Points from the Weekend (All Scotland Edition)

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

ST JOHNSTONE V ABERDEEN

Aberdeen’s title challenge took another knock after a draw at McDiarmid Park on Friday night stopped them from returning to the summit of the Scottish Premiership table.

The result marks the Dons’ second consecutive draw, with Aberdeen being forced to pull-off a miraculous comeback against Dundee last week, and leaves Celtic at the top, on goal difference, with two games in hand.

St Johnstone picked up all three points against their opponents in the same fixture back in August, and it was the hosts who took the lead after a promising start.

Simon Lappin’s half-volley deservedly put the Saints ahead, and, with a mean St Johnstone defence offering little space for Aberdeen, it appeared that the visitors might leave McDiarmid Park empty handed.

But in the 57^th minute Adam Rooney scored a tremendous long-range effort to equalise, and, despite a thrilling final ten minutes, both sides had to settle for a point.

Neither side could boast a fully-fit first-team, as injuries forced a number of changes. Jonny Hayes, impressive in the central position during the Dons’ recent run of results, had to fill in at left-back, freeing up space for Willo Flood to make his return.

St Johnstone’s attacking options were also limited. The influential trio of Michael O’Halloran, James McFadden and Brian Graham were all either out or on the bench, leaving Chris Kane, back from a productive loan-spell at Dumbarton, to start as the lone-striker. Despite the long list of injuries, it was St Johnstone who had the better start.

The hosts bombarded the Dons’ defence for the opening ten minutes; refusing to let them settle and capitalising on the raucous atmosphere inside McDiarmid Park.

Kane tested Scott Brown’s reactions – the Aberdeen keeper was quick off his line to stop him making the most of a loose back-pass – and then had a curling effort that just ran past the far post.

David Wotherspoon then came close to opening the scoring for both teams. Finding himself on the edge of the box, he dummied his initial effort to create space and then unleashed a thunderous shot that refused to dip. Minutes later, he produced a lazy back-pass that almost sent Niall McGinn one-on-one with Alan Mannus – luckily for Wotherspoon, the St Johnstone keeper charged off his line and cleared the ball.

Aberdeen started to settle into the match but couldn’t create any clear chances, and in the 29^th minute Lappin sent St Johnstone into the lead.

A deep cross found Wotherspoon and Considine in the centre, and, although the Dons’ centre-back reached the ball first, his header landed at the feet of Lappin. The St Johnstone midfielder half-volleyed the ball from yards out, leaving Brown with no chance of pulling off a save.

The Dons piled on the pressure coming into half-time: McGinn had a hard shot, but directed it straight at Mannus; chaos caused by a free-kick almost resulted in the ball being snuck over the line; and, from the subsequent corner, David Goodwillie’s header bounced off the crossbar.

Lee Croft almost extended the slender lead one minute into the second-half, cutting inside and releasing a shot that beat Brown, but couldn’t beat the post.

The Dons pressed for an equaliser but the St Johnstone continued to keep things tight at the back – not that that stopped Adam Rooney in the 57^th minute.

The prolific striker latched onto a long-ball, darted into the centre, and, with two centre-backs in his path, released a thunderous shot that curled into the top corner.

The game then descended into an end-to-end battle as both sides looked to sneak a winner.

Perhaps feeling their title aspirations slipping through their fingers, the Dons increased the pressure, and Rooney and McGinn had good shots saved by Mannus. The St Johnstone stopped then pulled off another excellent save to deny Lawrence Shankland from claiming a late winner.

As the match entered added-time Brown had to pull off three excellent saves back-to-back, palming away an initial effort before blocking two close-range shots from O’Halloran.

McLean then missed the chance to seal the three points for the hosts as the clock ticked down. O’Halloran slipped a cross through the box, but the St Johnstone midfielder couldn’t make the vital touch.

INVERNESS GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS

John Hughes must see it as an advantageous situation that his Inverness team are out of the spotlight. With all eyes fixated on Aberdeen’s title challenge, it’s easy to forget that Caley Thistle are just one point behind their northern neighbours, and just four off league leaders Celtic – although the Bhoys do have a game in hand. In fact, Inverness are the Scottish Premiership’s in-form team at the moment, having picked up 15 points from their last five matches – one point more than the Dons have racked up in the same time. Yet, at the same time, their success has come at a cost.

Hughes has utilised the smallest group of players in the league – just 18 have made an appearance – and the defensive quintet of Dean Brill, Graeme Shinnie, Josh Meekings, Gary Warren and David Raven have started at least 22 of their 23 league matches. Yet it’s clear that in the summer Hughes has a rebuilding job on his hands. Shinnie, one of, if the not the, best left-backs in Scotland has attracted the attention of the likes of Aberdeen and clubs south of the border, and Billy Mackay, who’s found his scoring boots after an unproductive start to his campaign, is another target. Inverness have been quick to sign some of their other key players to longer contracts – midfielder Grey Tansey is tied down until 2017 – and one lure that could keep them at the Caledonian Stadium is the prospect of European football. That’s why it’s so important Hughes makes this season count.

Dundee United are in hot pursuit of the Highland club, trailing by just two points, and with just three European spots up for grabs, Hughes needs his team to keep on winning – just as they did at New Douglas Park on Saturday.

It was a familiar scoreline, as Inverness left Hamilton as 2-0 victors for the second time this season – they paid the promoted side a visit on the opening day of the season. Shinnie assisted the opener, his shot being saved but then pushed into the net by the unfortunate Grant Gillespie, before some tidy team-work set up Nick Ross for the second.

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

HIBS ARE A CONFIDENCE TEAM

I’d last visited Easter Road on the opening day of the season. On that cool, summer afternoon Hibs, despite beating Livingston 2-1, offered glimpses of the issues that had plagued them in the Premiership the season prior. Under Terry Butcher the Edinburgh club had developed a complex; appearing more nervous in winning positions than in losing ones. Their capitulation in the play-off final second-leg came as a result of this mind-set – entering the second-leg, a home-affair, after strolling to a comfortable 2-0 win at Hamilton, the Accies’ determination and momentum offered a stark contrast to Hibs’ big-match nerves, and after 120 minutes and penalties the home supporters filed out of Easter Road in silence.

The dire performances generated a strange atmosphere inside Easter Road during the latter-half of the 2013/14 campaign, so as I rocked up to Hibs’ stadium in the middle of August it made a nice change to feel optimism spreading around the stands. Within 19 minutes Hibs had taken a two-goal lead against a poor Livingston side, and it appeared that Alan Stubbs had injected some much needed vigour into the team’s style. But then a familiar problem slipped into Hibs game. The hosts allowed Livi to come back into the match, and Declan Gallagher punished them by reducing the deficit. And although Hibs escaped with all three points on that occasion, the second-half performance indicated that Stubbs hadn’t solved their main issue.

Hibs suffered four defeats in five matches after that opening encounter, and at the same time Hearts put their 2013/14 gloom behind them and began to dominate the league. The contrasting mentalities were evident: Hearts had closed their difficult chapter and appeared to focus on the positives; Hibs looked a cohesive unit but couldn’t shift the anxiety that crept into their game – the burden remained. The game after their defeat to Queen of the South, Alan Stubbs’ side travelled to Ibrox and dismantled Rangers 3-1, in a match that marked the true start of their season.

Including that result, Hibs have collected 30 points from their last 15 games, including successive draws against their Edinburgh rivals. I had the fortune of witnessing their last home game, and the change in atmosphere, both in the stadium and around the team, demonstrated progress.

Hibs had been frustrated the week before; leading 3-1 at half-time, the Edinburgh side gave Falkirk too much freedom and Peter Houston’s team left Easter Road with a point. Hibs weren’t feeling so generous when Cowdenbeath visited. Paul Hanlon headed in a corner to open the scoring before the ten minute mark, and Jason Cummings, for his 11^th league goal, extended the lead soon after. The home supporters had to wait another 50 minutes for Hibs’ third, as Scott Robertson scored a majestic, solo-effort. Late strikes from Callum Booth and Louis Stevenson rounded off a comfortable afternoon for Hibs.

As good as the performance was – and Hibs looked more dynamic than last season – the thing that stuck out from the game was their attitude. Alan Stubbs’ side needed that run of positive results to boost their confidence, and the Blue Brazil, even during the 50 minutes between the second and third goals, never appeared to threaten the hosts. Although the automatic promotion place is almost certainly out of their reach, if Hibs continue to perform as they did against the Fifers, I’d bet on them overcoming Rangers, or whoever they could face in the play-offs.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE 1

DUNFERMLINE LACK SPEED AND SPARK

It would be an understatement to say that it’s been a disappointing season thus far for Dunfermline. The Pars, understandably, finished second behind the Rangers juggernaut last season, and a lame display in the second-leg of the play-off final saw them lose out on a place in the Championship to Fife rivals Cowdenbeath. Dunfermline responded by luring the league’s best player to East End Park: top-scorer Michael Moffat arrived from Ayr United, having notched 26 league strikers in 32 starts. Jim Jefferies had one objective: achieve promotion. Yet as Morton, the league’s other full-time club, hosted them on Saturday evening, Jim Jefferies had long-since retired from the game and Dunfermline sat outside the play-off places.

Dunfermline have almost every advantage they need to reach the Championship – the larger fan-base, the full-time schedule, the lure of possible second-tier football – and yet they are falling way short of what should be an obtainable goal – why?

The blame must fall at the feet of Jefferies and his management team. He failed to build a cohesive unit and lacked the man-management skills to get the best out of the most talented squad in the division. Moffat is a prime example. The former Ayr striker has struggled to replicate his lethal form, scoring a mere four goals in league competition, and he appears a shadow of his former-self. He looks bereft of confidence, snatches at chances, and doesn’t suit Dunfermline’s style – Jefferies did nothing to alter this. It came as little surprise that after a particularly dire performance at Airdrie, Jefferies resigned – although the retirement did come out of the blue. John Potter was announced as his successor, but results, and performances, haven’t improved.

Under Potter the Pars have collected just three points, and, until he sorts out their attacking problems, Dunfermline are going to languish outside the top four. The Fife side have the meanest defence in the league by some margin, having conceded 22 goals, highlighting the point that their problem isn’t organisation, but spark. The Pars have scored just 30 times in the league – fewer than any of the teams above them – and have problems creating chances. That much was evident by their display against Morton.

Dunfermline had the better of the chances in the first-half: Moffat burst ahead of his marker but dragged his shot past the left post, and then pulled back a cross that couldn’t be directed on target. But neither side created many chances, and both relied on set-pieces for their better opportunities.

After a drab start to the second-half Morton took the lead. The Ton countered a Dunfermline corner, and Peter MacDonald released a through-ball ahead of Ross Caldwell. The Morton striker, in space, took one touch and then drilled a low shot through the legs of Ryan Scully.

Being 1-0 behind, a team boasting the quality of Dunfermline should be pushing for an equaliser. But the Pars lack invention, and they registered just one shot on target for the remainder of the game – an Andrew Barrowman header that forced a reactionary save from the Morton keeper – and just three during the 90 minutes.

Then with nine minutes remaining Morton extended their lead. Another quick counter-attack caught the Pars off-guard and, the roles reversed, Caldwell slipped a ball through for MacDonald to slide in.

The result leaves Dunfermline four points behind Brechin, who have a game in hand, and on equal points with 7^th place Peterhead, who have two games in hand. If results favour the Blue Toon The Pars could sink to 6^th – although it’s doubtful that 7^th place Airdrie will further their troubles and catch up.

Points from the Weekend

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

MALLAN MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Stephen Mallan introduced himself to the St Mirren faithful in spectacular fashion. With St Mirren already one ahead at Den’s Park the young midfielder made a successful tackle and started to push ahead. He evaded one challenge, dummied and dribbled past another – the Dundee player fell over – nutmegged a third man as he continued his run, turned inside, avoiding a tackle from the same man, and unleashed a curling shot into the bottom-right corner. The mesmerising goal earned him the instant attention of the manager and the supporters, and has been watched over 700,000 times on YouTube. Despite this, his goal on Saturday was his most important yet.

St Mirren and Ross County have been abject this season – there can be little argument – but with Motherwell still struggling, three points this weekend offered both teams not just the chance to escape the automatic-relegation place, but to also close the gap on the 10^th place Steelmen – a spot that guarantees Premiership competition next season. So, having suffered three defeats since Mallan’s strike helped sink Dundee, could St Mirren’s latest prospect make the difference once again?

Yoann Arquin, signed for the Saints after his release from the Highland club, pushed a long-ball into the path of Mallan. The SPFL Young Player of the Month for December knocked the ball past one defender, dribbled around a second, and drove a hard shot at Antonio Reguero. The County keeper, however, didn’t catch the ball and instead palmed it in the direction of Sean Kelly. The St Mirren left-back made a simple tap-in to send the Saints ahead.

St Mirren continued to push the hosts and came close to a second on a couple of occasions. Despite his move from Dingwall, Yoann Arquin made one last offering to his former club, kicking out at Lewis Toshney and earning himself a straight red. The Staggies began to impose themselves on the match, and Craig Curran should’ve sent the hosts ahead when he went one-on-one with Mark Ridgers; instead, he crumbled under the pressure – he had almost too much time – and tapped a tame effort straight at the St Mirren keeper. County finally made their numerical advantage count with eight minutes remaining. Liam Boyce met a flick-on and, untracked and unmarked, he headed the ball into the net from point-blank range.

But it wasn’t to be for Jim McIntyre’s men. First Ridgers pulled off a reactionary save to deny Jackson Irvine’s strong header, and then St Mirren punished County for poor defending. Kelly and Mallan reversed roles, with the 18-year-old diving low to send Kelly’s cross in for the crucial three points.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

THE BATTLE FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COMMENCES

The Premier League’s top four has become stagnant. The Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal have formed a reformed ‘big four’ in recent seasons, and their spending habits are in danger of cementing their positions long-term. It makes it all the more brilliant that Southampton are, while perhaps not in the long-term, but at least for this season, are threatening to upset the balance.

The Saints were not expected to be challenging for entry into Europe’s premier club competition. In fact, some ‘pundits’ thought Southampton would be scrapping for Premier League survival. The reasons for this have been documented – Ronald Koeman’s managerial skills and their success in the transfer market – and it’s helped that the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are not performing as they did last season. And the latter are one of the teams in danger of losing out on Champions League football altogether.

It could be argued that Arsenal need a seasons break from the Champions League. Arsene Wenger has spoken of finishing in the top four as a ‘trophy’ – something he’s achieved every season since the 1997/98 campaign – and it’s been a divisive statement among supporters. I’ve spoken to Arsenal fans disillusioned with football; uninspired with the aim of finishing fourth season-after-season and desperate for something more. Wenger’s statement almost confirms his belief that Premier League football is a business – which it’s difficult to argue against – and that the funds generated by entry into the Champions League is the prize. It’s a depressing outlook. But if Southampton take that third place, leaving one spot for several big clubs to fight for, the Gunners could be among those missing out. Would that signal the end of the Wenger era at the Emirates? He’s heard the calls for his resignation numerous times – often proving his critics wrong by reaching the Champions League again – and, by making his ‘fourth place is a trophy’ claim, he might have dug his own grave. Would the loyal supporters still outnumber those calling for his resignation? Would the board be happy without the extra money? Would the players settle for second-rate European competition? Those questions could also be asked of Louis van Gaal at the end of this season.

After Manchester United’s defeat at home to Southampton last weekend, sending Koeman’s side third at their expense, the pressure has started to mount on van Gaal. After spending £150 million in the transfer market, Champions League football should be the aim – at the bare minimum. While the Red Devils are fourth, like Southampton, they’ve benefitted from Liverpool’s struggles and Arsenal’s inconsistencies. That won’t matter at the end of the season – as long as they finish in the top four. It was noted last week that United had the same amount of points from the same number of games as they did under the much-derided David Moyes last season. While van Gaal benefits from better press and from his world class reputation, the Scotsman lacked the £150 million that the Dutchman had to spend. Van Gaal also came under fire this weekend. His stubborn dedication to the 3-5-2 has cost United points this season, and almost did on Saturday. Only with his half-time change to a more traditional 4-4-2 were the visitors able to beat a relegation-threatened QPR. So with some fans already frustrated with his methods, would he be able to survive a season outside the Champions League? Arsenal are just one point behind, putting on the pressure, and they are not the only ones.

Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool and three, four and five points off United respectively. None of these three sides are expected to challenge, but that doesn’t mean they won’t – or at least affect the outcome. Spurs had a sluggish start under Mauricio Pochettino but have improved, although they are pushing their luck with tight wins at the moment, and have quietly snuck up on the Champions League places. West Ham have had a great campaign so far and, although it’s easy to write them off, they still haven’t fallen away yet. Liverpool had a dreadful start but have improved – they have picked up 14 points from their last six matches – and the return of Daniel Sturridge could be just the boost they need to made one last ditch run for a second-consecutive season in the Champions League. Brendan Rodgers’ job could depend on it.

All six teams won at the weekend – Arsenal’s surprise victory at the Etihad being the pick of the bunch – but there’s still 16 games remaining for all the clubs involved. The race for the Champions League has started.

Points from the Weekend

PREMIER LEAGUE

MATCH OF THE WEEK: MANCHESTER UNITED 0-1 SOUTHAMPTON

A Dusan Tadic goal helped Southampton record their first victory at Old Trafford since 1988, sending the Saints third in the Premier League table.

The Serbian substitute had an almost immediate impact, creating a clear chance for Graziano Pelle, which the striker sent crashing into the post, and then redirecting the rebound past David de Gea.

The result means United have the same amount of points at the same stage of the season as they did under David Moyes last season.

With Arsenal one point behind the Red Devils, and Tottenham also in the chase, the pressure is mounting on Louis van Gaal to secure Champions League football after his summer spending spree.

Southampton had an energetic start, pressing United back into a defensive position and exploiting the gaps on the flanks. Nathaniel Clyne, going up against his former compatriot Luke Shaw on the right-side, found enough space for a shot but couldn’t direct it on target.

After a rough start United started to settle, dictating the tempo and biding their time for an opening. However, the Saints offered a stout resistance, and the home side resorted to long balls to test the Premier League’s most resilient back-line this season – Southampton have conceded just 15 goals.

With both teams keeping things tight at the back the tempo dropped. United began to dominate possession and started to find more success using their pace, stopping Southampton from retreating and defending in numbers. This forced Saints to remain deep, meaning the game became a drab spectacle: United couldn’t penetrate the Southampton defence and Southampton couldn’t push into the United half.

As the first-half came to an end, Angel di Maria summed it all up. He raced ahead, but realising options were slim he opted to unleash a furious long-range shot at the hoardings – it meant neither side had had a single shot-on-target.

The start to the second-half mirrored events in the first: Southampton threatened from the opening minute but didn’t capitalise on their chances, and, after five minutes, United settled and started to control possession.

As the match passed the 60 minute mark Ronald Koeman’s side looked a little more dangerous than in the first-half. Both managers then made possible game-changing substitutions: van Persie, who looked isolated up front, came off for Ander Herrera – pushing Wayne Rooney into a more attacking role – and Dusan Tadic came on for debutant Eljero Elia. Luke Shaw, after a disappointing display against his former side, was replaced by Tyler Blackett.

And one of the substitutions did have the desired impact. Surrounded by red shirts, Tadic slipped a through ball out to the unmarked Graziano Pelle. The Italian striker slammed a thunderous effort at the post but the rebound rolled out to Tadic, and he directed it into the empty net.

Old Trafford tried to spur the home side on but Juan Mata wasted United’s best chances to equalise.

For the first he missed an almost open goal – Forster was on the ground after botching a clearance – from yards out, sending his shot across the face of the goal. Then, minutes later, he timed a run to perfection and met a curling cross as it reached the six-yard-box at ground level. Mata turned his foot to re-direct the ball but sent it over the crossbar. For the third he stood on the edge of the box and met a pulled back pass – again he sent his first-time shot wide of the mark.

With minutes remaining Pelle had a chance to cement Southampton’s three points, but, perhaps not realising he had his marker beaten, rushed his chance and sent it wide.

The announcement of five minutes being added-on earned a frustrated reaction from the Southampton section of the support. Would Louis van Gaal’s side have a ‘Fergie Time’ finish? No. The Saints held out for a crucial three points.

PARDEW MUST MAKE SELHURST A FORTRESS AGAIN

After a tense final ten minutes, Selhurst Park erupted in celebration. Crystal Palace, under the guidance of Alan Pardew, escaped the relegation zone and leapt up to 15^th in the table. Selhurst had lost its spark during Neil Warnock’s short tenure at Palace; something that had been such a feature as Tony Pulis guided the club to safety last season. But that energy returned against Tottenham, and it’s crucial that Pardew, although he’s kept Palace out of the bottom three for at least a week – QPR, second from bottom, are one point behind – makes use of the atmosphere, and the performances it helps generate.

Pulis, this weekend doing the same job for West Bromich Albion as he did at Selhurst, made Palace’s stadium a formidable ground after his arrival. From the 13 Premier League home games he managed Palace in last season Palace picked up an impressive 23 points – about 1.8 points-per-game. It included the memorable comeback against Liverpool, driving the nail in the Reds’ title campaign, and a tight 1-0 win over Chelsea. Only four teams escaped with the three points: both Manchester clubs, Southampton, and Pardew’s Newcastle.

Compare that to Warnock’s run. The former Sheffield United manager had nine Premier League home matches in charge and mustered a mere eight points – less than a point-per-game. In those nine games Palace notched ten goals, including three against Liverpool, and, mixed with dreary performances and a presence in the relegation zone, it’s obvious why the supporters started to lose faith and quieten, and why a managerial change was needed. Not that the change seemed to make much difference in the opening 20 minutes against Spurs.

There had been little for the home support to cheer. Tottenham had dictated the early stages of the match – Palace had a mere 25% possession – and came within inches of taking the lead: some smart passes cut through the Palace defence and found Christian Eriksen in the centre of the box. The Dane couldn’t handle the pace of the pass and his shot slid past the post.

Over the next 20 minutes Selhurst Park began to warm up: Palace looked comfortable in possession and opportunities started to arise. Martin Kelly, putting on a fine defensive display, began Palace’s best chance on the 35 minute mark. The former Liverpool right-back, operating on the left against Spurs, refused to lose the ball and found James McArthur, who sent an immediate through-ball past the Tottenham defence. Glen Murray found himself one-on-one with the imposing Hugo Lloris, but the Frenchman charged off his line and the shot bounced off the under-side of Lloris’s right arm and bounced out for a corner.

The optimism that had been built in the first-half, and that had continued during the opening moments of the second, was silenced soon after kick-off. Spurs had struggled to create chances, but, as has been the case numerous times this season, Harry Kane created one for himself. The striker, with little space, found the bottom corner from a difficult angle and sent Spurs ahead. But Palace heads didn’t drop.

The Eagles pushed, having 12 shots – just three on target though – compared to Tottenham’s five, and started to control the pace of the game. Pardew, to his credit, also changed the game with some changes: Adlene Guedioura offered some spark in midfield and Wilfred Zaha wreaked havoc on the left-flank.

Then came the moment Selhurst Park had been waiting for. Benjamin Stambouli tripped Joe Ledley, and the referee pointed to the spot. Dwight Gayle didn’t let the tension build, smacking a hard penalty into the bottom corner.

Then, minutes after being denied a second spot-kick – Walker could count himself fortunate after raising his arm to block a cross – Zaha zipped past a couple of Spurs defenders and found Jason Puncheon inside the box. The winger hit a first-time shot past Lloris and Selhurst bounced once more.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

ALEX HARRIS SWAP PAYS OFF FOR DUNDEE

It’s been a quiet start to the transfer window in Scotland, with perhaps the biggest signing so far being Simon Murray’s £50,000 transfer to Dundee United – although he’ll remain in Arbroath on-loan until the end of the season. The Lichties’ striker has been in clinical form this season, notching 14 goals in 13 League 2 starts and playing a pivotal role in Arbroath’s four point lead at the top of the table.

The other, more surprising, major signing – or signings – is Alex Harris’s loan to Dundee, which saw striker Martin Boyle being sent in the opposite direction. It might come as a surprise due to the fact that Harris has been a bit-part player at Easter Road this season. He made four starts – and eight substitute appearances – before departing for Den’s Park. So why did Dundee make the move?

Dundee have set-up in a 4-2-3-1 for most of the season, with David Clarkson as the lone striker and Greg Stewart as the man cutting in from the left – Gary Harkins and Paul McGowan have also fitted into the system. But two things the Dees have lacked are width and pace; both things Harris offers. He made his debut against Motherwell on Saturday, making an immediate impact.

Just three minutes into the match Harris latched onto a pass from McGowan, turned inside – running at the Steelmen’s nervous defence – and unleashed a hard shot that bounced off Mark O’Brien and into the net.

Five minutes later Dundee added a second – Stewart getting his ninth league goal after his first shot hit the crossbar – before the visitors reduced the deficit. John Sutton beat Iain Davidson to a cross – the centre-back pairing of Davidson and new signing Kostadin Gadzhalov came in to replace the out-of-form Konrad and McPake – and turned the ball past Scott Bain. Gary Irvine capitalised on Dan Twardzik dropping a corner, sliding the ball into the empty net. O’Brien then rounded off his dreadful game by running into his own keeper and conceding the fourth.

Harris had three other great chances during the game and his pace injected some energy into the sometimes sluggish Dundee attack. It’ll be interesting to see how he’ll effect the Dundee attack in weeks to come.

IS THERE LIFE AFTER NEIL FOR HAMILTON?

Scottish clubs are suspicious of success. It can bring honours, funds, fans – it also brings attention. No club outside of the Old Firm can afford to challenge either Rangers or Celtic, or English clubs, in wages or the chance to further one’s career, and there are numerous examples of good teams who’ve had their stars poached. Hamilton have rocketed up the league, including a brief period in peak position, and although the Accies have been unable to rediscover their consistent form, there must still be the nagging question at the back of their fan’s minds: how long can we keep our best players?

Tony Andreu, arguably the front-runner for Player of the Year thus far, and current league top-scorer, must be attracting the attention of some Championship clubs. There’s also the issue of contracts coming to an end, which is the case for most of the Accies’ first-teamers. So as the winter transfer window swung open, it must have come as a surprise to Hamilton fans that the first player to be poached from their squad wasn’t picked for his performances on the pitch, but rather those off it.

Last week Norwich announced the capture of Hamilton player-manager Alex Neil. It landed like a punch to the gut. Under Neil Hamilton reached the Scottish Premiership in entertaining fashion and demolished pre-season expectations that they would sink and return to the Championship the first time of asking. Good players can be replaced; can the manager?

Hamilton are a team that like to build from the inside – Neil was promoted to the first-team managers role after working as the assistant to Billy Reid – so it came as no surprise to hear defender Martin Canning, who has been working with Hamilton’s development side – they are currently at the top of the development division – would be filling in in the short-term. He certainly had the support of the home fans as Dundee United visited New Douglas Park.

It had been a quiet 35 minutes, and neither team could some to unlock the other’s defence. But as the ball came to Stuart Armstrong, 30-yards-out from goal, space opened up and he unleashed a thunderous drive. Michael McGovern dived, his fingers skimming the spinning ball, but he couldn’t get enough purchase to stop the effort.

The stadium announcer hadn’t even finished confirming the half-time change for Hamilton as Gary Mackay-Steven extended United’s lead. He capitalised on Grant Gillespie’s ball-watching – he slipped in as left-back after the change – and came inside for an easy strike.

Canning’s self-imposed exclusion from the side meant Spanish defender Jesus Garcia Tena filled in at centre-back after a recent spell on the bench. Tena repaid the choice by reducing the deficit with a curling, fast free-kick that gave Radoslaw Cierzniak.

13 minutes later and Ali Crawford levelled the score. Andreu released a well-timed through ball that cut out the United defence and sent Crawford one-on-one with Cierzniak. The Polish keeper reacted quickly, but could only block the first shot – the ball took a favourable bounce back towards Crawford and he lofted it back into the empty net.

But any hopes of an amazing comeback ended in the 77^th minute, as Sean Dillon, offered too much space by the Accies, used his strength to header Chris Erskine’s corner into the roof of the net.

McGovern pulled off some excellent saves to deny Armstrong, Erskine and Nadir Ciftci, but Cierzniak also stopped a thunderous free-kick hit by Crawford – United escaped from New Douglas Park with all three points.

Hamilton, although they’ll be disappointed having not picked up a point after such a dramatic turn-around, had much to take from that second-half performance. The Accies aim for this season should be a top-six finish – they are currently fourth – and under Canning I’m confident they’ll easily achieve that.