There are new league leaders in the Scottish Premier League, albeit familiar ones in the shape of Celtic. The Glasgow team returned to their familiar number 1 spot in the SPL while their Old Firm rivals Rangers could only draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Only goal difference separates the Glasgow giants in 1st and 2nd spot, and could change places after next week's Old Firm encounter at Parkhead - the first of the season.
Saturday 23rd August 2008
Aberdeen 1 Rangers 1 (HT 1-1)
This was a case of Rangers squandering numerous chances and the Dons being extremely economical with their only good chance! Defender David Weir put the 'Gers ahead after 27 minutes but the Glaswegians were pegged back on the stroke of half time when Derek Young equalised for Aberdeen. Controversy hinged on the 'goal' by Rangers' DaMarcus Beasley that was disallowed in 2nd half injury time.
Celtic 3 Falkirk 0 (HT 2-0)
Celtic climbed to the top of the table with a convincing win over a plucky Bairns side. Prodigal son Shaun Maloney replaced Venegoor of Hesselink after 28 minutes and produced a man of the match performance for the Parkhead side. While a question remains over the opening goal by skipper Stephen McManus, Greek striker Giorgios Samaras lit the atmosphere with two fine goals in either half.
Hearts 2 St. Mirren 1 (HT 1-0)
A 2nd half penalty by Michael Stewart secured all three points for the Tynecastle men. Hearts struggled to break down St. Mirren even after the dismissal of Tonet Gilerao in the 26th minute. Mole fired in the opener just before half time, but when Billy Mehmet equalised for Saints a draw was looking likely. Step forward Michael Stewart - the Hearts midfielder scored from the spot in the 75th minute to earn the points.
Inverness CT 1 Hibernian 1 (HT 1-0)
A draw was a fair result for both sides in this contest, with Colin Nish's second half strike for Hibernian salvaging a point after Don Cowie had put Caley in front.
Kilmarnock 1 Hamilton 0 (HT 1-0)
Hamilton endured their first SPL defeat, a Pascali goal in first half injury time putting paid to their hopes of winning three in a row.
Motherwell 1 Dundee United 1 (HT 1-1)
John Sutton's return to SPL action after a stint in English football saw him fire Motherwell ahead on 34 minutes. This was cancelled out 6 minutes later by Lee Wilkie to give each side a share of the spoils.
Next Week's Fixtures are:
Saturday 30th August 2008Dundee United v Kilmarnock
Falkirk v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Hamilton Academicals v Hearts
Hibernian v Motherwell
Sunday 31st August 2008
Celtic v Rangers (12.30)
