by John Reid
The plaudits go to Kilmarnock this weekend as they recorded their first win at Celtic Park in 57 years. The Rugby Park side – who started three teenagers – had a comfortable 2-0 over a flat Celtic side, with goals from Sheridan and Kelly. Celtic made five changes after their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in midweek, but that seemed to disjoint the team as they struggled to break down a determined Kilmarnock side who fully deserved their win.
Aberdeen continued their great run of form with a 2-0 win over bottom club Dundee, with goals from McGinn and Hayes. The win extends Aberdeen’s unbeaten run to 11 in all competitons, whilst Dundee remain marooned to the bottom of the SPL.
Hibs are currently second in the table, as their good form continued on Friday night with a 4-0 win at Motherwell, which was tinged with controversy, as a Michael Higdon header for Motherwell seemed to the cross the line but was not given, and Hibs were awarded a penalty for a foul which seemed to take place outside the box. Leigh Griffiths scored twice for Hibs to continue his great start to the season.
St. Johnstone’s winning run came to an end, but they managed to salvage a point at Inverness thanks to a last minute goal from Robertson. McKay had earlier given Caley the lead.
Hearts, who recently announced a share issue and have a court case against HMRC coming up, needed a last minute equaliser to get a point a home against Ross County, John Sutton getting the goal, after County had came from a goal down to lead 2-1.
Dundee United, who this week signed Rudi Skacel on a free transfer, continued to pick up after their slow start to the season with a 1-0 win at St. Mirren, thinks to a goal from the penalty spot by Johnny Russell.
In the first division, Dunfermline lead Partick Thistle on goal difference after a 3-0 win over Cowdenbeath, whilst Thistle were held to a goalless draw by Falkirk.
In the second division, Queen of the South continue to lead the way after 1-0 win over East Fife. They lead the table by seven points, with Alloa in second place after a 5-1 win over Albion Rovers.
In the third division, Rangers finally got their first away of the season with a 2-0 win at Clyde, with goals from Shiels and McCulloch. Rangers are top of the league, two points ahead of Elgin.
The League cup takes centre stage this week, as it reaches the quarter final stage. On Tuesday night, Celtic are at home to St. Johnstone and Aberdeen face St. Mirren, whilst on Wednesday Dundee United play Hearts and Rangers see if they can take another Premier League scalp against Inverness.
Next week the SPL highlights include Celtic’s visit to Dundee United, Hibs at home to St. Mirren and Aberdeen’s trip to Dingwall to face Ross County, whilst the Scottish Cup begins for the lower league clubs.