SPL Matchday 12: Old Firm win, United falter

We are through twelve matches of the 2007-08 SPL campaign, with a few shakeups in the league table. Celtic and Rangers both won (over Kilmarnock and Inverness, respectively), and so Celtic remains top of the table by three points over Rangers. Dundee United, who came into the weekend in third, dropped down thanks to their road loss to Aberdeen, 2-0. Aberdeen have really turned on their form domestically in the last month, rising from 9th to 5th in the league. Dundee United have been brilliant at home, still undefeated there in all competitions, but have really struggled on the road, taking six points from six matches away.

Sunday’s only match was the second Edinburgh derby, and despite Hibs owning the majority of possession and of chances at goal, Hearts managed a 1-1 draw. There was every indication that Hibs deserved a penalty in the first half, but justice was done when the offending player, Hearts defender Christophe Berra, deflected a Rob Jones shot into his own goal. That would be the only time the Hearts net was bulged, however, and Hearts were able to equalize on Christian Nade’s deflection just after halftime. The point lifts Hibernian back into third place, three points behind Rangers, and leaves Hearts still in 8th.

At this point in the season, there is often already a big gap between the Old Firm and the rest, but this season offers a bit more excitement at the top. Only three points separate both the third and fourth place sides (Hibs and United) from second-place Gers, and there’s a tight group behind them, with 5th through 9th separated by a total of four points. The biggest gap, both in quality and results, is at the bottom. Gretna now sit marooned in relegation by six points under 11th-place Inverness, and continue their pace for worst SPL side ever. Things are looking dark for the fast-rising minnows, who must be missing lower-division football not only for their ability to win there, but also the ability to play on their own ground.

Meanwhile, in the first division, Hamilton proved that they are, in fact, mortal, with a shock loss to bottom side Queen of the South. It’s starting to look like an SPL-style two horse race for promotion, with Hamilton leading second-place Dundee by only three points, but with third-place St. Johnstone already seven behind Dundee.

Way down in the third division, East Fife continues to have the best record in Scottish football, with 28 points from 11 matches and an eight point lead on second-place Montrose. If something doesn’t change quickly in the lowest pro division, East Fife will be promoted by January.

Category: Scottish Premier League

Tags: Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee, Dundee United, East Fife, Falkirk, Gretna, Hamilton, Hearts, Hibernian, Inverness, Kilmarock, Matchday review, Montrose, Motherwell, Queen of the South, Rangers, Scottish Premier League, SPL, St Johnstone, St Mirren

Subscribe   The Offside RSS Feeds

Print

Share