by John Reid
Celtic’s Euro hangovers continue, Aberdeen close in at the top and St. Mirren win the basement battle in this week’s round-up.
Celtic dropped yet more points after a Champions League game by deservedly losing 1-0 at Inverness, in what was Caley’s first ever league win at Parkhead, Barry Mackay getting the goal and later hitting the bar, as Caley bounced back in fine style from their thrashing by Motherwell last week. The game was marred by a ‘spat’ between Celtic boss Neil Lennon and a fan, prompting Lennon to state that ‘if the fans didn’t want him – he’d go.’ What happens next remains to be seen.
Aberdeen are just a point behind Celtic at the top of the league after beating previous leaders Hibs 1-0 in Edinburgh, the prolific Niall McGinn with the only goal. If Aberdeen win at home at Inverness on Tuesday then they will go top of the SPL for the first time since 1993.
Another week, another controversy involving Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels, who was furious when Killie captain Manuel Pascali was sent-off early on in the 2-1 loss at home to St. Johnstone, Shiels’ fury revolving atound the fact that Pascali was given the red card on the say so of the fourth official. Shiels himself was later sent-off, and to make matters worse, St. Johnstone took the points with a last minute goal from Rowan Vine.
Dundee United’s recent upturn in from continued with a come from behind 2-1 win at Ross County, Russell and Armstrong with the goals after Vigurs had given County the lead.
In the day’s early kick-off, Motherwell and Hearts fought out a dull goalless draw, which in all honesty neither side deserved to win.
St. Mirren moved 4 points clear of Dundee as they won the basement battle 3-1. Dundee’s cause wasn’t helped by the first half sending off of Colin Nish, but they did manage to equalise from the spot after Thompson had given St. Mirren the lead, but another goal from Thompson and one from Dougie Imrie give the Buddies the win.
It’s as you were in the first division as both Partick and Dunfermline won, to stay locked at the top of the table, the only difference being that the goal difference between them is down to two, as the Pars put 4 past Dumbarton whilst Thistle only scored 2 against Livingston.
In the second division unbeaten Queen of the South continue to dominate as the beat Ayr 2-0. They are nine points ahead of second placed Alloa, who won 2-0 at Stenhousemuir.
In the third division, the top of the table clash between Elgin and Rangers was cancelled by the police after it emerged that Elgin had sold too many tickets for the game. No new date has been announced yet.
The column will be back on Thursday after the midweek SPL card, the highlights being Inverness’s trip to Aberdeen, St. Johnstone against Hibs and Celtic going to Edinburgh to play Hearts.
