KICK-OFFpublished at 15:01 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
We are under way in Dingwall and Dundee now...
Summary
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FT: Dundee 2-2 St Mirren - Cumming & McGrath (pen) trade second-half goals; Shaughnessy own goal had cancelled out Brophy opener. Anderson sent off for hosts
FT: Ross County 0-0 St Johnstone - McCann puts penalty over bar
Hamilton come from 4-0 down to draw with Raith in Championship
Rangers open title defence with 3-0 win over Livingston
Celtic visit Hearts later (20:00)
KICK-OFFpublished at 15:01 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
GREAT SAVE!published at 15:00 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Calvin Bassey lofts in a cross but there's not much pace on it and Scott Wright's twisting header is held by Livi keeper Max Stryjek at full-stretch.
'Gerrard wants to kill game off'published at 14:58 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on BBC SportsoundQuote MessageLivingston are making life difficult for Rangers. The home side are dominating the game, dominating the ball, but there will be a wee part of Steven Gerrard that will be disappointed they've not been able to score more, because the longer the game stays at 1-0 anything could happen, hence why I think he's brought John Lundstram on to change the dynamic and try to kill the game off.
Postpublished at 14:57 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
A third and final replacement for Livingston, with Jack Hamilton on for Bruce Anderson.
He's involved straight away, dragging a shot on the turn wide.
Postpublished at 14:56 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Max Stryjek flaps at a Calvin Bassey cross and the Livingston keeper is flapping again as James Tavernier sends the ball back into the danger area. Jack Fitzwater is in the right place to head clear though.
Lundstram on for Rangers bowpublished at 14:54 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
John Lundstram is on for his competitive Rangers debut, taking over from Joe Aribo in midfield.
The visitors also make a second change as Nicky Devlin is on for Craig Sibbald.
'Livingston need to be braver'published at 14:52 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC SportsoundQuote MessageLivingston have got to be braver on the ball. That long ball is just not working, Rangers' Connor Goldson has won every duel with Bruce Anderson, who is working hard but it's a thankless task.
YELLOW CARD - Sibbald (Livingston)published at 14:49 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Craig Sibbald missed Scott Wright with his attempted hack but is hauled up for it after the Rangers attack breaks down.
Postpublished at 14:49 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Rangers pop a few first-time passes around, trying to stretch the packed Livingston defence. Ryan Kent has a sight at goal from a central position, just inside the box, but his shot is tame and easily saved.
Kabia on for Livingstonpublished at 14:46 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
The visitors make a midfield change, with Jaze Kabia on for Adam Lewis, who is clutching at his hamstring.
'Rangers not cutting Livi open'published at 14:44 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC SportsoundQuote MessageIt's not quite been there for Rangers so far in this half. They're dominating the ball but not really testing the goalkeeper Max Stryjek and not cutting Livingston open.
Postpublished at 14:39 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
A nice touch from the chest of Ryan Kent sets up a shooting chance for Scott Wright but the ball flies over from the edge of the penalty area.
Up and running again at Ibroxpublished at 14:36 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Rangers 1-0 Livingston
The second half is under way.
A chance for Livingston to get men forward, but Alan Forrest completely over-hits the free-kick.
County make changes, Saints debut for Devinepublished at 14:35 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Ross County v St Johnstone (15:00)
Ross County make two changes from their League Cup win over Montrose last week with Connor Randall and Regan Charles-Cook replacing Jake Vokins and Alexander Robertson, with the latter making the bench.
St Johnstone play their first match of the season and the cup double winners field a largely familiar teams, with summer capture Reece Devine given a debut on the left of defence.
Image source, SNSImage caption, Reece Devine has joined St Johnstone on loan from Manchester United
Adam leads Dundee, new faces for Buddiespublished at 14:34 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Dundee v St Mirren (15:00)
Charlie Adam lives a boyhood dream of leading a familiar-looking Dundee side out in the top flight. They'll be looking to former Buddie Danny Mullen to supply the goals.
St Mirren haven't exactly ripped up their squad either, but Scott Tanser, Alan Power, and Charles Dunne make their league debuts for the Paisley side.
All three are very familiar with the Premiership, though. Despite speculation about a move away, Jamie McGrath takes his place in midfield.
Image source, SNSImage caption, St Mirren players at Dens Park for their league opener
Can new boys Kelty kick-on in League 2?published at 14:32 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Scottish League 2
We have a new addition to the bottom tier, with Kelty Hearts making their senior bow at home to Fife rivals Cowdenbeath.
In four years, Kelty have gone from a junior side topping the East of Scotland Superleague to East of Scotland League champions then Lowland League and Pyramid Play-off winners.
Managed by former Rangers and Hibernian midfielder Kevin Thomson, the ambitious club might just fancy another title celebration come next May.
Falkirk fume as League 1 gets startedpublished at 14:31 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Scottish League 1
Full-time Falkirk and Airdrieonians will be among the favourites for promotion, but Alloa are looking for a quick return to the Championship, while Queen's Park and Cove Rangers are relative big-spenders at this level, so it promises to be a wide open campaign.
There is an element of controversy on day one, with Falkirk very unhappy after failing in a bid to have their opener at Cove Rangers delayed following a Covid outbreak.
The Bairns forfeited League Cup ties with Edinburgh City and Ayr United after five players tested positive and nine more were identified as close contacts.
Nine of the 14 emerged from self isolation yesterday, with the remainder now free from those constraints but having missed a significant chunk of preparation.
Image source, BBC SportChampionship so hard to callpublished at 14:30 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Scottish Championship
With no obvious big gun as favourite, the Scottish Championship promises to be absolutely cutthroat this time around.
Kilmarnock and Hamilton are seeking a swift return to the top flight, while Raith Rovers will aim to build on the promise shown last season.
Dunfermline have made some interesting signings under their German backers and Partick Thistle might just fancy back-to-back promotions.
The Ayrshire derby is back but we need to wait for Monday evening for that one.
Image source, BBC SportSupporters savour that pre-match feelingpublished at 14:24 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Ross County v St Johnstone (15:00)
Ross County and St Johnstone fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Scottish Premiership football in Dingwall.
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNSLINE-UPS from Victoria Parkpublished at 14:23 British Summer Time 31 July 2021
Ross County v St Johnstone (15:00)
Ross County: Laidlaw, Randall, Iacovitti, Donaldson, Watson, Charles-Cook, Tillson, Callachan, Spittal, Samuel, White.
Substitutes: Paton, Shaw, Robertson, Wright, Williamson, MacLeman, Munro.
St Johnstone: Clark, Rooney, McCart, Kerr, Gordon, Devine, Davidson, Wotherspoon, O'Halloran, Hendry.
Substitutes: Parish, Muller, Brown, Craig, Ballantyne, May, Kane.