Celtic and Rangers find themselves in the top half of the table after the first round of games in the Scottish Premier League. Newly promoted Hamilton are the early leaders after an energetic home victory against Dundee United, while Hearts and Kilmarnock also win their opening fixtures.
Saturday 9th August
Falkirk 0 Rangers 1 (HT 0-0)
Manager Walter Smith breathed a sigh of relief as his Rangers team picked up three crucial points following Andrius Velicka's winning goal in the 64th minute. 10 minutes earlier Allan McGregor came to the rescue for the 'Gers when he saved Michael Higdon's penalty. Falkirk pressed for an equaliser but Kirk Broadfoot denied Higdon from getting a shot in with a good challenge.
Aberdeen 0 Inverness CT 2 (HT 0-1)
This northern battle ended in a surprise result - goals from Andrew Barrowman and Roy McBain ensured a first ever win for the highlanders against Aberdeen. After 17 attempts Inverness were able to celebrate victory against their more illustrious opponents, and debutant Barrowman fired home after 27 minutes to set them on their way. The win was sealed by McBain in the final minute - finishing well against Langfield.
Hearts 3 Motherwell 2 (HT 2-1)
There was plenty of excitement at Tynecastle, Hearts edging a 5 goal thriller against their Lanarkshire opponents. Hearts opened the scoring through midfielder Michael Stewart on 24 minutes but David Clarkson levelled 8 minutes later for Motherwell. Ksanavicius bravely pounced to put Hearts in front just before the interval, but Clarkson popped up again in the 81st minute to equalise. A share of the spoils looked likely, but Mikoliunas had other ideas, scoring the winner almost immediately. It was harsh on Motherwell, but a great start for new Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo.
Kilmarnock 1 Hibernian 0 (HT 0-0)
A disappointing game at Rugby Park came to life in the 80th minute when Killie substitiute Jamie Hamill drilled in a great goal from 20 yards. Steven Fletcher and Filipe Morais had good chances for the Edinburgh visitors, but Hamill's goal proved to be the winner for the Ayrshire side.
Sunday 10th August
Celtic 1 St. Mirren 0 (HT 0-0)
This was a lethargic display by the champions in front of their home fans at Celtic Park. The first half was entirely forgettable, and when Jan Venegoor of Hesselink was adjudged to have been impeded by St. Mirren defender Will Haining, referee Eddie Smith pointed to the penalty spot and dismissed the Saints defender. Celtic midfielder scored from the spot and the hoops held on to collect an unconvincing three points.
Monday 11th August
Hamilton Academicals 3 Dundee United 1 (HT 2-1)
Newly promoted Accies proudly sit on top of the SPL after a thundering display against United. They had the worst possible start when defender Mark McLaughlin headed an own goal to give the Arabs an early lead on 23 minutes. However Hamilton hit back with Tony Stevenson's free kick and James McArthur to put them in front just before the interval. Billy Reid's were deserving winners, and the contest was settled by David Graham's clinching goal on 63 minutes.
So a dream start for Hamilton, but tougher tests lie ahead. The next round of fixtures takes place on weekend 16/17 August:
Hibernian v Falkirk
Saturday 16:
Inverness CT v Hamilton
Motherwell v Aberdeen
Rangers v Hearts
St. Mirren v Kilmarnock
Sunday 17th: Dundee United v Celtic
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