By Keiran Fleming
Scottish Premiership
Title holders Celtic hosted Hearts at the weekend. The hoops easily beat the Jambos 3-1. Celtic forward Vakoun Issouf Bayo marked his league debut with 2 goals (Although the debate is ongoing as to if they were really his) and Callum McGregor was also able to get a goal for himself. Connor Washington’s goal came too late for Hearts, it was just a mere consolation. A superb free-kick from left back Borna Barisic was the only thing that separated Rangers from St Mirren. The gers briefly went 3 points clear ahead of Celtic at the top of league before the Hoops played later on. Motherwell got their first win of the season when they travelled to Hamilton. Peter Hartley opened the scoring for the well with a looping header into the net. 4 minutes later 17 year old Jamie Hamilton was sent off for Accies after clearing the ball of the line with his hand, Liam Donnelly converted the penalty. Ross Cunningham was able to score a penalty of his own after a handball in the Motherwell box. However, Chris Long was able to seal the victory for the visitors early in the second half. St Johnstone were able to grab a draw with a 94th minute goal from Jason Kerr which left many Hibernian fans disappointed. Kilmarnock and Aberdeen played out a dismal 0-0 draw, the biggest talking point being the artificial pitch after Scott McKenna had to be subbed off early in the first half. The only positive for Killie fans is that they now have a point on the board. Livingston were 3-0 up against Ross County before the half hour mark. The home side were able to get a goal back just before halftime. However, Jack Stobbs scored a stunning volley on his debut to put the final nail in the coffin for the Staggies
Scottish Championship
Dundee United remain the only 100% record team in the Championship with another 2 goals from Lawrence Shankland being enough to defeat Dunfermline Athletic. Shankland has now scored 7 goals in 3 games so far this season. Bobby Lin was able to put Arbroath ahead of Alloa just before the 20th minute. Steve Herrington was later sent off, leaving Alloa with 10 men and very little chance of a comeback. Arbroath’s goal in the first half was enough for the win. Stepehen Kelly’s first half goal for Ayr United was enough to make sure they were able to come away with 3 points from the game with Queen of the South. Ayr are now 3rd in the table and showing that they haven’t missed the key players who left that much. Dundee now have 2 draws in 3 games after a goalless draw against Inverness. If they are wanting to push for the title, draws are not going to be good enough. Friday saw Partrick Thistle go from winning 2-0 to losing 3-2 in the space of 10 minutes. 2 goals in the first half meant that Partick went into the break with the lead against Morton. However, in an 8 minute period Morton scored 3 goals which meant they left with 3 points. Partick are now second bottom and look as though they will be struggling this season.
Scottish League 1
Clyde their first win of the campaign with a shock victory over title favourites Falkirk. A first half goal from Mark Lamont was the only goal of the game and the valiant defending of Clyde meant it was enough. Dumbarton went behind to Stranraer, however, they were able to go level 5 minutes later and remained in control for the rest of the game. 2 more goals later on meant it was game over for Stranraer. This was the second week in a row that Jim Duffy’s side came from behind to win. East Fife went 4 goals up against Airdrieonians and eased to victory. Callum Gallagher was able to grab an injury time consolation for the visitors. After a dismal performances from both Peterhead and Forfar in the first half, the Blue toon went ahead just after the break with a Jack Leitch header. The home side continued to dominate the second half but the final score was 1-0. Raith Rovers 3-0 win against Montrose meant they went 2 points ahead of Falkirk and are now top the table. A trialist scored the final goal, we imagine he will be signed shortly.
Scottish League 2
After sacking their manager Barry Smith Brechin City finally got some points on the board with a 1-0 victory away to Albion Rovers. Paul McManus scored the goal that meant Brechin City were no longer at the foot of the table. Cowdenbeath were up by 1 before half time but Annan Athletic made it level just after the break. However, Cowdenbeath were too strong scoring 2 more goals, making the final score 3-1. Queens park and Elgin drew 0-0 at Hampden. If the Spiders had won they would have jumped into second place. Edinburgh City looked as though they were about to face a shock defeat when Stenhousemuir went into the break with a 1 goal lead. However, in the second half the citizens took control and scored 3 goals. They now lie in second, 1 point behind league leaders Cove Rangers. Cove comfortably beat Stirling Albion with a 2-1 victory. Both Fraser Fyvie and Matty Smith made it 2-0 for the visitors, Josh Peters was able to get a late consolation for the home side. Cove remain top of the league, while Stirling still are pointless and at the foot of the table.
Team of the Week
Although there are many candidates like Livingston for their 4 goals, Morton for their come back and Raith for going top, the team of the week Is Clyde. After facing a dismal start to the season they were able to grind out a result against Falkirk, who are thought to be the outright title favourites. The fact that Clyde, who had struggled since they came up, were able to win against Falkirk, who have signed players who should be at higher level, was extremely impressive.
Player of the Week
Shankland and Bayo were both up for player of the week. However, Dumbarton’s Isaac Layne’s 2 goals helped his team to a 3-1 victory over Stranraer. Layne scored the first goal which took the lead away before half time and he scored the final goal which killed off Stranraer.
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