Scottish Championship: One Step Forward For Rangers

The chaos at Ibrox has subsided. The endless stories, financial troubles, boardroom bust-ups, dubious businessmen – Dave King’s arrival appears to have silenced the chaos. For once, the fans can focus on on-the-field matters. Unfortunately for them, the 2014/15 Championship season has been horrendous, and their chances of reaching the Premiership at the first time of asking appear slim. Gers steamrolled through leagues one and two, decimating team-after-team, before reaching the Championship and facing their toughest task to date: Hearts and Hibs. For the first time in years, Rangers faced realistic challengers, full-time clubs who had squads at least as talented as theirs. And as the season reaches its climax, with the play-offs looming, it’s the Edinburgh clubs who look like earning promotion, leaving Rangers to face another season in the second tier.

The problems stem from the club’s initial demotion to League 2. Using their financial advantage, Rangers lured the likes of Ian Black, David Templeton and Dean Shiels to the bottom tier of Scottish football. These players risked the chance to further their career, perhaps earning a transfer south of the border, for secure financial gain. And as Rangers progressed through the leagues, other Premiership-quality players joined the squad: Jon Daly, Nicky Clark, Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller etc. This created three problems for the club: the team weren’t developing young players, who could be blooded against lower league opponents and later sold on – Lewis MacLeod was the only youth prospect to be given sustained time in the first-team; Ally McCoist didn’t have to create a system, or develop tactics for different situations, because the players at his disposal were far better than those at Annan or Elgin; and the players, only at Ibrox for the money, became unmotivated and stagnant, and in some cases regressed because of this. It’s left Stuart McCall in quite the predicament.

Based on their performances against Alloa and Livingston, this season would be better being a write-off for McCall. The former Motherwell manager needs to purge the squad, skimming the excess and the unmotivated, and demonstrate his abilities to find decent players on a limited budget. McCall did an excellent job at Fir Park of replacing the star players like Michael Higdon and Tom Hateley, and building a team that finished second last season despite a much-smaller budget than third-place Aberdeen. But on Sunday, against Hibs, he would have seen a motivated, organised team for first-time this season.

McCall adopted a 3-5-2 for the game, flooding the midfield to squeeze the amount of space available for Hibs’ dynamic midfield diamond. Dropping Boyd for just the third time this season, Miller started up-front alongside Clark, who scored both of Rangers’ goals against Alloa midweek. A back-three of Mohsni, McCulloch and Zaliukas started, with Wallace and McGregor on either flank; Murdoch, Shiels and Law formed the midfield trio.

Rangers, surprisingly, had a more energetic start than their opponents, but it was Hibs who had the first chance to take the lead. Mohsni misjudged a diagonal cross, leaving Liam Fontaine for a free header, which bounced just past the left-post. But it appeared that McCall have chosen the right tactics, focusing on the wings and limiting the amount of space Hibs had in the midfield. It became obvious from the opening minutes that, if Rangers were going to get something from the game, Wallace and McGregor needed to impress.

As the match reached the quarter-mark neither side had been able to create many opportunities, and it appeared to be developing into a rather tight affair. Hibs settled into the game, starting to control possession, but the back-three did an admirable job at keeping the attackers on a short-leash. Wallace was the most dangerous attacking output for Rangers, using his speed to cover long distances on the left-flank before cutting inside; it didn’t take long for him to start drawing fouls. Rangers did have a number of set-piece chances, free-kicks outside the box and corners, but their deliveries, for the most part, were dreadful.

As half-time approached, Rangers took the lead through a chaotic goal. Miller dummied a shot, letting Clark’s cross run through to McGregor, who had positioned himself in the box. His effort was blocked, but Wallace reacted quickest, blasting the ball straight past Mark Oxley from close-range. Hibs tried to push for an equaliser in added-time, but the Gers used numbers to pack the box. As the referee blew his whistle, Rangers held the lead and Hearts appeared to be heading to the Championship title.

One of the criticisms of Rangers this season has been the effort put into their performances – it wasn’t something that could be said of them at Easter Road. The three-man midfield kept Scott Allan and co quiet for most of the game, and at no stage did their energy levels drop.

A counter-attack could have led to a second around the 50^th minute. Wallace and Miller linked-up to send the left-back into acres of space, however, Wallace opted to cut inside, where Robertson waited to snatch the ball. Clark couldn’t mask his frustration, having stood unmarked in the centre, when Wallace chose to dribble rather than make a rather simple cross.

Both sides then had chances to score: Miller sent Clark through from a tight angle, but a last-ditch slide from Hanlon blocked the shot; Dja-Djedje then capitalised on Mohsni’s slip to run into space, but he tried to cut a pass through to Malonga rather than shoot. It proved to be a costly choice, as Rangers extended their lead minutes later.

The second came from a controversial moment. Wallace, charging to meet a ball in the box, wiped out Hanlon. For a moment, the players stuttered, predicting that the referee would call for a free-kick. With space having opened up, Miller collected the loose ball and, with no Hibs players having reacted to the lack of a whistle, he ran into the box and thumped the ball past Oxley. He was jubilant, running into the Rangers’ support after 80 minutes of hard work, and deservedly got a standing ovation during his substitution.

The goal took the wind out of Hibs; the Rangers fans, for the first time in a while, had something to sing about. As the referee called for full-time, the visiting supporters erupted. Hearts had clinched the title, but Rangers had secured their first three points under McCall.

In the short term, the result leaves Rangers in third, three points behind Hibs, with a game-in-hand. More importantly, the game marks what should be a turning point Rangers’ season, and puts Hibs’ promotion ambitions in doubt. The ‘Gers looked energised and organised; the first time that has been said in a couple of years.

In the long term, McCall needs to start thinking about his squad next season. Wallace and McGregor impressed against Hibs, but there is still another month-and-a-half of the season remaining; there’s little point performing against Hibs, and then putting in a complacent effort against the likes of Dumbarton and Queen of the South. The likes of Bell, Murdoch and Clark need to earn their places; for Boyd, Black and co, they might need to begin searching for new clubs.

Scottish Championship: Alloa Can Avoid Relegation Play-Offs

It’s been almost five months since Alloa claimed points from back-to-back fixtures in the Championship – three solitary goals from Liam Buchanan earned them a point at Stark’s Park and Ibrox and a win against hapless Livingston. Since then, Alloa have collected a mere seven points from a possible 48. A winless run stretching from the end of November to the end of February heaped pressure on manager Barry Smith, and, despite a 2-0 victory over Cowdenbeath alleviating some of that, he handed in his resignation after a 1-0 loss at Dumbarton.

He didn’t, however, leave Alloa devoid of hope.

Alloa, despite that terrible run of form, had never looked that bad. In fact, from the point at Ibrox in mid-November to his departure after the loss under the shadow of the rock, Alloa only lost by more than one goal on three occasions – all against Hearts and Hibs. The problem, quite simply, is that Alloa can’t score. In Smith’s last 13 matches in charge, the Wasps’ opponents kept clean-sheets on ten occasions. Buchanan, the club’s top scorer, has notched ten goals, including a seven-match scoring streak. His last strike under Smith, however, had come in November – four months before the manager’s departure. It’s a dire run which has been offset somewhat by a strong defence.

It’s rare that a relegation threatened side have a decent defensive record. Seventh place Dumbarton have conceded 64, while the Blue Brazil have picked the ball out of the net 72 times – in comparison, the Wasps have conceded 19 less than the Sons. The reason that the Fife side are still in contention to avoid the drop, keeping within touching distance of Alloa, is because the Wasps, despite a decent enough defence, keep losing 1-0. Cowden might lose 10-0 to Hearts, no doubt an embarrassing scoreline, but those nine goals mean little in the points department. The strength of the defence has been enough for former manager Paul Hartley to sign Darryl Meggatt to a pre-contract agreement to bring him to Dundee. Meggatt, though, still has to focus on helping Alloa, and caretaker manager Paddy Connolly, avoid relegation. The task didn’t get off to a great start against Falkirk.

Familiar problems raised their heads, as Alloa had just as much possession and fired more shots-on-target than the Bairns – Falkirk still ran out 3-1 victors. Their next game, however, offered them a trip to a stadium they claimed a point from earlier in the season: Ibrox. The surprising addition of former Cardiff striker Michael Chopra to the squad might have attracted the headlines prior to the game, but after 90 minutes Alloa claimed another famous point thanks to a late strike from Buchanan. The chance to earn back-to-back points came against Raith Rovers, who are in mid-table limbo having claimed enough points to avoid the drop but not enough to catch Falkirk or Queen of the South for a top-four place. Alloa stated their intentions early in the match.

Liam Buchanan, hero at Ibrox, almost put Alloa ahead after 26 minutes. A dummy allowed a corner to reach the Alloa striker, but his blasted effort thundered off the post and out for a goal-kick.

Less than two minutes later, Stark’s Park celebrated a goal for the home side. Michael Doyle held Michael Stewart at arm’s length, waiting for Craig McDowall to collect the ball from his feet. The Wasps’ keeper stuttered; the Raith striker didn’t. Stewart capitalised on the communication failure and flicked the ball into the empty net.

Thankfully for McDowall, Alloa struck back almost immediately. A diagonal cross fell at the feet of Buchanan, who turned his marker and thumped the ball into the bottom-left corner.

McDowall also had the chance to make amends for his error as the match reached half-time. Stewart turned to begin celebrating after curling a quick shot at the bottom-right corner, however, the Alloa keeper had instantaneous reactions and his outstretched hands just pushed the shot around the post. The Raith striker put his head in his hands.

Alloa didn’t have time to settle into the second-half before Raith struck a second time. Grant Anderson’s whipped cross darted into the box, where Lewis Vaughan stretched out to redirect the ball into the bottom-right corner.

With 25 minutes remaining, Buchanan struck the woodwork for a second time. His strong header left David McGurn rooted to the spot, but the effort bounced off the post and rolled back past him – he couldn’t hide his frustration. If Alloa were going to find an equaliser, it was going to come through the diminutive striker. Buchanan’s movement and unrelenting running caused the Raith defence problem-after-problem, and he seemed to be the only attacking threat Alloa posed.

Ryan Conroy, Stewart and Vaughan all had chances as Raith pushed to cement the three points, but for all three opportunities McDowall reacted quickly to keep Alloa in the match. But despite his best efforts, time ran out on the Wasps, and Alloa returned to Recreation Park without a point.

The 2-1 loss at Raith leaves Alloa on level points with Cowdenbeath, who have two-games-in-hand. With Alloa’s next game being at home to bottom-side Livingston, the Wasps desperately need three points from that game to avoid being dragged into the play-off places.

Scottish Premiership: Hamilton Edge Closer To The Bottom Six

Before Arbroath’s League 2 tie against Clyde, I asked a group of disheartened supporters what had caused the Red Lichties’ form to dip so drastically. I had last seen them at Bayview, back in December, as they cruised to a comfortable 5-1 victory over East Fife and nothing in that performance indicated that that would be their last win until the Bully Wee turned up. The fans agreed that, quite simply, the players were trying too hard. While the response was, perhaps, a little simplistic, there looked to be some truth behind it. Against Clyde, they struggled for large periods but made the most of their chances to claim an uplifting three points. It became clear after the second goal that pressure was lifting off the shoulders of Murray and co, and as such their football looked less mechanical and more natural. Hamilton are suffering through a similar dip in form, but remain in desperate need of a confidence-building result.

Before the season kicked-off it had been predicted that Hamilton would suffer immediate relegation, but a brilliant run sent them to the summit of the league, and the Accies capped it off with a memorable 1-0 win at Parkhead. Momentum started to dip, as expected, but, for the most part, Hamilton looked comfortable in the top-six. But since Neil’s departure on January 9, a period during which top-scorers Mikael Antoine-Curier and Tony Andreu have also left the club, the Accies have been in free-fall.

Neil’s replacement came from within, as had Neil when, as assistant manager to Billy Reid, he filled in after Reid’s departure. It came as little surprise that Martin Canning, centre-back and coach of the development side, took over as caretaker, before taking the role in full – it’s how Hamilton operate. However, 11 matches into his run and it seems that Canning might not be the man to lead the Accies into next season. While Hamilton’s Premiership status is more-than-secure – that was almost guaranteed before Christmas – they’re still devoid of a win and their top-six status is on the line. Dundee and St Johnstone are closing in on the Accies, with games-in-hand, and, two games remaining before the split, it’s hard to imagine Hamilton retaining their position in the top-half.

These final couple of games are going to be a huge test of Canning’s abilities. Can he instil some confidence in a squad that looks bereft of spirit? Can he bring out the best out of the players that performed to such a high standard in the first-half of the season? Will he be able to sort out Hamilton’s attacking problems?

The departure of Antoine-Curier left Hamilton in an interesting position. Jason Scotland, the strong but immobile striker, had been released at the beginning of January – he’d resigned with the Lanarkshire club by the end of the month. The problem is that Scotland is not an out-an-out striker in the traditional sense, and is better used to hold-up the ball for other attackers to play-off – his recent goal against Ross County marked his first since August. But other attackers aren’t scoring. In fact, the Accies have scored a mere five goals in the 11 games since Neil’s departure and have ended goalless in eight of those. Their desperation for goals forced them to sign Nigel Hasselbaink, the former St Johnstone striker, who notched five goals in 30 appearances for the Saints last season.

The lack of confidence and a goal-scoring striker has played a huge role in Hamilton’s recent form, and, for a Motherwell side chasing Premiership survival, the fixture came at the perfect time.

The first-half was a non-affair, with both sides refusing to open up; tight and determined defending stopped either team from creating clear-cut chances. Tight defending and a lack of spark stopped both teams from creating clear cut chances in the first-half – Hamilton’s best efforts came from outside the box. Grant Gillespie, running onto a diagonal through ball, released a strike that refused to dip; and Dougie Imrie then unleashed a thunderous volley that crashed into the post and bounced out.

The Steelmen conceded a quick double in the opening minutes of the second-half at Aberdeen, which undid their determined performance and goal in the first-half. This weekend, for Motherwell, the scenario was reversed. Lionel Ainsworth struck twice within minutes; a quickly taken free-kick rolled out in front of him and he hammered the opener straight past Michael McGovern; and then he doubled his tally by poking a penetrating cross into the top left corner. Fir Park erupted in delight; the battle to avoid the play-off relegation place is on.

The goals also summed up the problems at Hamilton. There was little that could be done about the opener; it was a stunner that stung the fingertips of the Accies’ keeper, and quick free-kicks can often catch defending teams off-guard. Despite this, their heads dropped. The Steelmen need three points and are in the ascendancy; if they smell blood, they’ll attack. Motherwell refused to let the momentum pass and Hamilton opened up to let in the second. Ziggy Gordon couldn’t block the penetrating cross, which rolled through the six-yard-box, but Michael Devlin missed the chance to clear the area and no-one tracked Ainsworth. Things then went from bad-to-worse.

Darren Lyon, the 19-year-old holding-midfielder, charged into challenge and his reckless challenge on Michael Johnson left the referee no option – Hamilton were reduced to ten men. With ten minutes remaining, Ainsworth turned provider for the Steelmen’s third. His cross found John Sutton at the far post, and with inches between the striker and the goal, it would have been harder for Sutton to miss than score. When it seemed that it couldn’t get any worse, Gordon tripped Lee Erwin inside the box and the referee pointed at the spot. Sutton pounded in the fourth.

Having suffered 4-0 and 5-0 defeats to their Lanarkshire rivals earlier in the season, the supporters inside Fir Park had much to celebrate come full-time. For Martin Canning, cutting a despondent figure at the touchline, the threat of dropping outside the top six could be realised before the weekend is out.

Could An SPFL Network Fix Scottish Football’s Image Problem?

£5 billion pounds – that’s the ludicrous sum TV companies are forking out for the rights to cover the English Premier League. It’s the self-proclaimed ‘best league in the world’ and, while that statement can be argued – the lack of English sides in the Champions League quarter-finals queries that statement – there’s no doubt that it has the largest global audience. 95,000 turned out for Liverpool’s pre-season visit to Melbourne in 2013, highlighting the fact that the Premier League’s reach stretches around the world – Scotland included.

One of the first things I noticed upon moving across the border in 2006 was the surprising number of Manchester United supporters on the west coast. Often they had no emotional tie to the club, but had grown up watching Alex Ferguson’s side cruise from one success to the next; among the swathes of Celtic, Rangers, United, Liverpool and Arsenal fans that were at the school, just one supported the nearest local side, Greenock Morton. But what’s so attractive about the English Premier League that young Scots would forget their local teams altogether?

Think of the Premier League brand: an unmatched entertainment value, the most talented players in the world, unpredictable results and amazing score-lines. Is this all true? No, not even close. But the Premier League comes across as confident in itself, which is the opposite of Scottish football. Just think of the Scottish football image: torn-up, muddy pitches, surrounded by dilapidated stands, which host two fans and a dog; a poor quality of football, with heavy tackles, long balls and predictable results; and a dull 90 minutes that is better not experienced. Is this true? No, not even close. But Scottish football – those in charge and those in the media – do nothing to challenge these false preconceptions and, when it comes to the press, they do more to damage the identity of the SPFL than anyone else.

It might surprise some people to read this, but there are more than just two teams in Scotland. Although the Scottish media seem to portray the leagues as the Old Firm’s playground, there are 40 other teams who make up the four leagues, and each deserves at least a little attention. Rather than writing about Hearts’ turn-around in fortunes and their almost-guaranteed return to the Premiership, or the exciting six-team battle going on for the League One promotion spots, the press would rather focus on chanting and the current goings-on at Ibrox. It’s a huge problem because, as attendances across the board continue to decline, no attention is being paid to the other 40 teams, and this leaves many Scottish football fans in the dark. It’s bad enough that the only Scottish games on TV seem to include either one of the Old Firm clubs, and one has to watch BBC ALBA to see the other clubs. It’s why I was so excited to read about the SPFL Network proposition being put forward.

The SPFL Network is an idea based on the WWE Network, which offers wrestling on a 24/7 basis, and an on-demand service that includes old and recent PPVs and original content. The proposal suggests that the online service could feature at least four games-per-weekend from all four leagues, and, given that Rangers and Celtic are the reasons that Sky and BT still keep an interest in Scottish football, it should focus on the remaining 40 clubs. At the very reasonable rate of around £10 per-month one could watch the League Two play-off final, which could see the promotion of a Highland or Lowland League side for the first time, the on-going battle for the League One automatic promotion place, or just a regular game between Dumbarton and Queen of the South. It’s offering the chance to promote the Scottish game, to dispel those old clichés about football north of the border, and to bring some positivity back to the SPFL. And it might lure some people back to Scottish football.

I remember speaking to an Arsenal supporter in Edinburgh who had become disillusioned with the English Premier League and its money-orientated nature. He had never once thought of going to see Hearts or Hibs as an alternative, and had closed his mind to the idea of Scottish football because of its reputation – not just in England, but in Scotland. If he caught a Hearts match on TV, and enjoyed what he watched, perhaps he might think about shelling out to visit the Jambos. He might not, but at least, by being on TV, Hearts would be promoted to those who had paid out for the Network. There’s also the point that the Network might be picked up by pubs, meaning people just dropping in for a quiet pint might have their eye caught by a game and discover an interest in the Scottish game. Of course, this is all speculation, but at least it’s something.

For too long, the SPFL and the media have watched as attendances have dwindled, and neither has done anything to reinvigorate interest in the four leagues. The SPFL Network might be a complete failure, but it’s thinking outside the box, and it’s the best chance Scottish football has at dismissing the preconceptions and bringing interest back to the game.

Scottish Premiership Round-Up: Positive Signs For Motherwell

It’s been a long ten months for the Steelmen since their final day heroics at Pittodrie. Aberdeen encountered a resolute and determined Motherwell defence that afternoon, and in the 90^th minute Craig Reid reacted quickest to a rebound to poke the Lanarkshire side ahead of the Dons in the league. The Steelmen finished the season in second, bound for the second qualification stage of the Europa League; Aberdeen had to settle for third and the first qualification stage of the same competition. Since then, however, the clubs have travelled opposite paths.

Aberdeen, bolstered by an improved sponsorship deal, tied down their major players on longer contracts and added extra depth to their squad – Kenny McLean, David Goodwillie and Graeme Shinnie, who will arrive on a pre-contract in the summer, should make sure that the Dons are consistently challenging for honours. But while the Dons have been testing Celtic’s resolve and pushing for the title, the Motherwell side from last season has crumbled and the Steelmen are now desperately clinging onto their Premiership status. Performances in recent weeks, however, have been positive, and there is still hope that Motherwell can avoid a play-off encounter with either Hibs, Rangers or whoever finishes fourth in the Championship.

Ian Barraclough’s side claimed four points from their previous two games heading into Friday night’s clash up north. A surprising win over the usually-consistent Inverness and a point against in-form Kilmarnock have kept Motherwell within range of Ross County, and performances in both games offered enough to suggest that they can still catch the Highland club. In particular, the performances of two new arrivals have impressed.

Stephen Pearson is an experienced hand in the centre of midfield and seems to have formed a decent partnership alongside Keith Lasley. But while he’s important, it’s hard to overlook the influence of the second arrival: Scott McDonald. The Aussie returned to the Steelmen a couple of weeks ago and has had an immediate impact on the team’s attacking presence. While there have been a number of individual reasons behind Motherwell’s struggles this season, perhaps the most important one is their lack of goals. John Sutton hasn’t been able to match his 22 goals in 2013/14, in part because he’s not receiving the same sort of deliveries, and, because he’s an out-and-out poacher, he’s been rather ineffective when Motherwell haven’t been creating chances. McDonald, on the other hand, is a much more rounded attacker. He possesses that creative spark that allows him to create his own chances and he’s a constant nuisance for defenders, making intelligent runs and generally getting about the opposition’s half. Against Aberdeen, Barraclough needed him to be at his absolute best if Motherwell were going to escape Pittodrie with anything other than a loss.

The opening 20 minutes spelled out the Steelmen’s intentions – keeping possession, using short, simple and safe passes, and keeping a tight shape that offered the Dons little space. Barraclough’s men killed the game’s tempo, and as a result Aberdeen’s pace had little effect on the match.

Both sides had brilliant chances to open the scoring. Lee Erwin ran onto a loose back-pass but Jamie Langfield, making his return after Scott Brown’s poor performance at Parkhead, sprang into action and spread himself to block the effort. He then launched an immediate counter-attack that ended with the ball falling to Kenny McLean on the edge of the D. In a position he’s scored from on numerous occasions – and unmarked – the former Saints midfielder couldn’t direct his thunderous drive on target and sent it bouncing off the hoardings.

Derek McInnes changed to a more attacking outlook – the centre-back Donervon Daniels came off for Peter Pawlett – but it was the Steelmen who took the lead. Erwin’s strike from distance seemed to be heading straight into the hands of Langfield, but a glancing touch from McDonald redirected the ball past the rooted Aberdeen keeper.

However, a furious McInnes must have roasted his players at half-time, as it took just seven minutes for the Dons to equalise and then take the lead. George Long managed to block Ash Taylor’s close-range free-header using one-hand, but the ball then fell onto his other, being used to soften his fall, and rolled over the line; two minutes later, Adam Rooney pounced on a loose back-pass and rounded both Louis Laing and Long to pass in the second.

The blip in concentration had cost them heavily, and it proved to be decisive as Aberdeen held on for three crucial points in the title race – although at this stage in the season all points are crucial. The loss, and Ross County’s point at Hamilton, means that Motherwell are now three points off safety. For Barraclough, though, he will have seen enough from the Steelmen’s determined and energetic first-half performance to warrant optimism heading into the final months of the season.

Scottish League 1 and League 2 Round-Up: What happened to Arbroath?

RESULTS

LEAGUE 1                                                                    LEAGUE 2

Stranraer 5-1 Dunfermline Athletic                                 Berwick Rangers 0-2 Albion Rovers

Ayr United 1-0 Forfar Athletic                                         East Fife 2-1 Annan Athletic

Peterhead 1-3 Greenock Morton                                    Arbroath 3-3 Elgin City

Brechin City 2-1 Stenhousemuir                                     Clyde 2-0 Montrose

Airdrieonians 4-1 Stirling Albion                                     East Stirlingshire 3-1 Queen’s Park

WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?

LEAGUE 1

Dunfermline’s dreadful performance at Stranraer led to a 5-1 thumping that all but confirms an end to their dreams of promotion. Peterhead still have a couple of games-in-hand but a 3-1 to Morton and a nine point deficit hurt their chances of catching Forfar for fourth place. Airdrieonians climbed above the Pars after a comfortable 4-1 drubbing of Stirling Albion, but the nine point gap should also be too much for them at this late stage of the season.

So while Airdrieonians, Dunfermline and Peterhead all look to scrap for meaningless mid-table positions, Stranraer, Morton, Brechin and Forfar will continue to battle for the automatic promotion spot. Stranraer have a one point advantage over second-place Morton at the top of the table. Brechin came from behind to defeat Stenhousemuir and sit three points behind the Ton – although a game-in-hand could lift them on to level points. Forfar, suffering a third defeat in five matches, are the in the midst of a late blip in form and lost out in Ayr to fall to fourth in League 2.

Ayr’s second win in three has lifted them four points above Stenhousemuir and, with a game-in-hand, could escape the play-off relegation spot. Stirling Albion are still eight points off Stennie and are destined for an immediate return to League 2.

LEAGUE 2

Albion Rovers 2-0 win in England arrested a horrible stretch of form for them and sent them back to the top of the table. Neither Queen’s Park nor Arbroath did the same: the Spiders dropped to second after their third loss in five; the Red Lichties had to come from 3-0 behind to get a point against Elgin.

East Fife closed the gap on Annan to one point – the Fifers also have a game-in-hand – after their meeting in Methil. Elgin should have been just a couple of points further behind but squandered their 3-0 lead against Arbroath.

Berwick are looking less-and-less likely to challenge for the play-offs after their third successive defeat. Clyde, on the other hand, are unbeaten in five but might have left it too late to catch up to fourth. East Stirlingshire’s third win in four games lifted them further from the bottom.

Poor, poor Montrose are going to be fighting off relegation as things stand. The Gable Endies haven’t picked up a point in four and are five points behind ninth. To make matters worse, Montrose have played two more games than the teams in eight and ninth.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ARBROATH?

2015 hasn’t been kind to Arbroath – perhaps the Red Lichties drank too much to celebrate. The Angus club hadn’t budged from the summit of League 2 since the sixth round of the season and appeared to be strolling to automatic promotion. Arbroath had a fantastic record – 14 victories, one draw, three losses – and ended 2014 with the 5-1 thrashing of East Fife. Yet, since the turn of the year, the club haven’t won a single match. Seven games have generated just four points, and both Queen’s Park and Albion Rovers have over-taken them in the table. While their play-off place is all but guaranteed, Arbroath supporters won’t have much hope based on current form. What happened?

One major issue has been the form of striker Simon Murray. The 22-year-old notched 13 goals in the 2014 portion of the season and ripped apart the Fifers’ defence in their 5-1 encounter. His movement off-the-ball, pace, and confidence in front of goal earned him a £50,000 move to Dundee United, who opted to keep him at Arbroath until the end of the season. However, since the signing was confirmed the once-deadly striker has scored just once – an equaliser against East Fife one month after their last meeting. But while his form has dipped, the defence has been the major cause for concern.

The back-four against Annan Athletic in December consisted of Ricky Little at right-back, Craig Johnstone at left-back and a centre-back partnership of Kevin Nicoll and Ali El-Zubaidi; against Elgin at the weekend consisted of Liam Rowan at right-back, Johnstone at left-back and a centre-back partnership of Liam Gordon and Ryan McGeever. Such an upheaval in defence can’t be good. So what forced these changes?

El-Zubaidi returned to Hamilton after his loan spell ended, Little has struggled for form in recent months and Nicoll has been injured since the start of 2015. The three loanees replacing them have struggled since their arrivals from Hearts and Falkirk, and Arbroath haven’t kept a clean sheet since Berwick Rangers visited Gayfield back on December 20 – 8 goals alone have been conceded in the last three games. If Arbroath still aim for automatic promotion ahead of Queen’s Park and Albion Rovers, the defence needs sorting. The dire performance against an in-form Elgin highlighted as much.

A simple cross from Brian Cameron reached Shane Sutherland deep in the box, where the striker outmuscled his marker – McGeever – and redirected the ball into the bottom left corner. Sutherland struck again three minutes into the second-half. Little, replacing McGeever at half-time, slipped and lost the ball. Sutherland charged ahead and cut inside, before casually putting the ball past a surging Marc McCallum. Cameron then sent the visitors three ahead. Gordon hesitated and lost possession to Craig Gunn, who set-up Daniel Moore for a cross into the box. Cameron stood unmarked and volleyed the third.

Thankfully for the Arbroath defence, the Red Lichties still possess some decent attackers. Paul McManus used his face to push the reduce the deficit, and goals in the final ten minutes brought things back to level terms – Little’s header in the 82^nd minute and Robert Linn’s shot six minutes later had the supporters on the edge of their seats. The stadium erupted as McManus knocked a rebounded shot into the net in added time, but the hosts had to settle for a point as the linesman flagged for offside.

The point keeps the Red Lichties one point behind Queen’s Park and a couple off Rovers, which should, taking into account their 2015 league record, indicate their form in the 2014 part of the season. However, if Arbroath are capitalise on their games-in-hand, Allan Moore needs to sort out the defence, or risk another season stuck in League 2.

Scottish Championship Round-Up: Could Falkirk cause an upset in the play-offs?

RESULTS

Falkirk 1-1 Rangers

Hearts 10-0 Cowdenbeath

Alloa Athletic 0-1 Hibernian

Dumbarton 0-0 Queen of the South

Livingston 0-2 Raith Rovers

WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?

Hearts complete and utter demolition of the Blue Brazil sends them 20 points clear of their Edinburgh rivals. Rangers’ point at Falkirk means Hibs’ three at Alloa were enough to send them second – although the Gers do still have games-in-hand. Queens remain fourth in the Championship thanks to a point at Dumbarton and also still have a game-in-hand over fifth-place Falkirk.

Dumbarton and Raith remain in limbo. The latter, despite their win against Livingston, are still seven points off fourth and, at this late stage in the campaign, it’s difficult to imagine them challenging. The Sons, meanwhile, are further behind the Fife club but should have enough points to avoid relegation.

Livingston are still rooted to the bottom of the table on 12 points, and their relegation is all but confirmed. It’s still too close to call for Alloa and Cowdenbeath, however, as both have 18 points after losing to the Edinburgh clubs.

COULD FALKIRK CHALLENGE FOR PROMOTION IF THEY FINISH FOURTH?

There’s no doubt that fourth place in the Scottish Championship is a spot that should, on paper, offer little more than fifth. The chances that either Queen of the South or Falkirk – or Raith Rovers should the Fife club complete a late catch-up – defeat Rangers, Hibs and the 11^th place Premiership club are slim. But bigger surprises have occurred. Falkirk, for instance, ended Hearts’ undefeated streak; Rovers sent Rangers packing from the Scottish Cup and are unbeaten at Easter Road; and Queen of the South have picked up three points against both the Gers and the Hibees this season. Might one of the three clubs, with no expectations and under little pressure, pull off three shock results? Could Falkirk be that side?

Peter Houston has collected consecutive Manager of the Month trophies in 2015 for good reason. The Bairns are unbeaten in 2015, closing the gap on Queens to goal difference. Houston has created a balanced side and focused on Falkirk’s weaknesses in the transfer market. The Bairns signed Queens’ midfielder Mark Kerr and striker John Baird, who’s formed a rather productive partnership alongside Rory Loy. Friday’s clash offered Falkirk the chance to highlight these improvements and to establish themselves as challengers should the Bairns finish in the top four.

Raith made the mistake of adopting defensive tactics against Rangers. The Gers had lost their last three games – including one against the Fife club – but instead of harassing and challenging an under-pressure side, Raith stood off and let the visitors dictate the pace. Despite having suffered three losses to Rangers this season, Falkirk made sure not to make the same mistake.

The Bairns’ sleek pass-and-move strategy seemed to be having the desired results: Falkirk controlled possession and created chances; Rangers offered little in the final third and looked unsettled. But as the 20^th minute approached, Rangers opened the scoring with a goal similar to the second scored at Stark’s Park. The visitors capitalised on chaos inside the box – packing the area and hassling the nervy defenders – and Darren McGregor pounced on the chance to release a thunderous shot straight past Jamie MacDonald. The lead didn’t last.

Less than a minute-and-a-half after McGregor’s opener Falkirk replied. The partnership of Loy and Baird has been crucial to the Bairns’ recent form and their intelligent movement pressured the visitors’ less-than-mobile back-line. The soon-to-be Dundee striker darted ahead of the rooted Bilel Mohsni and headed Baird’s simple cross into the far corner.

The second-half continued in the same vein of the first: Falkirk controlled possession and the Gers struggled. But after conceding the Gers adopted a deeper line, stifling the game and stopping Falkirk from cutting the defence open with their penetrative through balls. While the Bairns didn’t have quite enough to collect all three points, the dominant performance, against a team expected to challenge for promotion, was a huge marker: Falkirk aren’t going to be push-overs.

Scottish Premiership Round-Up: Celtic end Aberdeen’s title hopes

RESULTS

Ross County 1-0 Dundee

St Mirren 1-0 Hamilton Academicals

Motherwell 2-1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle

St Johnstone 0-0 Kilmarnock

Dundee United 0-2 Partick Thistle

Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen

WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?

The three relegation threatened clubs must have released a sigh of relief on Saturday, before returning to their dressing room to discover that their rivals had also collected three points. All three sides sat on 18 points at 14:59, and all three sat on 21 points at 16:59. The Highland club remain favourites to escape relegation after a tight 1-0 win over Dundee secured their third win on-the–bounce. The Steelmen and St Mirren, however, couldn’t buy a win in recent weeks, but victories against the free-falling Hamilton and Inverness keep them all on level points.

The top of the table changed little on Saturday, as all four sides in the top-six playing on that day suffered defeat: Dundee, Hamilton and Inverness lost to teams looking to avoid relegation, while Dundee United fared little better against Partick. The Arabs suffered another home defeat as Thistle pulled off a surprise 2-0 win and kept their seven point lead over 10^th place County intact.

7^th place St Johnstone and 8^th place Kilmarnock remain unchanged after their goalless tie.

Then on Sunday came the biggest match of the season: Celtic v Aberdeen. The Dons needed three points to close the gap on the leaders, but a 4-0 thumping ended their hopes of a first league title since the ‘80s. Deila is on course to lift his first league championship.

ABERDEEN’S TITLE CHALLENGE IS OVER

Whether it’s the 60,000 seater stadium, the cabinet full of trophies from domestic and European competition, or the squad crammed with experienced title winners, there’s no doubt that Celtic are the dominant team in Scottish football. The Bhoys are the champions-elect season-after-season. To establish their title credentials, Aberdeen needed to beat them.

The Dons side of the ‘80s ended the traditional dominance of the Old Firm not just through being the more consistent team, but by defeating Celtic and Rangers. Entering the clash, Celtic had a three point advantage – and a game-in-hand – over their closest challengers, and also the historical advantage in having defeated the Dons 2-1 both at Parkhead and at Pittodrie. Aberdeen needed the win: to close the gap and to establish themselves as equals.

But as the match reached its 85^th minute, a familiar chant echoed around Parkhead: ‘ole’. Celtic had slammed for past their title-challenging opponents, driving the confidence and determination out of a team that started the match in promising fashion.

Aberdeen looked the better team in the first-half: unaffected by the hype, the Dons pressured the Celtic back-four and limited their attacking opportunities – Leigh Griffiths, the lone-striker, cut an isolated figure for most of the half. Despite controlling the match, Aberdeen didn’t create enough chances; against Celtic that’s a dangerous thing. And so, 37 minutes in, despite their lack of chances, Celtic punished their title challenging opponents.

Scott Brown – the Aberdeen keeper, not the Celtic midfielder – made a nervous clearance that he just about managed to save, although at the cost of a corner. The corner reached Jason Denayer, whose simple header tucked into the bottom right.

The game opened up in the second-half as Aberdeen pressed for an equaliser. A more attacking outlook came at the expense of a higher defensive line; a choice that Celtic almost capitalised on. Stefan Johansen burst into acres of open space, but his cross slid past Griffiths and out; minutes later, the Celtic striker then went through one-on-one with the keeper, but he’d made the run to

Mistakes started slipping into Aberdeen’s game; one came at a huge cost. Niall McGinn’s loose header opened up space on the right-flank and quick passing put the ball in the Dons’ box. Stuart Armstrong’s reached a pass inches ahead of Mark Reynolds, whose cluttering challenge sent the former Dundee United man crashing. The referee pointed to the spot, and Griffiths’ cool finish sent the hosts 2-0 up.

The Dons’ title challenge had come to an end at Parkhead.

Celtic started pushing for a second, and Gary Mackay-Steven soon delivered. The other former United attacking-midfielder charged at the box and released a thunderous effort that bounced off the post and in. The humbling hadn’t ended for Aberdeen. A pulled-back cross into the box found Johansen, who poked the ball in for Celtic’s fourth.

The Dons crumbled: space opened up, passes didn’t reach their targets; determination, discipline desire and spirit had all evaporated – much like their title ambitions. Aberdeen had been made to look like pretenders.

While the title challenge came to an end at Parkhead, there are still several positives to take from this season for Aberdeen. Derek McInnes added some much needed depth and talent to the squad; the team put together a 13-match undefeated streak; but, more importantly, the Dons demonstrated qualities that generated genuine interest in a credible title challenge, something that has been lacking in the Premiership since the demise of Rangers.

McInnes will no doubt end the season looking back at missed opportunities – late goals that cost them precious points against St Mirren in September, defeats to Dundee United and St Johnstone during the opening weeks of the season, and the three losses to Celtic – but he’ll also be optimistic that, next season, Aberdeen could push Celtic even further.