I heard Stephen Presley saying he couldn't really breathe ever since he took over at Dundee Football Club.
00:52:46Such has been the pressure, Billy.
00:52:47And now, as he said there, two back-to-back victories.
00:52:50Huge moment for him.
00:52:52Be breathing a bit better tonight, Jonathan.
00:52:55An excellent result and a good bounce-back by going a goal behind by the mistake as well.
00:53:00So his team have definitely got something about them.
00:53:03And those two wins are going to give them a huge boost as the season goes on, no doubt.
00:53:07Miserable right now for Kilmarnock.
00:53:09He's got 13 matches now without a victory.
00:53:12It had looked so good for them.
00:53:14So getting the goal helped a lot by this mistake by Luke Graham as well.
00:53:21Listen, the run of games doesn't look good from a Kilmarnock point of view.
00:53:25But listen, they took the lead.
00:53:26They were always going to be asked questions.
00:53:28Right, Dundee, they do trouble you.
00:53:31There's been games at Dens where they've been really good this season.
00:53:33They've came away with the points.
00:53:34But from this point of view, from a Dundee, he's got to do so much better.
00:53:38Young Graham, he's got to do so much better.
00:53:40But it's a fantastic finish from Greg Kelty.
00:53:43Just lifts it over the goalkeeper.
00:53:45But for me, I think once you get that early goal in the game,
00:53:47can you go on and then add a second?
00:53:49They didn't manage to do that.
00:53:51And Dundee, for me, were the winners in the end.
00:53:54Is it just a confidence issue right now at Kilmarnock, Billy?
00:53:57I think so.
00:53:58When you get momentum and you're winning games, it's great.
00:54:01But momentum can go the other way when you're losing.
00:54:04Even if you do OK in patches within games,
00:54:06you always seem to come out losing.
00:54:09You just can't shift it.
00:54:10And I feel that's where Kilmarnock are.
00:54:13You need a lift.
00:54:14You need to get going.
00:54:15And it looks as if it's turning into a two-way battle
00:54:17down at the bottom of the lead now.
00:54:18Yeah, Dundee now opening up the six-point gap over Kilmarnock.
00:54:22I mean, just how impressive was this Dundee fight back for you?
00:54:27No, really good.
00:54:27Again, I've talked about defending a lot tonight.
00:54:30I think Kelly will look at it and analyse it.
00:54:32He could maybe have done better.
00:54:34I mean, once they get the cross in,
00:54:36could Brown get a little bit closer?
00:54:38Maybe.
00:54:38But once he comes in, I'm talking about that space again.
00:54:42And you see Thompson there.
00:54:43He could maybe have gone to Riley.
00:54:45Maybe Mayo could have picked up.
00:54:46Hay, who eventually scores.
00:54:48But once he's shifted, it's too late.
00:54:50And it's nice from a Dundee point of view
00:54:52because it's a really good area of hit with the cross.
00:54:55It's a nice little knockback
00:54:56and a nice neat and tidy finish, isn't it?
00:54:58But Kilmarnock will look at it and think
00:55:00they could have done a whole lot better.
00:55:02And a great moment as well for Riley
00:55:04in terms of getting the winner in this game, Scott.
00:55:06He's had a lot of injury issues.
00:55:07Two and a half years at Dundee.
00:55:09And this was his big moment.
00:55:11Listen, it's a fantastic goal from a Dundee point of view.
00:55:13It's a lovely Freddie ball through to Jan Dander first off.
00:55:16And he makes that run.
00:55:17I think they get the ricochet then back to the real man.
00:55:21And it's a fantastic finish.
00:55:22Listen, he just shapes that into the corner.
00:55:24And listen, he was a real standout tonight,
00:55:27obviously having an assist for the first goal.
00:55:29Then to win the game for his team
00:55:30with that bit of quality, he deserves the plaudits tonight.
00:55:33It's incredible how quickly football can change,
00:55:35Billy Dundee.
00:55:36I know that.
00:55:37Above St. Marin,
00:55:38who've just won a cup, of course.
00:55:40It's so fluid.
00:55:41And we really are just still at the halfway point of this season.
00:55:43There's still so much to play for.
00:55:44Yeah, as I said earlier on in the programme,
00:55:47I think there's more crazy events to happen
00:55:49in this Premier League this season.
00:55:51I mean, it's incredible.
00:55:52I don't think it'll just, as I mean,
00:55:54the top teams taking points off them.
00:55:57And I think the bottom teams are capably
00:55:58taking points off them as well.
00:56:00And it's who can put together that consistent run
00:56:03that is going to get in and win the championship.
00:56:05Well, right at the bottom of the table,
00:56:07Livingston with just one Premiership win this season.
00:56:10This evening, they took on Dundee United.
00:56:12Commentary comes from Stuart Mitchell.
00:56:16Livingston and Dundee United are desperate
00:56:18to end 2025 on a high.
00:56:20The Lions have failed to register a win
00:56:22since the 9th of August.
00:56:24Dundee United recorded their 10th lead draw on Saturday.
00:56:29Montano continues for Livingston
00:56:30after his quickfire double against Celtic at the weekend.
00:56:33Paquilla is the only change from that match on Saturday.
00:56:3718-year-old Sturton signed a contract extension today
00:56:40and is in the United starting 11.
00:56:42He's joined by Cleo Harding, Stevenson and Trapanovski.
00:56:45Dundee United haven't beaten Livingston here since 2005.
00:56:53A run stretching back over nine meetings.
00:56:58The cutback.
00:56:59Sapsford onto it.
00:57:01And did that take a touch from Priore
00:57:03before striking the post.
00:57:05Livingston scramble it away.
00:57:06But the terrors have started in fast fashion.
00:57:13Jim Goodwin knows United want to start taking maximum points
00:57:18from matches.
00:57:20This is the 18-year-old Sturton.
00:57:25Stabbed out wide where there's space.
00:57:27Drilled across and Namo can't hook it in.
00:57:29It was a difficult one for the wing-back.
00:57:33It's a vicious delivery through.
00:57:37Stevenson spots the space out wide.
00:57:40Ferry.
00:57:41There's a block.
00:57:42Silla doesn't react.
00:57:44It's Stevenson!
00:57:45And it's headed away.
00:57:47Important defending by Wilson.
00:57:50He's in the right spot.
00:57:52United peppering the Livingston goal here.
00:57:54He's in the right spot.
00:57:56Sibbild.
00:57:58Out for Ferry.
00:58:00Cushion to Trapanovski.
00:58:02He's looking to threaten again.
00:58:06Cut across, Sturton gets the touch.
00:58:08And it spins away.
00:58:12Well done to United.
00:58:15Attack after attack in this match.
00:58:18And that's not far away.
00:58:19Okay.
00:58:24Corner in.
00:58:26Sapsford is there!
00:58:28And United take the lead.
00:58:33The young Australian has his third goal this month as he steps up his claim for a World Cup spot.
00:58:44Livingston just don't defend the corner.
00:58:46There's a touch off mate.
00:58:48And it's Sapsford who pounces.
00:58:50It's Livingston now.
00:58:52Dundee United won.
00:58:54Dundee United won.
00:58:55Dundee United won.
00:58:55Dundee United won.
00:58:56Dundee United won.
00:59:00Cleo Harding.
00:59:04And the first time pass forward from Sapsford.
00:59:07Namo could be through here.
00:59:10And he just slows up as Prieur makes the save.
00:59:13And his teammates are letting him know there were more options around.
00:59:16It's a tame shot from Namo in the end.
00:59:18To scramble.
00:59:24And Stevenson lobs.
00:59:27Here's Ferry.
00:59:29And all the space of West Lothian.
00:59:31And how is that not converted by Sapsford?
00:59:35A glorious chance to make it a double.
00:59:40Ferry is all over this game so far.
00:59:42Sturton wins.
00:59:50It's a lovely flick from Trapanovski.
00:59:52He has the pace.
00:59:54Goes down.
00:59:55As looks towards the referee who's not interested.
01:00:00Trapanovski frustrated.
01:00:01Dundee United feel this should be a penalty.
01:00:07JĂ©rĂŽme Prior goes through Trapanovski there.
01:00:15The short corner is cut.
01:00:17And it's off the post by Sibold.
01:00:20The former Livingston man so close.
01:00:22And tipped over the crossbar by Prior.
01:00:25The Dundee United are doing everything to try and get the second goal.
01:00:31And they're denied by the woodwork again.
01:00:38Livingston look for a leveller.
01:00:41He's headed away.
01:00:43McLennan with the back heel.
01:00:44Muirhead is blocked.
01:00:47Sibold will clear.
01:00:50Yangi holds.
01:00:52Livingston keep this one alive.
01:00:54Muirhead searches for the space.
01:00:59Montano with the layoff.
01:01:00Muirhead strikes.
01:01:02Pushed away by Richards.
01:01:04And that's a superb second reaction from the goalkeeper.
01:01:09They came under some criticism for the goal.
01:01:11United conceded on Saturday at Aberdeen.
01:01:20Ferry crosses.
01:01:22Headed down.
01:01:22And it's in.
01:01:25It looked to come off the Livingston defender McGowan.
01:01:30There's frustrated looks all around from Livingston players.
01:01:33But Dundee United celebrate.
01:01:37Let's have another look.
01:01:39Cleo Harding was there.
01:01:40And as Prior tries to get it away.
01:01:42His own defender is in the path.
01:01:44And the Livingston supporters have seen enough.
01:01:50That look says it all from the manager.
01:01:59McGowan.
01:01:59Amar Fata is alert and intersects.
01:02:05There's not many around.
01:02:07Amar Fata breezes past McGowan.
01:02:09It's Fata!
01:02:10His fourth Premiership goal.
01:02:17Three in December.
01:02:20And Amar Fata is flourishing at Dundee United.
01:02:23He does it all on his own.
01:02:29Needs no help.
01:02:31And it's a wonderful finish.
01:02:34Just inside the post.
01:02:36Three for United and surely three points.
01:02:39Newer head.
01:02:47Stevenson collects.
01:02:49But can't clear.
01:02:51This is Montano.
01:02:53McLennan.
01:02:54Dances through.
01:02:56And it's in.
01:02:58It only looks like a consolation.
01:03:02Connor McLennan scores his first off the season.
01:03:04It doesn't change much for David Martindale.
01:03:12Montano didn't give it up.
01:03:14Did this take a deflection on the way through?
01:03:19Wrong foots Dave Richards in Dundee United's goal.
01:03:23Late action in Livingston.
01:03:27We knew we'd carry a threat on the counter-attack.
01:03:29We highlighted some areas in the Livingston backline
01:03:33that we felt we could exploit.
01:03:34And I thought we targeted those areas really well,
01:03:37getting down the sides of them.
01:03:38The switch of play was a big aspect of our game tonight as well.
01:03:42Will Ferry had acres of space at times.
01:03:45And I thought he was excellent as well.
01:03:47And the game was finished 3-1.
01:03:49Had it finished 5 or 6,
01:03:51I don't think there would have been too many complaints.
01:03:53I think tonight was the worst performance of the season.
01:03:56It's definitely the worst home performance I had generally in the main.
01:03:59We've been fairly competitive at home.
01:04:02Tonight we weren't.
01:04:03Tonight we weren't.
01:04:04First goal and then we just felt sorry for ourselves.
01:04:06It was just an acceptance.
01:04:07And I think Dundee United deserved the three points.
01:04:13If you were lucky going to halftime 1-0 down, if I'm honest,
01:04:16it could have been more.
01:04:17We were just second all over the park all night.
01:04:19Painful end to 2025 for Livingston as for Dundee United into the top six for the first time since October.
01:04:29I'm not going to suggest that they're in the title race, Billy.
01:04:32Why?
01:04:33Why?
01:04:33You've done it with every other team.
01:04:34They're too far back.
01:04:36They're just ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference.
01:04:3825 points.
01:04:39I'm going to rule them out, I think.
01:04:41But it was a fantastic display from Jim Goodwin's side this evening.
01:04:45Yeah, after getting a good point at Aberdeen, they went to Livy and they were good within the game.
01:04:51We watched them coming in.
01:04:52They had so many chances.
01:04:54It's not like Livy because myself, like Davey Martindale, has looked at it and thought they've been in the games.
01:05:02And a lot of the games this season, even though they've only won one, they've been unlucky to lose to Motherwell later on, Rangers later on.
01:05:09But tonight, it was as poor as they've been.
01:05:13So I'm not surprised he's come out and said what he said.
01:05:15Yeah, pretty gloomy from his point of view this evening.
01:05:17But United started so well in this match, Scott, creating plenty of chances, as Billy says.
01:05:23Yeah, I think it was interesting with the team selection, two young academy graduates in the starting line up.
01:05:28Young starting up front was a real handful.
01:05:29And they do have players on the day.
01:05:31Listen, Saffer's been a standout for me for United this season.
01:05:35Always looking to threaten, willing runner.
01:05:37And they have the guys up front who can hurt you if chances are created.
01:05:40And they've done that time and time again tonight.
01:05:42As Jim Goodwin said, it could have been a lot more for them.
01:05:46But they'll be really happy with the creative player at the show tonight.
01:05:48And obviously getting the three points.
01:05:50It was a much needed three points for Dundee United.
01:05:53Billy, why do you think Dundee United have been sort of, I suppose, underperforming to an extent of late?
01:06:00Yeah, I mean, they didn't start the season well and then they get going.
01:06:04You thought they were going to put a run together.
01:06:06I thought their goal here was brilliant because we watched it and they're all matched.
01:06:10Finlayson's matching Sapsford.
01:06:14And Makiela is matching Cleo Harding at the front post as well.
01:06:18And they just switch off for a split second.
01:06:20I've talked about poor defending a lot tonight.
01:06:23But this is just for a fraction of a second.
01:06:25Finlayson switches off and Sapsford.
01:06:27That is as sharp as they come.
01:06:28But I think a bit of confidence as well.
01:06:31When they've lost games, they had a few injuries.
01:06:34Jim's getting a strong squad back together now.
01:06:37I think that's helped.
01:06:38And then, of course, when you get results, it breeds confidence.
01:06:41And they've gone on a little mini run now and produced themselves in the top six.
01:06:45Should they have been producing more recently when you look at the talent that's in that Dundee United squad, Scott?
01:06:51Yeah, I would say Jim Goodwin expected some of the games that have ended in points to be three points.
01:06:56I think there's been performances in there that maybe deserve that and other ones that he won't be happy about.
01:07:01But, I think, looking at the new year now, off the back of that performance,
01:07:05I think that every manager wants performance and the three points tonight.
01:07:08He got all that and it could have been more at the same time.
01:07:11As I say, young players coming out to the side, guys coming back who are now fit.
01:07:15Dundee United again, January coming up, as we've said, for nearly every team in the league, Billy.
01:07:19Teams will strengthen because everything's so tight and so close all throughout the league.
01:07:23So, they'll be looking to add to areas of their team which they can improve.
01:07:27So, lots to like about that performance tonight, though, for me.
01:07:30David Martindale will be at home now.
01:07:32It's gloomy after the match.
01:07:33I kind of hope he's not watching right now because it's just more United dominance from this match, Scott.
01:07:40And he just never really gave Livingston a sniff.
01:07:43And if OK, Livingston would get a consolation goal at the end.
01:07:45But it was really all about United tonight.
01:07:47Well, I think David Martindale will understand that even us watching Livingston at home,
01:07:52you just don't expect them to give up that many chances, especially by a side who you expect to defend really well.
01:07:58Some of the goals and chances they're giving up are really poor.
01:08:00David Martindale will look to try and fix that from a Dundee right to point of view.
01:08:04They constantly ask them questions.
01:08:06Put the ball on the box.
01:08:07Can you defend it?
01:08:08Most of the time tonight, they didn't defend it well enough.
01:08:10Obviously, it's unfortunate for Ryan McGowan that it then comes in off his frames from prior.
01:08:15But it was no more than Dundee right to deserve.
01:08:17But from a Livingston point of view, they have to get together and defend much, much better.
01:08:22Listen, this is a moment of magic.
01:08:23From a guy who we've seen do this on a few occasions this year, as soon as he sees Ryan McGowan plant his free,
01:08:31he's two feet, he just shuffles and it's a fantastic finish.
01:08:35But he's capable of that.
01:08:35We've seen it, as I said.
01:08:37But listen, as soon as Ryan McGowan plants his feet, he's away.
01:08:41And that's recognising when he's in that 1v1 situation that he can go by it.
01:08:45Listen, he could probably do that to a lot of guys.
01:08:48He did it last weekend, didn't he?
01:08:49Yeah, he did.
01:08:49And it was unfortunate for Ryan McGowan that he couldn't bring him down.
01:08:53To stop the goal, but from a Dundee 80 point of view, fantastic individual.
01:08:57Maybe I've been getting a bit of help there as well, but the midfielder stays away.
01:09:01But brilliant from Fata.
01:09:03It's the one you don't want to be faced up with and he's stuck it away with aplomb.
01:09:06But they could have had more.
01:09:07Yeah, he's good to watch.
01:09:09Livingston bottom of the table, four points behind Kelly, nine points behind third bottom St. Murren.
01:09:14Are they looking doomed, Billy?
01:09:17If you go on tonight's performance, I think you said David Martindale,
01:09:22he might not be watching, but he'll certainly not be sleeping either because he's got to fix that.
01:09:26That was, as I said, their worst performance.
01:09:28They've always taken part in games.
01:09:29They've been unlucky not to pick up more points,
01:09:32but somehow they're going to have to start by getting a win just to get the confidence levels boosted up
01:09:38and then try and get a few points on the board from there.
01:09:40But it looks like as if them and Kelly are battling it out now.
01:09:44Same question to you, Scott.
01:09:45Yeah, I just think the worrying thing for David Martindale are the type of goals that they are losing.
01:09:50It looks like there is a bit of softness there,
01:09:52which you would never associate with a Livingston and David Martindale side.
01:09:56So, listen, they'll have to go on the pitch.
01:09:58There's another game obviously coming up at the weekend,
01:10:00so they'll be looking to build a solid foundation and start defending properly again
01:10:03because you have to defend properly to allow yourself to have the chance to go and win games of football.
01:10:08Scott, Billy, a happy new year when it comes.
01:10:10Thank you very much indeed.
01:10:11Pleasure.
01:10:11Let's take a look at the William Hill Premiership table this evening.
01:10:16There we have it.
01:10:17Hearts, they weren't in action tonight, but they still remain out in front.
01:10:20Celtic Rangers, Motherwell, Hibs even.
01:10:23Are they all in the title race?
01:10:25Livingston are bottom of the table on just nine points.
01:10:28Plenty of football on the way from the BBC.
01:10:32And there we have it, Sports Scene Road to the World Cup.
01:10:35Hogmanay, there we have it.
01:10:378.45 on BBC Scotland.
01:10:39SportsZone SPFL Premiership action Saturday.
01:10:42Half past 11 on BBC Radio Scotland for the early kick-off.
01:10:45The old firm, of course.
01:10:46SportsZone Extra Time and Sports Scene Premiership highlights.
01:10:49Quarter past seven on BBC Scotland.
01:10:53This is our final Sports Scene of 2025.
01:10:56It's been a momentous year.
01:10:5750 years of Sports Scene.
01:10:59It's been a fantastic year.
01:11:01Exciting title race.
01:11:02Scotland qualifying for the World Cup.
01:11:05Thanks for watching.
01:11:06It's been a privilege to share it with you.
01:11:08From all of us on the Sports Scene team,
01:11:11we wish you a very happy new year when it comes.
01:11:13Good night.
01:11:13Hello.
01:11:18Good to have you with us.
01:11:19Welcome to Sports Scene at 50.
01:11:21The SWPL has delivered yet again.
01:11:49Another season is going right down to the wire.
01:11:51And McGovern picks out Taylor.
01:11:54Incredible.
01:11:56Lindsay Taylor may just have scored the goal that wins Hibbs the title.
01:12:02The SWPL has won the Scottish Cup.
01:12:05It's Amurdine's Cup.
01:12:06It's Amurdine's Cup.
01:12:06It's Amurdine's Cup.
01:12:06It's Amurdine's Cup.
01:12:07Timmy time, Eto'o.
01:12:09Has won the Scottish Cup for Amurdine.
01:12:12It is quite sensational.
01:12:1335 years of pain and misery in this competition has come to an end at Hampden.
01:12:22Rangers could be in for number two here.
01:12:25A lovely turn and finish from Kirsty Howitt.
01:12:28That is fabulous from Kirsty Howitt.
01:12:31Rangers retain the Scottish Cup.
01:12:37Now he tries a bend.
01:12:39Oh!
01:12:41He's pulled it off!
01:12:43Absolutely sensational from Kieran Burry.
01:12:47It is Garnadok with the tricks and McTominay!
01:12:56Have you ever seen anything like that on their biggest stage of all?
01:13:03Ferguson's header giving away but it breaks to Tierney!
01:13:05It's Garnadok with the scoreboard and that's Kieran Tierney!
01:13:21They're giving it away.
01:13:22Shoot!
01:13:22Here's McLean.
01:13:24He's going to shoot.
01:13:25He's not going to hit!
01:13:27I don't believe it at all!
01:13:33I have never seen anything quite as incredible and dramatic as Kieran McLean!
01:13:41With practically the last kick of the ball to absolutely rubber-staffed Scotland's place!
01:13:50And the World Cup can end almost 30 years apart.
01:13:55Absolutely astonishing!
01:13:57But for now, from all of us, it's a good night.
01:14:01You're going to do famille!
01:14:02Alright!