SPFL Opening Weekend Round-Up: 9-10 August 2014
- adamhigginsuk
- Aug 10, 2014
- 14 min read
MATCHDAY ONE 2014/15:-
Scottish Premiership Results
Saturday 9th August 2014 Scottish Premiership Dundee 1-1 Kilmarnock
Saturday 9th August 2014 Scottish Premiership Hamilton Academical 0-2 Inverness Caley Thistle
Saturday 9th August 2014 Scottish Premiership Motherwell 1-0 St Mirren
Sunday 10th August 2014 Scottish Premiership Aberdeen 0-3 Dundee United
Sunday 10th August 2014 Scottish Premiership Ross County 1-2 St Johnstone
Spot on: Harkins converts the spotkick for Dundee against his former club to get the promoted side up and running (Picture from Sky Sports)
Saturday 9th August 2014 SPFL Scottish Premiership
Dundee (Harkins 17 pen) 1-1 Kilmarnock (Slater 24)
KO 3pm
Referee: Steven McLean (Scotland) - Rating: 9/10 Attendance: 7,588
Venue: Dens Park (Dundee, Tayside)
Booked: Barbour, Pascali, Slater (Kilmarnock)
DUNDEE began their Scottish Premiership campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock in an entertaining encounter at Dens Park.
The newcomers went ahead through a Gary Harkins penalty against his old club after 17 minutes, however, their lead was short-lived as Craig Slater equalised with a stunning free-kick seven minutes later.
The Dark Blues dominated in the second half with Killie indebted to goalkeeper Craig Samson, who kept the hosts at bay as a winner looked on the cards but it didn't arrive.
Dees boss Paul Hartley named nine new faces in his line-up after a summer of change for the Tayside club, while Kilmarnock fielded Chris Chantler, who had joined from Carlisle 24 hours earlier.
The Dees unfurled the Championship flag before kick-off, with retired former captain Gavin Rae helping do the honours after guiding the team last season, as a large crowd gathered inside Dens Park.
And the home team began brightly, creating their first chance after four minutes when Harkins's corner was met by Paul McGowan, who fired narrowly over the crossbar, before striker Greg Stewart saw his header go just past the post from McGowan's cross.
After a Josh Magennis header forced Dundee keeper Kyle Letheren into action at the other end, Simon Ferry's run and pass evaded the onrushing McGowan as the hosts set the early tempo.
And they went ahead from the penalty spot when a one-two involving McGowan and Luka Tankulic saw Harkins almost set free inside the box until he was impeded by Mark Connolly.
Referee Steven McLean had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and ex-Killie midfielder Harkins duly converted, sending Samson the wrong way.
Killie responded well with Chris Johnston feeding Magennis, who then played in McKenzie and the youngster sent a powerful 20-yard shot inches wide of the post.
Tope Obadeyi then rifled over from 12 yards from Ross Barbour's through-ball, but the equaliser came in spectacular fashion soon after.
James McPake's foul on Obadeyi gave Slater the opportunity to fire an unstoppable free-kick into the far top corner.
Dundee were almost back in front 15 seconds into the second half when a Harkins solo run and shot ended with a Samson save.
The hosts seized full control with McGowan and Tankulic next to be denied by the diving Samson before substitute Jim McAlister was somehow kept out from 12 yards by the Killie stopper.
Fellow sub Peter MacDonald then hit Samson's bar with an injury-time free-kick as the visitors from Ayrshire escaped with a point.
The opening battle: Inverness midfielder Danny Williams competes for possession with Hamilton left-back Stephen Hendrie (Picture from ScotZine.com)
Saturday 9th August 2014 SPFL Scottish Premiership
Hamilton Accies 0-2 Inverness Caley Thistle (McKay 10, Christie 25)
KO 3pm
Referee: Don Robertson (Scotland) - Rating: 9/10 Attendance: 1,622
Venue: New Douglas Park (Lanarkshire, Scotland)
Booked: Hendrie, Imrie (Hamilton Accies), Draper (Inverness CT)
PREMIERSHIP newcomers Hamilton slumped to an opening day defeat as Inverness ran out comfortable winners at New Douglas Park.
First-half goals from Billy McKay and Ryan Christie sealed victory for the visitors, who were much sharper in comparison to the Championship play-off winners.
The Highlanders looked every bit the experienced and settled Scottish Premiership outfit and look solid enough to challenge for a top six finish.
But, in contrast, it could be a difficult campaign for the Accies, who are returning to the top-flight for the first time in three years.
Player-boss Alex Neil would have been hoping for a bright start but the first opportunity fell to Inverness when Hamilton defender Ziggy Gordon lost possession deep in his own half although Christie could only blaze over from a Danny Williams cutback unmarked in the penalty area.
However, they were not to be denied for long and Accies were architects of their own downfall again as Caley Thistle went ahead on 11 minutes.
A defensive slip by Mikey Devlin allowed McKay in on goal and last season's top scorer made it to the ball ahead of keeper Michael McGovern to lift it over him into the net.
Inverness had another opportunity straight from kick-off as Hamilton were caught in possession once more. Stephen Hendrie was the culprit on this occasion as he lost the ball to James Vincent in the left-back position, the midfielder finding Christie who tested McGovern with a drive from the edge of the box.
Accies player-manager Neil named himself in the starting line-up after Darian McKinnon had taken ill, and he had his side's first clear-cut scoring opportunity after 20 minutes.
A free-kick from the left was whipped into the area by Danny Redmond, but Neil's glancing header ended well wide.
Soon after, Accies fell further behind when again punished for giving the ball away in a dangerous area as Louis Longridge carelessly surrendered possession to Williams.
The midfielder was able to advance into the box and draw a fine save from McGovern but the ball squirmed loose to the back post where Christie was on hand to tap home after 25 minutes.
Redmond inexplicably sliced over six yards out from Dougie Imrie's rolled pass and Longridge tested Dean Brill with a curling 20-yard effort as Hamilton had chances before the break.
They continued to show promising signs after the break when Hendrie's enterprising run down the left and cross to the back post was headed straight at Brill from Imrie.
Although Inverness were seemingly content to sit on their lead, McKay was presented with another chance, testing McGovern with a low drive after Martin Canning missed a backward header.
Hamilton substitute Mickael Antoine-Curier had their best opening of the match when latching onto Ali Crawford's pass to get in behind but Brill managed to make a block with his chest.
At the other end, Caley Thistle substitute Marley Watkins rattled the frame of the goal and was denied again by McGovern as Inverness ought to have extended their lead.
Ill-discipline: Goodwin has now received 44 yellows and four red cards for St Mirren in this the start of his fourth season (Picture from SNS Group)
Saturday 9th August 2014 SPFL Scottish Premiership
Motherwell (Erwin 64) 1-0 St Mirren
KO 3pm
Referee: Calum Murray (Scotland) - Rating: 8.5/10 Attendance: 4,620
Venue: Fir Park (Motherwell, North Lanarkshire)
Booked: McManus (Motherwell), Goodwin, McAusland (St Mirren)
Sent-off: Goodwin (St Mirren)
MOTHERWELL got off to a winning start in the Premiership as Lee Erwin's debut goal defeated 10-man St Mirren.
Lively forward Erwin scored from a rebound in the 64th minute to give last season's runners-up all three points before Saints player-coach Jim Goodwin was sent off 10 minutes later for a second bookable offence.
'Well keeper Dan Twardzik had kept a dominant visiting side at bay with a string of saves as Tommy Craig's reign as Buddies boss began with a slender loss.
The hosts had the first chance when Josh Law was played through the middle but he did not get hold of his shot and Marian Kello easily held his weak effort.
But it was St Mirren who looked the more threatening team in the opening quarter as Twardzik reacted quickly to foil Marwood following a quickly-taken free-kick and again to block the forward's shot when Kenny McLean's ball had got him in behind Fraser Kerr.
Marwood also had a header saved following a cross by Gregg Wylde before Twardzik also saved from John McGinn after captain Keith Lasley had been caught in possession.
Goodwin took just 22 minutes to earn his first yellow card of the season following a reckless challenge on Erwin, who then set up Stuart Carswell but Kello got down to hold the midfielder's drive.
As the Steelmen improved, Law had a curling effort saved but Marwood had another chance for the visitors although his shot lacked the power to beat Twardzik.
The former Dundee goalkeeper made his best save just after the interval when he touched Wylde's shot wide after the winger's pace took him clear.
Twardzik saved again from Ball as St Mirren remained on top but the opener came at the other end.
Erwin played the ball to Lionel Ainsworth 25 yards out and followed in as Kello parried the winger's stinging shot. The striker had plenty to do but he guided the ball inside Kello's near post from 10 yards.
Saints tried to fight back and Twardzik beat away Jason Naismith's powerful strike before Ball blazed over from 12 yards after McLean's run had opened up the home defence.
But their chances were hit with a huge blow when Goodwin was shown a second yellow card by referee Calum Murray right out of the blue as Motherwell prepared to take a free-kick following McGinn's foul on Lasley.
But Saints kept pushing and Twardzik was needed for one final save as he leapt to his left to push away a shot from substitute Ross Caldwell.
Perfect start: Ryan Dow got United up and running as they ran out comfortable winners - and kept a first Premiership clean sheet since December (Picture from Getty Images)
Sunday 10th August 2014 SPFL Scottish Premiership
Aberdeen 0-3 Dundee United (Dow 29, Mackay-Steven 45, Erskine 90+2)
KO 3pm
Referee: Willie Collum (Scotland) - Rating: 9/10 Attendance: 16,471
Venue: Pittodrie (Aberdeenshire, North East Scotland)
Booked: Watson, Paton (Dundee United)
DUNDEE United got their Scottish Premiership campaign off to a great start with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Goals from Ryan Dow, Gary Mackay-Steven and Chris Erskine secured the points for Jackie McNamara’s side over their fierce New Firm rivals.
But for a 5-2 reverse at Celtic Park last season, this was the heaviest defeat of Derek McInnes's tenure as Dons manager.
McInnes was without skipper Russell Anderson and winger Jonny Hayes through suspension while former United striker David Goodwillie was again preferred to Adam Rooney up front.
Opposite number McNamara handed competitive debuts to Jaroslaw Fojut, Callum Morris and Conor Townsend as he patched up his defence.
Aberdeen had the better of the opening stages and could have been in front after just nine minutes when Ash Taylor flicked Niall McGinn's cross towards Andrew Considine at the far post, but the defender sent his volley over the crossbar.
United took the lead just before the half-hour mark and it owed much to the generosity of Taylor.
The new Dons defender gift wrapped it for Dow with a slack pass into his own box and the latter nipped onto it before firing home to the delight of a boisterous away end.
It took the hosts a while to recover their composure but they were close to a leveller just before the break when keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak flapped at Robson's cross and the ball dropped to McGinn, who took it on his chest before his volley bounced off the base of the post.
And the visitors made the most of their reprieve, doubling their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Robson was caught in possession and Nadir Ciftci played in Mackay-Steven, who beat Langfield with a low shot.
Aberdeen went close early in the second half but United full-back Townsend blocked Peter Pawlett's effort after good work from Goodwillie.
Ciftci and Dow both had other counter-attacking chances in the second period as the Terrors continued to open up the Dons defence at will.
The Dons fans clamoured for penalties on a couple of occasions, notably when substitute Adam Rooney was challenged by Cierzniak and when a cross appeared to hit Morris on the hand but Willie Collum was unmoved.
Goodwillie then had a late opportunity, heading over after Cierzniak failed to punch clear a Nicky Low cross.
And Dundee United scored a third with the last kick of the match, Erskine stroking into the bottom corner from 12 yards following a fine run from fellow substitute Mario Bilate.
Off the mark: O'Halloran scored just two league goals for Saints last term but swept home to open his account on the opening day of the season (Picture from Getty Images)
Sunday 10th August 2014 SPFL Scottish Premiership
Ross County (Jervis 54) 1-2 St Johnstone (O'Halloran 31, MacLean 48)
KO 3pm
Referee: Kevin Clancy (Scotland) - Rating: 9/10 Attendance: 3,287
Venue: Victoria Park (Dingwall, Ross-shire)
Booked: Dreesen, Arquin (Ross County)
ST JOHNSTONE opened their Scottish Premiership campaign with a hard-fought victory over Ross County in Dingwall.
The Perth side went 2-0 up thanks to goals either side of the interval from Michael O'Halloran and Steven MacLean before Jake Jervis pulled one back for County with a bullet header.
After holding on for the points, Saints, who sold star striker Stevie May to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, made up for the disappointment of Europa League elimination at the hands of Spartak Trnava on Thursday.
Ross County, who handed debuts to five new signings, dominated early possession against last season's Scottish Cup winners.
And the hosts should have taken the lead after 20 minutes when Jervis and Tim Dreesen forced saves from St Johnstone keeper Alan Mannus.
But before long, the visitors went ahead themselves when David Wotherspoon’s cross was punched away by County keeper Antonio Reguero but the ball fell kindly to O’Halloran, who slotted the ball home.
County tried to hit back and they came agonisingly close to an equaliser when Graham Carey ran at the Saints defence and his near-post shot was touched onto the crossbar by Mannus.
The second half was barely minutes old when Saints scored their second as Scott Brown fired a ball into the penalty area and MacLean was first to react with a diving header past Reguero.
But County reduced the deficit on 54 minutes when Jervis met Yoann Arquin's cross with a thumping header that flew into the top right corner of the net.
Steven Anderson and captain Dave Mackay had chances to reinstate St Johnstone's two-goal cushion around the hour mark, but both had efforts saved by Reguero.
Liam Caddis had a chance to make the game safe for the away side 10 minutes from time but the substitute could only manage to fire his shot straight at Reguero.
Melvin De Leeuw almost snatched an equaliser in the last minute with a long-range effort, but Mannus was not to be beaten as St Johnstone hung on to claim all three points ahead of hosting the champions Celtic on Wednesday night.
Outrageous: Oxley became the first keeper to score for Hibs since Andy Goram against Greenock Morton in 1988 (Picture from SNS Group)
Saturday 9th August 2014 SPFL Scottish Championship
Hibernian (El Alagui 16, Oxley 19) 2-1 Livingston (Gallagher 60)
KO 3pm
Referee: Bobby Madden (Scotland) - Rating: 9/10 Attendance: 9,390
Venue: Easter Road (Leith, Edinburgh)
Booked: Jacobs (Livingston)
GOALKEEPER Mark Oxley scored an outrageous effort for Hibernian as they got their Scottish Championship campaign off to a winning start against Livingston.
The on-loan Hull stopper managed to find the back of the net after a huge clearance from a goal-kick sailed over the head of opposite number Darren Jamieson.
Farid El Alagui had headed the hosts in front from a Liam Craig corner before Oxley's speculative effort three minutes later.
Livingston gave themselves a lifeline on the hour when Oxley could only palm a Keaghan Jacobs free-kick into the path of Declan Gallacher who turned in the rebound.
John McGlynn's side did maintain a threat but Hibs held on at Easter Road to give Alan Stubbs his first competitive victory as manager.
Old foe: Wilson scored just once for Rangers during his time at Ibrox but returned to net a decisive opening goal for Hearts (Picture from AFP)
Sunday 10th August 2014 SPFL Scottish Championship
The Rangers FC (Law 90+1) 1-2 Hearts (Wilson 53, Sow 90+2)
KO 1:30pm Live on Sky Sports 1/HD1
Referee: Craig Thomson (Scotland) - Rating: 8/10 Attendance: 43,683
Venue: Ibrox (West Glasgow, Scotland)
Booked: Zaliukas, Foster (Rangers), McGhee, McKay, McHattie, Wilson, Gomis, Sow (Hearts)
Hearts won the opening day battle of the Championship heavyweights with a deserved 2-1 victory over Rangers through an injury-time winner from new signing Osman Sow.
Danny Wilson put Hearts ahead before Nicky Law levelled on 90 minutes, but just moments later former Crystal Palace striker Sow snatched three points for the visitors in a thrilling finale.
Gers skipper Lee McCulloch unfurled the League One title flag before kick-off but on this performance, the Tynecastle side will fancy their chances of going straight up to the Premiership as champions this season.
After the flag celebration, the Govan Stand had officially been renamed the Sandy Jardine Stand in memory of the former Scotland player who had served both clubs with distinction, before passing away in April with a long battle with cancer.
Following the pre-match formalities, it took a while for the focus to shift to the pitch but Rangers should have gone in front after 19 minutes when Miller's shot was blocked by Ozturk and the deflection fell for David Templeton, but he somehow put his close-range header over the bar.
After soaking up the majority of the first-half pressure, Robbie Neilson's men began to take control as Wilson found space on the left and his inviting ball almost found the stretching Ozturk before Sam Nicholson headed Sow's cross straight at Cammy Bell.
And the Gorgie men started the second half just as well, taking advantage of the set piece to take the lead as Wilson squeezed between McCulloch and Lee Wallace to bullet Billy King's corner into the net and spark wild celebrations from Hearts' 1,700 strong travelling support.
Hearts were dealt a blow midway through the half when Neil Alexander was carried from the field on a stretcher after colliding with Ozturk while gathering a Law free-kick and was replaced by another ex-Rangers keeper Scott Gallacher.
It looked like Rangers would take a point when Law volleyed in from 12 yards after being set up by Miller but in dramatic fashion Hearts restored their lead through Sow after he had run onto a Nicholson pass.
More action followed as Wallace's low cross ricocheted in the box and Miller should have burst the net, but he swiped wide, condemning Rangers to an opening-day defeat.
Elsewhere in the SPFL Scottish Championship:-
Queen of the South striker Derek Lyle recorded the first goal of the new Scottish Championship season as his early strike set up a comfortable 2-0 win against Alloa.
The hosts took the lead after seven minutes at Palmerston Park when Lyle finished smartly from the centre of penalty area.
Gavin Reilly extended the advantage not long before the interval following a quick breakaway, the striker scoring with a left-foot drive into the top corner from Iain Russell's neat pass.
And some gutsy defending by Jim McIntyre's men in the second half ensured no way back for Alloa as they slipped to an opening day defeat.
Raith Rovers opened their Scottish Championship campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over Dumbarton.
The hosts lost last week's two-goal hero Calum Elliot through injury inside 10 minutes before Paul Watson drove in the opener after 55 minutes from Christian Nade's slide-rule pass from inside his own half.
Former Dundee winger Ryan Conroy doubled the lead with 13 minutes remaining with a stunning free-kick into the top corner.
Nade added a third with a smart finish before a consolation by Scott Agnew in the dying embers.
Cowdenbeath played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Falkirk on the opening day of the Scottish Championship.
Lewis Milne slotted the opener past Bairns goalkeeper Jamie McDonald in the 34th minute but Falkirk were level just two minutes into the second half when Sean Higgins sent a wonderful curling effort into the top corner.
Higgins wrestled back the initiative for the home side after 57 minutes, holding off a couple of challenges before firing high into the net.
However, the visitors were not to be denied, securing a share of the spoils through Botti Bia Bi, who guided a header into the bottom corner from a Craig Sibbald cross 13 minutes from time.
The SPFL Scottish League One action:-
PRE-SEASON title favourites Dunfermline were held to a goalless draw by Brechin at East End Park in their first league match of the new season.
RORY McAllister's late goal for Peterhead earned the newly-promoted side a 1-1 draw with Stirling Albion.
Stenhousemuir opened their Scottish League One campaign with a 1-0 win against Airdrieonians courtesy of a late Martin Grehan effort.
PLAY-OFF hopefuls Stranraer had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their League One opener after being pegged back by Forfar Athletic.
RYAN Donnelly's goal 11 minutes from time gave Ayr United a 1-0 victory over 10-man Greenock Morton.
The SPFL Scottish League Two action:-
ALBION Rovers came from behind to beat play-off hopefuls Annan Athletic on the first day of the Scottish League Two season.
BERWICK Rangers were made to rue a string of missed chances as they were beaten 2-1 at home to Arbroath on the opening day of the season.
CRAIG Gunn's late goal helped Elgin City win a tightly-contested battle with East Fife at Borough Briggs.
MONTROSE banished the ghosts of two early cup defeats with a confident 4-1 victory in their first league outing against East Stirling.
BARRY Ferguson's Clyde staged a late comeback to defeat Queen's Park on the opening day of the League Two season.
Last updated: 10 August 2014 08:34am
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