- 6 hours ago
Steven Thompson presents highlights of Falkirk v St Mirren, Hearts v Dundee, Kilmarnock v Livingston, Motherwell v Hibernian and Rangers v Aberdeen.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00:03¶¶
00:00:39Good evening. The Scottish Premiership is reaching boiling point with the title race on a knife edge and at the
00:00:45bottom a fight for survival means there are no second chances.
00:00:50Stephen Naismith joins me as we discuss all the big moments from this crucial weekend.
00:00:54We begin at Tyne Castle where league leaders' hearts are unbeaten this season.
00:00:58Today's opponents were Dundee.
00:01:02Only once all season have Harkes let dropped points become a blip and that was back in November.
00:01:07Their last three defeats have been followed up by a home victory, now is not the time to change that
00:01:12pattern.
00:01:13Dundee though are on their best unbeaten top flight run since 2015, an old Tyne Castle favourite.
00:01:19Stephen Presley is out to spoil his old club's afternoon.
00:01:22Harkes have Devlin and Shanklin back for the first time since mid January, however Craig Halkett is a late call
00:01:27off with a back spasm.
00:01:28After being named in the 11 initially, Steinbender keeps his place, Kent, Altena and McEntee also come in.
00:01:35Dundee also make four changes, Halliday, Robertson, Hay and Wesley come into an attacking line-up.
00:01:46Cammy Devlin captaining Harkes on his return, a huge figure for the first two thirds of the season, back at
00:01:53a timely moment for the leaders.
00:01:55Braga finds Altena and then gets the return, it's Claudio Braga, an odd finish from Harkes top league scorer.
00:02:06Got himself into a great position there, feels he was caught after the fact as well.
00:02:11Lovely combination play, Maltena with a flick, and the goal was there, steers it well wide.
00:02:24Dundee's dramatic comeback in the derby last week, prolonged their unbeaten run in the Premiership to five.
00:02:31That's a lovely ball for Congreve, one of their danger men, and he's won a corner here.
00:02:39Dundee's improvement as the season has gone on has been quite something, and Congreve has been one of those at
00:02:45the heart of it.
00:02:50In it comes, it's a poor one and Devlin steers it away from danger.
00:02:57Robertson, oh and Astley, hands on his head because he thinks that was a decent chance.
00:03:06Steinwender completely misjudges it, and Astley does the same.
00:03:14A game of few chances, but here's one for Pierre-Laundrie Caboury, just McCracken to beat, oh he's found the
00:03:20stand.
00:03:23Hangs his head in shame, because McCracken was in no man's land here.
00:03:29Excellent flick on from Claudio Braga, and Caboury's pace was enough to get through, but a poor finish.
00:03:40Mistake from McCart, Congreve walks it across to his partner in crime on the other side, Tony Yogan.
00:03:46Lines up Kent, goes by him, and that'll be a free kick to Dundee.
00:03:51And a flash of yellow goes in Frankie Kent's direction as well.
00:03:56So hard to stop Yogan when he gets going.
00:04:02And Congreve joined by Wesley and Robertson at the edge of the box here, and it will be Wesley.
00:04:09And Schvolo for the first save of the game.
00:04:13First shot on target of the game, deep in first half stoppage type.
00:04:16It will be comfortable enough from Alexander Schvolo.
00:04:23The Hearts have won their last three home games by one goal to nil.
00:04:30That may be enough again today in such a closely fought game.
00:04:35And Braga goes from distance.
00:04:39McCracken largely untroubled.
00:04:48Switch of play.
00:04:50And Shanklins making his return as well, the Hearts captain.
00:04:54Spittle.
00:04:57It is McEntee.
00:04:59Hoists it in.
00:05:02Braga lurking, gets contact on it.
00:05:04Away by Graham.
00:05:05And now it's Leonard who's earned a corner.
00:05:10Towncastle roars its approval.
00:05:12It's an edgy place right now.
00:05:15With this game finely balanced.
00:05:22Leonard is ready.
00:05:24Clips it across the top.
00:05:25Beat the first defender.
00:05:27Now Spittle has a dangerous left foot.
00:05:30McCracken had to be watchful.
00:05:32Danger not gone for Dundee.
00:05:34Kisiridis.
00:05:37And Spittle once more.
00:05:39Kent wrestling with Astley and Shanklins deflected.
00:05:43And saved by McCracken.
00:05:48Little moment of appreciation between the two defenders who tussled for the ball at the back.
00:05:56I think a few fans were looking for a penalty but both at it by the looks of things.
00:06:02This was the sweet strike from Spittle but too close to the goalkeeper.
00:06:10Still hearts come.
00:06:11Patience is the order of the day.
00:06:13As the stadium gets edgy.
00:06:16Bounces awkwardly.
00:06:18Braga!
00:06:19Well what a tackle that is.
00:06:21From Ryan Astley.
00:06:24I think Braga fought for all the world there.
00:06:27He was putting that into the back of the net.
00:06:31Terrific defending.
00:06:35Dundee.
00:06:35Dundee just keep repelling hearts.
00:06:38Right now.
00:06:39Trying to deliver a reminder that they're still here in an attacking sense as well.
00:06:46Well that's neat play.
00:06:48And now Murray.
00:06:48Dundee.
00:06:50Lifts it onto the top of Swolo's net.
00:06:53But that is just a little reminder to hearts.
00:06:55That Dundee do pose a threat on the counter attack.
00:07:03Inspiration needed in the final thirds for the league leaders.
00:07:09Leonard's good touch with the chest and he's caught late there.
00:07:12By Charlie Riley.
00:07:16He'll go into Don Robertson's notebook.
00:07:22Too quick.
00:07:28Change coming for Dundee before the set piece.
00:07:30His hearts have been prolific from set piece situations all season.
00:07:34Although it has dropped in the last few weeks.
00:07:36Derek McInnes was clear about that.
00:07:38What can Leonard deliver here?
00:07:41Sends it to the back post where McEntee meets it.
00:07:44And McEntee scores!
00:07:53The big man delivers once again for Derek McInnes.
00:07:58He grabbed one at Celtic Park.
00:08:01And another towering header from Ocean McEntee.
00:08:05Delivers a huge goal and potentially victory for Hearts in their chase for the title.
00:08:15Beningame.
00:08:17Hearts want to put this one to bed.
00:08:21Kizaridis.
00:08:23Shankland takes it in his stride.
00:08:27Looking to mark his return with a goal.
00:08:30He's got a living in the Premiership this season.
00:08:35He did brilliantly to make a chance out of that.
00:08:43Dundee not done yet.
00:08:45Nerves everywhere in the stands at Tyne Castle as Charlie Riley hits the deck.
00:08:50And Frankie Kent has already been booked.
00:08:52And he's going to get another and he's gone.
00:08:55Hearts down to ten for the last couple of minutes.
00:09:00As Dundee broke forwards.
00:09:03Kent just stuck the leg out.
00:09:05Try to jog on and hide from the referee.
00:09:07Don Robertson picks him out and sends him down the tunnel.
00:09:12Fingernail biting stuff indeed.
00:09:15In it comes.
00:09:16McCracken's up.
00:09:18Flicked forward.
00:09:19Spittle.
00:09:21Balloons it into the Edinburgh sky.
00:09:23He's after it again here.
00:09:24It's a bit of chaos at the end.
00:09:26Hearts have it.
00:09:27Shankland has it.
00:09:28McCracken's off his line.
00:09:32Just overcooked from Lauren Shankland.
00:09:35We've seen him do that before in a Dundee United shirt.
00:09:38It's far from a terrible effort.
00:09:42It might be all over in any case.
00:09:49And Cheznikov comes away with it.
00:09:52And Don Robertson blows the whistle.
00:09:55Hearts have done it again.
00:09:56A fourth 1-0.
00:09:58Whole win on the spin.
00:09:59And they will head into the international break.
00:10:02Still top of the pile.
00:10:05Full time.
00:10:06Hearts won.
00:10:06Dundee 0.
00:10:09We spoke yesterday at the team meeting about
00:10:13Canby being the best team at set plays between now and the end of the season.
00:10:16The team's running about us.
00:10:17So we're off to a good start.
00:10:17Delighted for Ross.
00:10:19Set-piece coach.
00:10:22Because it's not easy when the finger's getting pointed where we're at.
00:10:24And we do need to get back to being in.
00:10:25It's a brown head of the big ocean.
00:10:27Absolutely brown head.
00:10:28A great cross for Mark Leonard.
00:10:30And there's quality.
00:10:31There's quality and determination.
00:10:33And it's won the game for us.
00:10:34And it's hard to deny us the three points.
00:10:37Because the determination is screaming at these boys.
00:10:39You know, it was a very fiercely contested game.
00:10:42Both teams very aggressive in their play.
00:10:45But a game, like I've said, Brian, with not a lot of clear-cut opportunities.
00:10:49And I'm disappointed because we had a number of moments where we were in good positions, on the counter-attack
00:10:56especially, and didn't quite manage to execute that final pass.
00:11:00So there's disappointment and a little bit of frustration.
00:11:04Well, they had to work hard for it.
00:11:06But it's a deserved and vital win for Hart, Stephen.
00:11:09Yeah, it really is.
00:11:10Especially this time of the season.
00:11:12I think you'll hear quite a lot of, it's just about the results.
00:11:15And it is.
00:11:16I think if you can get good goals and good early goals, it makes the afternoon easier.
00:11:22But with the nerves and that, the main thing was the result after last week.
00:11:27They get it.
00:11:27Plus from a set play that the manager spoke about in the previous weeks as well.
00:11:32Stephen Presley mentioned there that there weren't many chances in the game, but the best ones did fall to hearts.
00:11:37Yeah, the first half, I think Dundee's was more about containing hearts.
00:11:40But I think since Lawn Shanklin came out of the team, hearts have struggled in the forward areas.
00:11:47Loads of their games, 1-0 wins, not much in them.
00:11:51I think the whole season, the foundations of their league campaign have been second in clean sheets,
00:11:58second in goals conceding the season.
00:11:59But they've had that spark early on with Braga and Shanklin connection.
00:12:03It's dwindled quite a bit recently.
00:12:06But in these games, especially at home, the crowd just start getting a bit frustrated.
00:12:11And the more games hearts can create these chances, but take them, it just makes life so much easier when
00:12:17you're at the top.
00:12:18What would you have done here?
00:12:19I'd have taken an hour touch.
00:12:20Would you?
00:12:21But it was tough.
00:12:22It was tough on their own side.
00:12:23You may say I would have put it in the back of the nets, but you're meant to say there.
00:12:26Well, hopefully we'd have done that as well.
00:12:30Kaboris probably took the brunt of the frustration in recent weeks.
00:12:34But today they get the goal.
00:12:35That's it.
00:12:36But that would make life easier if they could get their chances, take their chances in the first half.
00:12:39Yeah.
00:12:40A large part of maybe the fact that there weren't that many opportunities in the game,
00:12:44certainly from Hart's point of view, is Dundee's defending.
00:12:47If it was already defending, especially their box very, very well.
00:12:50Yeah.
00:12:50Dundee have been a really slow burner throughout the season.
00:12:53If you think at the start of the season, Steven Presley,
00:12:55the pressure he was under, the comments and the persona around him,
00:13:00he slowly just went about his business, built and built and built.
00:13:03And seeing till the goal, they defended brilliantly the whole game.
00:13:08Everybody understood their role.
00:13:09The midfield and attackers were sprinting back into shape when they were out of shape.
00:13:14And their centre-halves especially, balls in the box, dealt with very, very well.
00:13:20Now, at places like Tyne Castle, when you do give up chances, you can,
00:13:26it's key when you win the ball back that you make the right choices,
00:13:28or else it's going to be wave after wave after wave.
00:13:30Dundee were also good at that.
00:13:32When they had the opportunity to make a few passes, they did.
00:13:36And if you look at the game today, it's been decided on a set play.
00:13:41And that will be the frustration for Steven Presley.
00:13:43But as you hear him speaking after the game,
00:13:45he will take loads of positives for the game.
00:13:47He's got to take positives.
00:13:49And as you said, I mean, defending well, yeah,
00:13:51it's only their first defeat in the last six games.
00:13:54I think it's clear to see the improvement that's been made
00:13:56over the course of the season for Dundee.
00:13:59It was a slow start for him, but I think he's going into the role,
00:14:03and I think the fans have started to appreciate him as well.
00:14:05Yeah, and I think a key thing is they're starting to score goals.
00:14:09Their chances created were really low.
00:14:12But in recent weeks, Yandanda probably feeling more comfortable and confident.
00:14:16Simon Murray getting back into his flow.
00:14:18And they've got different threats out of their team.
00:14:21So they've started scoring goals, they're defending well,
00:14:23and that is why they've went away from that relegation battle
00:14:26and kind of crept up the table.
00:14:28Yeah, agreed.
00:14:29The winning goal comes from a set play, which, as mentioned, will please Derek.
00:14:33He just wanted this, didn't he, Oysin McAtee?
00:14:36Yeah, and it's vital him coming back into the team after his injury in recent weeks.
00:14:41The one criticism I've got is the gap between the defender in front of McAtee and behind
00:14:47is pretty big.
00:14:49It allows McAtee the full control of the situation.
00:14:52He's not getting any pressure from behind.
00:14:54He can control the defender in front of him.
00:14:56And as you see, timing a run's perfect.
00:14:58He just gets his body inside.
00:15:01And don't underestimate how the header is controlled.
00:15:04He's not trying to put power on it.
00:15:06He's just trying to guide it on target.
00:15:07And it's close enough to the goalie that eventually the pace on the ball goes past the goalie.
00:15:12Yeah.
00:15:13I mean, for Hearts, it wasn't their best performance,
00:15:16but it really is at this stage of the season all about winning games.
00:15:20They've got that lead.
00:15:21They've got to just keep the momentum going.
00:15:22Yeah.
00:15:23Playing first as well.
00:15:24Big pressure.
00:15:25Go and do your work.
00:15:26Ask the questions after.
00:15:28Cammy Devlin coming back in the team is really big.
00:15:30Lauren Shanklin coming back in.
00:15:31I think even in the small moments Shanks was involved,
00:15:34you could see his link up.
00:15:36He's just game intelligence was on show.
00:15:39And I think that will be big in the coming weeks.
00:15:41No doubt about it.
00:15:42To Fir Park and Hibs can go to within three points of Motherwell with a win.
00:15:46Something that hasn't happened for a visiting team since October.
00:15:51And 30 league games this season.
00:15:54Both teams have 152 shots on target.
00:15:56With these endeavours yielding Motherwell 49 goals.
00:15:59And Hibs just a single goal less.
00:16:01Hibs though have shipped a dozen more goals than the hosts.
00:16:04Part of the narrative why Motherwell lead Hibs by six points coming into today.
00:16:09Motherwell took the lead but lost at Celtic Park.
00:16:11Emmanuel Langella not available due to his red card.
00:16:15Ibrahim Saeed is on to the bench.
00:16:17Stephen Welsh is in its centre half.
00:16:19And there's a first started four for Oscar Priestman.
00:16:23Hibs peppered a Livingston goal but came away with a slightly salty 0-0.
00:16:27Martin Boyle starts today.
00:16:28One of two changes.
00:16:30It's his 400th appearance for Hibs in this, his 12th season with the club.
00:16:35Jordan Obita returns after five games out.
00:16:37Bench places for Owen Elding and Jack Ardell.
00:16:47He was trying to break forward.
00:16:50Candon's always a reliable out ball on the left-hand side, beautifully played in.
00:16:54And what a touch that was.
00:16:59Well Tom Sparrow was tracking back and he had to.
00:17:05Sato swiped over it and Sparrow to the rescue.
00:17:12Trying to find Maswan Hisse.
00:17:14That's brilliantly done by Maswan Hisse, that's not a foul.
00:17:18Cadden tracks back, Maswan Hisse.
00:17:20And Obita will be delighted with the efforts of Cadden and Bushiri.
00:17:27Paddinger back to O'Donnell.
00:17:31He's got a little turn of pace, the last quick two, forces him back.
00:17:37There's a little flick from Vandiger.
00:17:42No takers, so Boyle can try and bring it away, but there's the challenge.
00:17:46And here's the opportunity for the opener.
00:17:48Peaceman took too long.
00:17:52Elijah just didn't.
00:17:54It's an eighth goal of the season for the New Zealand international.
00:17:59There was the opportunity, great little slide, but Peaceman was denied.
00:18:03Just was not to be.
00:18:05Andrew Dallas and Graeme Leslie on VAR, checking for possible offside.
00:18:16Depends on who's got the connection to control the lines here.
00:18:23And there was Oskar Prisman in an offside position.
00:18:31Three at the session, no goal offside.
00:18:34I have to say on first look, on the replay it did look like he was offside.
00:18:40Hibbs catch a break, it remains 0-0, and Motherwell's 50th goal of the season ticks back down to 49.
00:18:50Again Masson, he's the most willing of runners, just trying to get away from the referee.
00:18:57Well into the middle, great ball two, Oro dropped it down.
00:19:00There was just, there was a shout for handball, play will continue.
00:19:04Sparrow in at the back post, good defending, here's Priestman.
00:19:08Sets up Watt, tries to jab it in, took it in stride as well.
00:19:15Salinger right behind it, not an easy one to take, good skill from Elliott Watt.
00:19:25Getting risky from the back, it was Watt that time.
00:19:30Barletzer with a pass on the inside, McGrath, Caden, goalkeeper has to come back, he was just caught off his
00:19:36line.
00:19:37Went with a punch, Welsh away.
00:19:40Well it was one of these crosses come shots that almost caught out Callum Ward.
00:19:46They're enjoying themselves, oh well, it's a lovely day.
00:19:51Well Peter trying to find some space, Vattinger steps away.
00:19:54A really good play from the Austrian, just calls for it.
00:19:59Back out wide it goes.
00:20:02Low ball across, Maswan Issei!
00:20:05Didn't catch it cleanly.
00:20:08Brilliant play from Malo Alo.
00:20:12You could see just a little bit behind him.
00:20:16George Lobita, ignoring all that's behind him.
00:20:19Focusing on what's on front, there's a nice little flick down.
00:20:25Slattery got a nice touch away.
00:20:30But it stayed forward, Sparrow can only watch it go back.
00:20:35Maschiri was waiting for it, Boyle!
00:20:40Well that was chance for goal, 1-0-9 on appearance, 4-0-0.
00:20:49Realised that Welsh might get the header away, he did so.
00:20:52That's excellent football from Martin Boyle.
00:20:55Anticipated where it might fall.
00:20:57Just couldn't find the top corner.
00:21:00And that's his last action.
00:21:03Not adding to his eight goals against Malo Al.
00:21:13Malo Al again, some groads in the crowd as they can't link.
00:21:17Malo Al, pass like.
00:21:21Oh, it has stayed forward.
00:21:23Turned away by Faddinger, there's the curling effort.
00:21:27It looks past Lac.
00:21:29Scored against Celtic in February.
00:21:32The chairman.
00:21:34Good supporting run, saw it come back.
00:21:36And Callum Ward too comfortably.
00:21:47Good battle for the ball.
00:21:51And if you allow plays to continue.
00:21:54It should be easily read by Welsh, and it was.
00:22:03Well, the hips have a man down, but they played on.
00:22:08And now the referee, now that Hibbs have got it back,
00:22:12decides to bring things to a halt.
00:22:20Sparrow looked a little reckless.
00:22:22Yellow card for Tom Sparrow for the challenge.
00:22:25No further action initiated by VAR.
00:22:29Over four years since the last 0-0 between these two.
00:22:32And Kelly and Matt Macy were between the sticks.
00:22:37And Donnelly was sent off, but it didn't affect the result.
00:22:42Goals in the last 13 cents.
00:22:45What?
00:22:47On to Welsh.
00:22:53Big E forward onto Slattery.
00:22:56Go away through.
00:22:59Said, he's caught on his heels.
00:23:02Motherwell retain it.
00:23:04Nicked it off.
00:23:05Here's Maswan Hisse.
00:23:07Maswan Hisse for Motherwell.
00:23:09Go keeper made the stop.
00:23:11And they got the lead upon.
00:23:13And the offside flag was up.
00:23:17All the same.
00:23:2021 goals for the season so far.
00:23:24Good chance to be off.
00:23:28Is there to be late drama?
00:23:32Fattinger.
00:23:35He's been lively wherever he's been asked to play.
00:23:38Tries to find a way through.
00:23:42Drogolson.
00:23:44Come back to Slattery.
00:23:47Slattery cracks it across.
00:23:50O'Donnell stayed forward.
00:23:52Away by Rocky Boucheric.
00:23:58A little bit of urgency as the 90 minutes comes to an end.
00:24:01Beautifully played forward.
00:24:02Opportunity for Motherwell.
00:24:03It's Jordan McGee.
00:24:07Elliott Watt, the supplier.
00:24:10Watt clipped it over.
00:24:12And Jordan McGee couldn't find the back of the net.
00:24:16Well, Motherwell rack up yet another clean sheet at home.
00:24:19But it's the second nil-nil at home of the season.
00:24:22Having drawn with hearts here in November.
00:24:25They draw a blank.
00:24:25As do the Edinburgh opponents.
00:24:27Hebs this time in March.
00:24:30Motherwell nil.
00:24:31Hibernian nil.
00:24:33There was a lot of things to be happy about.
00:24:36In terms of our defensive intensity.
00:24:39The structure, the discipline.
00:24:40Our ability to keep them away from big chances.
00:24:43Our ability to at times play some high tempo football.
00:24:47But we could all see and feel that we lack the last bit of sharpness to open them up.
00:24:52Also, credit to both teams.
00:24:55They really made it hard for the opposition to create big opportunities to decide the game.
00:25:02I think if I'm being honest in the reflection of it.
00:25:04I can't stand here and say we deserve to win the game.
00:25:06I think a draw is a fair result across the piece.
00:25:09I thought it was a real tactical game for both sides.
00:25:11We know it's a tough place to go.
00:25:13Defensively, I thought we were really good.
00:25:14I thought the bit that we lacked, especially the first half, was any sort of threat at all.
00:25:17I don't think we really got to grip with that first half.
00:25:19Second half, we had a little period.
00:25:21A 20 minute period probably after half time where I thought we got a bit more control.
00:25:24A few good chances at that point.
00:25:25More half chances.
00:25:26In a place like this, when you get the chances, you need to try and take them.
00:25:30Well, we were expecting a more entertaining game.
00:25:33But that is life.
00:25:34Neither team, Stephen, doing enough in the final third to warrant a victory.
00:25:39No.
00:25:39And coming into the game, both teams, no wins in the last two.
00:25:43The points, Hibs had a chance to drop the points between the two and close the gap.
00:25:47But I was really looking forward to this one.
00:25:50I think it was going to be a very entertaining game.
00:25:52It did have a bit of a big build up, didn't it?
00:25:53Yeah.
00:25:54And as some do, it fails to deliver.
00:25:56But I think even when you see the goal that was in the game, if that was to count and
00:26:02be the deciding factor in what was hopefully going to be a 90 entertaining game would have been unjust.
00:26:08But it wasn't a goal and it was pretty drab, to be honest.
00:26:14Yeah. Well, it wasn't unjust. It was Eliza Just who thought he'd scored.
00:26:18Let's talk us through.
00:26:19I mean, I think it's probably just coming back from an offside position, wasn't it?
00:26:23Yeah. And I think Motherwell started the better in the game.
00:26:26There was obviously an emphasis on Hibs stopping Motherwell and build up on the way they play.
00:26:30But from just a tackle, it breaks and it comes through and listen, good finish from arguably one of the
00:26:37players of the season.
00:26:38Yeah.
00:26:40But as we see it again, it's rightly offside.
00:26:44But it's one of those situations where nobody on the pitch is expecting, especially the attackers aren't expecting that ball
00:26:49to ricochet back.
00:26:52But we were expecting it to be much more goal action after that.
00:26:55Yeah, there's no doubt about that.
00:26:56You felt as though, Hibs today, they got their press right and that's a large part of why Motherwell didn't
00:27:02manage to be quite as kind of entertaining as they normally are.
00:27:05Yeah, it starts with the goalie. The goalie is always the extra man.
00:27:09And Motherwell are wanting you to press the goalie, which gives them that man advantage.
00:27:13And then they're good enough to play through you.
00:27:16Hibs really compacted the middle of the pitch.
00:27:18They didn't allow the forward passes, as we can see here.
00:27:21And effectively, they're making Motherwell go round.
00:27:25And from a team who play really fluid football, they're now trying to find that space that's in behind.
00:27:30Because if there's none through the middle of the pitch, the space has got to be somewhere and it's in
00:27:33the wider areas and in behind Hibs defence.
00:27:36You've got the two lines of press there.
00:27:38And this was early on, they're just testing it, testing it.
00:27:41But as they get further on, Motherwell will normally break one line of press, turn, play forward and break another
00:27:46line of press.
00:27:47But here they're forcing it, trying to go through the full pitch in the middle of the pitch.
00:27:51And Hibs were set up for that.
00:27:53But you can see here, compact in the middle, trying to break two lines of pressure, which is more difficult.
00:27:58Hibs are set for it.
00:27:59And when they win it, this is the bit that David Gray is talking about.
00:28:03They never took advantage of these attacking moments.
00:28:06And mostly when Hibs managed to push Motherwell on one side, very rarely did they get that switch of play
00:28:12that they liked doing.
00:28:13But here, they try to play two lines of pressure and it gets taken out again.
00:28:16But it all starts for that forward player, as you'll see here.
00:28:19As soon as it goes to one side of the pitch, nobody's pressing the goalie, nobody's coming out of their
00:28:23slot.
00:28:24And when it goes wide, he shuts that half of the pitch off.
00:28:27And that was key for Hibs.
00:28:29They built into the game, they then got good opportunities from that and they probably didn't make most of them.
00:28:34I mean, it's a draw point for both, but it's definitely a better point for Motherwell, that, isn't it?
00:28:39It just keeps that gap and that cushion that they've got over Hiberian in that kind of chase for fourth
00:28:44place.
00:28:44Yeah, it does.
00:28:45It keeps the six point gap and a better room that if they do slip up, they're still in a
00:28:51comfortable position.
00:28:53I think Motherwell will be frustrated because their level's that high this season that they didn't really get to that
00:28:59level.
00:28:59And Hibs, probably for me, were the team, if any team was going to win it, they would have been
00:29:04the ones.
00:29:04But again, in the final third, they never had that quality.
00:29:06Let's look at the final third quality.
00:29:08I mean, only four shots on target in the whole game.
00:29:12I think that tells you its own story.
00:29:13Yeah, it does.
00:29:14I think both teams and both managers touched on the out of possession stuff.
00:29:18Matt Swanese, that's a good chance for him in the way he's been performing this season.
00:29:22But it's in these moments for me that Hibs got overloads.
00:29:26They got the opportunity to attack Motherwell when they were out of shape.
00:29:31This one's unlucky.
00:29:32I like that effort, that was good.
00:29:33Going back, leaning back and on the volley.
00:29:35But I've seen Hibs and maybe Mulligan missing with that energy going forward.
00:29:41They just didn't have that last bit.
00:29:43But here, loads of space, good forward, good pace, good forward passes.
00:29:48But it's all very tame and very safe.
00:29:50Yeah, and it's on the back of a 0-0 last week where they dominated the game against Levy.
00:29:55But it was a similar story.
00:29:57They just couldn't get the goal.
00:29:58And that's two games that they'll be looking at thinking,
00:30:01you know, if we'd won that, our league position would be looking,
00:30:03both those games would be looking a lot different.
00:30:05Yeah, one thing for David Gray.
00:30:07He's lost his top striker in January.
00:30:09Made quite a few recruitment signings.
00:30:12And they're probably still not all gelled already.
00:30:15And that's probably played on the fact of their last two attacking performances.
00:30:20OK.
00:30:21Well, in the build-up to the World Cup,
00:30:23we want you to have your say on Scotland's most iconic goal.
00:30:27The one that is etched in your memory forevermore.
00:30:29Not necessarily be the best goal,
00:30:31but the one that still gives you goosebumps when you watch it back.
00:30:35So in a knockout style, we have 16 goals for you to choose from,
00:30:38with two of the goals each week going head-to-head for a place in the next round.
00:30:43First up, David Neri against Kenny Duglish.
00:30:45Here's a wee reminder.
00:30:54Brilliant fast forward.
00:30:57Oh, there's a great goal!
00:31:00Dave Neri won nothing for Scotland!
00:31:04Oh, what a superb goal!
00:31:06Look how he hammered that in!
00:31:09That is a stunning performance by Scotland!
00:31:16In it goes to Duglish.
00:31:18Lew McCarney supporting.
00:31:20There's a nobler.
00:31:21Martin Buchan.
00:31:23Good running by Buchan.
00:31:24Read it well.
00:31:26There's Kenny Duglish in there!
00:31:27Over the goal!
00:31:28Oh, yes!
00:31:30That does it!
00:31:32No wonder he turns to the supporters.
00:31:36Three minutes left.
00:31:37Two nothing for Scotland.
00:31:39And McLeod, Ali McLeod, is on the pitch.
00:31:42You can't see him.
00:31:43What's a goal again?
00:31:44Job!
00:31:44Kenny Duglish goes right in behind a Martin Buchan cross.
00:31:48Puts it well away.
00:31:49The hero of Liverpool has done it for Scotland.
00:31:57And you can vote now for your favourite of the two by scanning the QR code on screen or going
00:32:04to the BBC Sports Scotland website and app.
00:32:07You can also see the other contenders on there too.
00:32:09The vote closes at midnight on Monday.
00:32:11Full terms and conditions are on the website.
00:32:15Now St Mirren travel to Falkirk with Craig McLeish in charge as the hunt for a new manager continues.
00:32:22Falkirk are still looking to secure their place as a top six team in the Scottish Premiership.
00:32:27A win today would do just that.
00:32:29Craig McLeish says his appetite has been whetted since becoming interim Saints boss.
00:32:33He was a youth player here at Falkirk.
00:32:35John McGlynn makes just one change for the host.
00:32:38Lewis Nielsen comes back into the team to replace Liam Henderson at the back.
00:32:42Barney Stewart continues up top.
00:32:44St Mirren's interim management team have made two changes to the side that narrowly lost to Rangers and Paisley last
00:32:49week.
00:32:50Jaden Richardson starts on the bench and Richard King is also among the subs.
00:32:53Liam Dunley and Alan Campbell start.
00:33:00Gogich to Freckleton.
00:33:01Oh, he's sold that a bit short.
00:33:03And Barney Stewart might be in here.
00:33:04And Falkirk are 1-0 at.
00:33:08The four man in the Scottish Premiership continues his fine run.
00:33:15Five goals in his last four games now.
00:33:19And it's a brilliant finish from the big man.
00:33:23Just tucks it away.
00:33:25First time of asking into the bottom corner.
00:33:27Nothing Shemal George can do.
00:33:31What a start for his side.
00:33:36That top six place.
00:33:38Looking secure as things stand.
00:33:41That's a mistake from Gogich and Ben.
00:33:43Brogio could be in.
00:33:44He goes down.
00:33:46Big shout from the Falkirk fans, not as loud from Brogio.
00:33:51He was in behind there, the Aston Villa youngster.
00:33:56The challenge came in from Devaney.
00:34:02And Lundaloo.
00:34:04The St Mirren shirt starting to pour forward here.
00:34:10Low in towards Phillips, it will go behind for the corner.
00:34:15St Mirren coming straight back up the pitch after conceding.
00:34:21As Craig McLeish watches on.
00:34:26The corner played right in towards the keeper.
00:34:28And it's Miguel Freckleton who rises highest for St Mirren.
00:34:34Well, it was his mistake at the other end of the pitch.
00:34:37That gifted Falkirk the opener.
00:34:40He has made amends immediately.
00:34:45Well, he's never picked up there by the Falkirk defence.
00:34:49Scott Bain comes and gets nowhere near it.
00:34:53And Freckleton just crashes the header in.
00:34:59Falkirk win it high.
00:35:01It's Brogio.
00:35:03He's been so impressive since joining in January.
00:35:07Well, that's a good ball in to pick out Stewart.
00:35:09And it hits the post.
00:35:11Oh, it looked for the world like he had picked out the back of the net.
00:35:15But his header comes crashing back off the woodwork.
00:35:24The delivery in.
00:35:26Not really dealt with by St Mirren.
00:35:29A bit of a stromash in the box.
00:35:30It comes to Brogio.
00:35:32The whistle's already gone.
00:35:35Brogio had that in the back of the net.
00:35:39But the referee has seen an infringement in here somewhere.
00:35:44Is that a foul on Killian Phillips?
00:35:47According to Ross Hardy, it is.
00:35:52Freckleton chips forward to no one there.
00:35:57Falkirk have maybe just edged things here.
00:36:02Can't find a way past St Mirren as it stands.
00:36:05Neil McCann left the ball behind him.
00:36:09And then took out Mark O'Hara.
00:36:11That will be a free kick to St Mirren.
00:36:14A decent chance here from the set piece.
00:36:20An unenforced error there from McCann.
00:36:23It has been so impressive this season.
00:36:26A rare mistake.
00:36:30It's Mark O'Hara to deliver.
00:36:33Whips it in.
00:36:34There's Liam Donnelly with the header.
00:36:37And St Mirren are ahead for the first time in this match.
00:36:44It's Liam Donnelly with the goal.
00:36:47The makeshift defender this afternoon.
00:36:50But it's at the other end where he's making the difference.
00:36:54And it's another set piece that catches Falkirk out.
00:37:00Again, no defender really near him.
00:37:04Oh, Philip Lissa is down in the box.
00:37:07VAR will check.
00:37:09But they see no infringement.
00:37:13Falkirk.
00:37:14St Mirren breaking now in Lundaloo.
00:37:16He's got options.
00:37:17Declan John to his left.
00:37:18He goes himself.
00:37:20And drives just wide.
00:37:23Well, St Mirren have been second best for so much of this game.
00:37:27But they find themselves in front.
00:37:29And they almost doubled their advantage there.
00:37:32A whisker away from in Lundaloo.
00:37:37The header on from Ayunga.
00:37:41Lundaloo getting the better of Cole Donaldson.
00:37:44And now Ayunga has it in the box.
00:37:47Lovely feet.
00:37:47Can he find the finish?
00:37:48No, Scott Bain with the save.
00:37:52St Mirren have been on a torrid run of late.
00:37:56But they are in front.
00:37:59And looking to make things even better.
00:38:01That was brilliant from Ayunga.
00:38:07McLeish watching on with Jamie Langfield.
00:38:10Part of the interim staff here.
00:38:12After Steven Robinson's departure.
00:38:15Lissa gets the ball back.
00:38:17It's a big touch.
00:38:18George makes the save and then the ball comes back to him.
00:38:21And everything's breaking for St Mirren today.
00:38:26Lissa, the one-two with Brogio.
00:38:29That touch just too heavy.
00:38:31And then Campbell knocking it back to his keeper.
00:38:36Not much time left for Falkirk.
00:38:39Lissa trying to skip away from the challenges.
00:38:43He wants the ball back.
00:38:44Oh, it hits the arm of Jadon Richardson.
00:38:46Big appeal from the Falkirk players.
00:38:51VAR will have a look.
00:38:54Jadon Richardson cuts a dejected figure.
00:39:00The ball does come off his arm, but is his arm next to his body?
00:39:06VAR waves play on.
00:39:09And there is the full-time whistle.
00:39:12A first league win in seven games for St Mirren.
00:39:16Their awful run comes to an end.
00:39:18A first win for Craig McLeish as interim manager.
00:39:21It finishes Falkirk one, St Mirren two.
00:39:26Good start in the game, obviously.
00:39:27We've got a...
00:39:30Calvin's played Barney in.
00:39:32And it's a really, really good finish.
00:39:34So it gave us a really good start.
00:39:36However, we didn't keep the lead for very long, unfortunately.
00:39:40We don't defend the set of play particularly well.
00:39:42And then out the blue, we give away a free kick in the wider area.
00:39:45And from that, St Mirren scored.
00:39:48And then out the blue, we give away a free kick in the wider area.
00:39:51And from that, St Mirren scored probably the first time.
00:39:55They weren't even up the park.
00:39:56We were playing out and lost the ball in build-up.
00:39:59So, again, we get punished for a little bit of an error on our part.
00:40:04But we're very aggrieved about that, though.
00:40:06Because Gojek takes Phil Lissart out.
00:40:09And he then was in an offside position.
00:40:12And although he doesn't touch the ball, he's taken our player out,
00:40:15who would have been on the end of that.
00:40:18Similarly, later in the half, there was a handball in St Mirren box.
00:40:24Being quite frank and honest, I didn't actually want penalty kicks in the end,
00:40:27but we get penalty kicks given against us for the same thing.
00:40:30From our point of view, we needed something just to spark a bit of confidence,
00:40:33spark a bit of momentum.
00:40:35We went behind in the game.
00:40:37And, like, my responsibility for that, because of what I've asked the boys to do.
00:40:40I've asked them to play more.
00:40:41I've asked them to take more risks.
00:40:42We make a mistake, but how they respond from that is fantastic.
00:40:46I think the two performances, last week and then today,
00:40:48getting the win, the points on the board,
00:40:50hopefully give us a lot of confidence going forward now.
00:40:52You know, we've done a lot of work on the training pitch
00:40:55since Craig and the staff have taken over.
00:40:59And I think that's shown on the pitch.
00:41:01So, we're enjoying the work we're doing.
00:41:05Everybody's bought into it, and I think it showed today and last week,
00:41:08and just delighted to get the three points.
00:41:11Craig McLeish coordinates a massive win for St Mirren.
00:41:14I bet they wish they played Falkirk away every game.
00:41:16It's the only team they've beaten away from home this season, Stephen.
00:41:20Barney Stewart, though, was the goal scorer of the first goal,
00:41:23put Falkirk one up, and you heard Craig talking about there,
00:41:26he's taking a bit of the blame.
00:41:28He's asking them to play more from the back.
00:41:29Yeah, and you can see it's not something that the VACs have been doing,
00:41:33but Barney Stewart, other strikers would take a touch there.
00:41:37Take one touch and put themselves in a more difficult situation,
00:41:40whereas this is somebody who's screaming a confidence.
00:41:43Inside the full-back, making sure that he's going to be first at anything
00:41:46that is dropped to him, and then just to bend it around the goalie,
00:41:51full control of the situation.
00:41:54Here's one that he probably should do better,
00:41:56but again, his instincts are great positioning.
00:41:59Defender in front of him can't see where he is, what he's moving,
00:42:01what he's doing, waits to the last minute, makes any movements,
00:42:04and he'll be disappointed he doesn't score that.
00:42:06It will be, actually.
00:42:07When you look at it, it's actually quite an easy header to get on target.
00:42:10It's a fantastic ball in.
00:42:10The ball in is seriously good.
00:42:13He's a man on fire, isn't he?
00:42:14He is, and it's his instinctive movement as a striker that I really like.
00:42:17I agree.
00:42:18It was Freckleton who gave the ball away for that goal,
00:42:20but it only took him, what was it, three minutes to make amends.
00:42:23Yeah, and I think a lot of credit has to go to him for St Myrne in general.
00:42:29They go 1-0 down.
00:42:30They're on a bad run.
00:42:32They've not got loads of points.
00:42:34They're down the bottom of the league,
00:42:35but they continue to do what the manager asked them to do.
00:42:38It's a poor one from Falkirk position.
00:42:41Scott Bain would want to do better there.
00:42:46But St Myrne's play today, and that build-up play that he spoke about,
00:42:51led to chances.
00:42:52I think they had more shots this week than I can remember.
00:42:59So, they bought into it, they've done it, and they executed it well.
00:43:03Yeah, they did.
00:43:04Another set play this time.
00:43:06John McGlynn not happy conceding two goals from set plays,
00:43:09but it was Liam Donnelly who we just saw being interviewed there,
00:43:11popping up with a vital header.
00:43:13Great delivery, great header.
00:43:15Slight bit of controversy about it, and I think when we see these,
00:43:19I think Lisa's went down too easy, and he's went all in on, I'm going to get the fill here.
00:43:27And I can understand if that's against my team, I'm going to be frustrated about it.
00:43:32But the offside part, I don't think he is, because he's not affecting the ball, he's not affecting any opposition.
00:43:39But we can't be giving fills for a bit of contact in the box, if you ask me.
00:43:44Okay.
00:43:45John McGlynn had another gripe this time with the hand ball, Gene Richardson.
00:43:50He said he doesn't like to see these given.
00:43:52What's your thoughts on it?
00:43:53Again, I think in recent seasons, who knows whether that would have been a penalty or not.
00:43:57But again, it's not a penalty.
00:43:59I think he's trying to do all he can to get his arm away from the ball.
00:44:04Yes, there's contact, but I think it hits him in the body and the hip area first, and then hits
00:44:10him in the arm.
00:44:12It's impossible for him to do anything to get his arm out of the way there.
00:44:16We don't want to see penalties.
00:44:18No, definitely not for that.
00:44:20Sitman have been interviewing potential managers.
00:44:22Who do you think would be a good fit for him?
00:44:25I've seen your name mentioned as well.
00:44:27I've got a World Cup to go to.
00:44:29Good swerve.
00:44:31I think it's a tough one because Steven Robinson's done a brilliant job.
00:44:35He came in as an experienced manager.
00:44:37If you look around, there's not many real experienced managers out there.
00:44:41I see Neil Lennon's been linked.
00:44:43I think he's somebody who kind of fits that more experience.
00:44:46But I think he's in a good project at Dunfermline.
00:44:48So it's a big appointment because there's been loads of success.
00:44:53Brilliantly run club and it's probably going to have a transitional period now.
00:44:57Potential change of style of play in squad, I would imagine.
00:45:01Time is running out for Livy but they could close the gap to six points in Kilmarnock with the win
00:45:05at Rugby Park.
00:45:06This is a crucial match between the bottom two in the Scottish Premiership.
00:45:13It's 11th versus 12th with only eight games remaining.
00:45:18The visitors, Livingston, remain at the foot of the table with still only a single league victory this season.
00:45:23Meanwhile Kilmarnock have won three out of the last four here at home.
00:45:28With a very late defeat to Celtic, the only dent to that record.
00:45:32And today they can potentially move up a place to 10th if victorious.
00:45:36And create a 12 point gap between themselves and today's opponents, Livingston.
00:45:41The only difference from Kilmarnock's victory against league leaders' hearts is that Marley Watkins replaces David Watson.
00:45:50Shoning Larson scored in that victory, attacking threats Daniels and John Jules remain injured.
00:45:56Nubli and Kabongolo have fought off Knox for Livingston with Muirhead drafted in to replace Stevie May.
00:46:02With his manager hoping for goals from his striking selection after a solid 0-0 away to Hibbs last week.
00:46:12And before kick-off, Rugby Park will take time to remember former manager Jim Fleeting, who sadly passed away this
00:46:20week aged 70.
00:46:21A key influential figure in Kilmarnock's journey and to football in Ayrshire.
00:46:25A national team manager with Scotland women.
00:46:28Rugby Park and Scottish football pays tribute to Jim Fleeting.
00:46:36Kilmarnock looking to keep up that form.
00:46:38At home against Livingston today.
00:46:42Something that would be a massive step forward in their survival hopes if they could pick up all three points.
00:46:48And looking to attack early.
00:46:50Chance may still be alive!
00:46:52And it's just stabbed wide.
00:46:55What an opportunity for Joe Hugel.
00:46:57He scored here in the defeat against Celtic.
00:47:01His only goal in the Premiership so far.
00:47:05And what a chance.
00:47:06First time and then second.
00:47:10Alarm bells ringing for Livingston so early in this game.
00:47:14But the Lions survive.
00:47:17Marvin Bartley says it's not last chance saloon for his Livingston side.
00:47:22He'll hold the belief his Lions could roar their way to survival.
00:47:27Watkins picks up the loose ball.
00:47:31Moves away from Wilson.
00:47:33Delivers in and that one's in!
00:47:41It's a lovely move from Watkins.
00:47:43Look at the swerve on that delivery.
00:47:47It's inch perfect from the experienced forward.
00:47:53Wilson committed.
00:47:55And it's a tidy touch from Hugel.
00:47:58And the ex-Manchester United youngster.
00:48:02Guides it.
00:48:03Just off the post.
00:48:05And it's Kilmarnock 1.
00:48:06Livingston 0.
00:48:08Will McCann believes the evidence was there that Kilmarnock are a good side.
00:48:15Worked quickly by Kelly.
00:48:17And there's Curtis!
00:48:19Big save from Prior.
00:48:25Jérôme Prior has made some big saves this season for Livingston.
00:48:29And that's another one in the context of this match too.
00:48:33Kilmarnock running circles around the Livingston defence.
00:48:43This feels like an opportunity for Livingston.
00:48:47Montagno.
00:48:48Three pushing their way in now.
00:48:50It's there for the shot!
00:48:52And Cammy Kerr.
00:48:55With a big opportunity.
00:48:57Well Montagno had a couple of options.
00:49:01And Kerr was the one arriving late.
00:49:03But he just can't make the most of it.
00:49:06Livingston not forcing it.
00:49:08This is Finlayson.
00:49:10Noobly leaves.
00:49:11Tate, was he clipped?
00:49:12Yes, says the referee.
00:49:15Some good puzzling running from the Livingston forward line.
00:49:21Had Kilmarnock in a spin.
00:49:27It's going to be Robbie Muirhead!
00:49:32Just swerves away at the last second.
00:49:39Kilmarnock in control.
00:49:42As Lee Hope to start looking up the Premiership table.
00:49:47Oh, Wilson in trouble.
00:49:50And now the chance for Polworth.
00:49:52Oh, and he just took an extra couple of seconds too long to make his mind up.
00:49:58That could have been curtains for Livingston in this game.
00:50:02But instead, they're holding on to Hope.
00:50:05And the captain getting it all wrong.
00:50:09And Polworth taking that extra touch.
00:50:12The opportunity was there to strike earlier.
00:50:16Tabongolo looks forward.
00:50:22Tabongolo looks forward.
00:50:23Akela goes down.
00:50:26Sela heads on.
00:50:28This is Danzo.
00:50:31Smith.
00:50:32Good move.
00:50:33Goes for goal!
00:50:34Off the post!
00:50:37So close for Livingston and Lewis Smith.
00:50:46And they survive this one by the width of the woodwork.
00:50:52Lewis Smith looking to launch.
00:50:55Livingston back to life.
00:51:04Well caught by Danzo.
00:51:06It's Kilmarnock taking advantage now.
00:51:09And a burst of speed.
00:51:13And there's the goal.
00:51:15That Kilmarnock have craved all second half.
00:51:18And it's Finlay Curtis.
00:51:22The on-loan Rangers man caps a special week.
00:51:27A national team call-up.
00:51:30And a huge Kilmarnock goal.
00:51:33The danger has been there all second half.
00:51:36With Livingston throwing bodies forward.
00:51:39It's excellent work from Hugel.
00:51:41A burst of speed.
00:51:43For a moment it looked like it was maybe too wide for Finlay Curtis.
00:51:49But just look.
00:51:51Hugel has eyes the whole time.
00:51:53Curtis set.
00:51:54Stays calm.
00:51:55And prods the ball beyond.
00:51:57Jérôme Prior.
00:52:00Safety for Kilmarnock now.
00:52:02Kelly to.
00:52:03Living out.
00:52:09You can see just how that goal has changed things.
00:52:12As Kabongolo loses out and pulls back.
00:52:16Finlay Curtis.
00:52:19Ryan Lee takes a moment to think before showing the yellow card to the Livingston man.
00:52:25And Ryan Lee is being directed over to the monitor.
00:52:29The argument is that Curtis with Jérôme Prior off his goal line.
00:52:35He was going to have a goal scoring opportunity.
00:52:39And he's now summoning Brooklyn Kabongolo to show the red card.
00:52:46And Livingston's afternoon goes from bad to worse.
00:52:56And so turns.
00:52:59Look at the watch from Ryan Lee.
00:53:02And that is it.
00:53:04Back to back wins again for Kilmarnock and Neil McCann.
00:53:09Hugel and Curtis with the goals.
00:53:12Finishes at Rugby Park.
00:53:15Kilmarnock two.
00:53:16Livingston nil.
00:53:18It's fantastic.
00:53:19It's another clean sheet.
00:53:21I know we've been conceding goals.
00:53:23But again, we knew it was going to be different from Hearts.
00:53:26A different set of questions we had to answer.
00:53:29And I thought today we did brilliantly.
00:53:32I don't think they were the shot on target.
00:53:34I might be wrong on that.
00:53:35But you've got to win games in different ways.
00:53:39We scored two, I think, fantastic goals.
00:53:42And getting a clean sheet.
00:53:44So it's a very pleasing three points on the back of a brilliant one against the league leaders last week.
00:53:48We're hurting.
00:53:49The emotion right now is hurting.
00:53:51The players, myself, probably everyone associated with the football club.
00:53:56Just really disappointing in terms of obviously the game.
00:54:00We knew how big the game was coming into it.
00:54:02And I just think at times, you know, we just weren't good enough in probably both boxes.
00:54:07It's bleak.
00:54:07But this isn't a recent thing.
00:54:09This has been across the whole season.
00:54:10We find ourselves in this situation.
00:54:12And ultimately, we all need to show that we're good enough to represent Livingston Football Club.
00:54:17Huge three points for Kelly, for Livy.
00:54:19While they are circling the drain in their attempt to stay in the Scottish Premiership.
00:54:24Steven, Joe Hugo, a couple of wee chances or a couple of good chances before he did get in the
00:54:29score sheet to put Kilmarnock 1-0 up.
00:54:31He had an excellent game today.
00:54:33He did.
00:54:34And I think the biggest thing I notice about Kilmarnock is they're creating more chances, but they've got much more
00:54:40of a threat in the final third.
00:54:42Injury to John Jules, massive blow to them.
00:54:44It was.
00:54:45They've got Hugo now, who looks like an old-fashioned centre forward, willing to put his body in here, be
00:54:51a nuisance, but always wants to get in about the box.
00:54:54Marley Watkins coming back with the assist here, is a big player for them.
00:54:58Greg Kilty has been somebody who's consistently performing now.
00:55:01So they carry a threat and Finlay Curtis coming in as well.
00:55:05So they carry a real threat.
00:55:07The first half they had a few chances and even in the second half to start with they got some
00:55:11chances that they could have taken.
00:55:15This is a fantastic bit of movement and a subtle finish.
00:55:18The move was great. A wee double check and a lovely ball in as well.
00:55:21Finlay Curtis, you're a Scotland coach.
00:55:24He was called up to the national team just at the start of the week there.
00:55:27He got on the score sheet and had another fine performance today.
00:55:30Was it an easy decision for you guys when you were chatting about who to bring into the squad to
00:55:33bring Finlay in, even though he'd never been in it before?
00:55:36Firstly, Hugo does brilliant here, but this goal is a massive plus of what you see from Finlay Curtis.
00:55:43He's broken into Rangers team, which is a really tough environment to come through.
00:55:47He's then not been happy to be a squad player, went out and played.
00:55:50But this desire, this instinctive nature to get chances.
00:55:54See, even if he's playing in Europe, if he's playing against a low block, if he's playing in a team
00:55:59that's fighting relegation,
00:56:00he gets chances in games.
00:56:02And he's got a bit of pace.
00:56:04He's direct.
00:56:05He commits defenders.
00:56:06These are all things that have caught the eye.
00:56:09And playing week in, week out is going to help his development in no end?
00:56:13For me, that's a massive for any young player.
00:56:15You should not be happy to sit and be part of a squad and not contribute minutes.
00:56:19Your development kind of plateaus or even regresses.
00:56:23Whereas if you're out playing, you get opportunities and he's taking it this season.
00:56:27Cabongolo, Brooklyn Cabongolo sent off denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
00:56:32I don't think there can be any complaints.
00:56:33In fairness to VAR, they have been very consistent with these type of incidents over the last couple of months.
00:56:39But again, it's Curtis understanding the right time to press.
00:56:43He does it.
00:56:43He catches the defender off guard.
00:56:45And I think when you see it, the defender is coming round.
00:56:49But if there's no tugging the jersey, Finlay Curtis is getting in and goal there without a shadow of a
00:56:54doubt.
00:56:54I don't think the defender is getting in. He's definitely getting a shot off, isn't he?
00:56:57Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.
00:56:59If I'm honest, I think it's an easier decision than the yellow card to get a start with.
00:57:05It's lazy defending, isn't it?
00:57:07Yeah, but also they're making passes without thinking what's happening next.
00:57:11So that's why he has to take the touch and then gets pressure on him and red card comes out.
00:57:15Brilliant for Komarnik. As I mentioned, not so good for Livy.
00:57:18They're now 12 points adrift. No win since August.
00:57:22Is there any way they're not going to get automatically relegated now?
00:57:27I'm not sure there is, because the teams above them are getting points and picking points up.
00:57:32And it's just creating a bigger gap.
00:57:34I think next season will be the real start for Marvin Bartley, if I'm honest, at Livingston.
00:57:38Yeah, it's been a tough old season for them, that is for sure.
00:57:41OK, to the late kick-off as Rangers take on Aberdeen at Ibrooks.
00:57:46The first meeting of the season between these two.
00:57:49Barron again on set and piece duties.
00:57:51And swings it back post up with the header.
00:57:54It's Fernandes to put Rangers in front.
00:57:57It's just the start Rangers wanted.
00:57:59Now what can Barron provide from the corner kick?
00:58:02In it comes.
00:58:03It's Raskan!
00:58:04Who's seen it so many times.
00:58:06Niko Raskan with a front post run.
00:58:09And Rangers have their second full time at Ibrox.
00:58:12It is Rangers 2, Aberdeen 0.
00:58:17Rangers are playing title, catch up again.
00:58:20Now six points off the Premiership pace after Hart's latest 1-0 win earlier in the day.
00:58:26Aberdeen have slipped closer to the relegation playoff position.
00:58:30Now only three points clear of St Mirren and Kilmarnock.
00:58:34Doubts about Tour Romans and Mikey Moore have evaporated.
00:58:38And they'll look to continue their promising partnership down the left side for Rangers.
00:58:42The only change sees Telo Asgard replace Jadie Gassama.
00:58:47Ante Palaversa makes his first Aberdeen start since October
00:58:51in Steven Robinson's second match in charge.
00:58:55Alongside him just a third appearance for Hafiz Aremu.
00:58:58Also starting, Jamfy and Bilalovic out frame Shinny, Armstrong and Lazatic.
00:59:06Rangers chasing a breakthrough.
00:59:08Tavernier's delivery.
00:59:11And Cermity disappointed, he couldn't hit the target here.
00:59:16Making that near post run, but he just couldn't keep it down.
00:59:21Big chance.
00:59:32Tavernier's touch.
00:59:36Tavernier's touch.
00:59:37Rascon for Cermity, what a chance again for Rangers number nine.
00:59:44Who has the happy habit of scoring in big games against their title rivals.
00:59:50But he's put that header over the top earlier.
00:59:53And this time he looked well set up to be angling this across Mitov.
00:59:58He's tried to beat him on the near side and it's gone into the side net.
01:00:06Animated on the touch line as ever Steven Robinson.
01:00:12Rascon with another switch of play for Romans.
01:00:17What can he do from here?
01:00:18He cuts it back.
01:00:20Mikey Moore's shot blocked.
01:00:23But it's in from Tocci Chukwani.
01:00:26And finally, Rangers get their noses in front.
01:00:31And it's Chukwani's first Premiership goal, scored twice against Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup.
01:00:39And he's taken this opportunity with real quality after Lobun switched off for a split second.
01:00:50The Moore shot blocked, but on the follow-up, Chukwani just guided this into the corner.
01:00:56It's a classy bit of finishing.
01:01:00He wasn't going to blast it.
01:01:02It's a side foot.
01:01:03And the ball flies past Mitov.
01:01:07And the title chase continues for Rangers.
01:01:21Lobun takes a heavy touch.
01:01:24And his pocket is picked by Moore.
01:01:31Tavernier, good hit.
01:01:33On the rise from the Rangers captain.
01:01:37And in the end, a couple of feet too high.
01:01:43Danny Rule wants his team to get back to within three points of hearts at the top of the Premiership.
01:01:50Mikey Moore, great feet, opportunity knocking and terrific defending from Gavin Malloy.
01:01:59Came across from the left side Malloy, sensing there was danger here.
01:02:04Morrison was beaten.
01:02:07Cleared by Palo Verza.
01:02:10Taken in by Asgard.
01:02:12It's Tavernier, it's a great save by Mitov.
01:02:14It had to be.
01:02:16Stop this going 2-0.
01:02:23Raskan won it for Rangers.
01:02:25Now Nadiri.
01:02:27Mikey Moore.
01:02:29Steadying himself and scoring.
01:02:32Two and a half minutes into the second half, it's 2-0.
01:02:37Really well taken that by Mikey Moore for his sixth Rangers goal.
01:02:42And if there was any doubt about it, Danny Rule and his team are keeping up their title pursuit.
01:02:52Nadiri involved in the build-up.
01:02:54There was room for Mikey Moore to peel away to the left-hand side.
01:02:58And it was all about opening up his body and curling that right footer in, kissing the inside of the
01:03:05post.
01:03:05Well, Rangers have blasted out of the blocks at the start of the second half to surely already put this
01:03:13game beyond Aberdeen.
01:03:15Rangers so, so comfortable.
01:03:19Moore, Chukwani, Olesanya in the way.
01:03:22Through for Marema, big chance for Dennis Guy, good to get a goal back for Aberdeen.
01:03:28It's his first goal for the club.
01:03:30And it breathes a little hope for manager Steven Robinson.
01:03:35You just wondered whether Rangers would kick on from that second goal and make things worse for Aberdeen.
01:03:42But this is an impressive response.
01:03:44Chukwani's mistake through for Maremu.
01:03:47And it's really well finished by the German midfielder for 2-1.
01:04:04Tavernier caught late by Palo Verza.
01:04:07Clumsy challenge.
01:04:11Ante Palo Verza will hope this isn't costly, handing Rangers a free kick in this position.
01:04:19In from Tavernier.
01:04:22And it drops for Niko Raskan to make it 3-1.
01:04:26It just popped up so invitingly that he wasn't going to say no.
01:04:31Aberdeen thought they were back in this.
01:04:33But Rangers reopen that two-goal advantage again.
01:04:39Aberdeen got first contact.
01:04:41But it wasn't convincingly clear from Malloy.
01:04:45And a split second later, it was in the back of the net.
01:04:49Raskan volleys in his fifth goal of the campaign.
01:04:543-1.
01:04:59Geiger's pass for Shinny.
01:05:03Useful for Keskinen.
01:05:05Olusanya in the middle.
01:05:07And Lazatic.
01:05:09Misses a massive opportunity to bring this game back to life for Aberdeen.
01:05:16Just couldn't get his boot wrapped around this to put the ball in the back of the net.
01:05:22Well, that would have made the closing stages very interesting.
01:05:31The Rangers fans on their feet for Mikey Moore.
01:05:35As he comes off, another outstanding performance from him, including a goal.
01:05:40Off goes Chermiti as well.
01:05:44As on come Mijovski and Gassama.
01:05:55Keskinen flicks it back towards him.
01:05:58And now Gassama.
01:06:00With a burst of pace, Katsu inside, lines himself up for the shot at goal.
01:06:04That was close.
01:06:06Off the bench and exploding into life.
01:06:09JD Gassama.
01:06:15Nadiri.
01:06:18Jamfee fires that straight at corner of Baron.
01:06:23Raskan clips it in for Mijovski.
01:06:28It's well won by Jayden Magomar.
01:06:34The flick back!
01:06:36And there's number four.
01:06:39And it's Boyan Mijovski against his old team.
01:06:43And it's a muted celebration.
01:06:46And it all popped back so invitingly for Mijovski to do what he did in red so many times.
01:06:55VAR having a look at it.
01:06:58It's that corner of Baron hand ball.
01:07:06And the goal doesn't stand.
01:07:09Back to 3-1.
01:07:13Against Baron.
01:07:15Still going to Yosio Lasagna but finally Conor Baron got back there to nick the ball off his toes.
01:07:22And now it's Atman.
01:07:24Racing forward for Rangers.
01:07:27He's pulled down by Toppy Kaskinen.
01:07:29And that's an obvious booking for the Aberdeen winger.
01:07:40And it's Tavernier!
01:07:42As Rangers finish with a flourish.
01:07:46It's the captain's 13th goal of the campaign.
01:07:50Clipping the underside of the crossbar.
01:07:53And Mijov beating again.
01:07:55And it's going to finish 4-1 as the final whistle goes.
01:07:59Rangers did what they had to do.
01:08:01And in the end do it with a bit of style.
01:08:06Yeah well Rangers knew they had to win and they did so comfortably in the end.
01:08:11Steven Ciccvani with the goal in the first half.
01:08:14Nice finish from the edge of the box.
01:08:16Yeah it was. The Rangers took a wee bit of time to get going in the game.
01:08:20And this was the first probably real proper chance.
01:08:23But I went down the left hand side.
01:08:25The combination between the two of them has been really good.
01:08:29And Ciccvani does well.
01:08:31Doesn't get a nice firm contact on it.
01:08:35But he's just guiding it into the corner.
01:08:36Romans has been a great sign isn't he?
01:08:39See from his debut coming on against Kilmarnock at home at the turn of the year.
01:08:41You could see his drive, his determination to get forward.
01:08:44He plays the left wing himself.
01:08:46Lets Murph float inside.
01:08:49So good start.
01:08:50Aberdeen first half were really poor though.
01:08:52Really really poor.
01:08:54Overall Rangers scoring four goals is good for their goal difference.
01:08:59Going into the last few games.
01:09:02Ok let's hear what Rangers manager Danny Rule thought of the game.
01:09:07Well three points is fantastic.
01:09:09It was not just about the result today.
01:09:11But also we performed well.
01:09:13I think over 90 minutes, 95 we dominated the team.
01:09:16We were a better team.
01:09:18A lot of chances aggressive against the ball.
01:09:20All what we want to see from our team.
01:09:21Nice goals as well.
01:09:23And this is the reason why we deserve to win today.
01:09:27Mickey Moore didn't hang about after half time.
01:09:29Putting Rangers 2 in a lap Stephen.
01:09:30No, perfect start in the second half.
01:09:32He's probably been Rangers best player for the last few, three, four months.
01:09:38And yeah, it's a good goal but again, poor from Aberdeen.
01:09:42But again, look, his desire to get forward.
01:09:44Nadiri, I think this is his strengths.
01:09:47He's winning the ball back, hustling.
01:09:49Less of a goal threat.
01:09:51But Moore, playing with loads of confidence.
01:09:53He's two footed.
01:09:54He moves that ball between the feet and reels defenders in.
01:09:58And probably could criticise his finishing at times but that's a lovely one.
01:10:01It certainly was.
01:10:03Aberdeen themselves at that point could have folded but they kind of got a quick response to going to nil
01:10:09down and got themselves back in the game almost.
01:10:11Yeah, but I think this is telling.
01:10:13Even the result ends up what it does.
01:10:16First thing Stephen Robinson will be looking to do is find the guys who he can rely on in this
01:10:20moment just to get the results.
01:10:22Because first half they can hardly get out of their own half.
01:10:24Here, they show quality, they show real quality, they move the ball, two quick passes and exploit the space.
01:10:30And it's a lovely finish.
01:10:32But they should have then grown into the game and for the rest of the game they didn't.
01:10:36Nah, they did not.
01:10:38Well, we can now find out what Stephen Robinson thought of at all.
01:10:41Too easy to play against.
01:10:43Too easy to concede goals against which has been the story long before I came in here.
01:10:48And that has to stop.
01:10:50We're in a relegation fight.
01:10:51If it wasn't clear before, it's certainly clear after tonight.
01:10:54And I've reiterated that to the players.
01:10:56There's no hiding place now.
01:10:58People need to stand up.
01:10:59Aberdeen Football Club has been very good to this group of players.
01:11:03Maybe home truth should have been told six months ago but they've been told now.
01:11:06And I want a reaction to it and we have to have a reaction to it.
01:11:10Not happy there Stephen Robinson.
01:11:12Rangers then got a third.
01:11:14Then they had a disallowed goal.
01:11:16And a fourth and in the end very comfortable.
01:11:18Yeah, the goal difference is massive.
01:11:20I think it could play a part in deciding the title.
01:11:24And Rangers just went on and enjoyed playing tonight.
01:11:28That's what the look of it was.
01:11:30Getting bodies forward, getting in the box.
01:11:32This one, I can't understand why that's been pulled back.
01:11:35I know it hits him in the arm.
01:11:37What's he meant to do with his arm?
01:11:38But it's the amount of play beyond the ball hitting his arm.
01:11:43It's not as if it goes straight in the goal from the hand and he puts it in the net.
01:11:46There's still a lot of work here.
01:11:48And to be honest, Aberdeen will be fortunate that it's chopped off.
01:11:54He's not really making himself much bigger there, is he?
01:11:57The ball's pelted at him.
01:11:58His arm's in.
01:12:00I'm very surprised if I get involved.
01:12:02Bit of quality, this.
01:12:04What a free kick this is.
01:12:06Tavenier over the years has had his criticism from a lot of people.
01:12:11Goals and assists.
01:12:12He's still up the top.
01:12:13Brilliant Rangers score four goals tonight.
01:12:15But one slight concern is none of their strikers were on the scoresheet.
01:12:19Just fairly briefly, Aberdeen are right in that relegation mix.
01:12:22Aren't they only three points above Kelly and St Mirren now?
01:12:25Massive game next week.
01:12:26And the manager can tell how frustrated he is.
01:12:28He needs to find the guys that he can rely on and hope that he can get a few results.
01:12:33Certainly does.
01:12:34Let's have a wee look at the table.
01:12:37Hearts top on 66.
01:12:39Rangers three behind on 63.
01:12:41Motherwell stays six clear of Hibs.
01:12:43Falkirk need to wait to secure their top six finish.
01:12:46Dundee are in eighth.
01:12:47Aberdeen in ninth on 30.
01:12:48With St Mirren and Kelly both just three behind on 27.
01:12:51Lerby on course for relegation on just 15 points.
01:12:55The trails.
01:12:57Tomorrow, Dundee Ritter against Celtic is on the radio from 12.
01:13:00And the SWPL will is an Edinburgh derby.
01:13:03That's an iPlayer.
01:13:05Rangers against Glasgow City.
01:13:06Another big, big game.
01:13:07That one is on Sunday again.
01:13:09Four o'clock on BBC Alipa.
01:13:11Highlights with Jonathan.
01:13:12Tomorrow night, 7.15 on BBC Scotland.
01:13:16That's it for tonight.
01:13:17Thank you to Stephen for joining me.
01:13:19Good luck to Scotland next weekend.
01:13:20We'll see you in a couple of weeks' time.
01:13:22Good night.
01:13:31Bigshot.
01:13:37Bigshot.
01:13:42Bigshot.
01:13:45Bigshot.
01:13:47New kgf.
01:13:48On February 9th.
01:13:51Corrections.
01:13:52Bigshot.
01:13:54We'll see you in the next video.