by John Reid
Celtic return to form, Hibs and Inverness win and a preview of this week’s Scotttish Cup games in this special mid-week Scottish round-up.
Celtic recovered from the weekend’s defeat to Inverness with an emphatic 4-0 win at Hearts, with goals coming from Lassad, Lusitig, an own goal and Hooper, but the scoreline was slightly flattering as Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster continued his great form with 4 great saves, including one from the penalty spot.
Hibs are just a point behind Celtic in second place after a controversial 1-0 win at St. Johnstone, Paul Cairney getting the winner just after St. Johnstone missed a penalty. St. Johnstone had both defender Dave Mackay and manger Steve Lomas sent-off as Hibs returned to winning ways.
Motherwell defeated Dundee United 2-1 at Tannadice, as United’s indifferent start to the season continued, Moherwell going 2-0 up from Higdon and a brilliant goal from Chris Humphrey, and even though United pulled a goal back Motherwell held on.
Ross County and St. Mirren had a goalless draw in a game that was delayed after the floodlights failed, both sides will be satisfied with the point.
Inverness followed up their weekend win at Parkhead with a thrilling 3-2 win at Aberdeen, Billy McKay once again the hero with a double, which briefly took Caley joint top of the SPL. Inverness are arguably the form team in Scotland right now, but boss Terry Butcher has played down any talk of the title.
We now turn to the Scottish Cup, which is being played in December due to a two week SPL break in January. Undeniably the biggest game is the repeat of last year’s final as Hearts play Hibs. Hibs would have to be favourites but in the past they found it very difficult in the cup against Hearts.
Another big game is the Highland derby between Inverness and Ross County, as Caley look to take their SPL form into the cup. Two other significant games are Aberdeen against Motherwell, and unbeaten division two leaders Queen of the South’s trip to Kilmarnock.
The blog will be back on Sunday with a review of the cup weekend.