Summary

  • FT: Aberdeen 1-0 Motherwell

  • FT: Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts

  • FT: Livingston 2-0 Ross County

  • FT: St Johnstone 1-3 Hibernian

  • Four Championship games, full cards in Leagues 1 & 2 - live scores

  1. Cheers for nowpublished at 18:00 27 April

    You can catch highlights and analysis from today's games on Sportscene on BBC Scotland at 19:30 BST.

    Focus switches back to the title race tomorrow, with Rangers visiting St Mirren (12:30) and Celtic going to Dundee (15:00).

  2. Leven would love to Hoilett to staypublished at 17:58 27 April

    FT: Aberdeen 1-0 Motherwell

    Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: "Delighted with the win and the clean sheet. We were slow in the build up and weren't punching through the lines quick enough.

    "We never had enough in the final third and I said to them at half-time we needed to up the tempo and the passing needs to be crisper between the lines.

    "We saw that in the second half.

    "We're a good team. But they just need to be patient. We were still trying to force things with the extra man and we didn't need to.

    "But it's a tough game after 120 minutes last week. A few of them are still tired.

    "[Junior Hoilett] has quality. His set-play delivery, he should have scored. But his ball retention, the way he moves the ball and his through balls are very good. He's a top player and I would love to have him around."

  3. Game 'hinges on red card' - Kettlewellpublished at 17:56 27 April

    FT: Aberdeen 1-0 Motherwell

    Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell is fuming at Jack Vale's red card which turned the match in Aberdeen's favour.

    "The entire game hinges on one moment," he told Sportsound.

    "There's nothing in the game. We started the first half really well, and the second really positively. Aberdeen had their wee bit, we had ours and neither keeper was particularly well worked.

    "The game hinges on one moment where the referee is like an Olympic sprinter to get over and hand out a straight red card.

    "Anyone who knows Jack Vale knows he's the quietest, most mild-mannered lad you'll ever meet. He's a technician and as honest as the day is long.

    "The ball is dropping. He hooks it over his shoulder and if you look Jack Mackenzie comes charging into him and, at that point, its not Jack Mackenzie's ball to win.

    "Jack gets there first quite clearly. He makes lovely contact to get it over his shoulder to try and let us get up the park.

    "Anyone who has played the game or watched and loves football understands what the situation looks like and what the outcome should be."

    Motherwell's Jack Vale looks dejected after his shown a red card during a cinch Premiership match between Aberdeen and Motherwell at Pittodrie StadiumImage source, SNS
  4. 'We need and want to be better'- McInnespublished at 17:54 27 April

    FT: Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts

    Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes tells BBC Scotland: "We were much improved in the second half. First half, I thought Hearts were the better side. Their change of shape threw us a wee bit.

    "That said, we had good moments in the first half but we needed an extra midfielder in there. We still fell short of our levels. I’ve got to compliment Hearts, they are a good side.

    "I thought the subs helped us. At this point of the season, you have to have that extra edge but we looked a bit leggy at times. We’ve not played since a few weeks ago, but we stay unbeaten. Another clean sheet.

    "We take our point but there is a recognition we need and want to be better than that.

    "Great credit to the players. To be on 52 points at this point is huge. Even if we were not at our best today but you can see the competitiveness and spirit of the team."

    Kilmarnock Manager Derek McInnes during a cinch Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Heart of Midlothain at Rugby Park, on April 27, 2024, in Kilmarnock, Scotland.Image source, SNS
  5. 'Livingston will always fight'published at 17:50 27 April

    FT: Livingston 2-0 Ross County

    Livingston manager David Martindale tells BBC Scotland: "To a man, the players did themselves proud.

    "The back four defended the box incredibly well. That was probably the difference in the game.

    "As long as I'm at this club, we'll never not fight. We'll always fight.

    "I know the probability of staying in the Premiership is very slim but it's not going to change my motivation, my passion, my emotions.

    "I'm coming into work on Monday trying to win that game on Saturday and then we'll see where it takes us."

    Livingston manager David MartindaleImage source, SNS
  6. St Johnstone 'need much better' - Leveinpublished at 17:47 27 April

    FT: St Johnstone 1-3 Hibernian

    St Johnstone manager Craig Levein tells BBC Scotland: "I don't think we deserved anything from the match. First-half performance was poor. That gave Hibs the hope they needed.

    "We gave them a 2-0 lead at half-time and we tried manfully to get back into the game but we didn't manage it.

    [On Mitov's performance] "Dimitar has done that all season for us and we've come to expect him to pull of those type of saves. We had to go for it in the second half and opened ourselves up to the counter.

    "In the first-half we couldn't pass the ball to each other and that's quite important. We made poor decisions and gave the ball away, we need to take more care in the final third. Our crossing was poor. More often than not we hit the first man.

    [On Ross County result] "It gives us a big bit of hope. I'd rather be in our position than Ross County's. We need to do much better next time out."

    Craig LeveinImage source, SNS
  7. 'No concern' over Baningime - Naismithpublished at 17:44 27 April

    FT: Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts

    Hearts head coach Steven Naismith tells BBC Scotland: "I thought we were really good. The only thing we were missing was some goals. We created good chances. Our energy, build-up play and control of the game was good.

    "We had to defend at times, we defended really well, our control of the game was really good and we could've been two or three up at half-time if not for the woodwork and good defending.

    "On the whole, what it does show you about our group is that we are driven. On the back of the disappointment of the semi-final, to perform like we did shows we are determined and want to be successful.

    "We want to get as many points as we can. That is our challenge until the summer.

    "(Beni Baningime) was feeling unwell. I’m not concerned by it. He was alright by half-time. I don’t expect him to be missing next week."

    Hearts Head Coach Steven Naismith during a cinch Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Heart of Midlothain at Rugby Park, on April 27, 2024, in Kilmarnock, Scotland.Image source, SNS
  8. County 'deserve criticism' after losspublished at 17:41 27 April

    FT: Livingston 2-0 Ross County

    Ross County interim manager Don Cowie: "Credit to Livingston, I thought they played really well.

    "We got a lot of plaudits two weeks ago for the performance against Rangers and the criticism we get on the back of this performance we deserve as well.

    "We gifted them their first goal. We had a few moments here and there but, over the piece, we can have few complaints and Livingston thoroughly deserved to win."

    Ross County interim manager Don CowieImage source, SNS
  9. 'We could have scored eight' - Montgomerypublished at 17:39 27 April

    FT: St Johnstone 1-3 Hibernian

    Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery tells BBC Scotland: "It was an important win for us, a good test of character. We've got a lot of character in that dressing room. Happy for the fans, a lot made the trip up.

    "It was a game we needed to win and we did so comfortably. We probably could have scored eight goals, the keeper has pulled of four or five top class saves from point blank range.

    "We've just about got a full squad and it was a good performance that was comfortable in the end. I'm disappointed we didn't score more and conceded one.

    "The fans were disappointed we didn't make the top six. We can't change that, all we can do is finish the season strong and use that momentum going into next season."

    Nick MontgomeryImage source, SNS
  10. 'We answered a few questions' - Hanlonpublished at 17:32 27 April

    FT: St Johnstone 1-3 Hibernian

    Hibernian goalscorer Paul Hanlon tells BBC Scotland: "I've had to be patient this season in terms of minutes on the pitch. I just wanted to get on and help the team. To get a goal was perfect. I'm just disappointed we didn't get a clean sheet to top it off.

    "Scoring a goal for Hibs is always special for me.

    "Going into the game, there was a lot of pressure on us. People might ask what our mentality will be like going into these games. I think we answered a few of those questions today. We showed we're up for the fight.

    [On his future] "There's a bit of uncertainty with being out of contract. I'm sure there'll be an announcement in the next few weeks about which way it'll go. I'm still concentrating on trying get on the pitch and contributing as much as I can."

    Paul HanlonImage source, SNS
  11. 'Step in the right direction' for Montgomerypublished at 17:30 27 April

    FT: St Johnstone 1-3 Hibernian

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland's chief sports writer on Sportsound

    Hibs were full of energy and creativity. They looked dangerous every time they went forward.

    You look at that and think 'what are Hibs doing in the bottom six with the firepower they have'?

    Four more performances like that and Nick Montgomery can mount a case to say 'stick with me, give me a few quid and I'll get this team top six, maybe pushing for top four, top three'.

    It's a step in the right direction.

  12. 'Hibs win should have been more handsome'published at 17:24 27 April

    FT: St Johnstone 1-3 Hibernian

    Allan Preston
    Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound

    It was all Hibs. They could have won by six or seven easily.

    St Johnstone were devoid of ideas, they look shot to bits.

  13. 'No goals but no grumbles'published at 17:21 27 April

    FT: Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts

    Kheredine Idessane
    BBC Scotland at Rugby Park

    When both sets of supporters applaud after a goalless draw, they've either witnessed a cracking game despite the dearth of goals or, as is the case here, they've seen enough progress throughout the term that they're happy to tick the 'good season' box.

    That certainly applies to both these sides, who are on course to finish third and fourth.

    Lawrence Shankland has failed to score in five meetings with Kilmarnock this seasonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Lawrence Shankland has failed to score in five meetings with Kilmarnock this season

  14. 'Fabulous' work from Levenpublished at 17:16 27 April

    FT: Aberdeen 1-0 Motherwell

    Willie Miller
    Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound

    I'll take you back to when Barry Robson was sacked and I told you 'give Peter Leven the job', none of this Neil Warnock nonsense.

    Peter has done a fabulous job.

  15. 'Livi live to fight another day'published at 17:12 27 April

    FT: Livingston 2-0 Ross County

    Brian McLauchlin
    BBC Scotland at the Tony Macaroni Arena

    What a win for Livingston but it has probably come too late to save their season.

    Nine points behind with four games to play...

    For County this was worrying. A shadow of the team that defeated Rangers just two weeks ago and evidence there is still a fair amount work to be done if they are to wriggle their way out of the dreaded relegation play-off spot.

    Livingston were comfortable winners at home to Ross CountyImage source, SNS
  16. Postpublished at 17:07 27 April

    A bad day for Stranraer as they slip to the foot of League 2.

    They are at home to champions Stenhousemuir next weekend and need a win to have a chance of catching Clyde, who travel to Elgin City. The difference there is two points.

    East Kilbride await the team finishing last in the play-off.

  17. FULL-TIMEpublished at 17:03 27 April

    Scottish League 2

    Clyde 1-0 East Fife

    Dumbarton 2-2 Elgin City

    Forfar Athletic 2-0 Stranraer

    Stenhousemuir 1-1 Bonnyrigg Rose

    Spartans 2-2 Peterhead

  18. FULL-TIMEpublished at 17:03 27 April

    Scottish League 1

    Alloa Athletic 0-1 Hamilton Academical

    Annan Athletic 3-3 Falkirk

    Edinburgh City 1-3 Stirling Albion

    Kelty Hearts 0-2 Montrose

    Queen of the South 2-0 Cove Rangers

  19. FULL-TIMEpublished at 17:02 27 April

    Scottish Championship

    Arbroath 0-5 Queen's Park

    Dunfermline Athletic 1-1 Inverness CT

    Morton 0-0 Raith Rovers

    Partick Thistle 0-0 Ayr United

  20. FULL-TIME Kilmarnock 0-0 Heartspublished at 17:01 27 April

    The points are shared at Rugby Park.

    Hearts smacked the woodwork twice in the first half, while a late Gary Mackay-Steven volley nearly snatched a victory for Kilmarnock.

    Killie move nine points clear of fifth-place St Mirren, while Hearts must wait a little longer to make sure of third spot.

    Kilmarnock's Matty Kennedy and Hearts' Dexter Lembikisa in action during a cinch Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Heart of Midlothain at Rugby Park, on April 27, 2024, in Kilmarnock, Scotland.Image source, SNS