Summary

  • Hearts 1-0 Motherwell (Lafferty)

  • Rangers 2-1 Ross County (Morelos, Wilson; Curran)

  • Hamilton 0-1 St Johnstone (Scougall)

  • Kilmarnock 5-1 Partick Thistle (Boyd 2, Brophy 2, Keown og; Erskine)

  • Five SPFL matches postponed

  • Aberdeen chairman Milne talks McInnes

  1. Focus on Easter Roadpublished at 18:06 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    With Rangers and Aberdeen having won already this weekend, the remaining two of the Premiership's top four square up tomorrow at Easter Road.

    Celtic, their lead cut to four points, albeit with two games in hand, travel to Edinburgh to face their former manager Neil Lennon's Hibernian.

    Hibs came close to ending Celtic's long unbeaten domestic run earlier in the season before being held to a 2-2 draw in Glasgow and then lost to Brendan Rodgers' side in the Scottish League Cup final.

    Another tight match is in prospect as Hibs look to narrow that four-point gap that has developed between themselves and Aberdeen and Rangers.

    Will it be third time lucky for Hibs? Join us tomorrow for more live coverage.

    Hibs head coach Neil Lennon and Celtic boss Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Hibs head coach Neil Lennon again faces Brendan Rodgers' Celtic

  2. 'We should have a point' - Robinsonpublished at 17:59 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Heart of Midlothian 1-0 Motherwell

    Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson: "There wasn’t a lot in it at all.

    "They’ve won a game with two slips – Cedric Kipre’s slipped on the pitch and Carl McHugh’s come in behind him and slipped.

    "I believe Kyle Lafferty handled the ball in pulling it round in the middle of the goal, but I haven’t seen it.

    "He should never be scoring from that angle.

    Motherwell manager Stephen RobinsonImage source, SNS

    "There was nothing in the game. We dominated large bits of the second half without creating anything.

    "Chris Cadden goes off with a hamstring strain and we lose Alex Fisher at half-time with concussion. Sometimes these things go against you.

    "I’m not going to make excuses, we should have come out with a minimum of one point but without really creating lots of chances."

  3. Relief for Murtypublished at 17:55 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Rangers 2-1 Ross County

    Speaking to Rangers TV, interim manager Graeme Murty: “Relief tinged with a bit of frustration, I think the fans and players would agree with that, as we didn’t hit the heights we did last week.

    “They made it extremely difficult for us and we didn’t play with enough tempo at times, but credit to the players as they managed to find a way to win.

    "I have to pat them on the back for that, although we know we can be better.

    Rangers' Danny Wilson and Kenny Miller celebrateImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Danny Wilson (left) secured Rangers' win over Ross County

    “It’s really hard when you’re not flowing and people are getting frustrated in the crowd, it’s difficult then to show your best, but they managed to hit some peaks albeit not often enough or with enough consistency.

    “As a team, we put that to bed and prepare because we have a big game on Wednesday.

    “Credit to Ross County as well - they played nicely and moved the ball well.

    “Ross McCrorie got a bang in the first half. He was magnificent in the first half. He took a sore one, but I’ll go in and see how he is."

  4. Good day for Ayr and Montrosepublished at 17:50 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    Ayr United came from behind to beat bottom side Queen's Park to extend their lead over Raith Rovers at the top of League One.

    Rovers play Airdrieonians tomorrow, with the game live on BBC Alba.

    Alloa Athletic move up to fourth with their win away to Forfar Athletic and with Arbroath's game against Albion Rovers being postponed.

    East Fife and Stranraer missed a chance to move into the top four after their 1-1 draw.

    Meanwhile, in League Two, Montrose go back to the top of the table with a convincing 3-0 win over Berwick Rangers, overtaking Peterhead, whose game at home to Clyde was postponed.

  5. United stay top as Dobbie inspires Queenspublished at 17:43 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    Csaba Laszlo's fine start as Dundee United boss continues with his side retaining their lead at the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Morton.

    St Mirren came through a stern test away to bottom side Brechin to remain a point behind.

    But, with Livingston's game against Dumbarton being postponed, Queen of the South were the team of the day, taking over in third after a 5-2 thumping of Dunfermline at East End Park.

    The Dumfries outfit had started the day level on points with their hosts and Morton.

    Brechin's defeat leaves them still seeking a first league win of the season and now six points adrift of Falkirk having played two more games. The part-timers already looked doomed to relegation.

    Queen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie celebrates his hat-trickImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Stephen Dobbie was player of the day with a hat-trick for Queens

  6. Rangers back up to secondpublished at 17:35 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    Rangers move back up to second in the Premiership, their narrow, comeback win over Ross County taking them above Aberdeen on goal difference, four points behind Celtic.

    Hearts' win over Motherwell keeps Craig Levein's side in sixth place, ahead of St Johnstone on goal difference, and now only two points behind today's visitors.

    Saints' win away to Hamilton opens a gap of four points between the sides and Accies drop behind Kilmarnock after the Ayrshire side's thumping with over Partick Thistle.

    Thistle remain four points adrift at the bottom of the table but at least have not lost ground against second-bottom County and Dundee, who lost last night to Aberdeen.

    Rangers celebrate Danny Wilson's winning goalImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Danny Wilson (centre) scored the winner for Rangers against Ross County

  7. Wright pleased for Scougallpublished at 17:34 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Hamilton Academical 0-1 St Johnstone

    St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright on BBC Radio Scotland: "It’s a wee bit unfair to say it’s a smash and grab.

    "We defended well, that’s part of the job, and the goal we scored was excellent.

    "We had some opportunities, particularly after going 1-0 up, on the breakaway.

    "I do think that the surface helped us [in the lead-up to the goal]; people can’t adjust their feet quickly enough.

    "Stefan Scougall did great. He’s kept his composure and I’m really pleased for him, because he’s done well since he’s come here and that goal will give him a big boost."

    St Johnstone manager Tommy WrightImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright watched his side defeat Hamilton Academical

  8. Staggies denied 'stonewall penalty' - Coylepublished at 17:33 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    Rangers 2-1 Ross County

    Ross County manager Owen Coyle: “We were terrific today and shouldn’t be leaving without any points.

    “Rangers had spell of pressure, but we didn’t feel they cut us open.

    "The winning goal, we have to defend it better.

    “We had an absolute stonewall penalty when Bruno Alves brings down Andrew Davies in the box.

    “The official says he didn’t see it and that compounds it. Alves had pushed him to the ground.

    “If we can play in that manner, there will be plenty of points and wins for us going forward."

  9. Canning takes the positivespublished at 17:28 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Hamilton Academical 0-1 St Johnstone

    Hamilton Academical manager Martin Canning: “It’s a hard one to assess because we did everything but win the game.

    “We lost the game in the first half by not taking our opportunities.

    "It’s a sore one because it’s a mistake that led to the goal.

    “The players care and we don’t want to concede cheap goals.

    "We were in total control of the game and we’re a good team at this level, so there’s a lot of positives and today the result is the negative.”

  10. Praise for Mulumbo, Brophy and Powerpublished at 17:24 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Kilmarnock 5-1 Partick Thistle

    Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke: “It’s been a long time coming here at Rugby Park. I'm pleased for the players and it’s good for them to get the first win.

    “We can all go home, including the fans, and enjoy a nice Saturday night for a change.

    "It’s only my third home game, so I’ve steered clear of talk of a jinx.

    "Performance is the most important thing and, with the exception of 15 minutes against Aberdeen, I couldn't ask for any more from the players.

    Kilmarnock midfielder Youssouf MulumbuImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Youssouf Mulumbu made a winning debut for Kilmarnock

    “Eamonn Brophy has done well. He’s been working hard, he didn’t have a pre-season, but he’s shown he’s dangerous in and around the penalty area.

    “It’s important for Youssouf (Mulumbu) to get minutes on the pitch. It was important for the fans to see him and he showed his quality at times today.

    “Alan Power has been a stalwart since I came to the club. He deserves a big mention."

  11. 'Comical defending' - Thistle's Archibaldpublished at 17:22 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Kilmarnock 5-1 Partick Thistle

    Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald gave a frank assessment of a heavy defeat by Kilmarnock that keeps the Glasgow side four points adrift at the foot of the table.

    "It's hard to speak about the game as a while because we lost 5-1," he told BBC Scotland.

    "We played some good stuff today, started the second half brightly then give a goal away and we are 3-1 down.

    "The defending as a whole this season has been comical at times.

    "We couldn't handle the front two of Kilmarnock and we just have to try to find a solution.

    "We can't keep defending like that or we will be adrift."

    Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald can hardly watchImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald could hardly watch

  12. 'It was a scrap, but we got rewards' - Leveinpublished at 17:11 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Heart of Midlothian 1-0 Motherwell

    Hearts manager Craig Levein: "It was okay in spells, but overall it was a bit of a scrap.

    "Motherwell are difficult to play against, with their press and balls into the box constantly, but the boys managed to deal with that pretty well.

    "We got a bit deeper, which gave them more possession, but we coped with the balls into the box pretty well. That’s testament to how well we defended as a team.

    Hearts manager Craig LeveinImage source, SNS

    "It was a good goal. We started pretty frantically but had good moments when we got the ball down and made good passes.

    "That was one of the occasions and Kyle Lafferty showed good tenacity to win the ball back after losing it.

    "I thought we deserved to win, I thought we were more of a threat than Motherwell and defended better."

  13. Super Killiepublished at 17:10 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Kilmarnock 5-1 Partick Thistle

    John Barnes
    BBC Scotland at Rugby Park

    Quote Message

    This was an excellent display by Steve Clarke’s side as they opened up a seven point gap over the Firhill club, who remain bottom of the table.

  14. Not pretty, but three points vitalpublished at 17:06 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Heart of Midlothian 1-0 Motherwell

    Tom English
    Chief sports writer, BBC Scotland at Tynecastle

    Quote Message

    This was not a performance to warm the soul of the Jambos, but it was, at least, an end to a bad run and something to build on going forward

  15. Saints' smash and grabpublished at 17:04 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    FT: Hamilton Academical 0-1 St Johnstone

    Kenny Crawford
    BBC Sport Scotland in Hamilton

    Quote Message

    Stefan Scougall's first-ever St Johnstone goal as the Perth men pulled off a smash and grab victory against Hamilton. Accies had dominated until a defensive mix-up allowed Scougall to go clean through and calmly finish into the corner

  16. FULL-TIMEpublished at 16:57 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    Results round-up

    Scottish Premiership

    Hamilton Academical 0-1 St Johnstone

    Heart of Midlothian 1-0 Motherwell

    Kilmarnock 5-1 Partick Thistle

    Rangers 2-1 Ross County

    Scottish Championship

    Brechin City 1-2 St Mirren

    Dumbarton P-P Livingston

    Dunfermline Athletic 2-5 Queen of the South

    Greenock Morton 0-2 Dundee United

    Inverness Caledonian P-P Falkirk

    Scottish League One

    Albion Rovers P-P Arbroath

    Ayr United 3-2 Queen's Park

    East Fife 1-1 Stranraer

    Forfar Athletic 0-2 Alloa Athletic

    Scottish League Two

    Elgin City 1-1 Edinburgh City

    Montrose 3-0 Berwick Rangers

    Peterhead P-P Clyde

    Stenhousemuir 1-3 Annan Athletic

    Stirling Albion P-P Cowdenbeath

  17. FULL-TIME Rangers 2-1 Ross Countypublished at 16:54 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    A late surge from County doesn't render an equaliser and it is Rangers who take the three points at Ibrox.

    It's three wins in a row for Rangers for the first time since last December.

    Rangers' Kenny Miller and Alfredo Morelos celebrateImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Alfredo Morelos (right) brought Rangers back level at Ibrox

  18. FULL-TIME Heart of Midlothian 1-0 Motherwellpublished at 16:53 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    It was a game of ups and downs for Hearts at Tynecastle, but Hearts get the first win they have been waiting for in front of their new main stand.

    Hearts manager Craig Levein and Jamie WalkerImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Jamie Walker was replaced before the break, as the Hearts winger's injury jinx hit again

    Kyle Lafferty fires Hearts aheadImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Kyle Lafferty gives Hearts the lead

    Hearts' Arnaud Djoum and Kyle Lafferty celebrateImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Kyle Lafferty (right) secured the win for Hearts

  19. FULL-TIME Hamilton Academical 0-1 St Johnstonepublished at 16:51 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    Stefan Scougall's second-half strike is enough to gives Saints their second away win in a row - but only their second victory in eight.

    For Hamilton, who had the better of the game, it ends their run of six games without defeat.

  20. FULL-TIME Kilmarnock 5-1 Partick Thistlepublished at 16:49 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December 2017

    Killie earn their first Premiership home win of the season with an excellent performance to see off Thistle.

    Eamonn Brophy and Kris Boyd both scored doubles, with Niall Keown also knocking the ball into his own net.

    Chris Erskine had levelled with a fine strike.