Dundee United 3 Dundee 0 (Sunday)
United sealed an impressive win in the first Tayside derby in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Both sides finished with ten men as United’s first-half blitz won them the game. Willo Flood’s free-kick was misjudged by Rab Douglas and Gavin Gunning headed an easy opener for United before Johnny Russell’s shot deflected off Davide Grassi for United’s second. Russell added a third with a great drive after a breakaway but he and Stephen O’Donnell were both red-carded after a tussle.
Ross County 1 Celtic 1
Champions Celtic needed Kris Common’s last-minute goal to avoid Highlands humiliation at the hands of Clydesdale Bank Premier League new boys Ross County. In a tame first-half, Victor Wanyama’s header which rebounded from the home crossbar was the closest either side came to a goal. County shocked Celtic four minutes after the break when Richard Brittain’s curling free-kick beat Fraser Forster. Celtic pushed for a leveller and hit the woodwork through Charlie Mulgrew but County also saw Brittain’s effort hit the post. Celtic looked set for defeat but in injury-time substitute Tony Watt’s shot was saved by Michael Fraser and Commons fired the equaliser. Celtic, who were missing an assortment of injured players with Tuesday’s Champions League play-off game against Helsingborgs in Sweden in mind, were happy with a point.
Hearts 2 Inverness CaledonianThistle 2
Ten-man Caley Thistle came back from two goals down to seal a point. Arvydas Novikovas put them ahead from Darren Barr’s pass then John Sutton made it two from the penalty spot after Ryan Esson fouled Marius Zaliukas. Caley Thistle were reduced to ten men when Richie Foran was red-carded for a foul on Ryan McGowan but they pulled one back when Callum Paterson fouled Graeme Shinnie and Andrew Shinnie scored from the spot. Inverness C.T. levelled in injury-time when Graeme Shinnie’s cross was tapped in by substitute Conor Pepper.
Kilmarnock 1 Motherwell 2
Jamie Murphy’s double gave them the perfect boost for their Europa League game against Levante. The striker took advantage of slack home defending to put his side ahead and although Gary Harkins levelled from Liam Kelly’s pass, Murphy put Motherwell back in front when he took Michael Higdon’s pass and finished coolly. Loan signing Fraser Kerr almost added a third for the visitors but was denied by Cammy Bell.
St Johnstone 1 Aberdeen 2
Aberdeen took advantage of lacklustre Saints to earn their first win of the season. Ryan Fraser’s cross set up Isaac Osbourne for the opening goal and a mix-up between home goalie Alan Mannus and Frazer Wright gave Jonny Hayes the chance to make it 2-0. Nigel Hasselbaink pulled one back for the home side late on but Saints – missing virus victim Craig Beattie – never looked like saving a point.
St Mirren 1 Hibernian 2
Hibs made it three wins on their last four visits to Paisley thanks to Leigh Griffiths’ double. The striker put them ahead when he fired in from David Wotherspoon’s pass after 15 minutes but Saints missed a chance to level when they were awarded a penalty after James McPake’s handball – but Paul McGowan’s kick was saved by Ben Williams. Griffiths increased Hibs’ lead when Eoin Doyle set him up for a comfortable finish and although Steven Thompson pulled one back from Dougie Imrie’s cross. Saints misery was completed by what seemed a serious knee injury to defender Darren McGregor.
By cbfootball.co.uk Last updated:
20 August 2012