SPL Matchday 10: Hibs falter, Old Firm tied for lead

By: Ian Rose | October 21st, 2007

After Rangers took it to Celtic 3-0 in the Old Firm derby on Saturday, surprising Hibernian had a chance to go on top of the SPL table for the second time this season, after doing so for just under a day two weeks ago. But Motherwell were ungracious hosts to Hibs for the second time this season at Fir Park, and took all three points in a 2-1 victory. Motherwell is still the only team to beat Hibs this season in any competition, throwing them out of the league cup and handing them their first league loss this weekend. Meanwhile, Dundee United got by Hearts 3-1 at Tynecastle on a brace from Jordan Robinson, on loan from Sheffield United. Hearts have managed just two wins in their first five matches at home this season. A few teams at the bottom gave themselves breathing room over last-place Gretna, with St. Mirren beating Gretna and going six points up on them, while Falkirk’s draw with Kilmarnock puts them four points above the drop. Inverness, however, got nothing from their home clash with Aberdeen, and so remain vulnerable, only three points above Gretna. Inverness have still never beaten Aberdeen in the SPL, though they have taken draws with them six times. Caley still have another clash with Aberdeen coming in the league cup on Halloween, and face Gretna next weekend for some all-important breathing room.

The Old Firm now sit 1-2 in the league table once again, tied on points at 22 with Celtic leading by a single goal of differential. Celtic host that tricky Motherwell side that has caused so much trouble for Hibs, and Rangers head to Dundee United for an equally dangerous match. They’ll both need wins to stay ahead of Hibs, who have St. Mirren at home and have to be expecting a win. Kilmarnock host Hearts as both sides look to get back on their feet and back to top-6 form.

My predictions were pretty poor this week, with only two correct picks (Rangers’ and St. Mirren’s wins) out of six, but I’ll see if I can improve next week. The league isn’t looking nearly as lop-sided as it does some years, and I’m happy to say that the matches are getting harder to predict. That’s good for the league, no doubt of it.