Game of the Day
Hamilton Academical v Dunfermline Athletic
There may be a few eyebrows raised at this but both clubs ran their SPL opponents close midweek and BOTH lost to 90 minute goals in games that had sides separated by that 1 goal. Hamilton showed their spirit last weekend being 3-1 down with 2 minutes on the clock. Ali Crawford had got that one goal before James Keating’s got the other 2 to break Dumbarton hearts. Dunfermline meanwhile put 4 past Livingston with 2 from Andy Barrowman, Jordan McMillan and Ryan Thomson getting the points.
Hamilton Academical
Reported Out
Jon McShane; Kieran Miller
Reported Available
Jonathon Page (On loan from Motherwell); Stevie May
Dunfermline Athletic
Reported Out
Chris Kane
Reported Doubtful
Andy Geggan; Josh Falkingham
Prediction
Hamilton have struggled to find form and Billy Reid is calling for patience; Jim Jeffries has a side that has finally found their feet in this division and tucking away decent results. For me it should be a cracker and could be a barrow load for the visitors or close fought contest. I am taking an away win but anything could happen at New Douglas Park this afternoon.
Airdrie United v Greenock Morton
Airdrie managed to hold Falkirk to 1-1 at Falkirk whilst Morton sneaked a 1-0 victory at home to Raith Rovers. Alan Cook got Airdrie’s goal in a decent performance for a team that got into the division for the 3rd time through the back door. Morton had a 30 yarder from Stephen Stirling to capture all 3 points.
Airdrie United
Reported Doubtful
Scott Sally; Jack Boyle
Reported Available
Marc Warren; Lee Brown
Greenock Morton
Reported Out
Martin Hardie; Kevin Rutkiewitcz; Peter MacDonald
Reported Doubtful
Mark McLaughlin
Reported Available
David O’Brien; Liam Gormley (Playing as a trialist)
Prediction
I saw Morton last week and they are staring to click. Airdrie have proven they are more than capable at this level but I think they shall start to find it increasingly difficult in the league. I think Morton should string a 4th league win in a row here…
Cowdenbeath v Falkirk
The Blue Brazil fought hard but lost against league leaders Thistle with Jamie Stevenson getting their 1 goal. Stewart Murdoch put Falkirk ahead versus Airdrie United but on 3 occasions this season they have taken the lead and lost the momentum.
Cowdenbeath
Reported Out
Liam Cusack; Pablo Navas
Reported Doubtful
Joe Mbu
Reported Available
Greig Stewart; Lewis Coult
Falkirk
Reported Out
Craig Sibbald; Jay Fulton
Reported Available
Darren Dods
Prediction
Last season Falkirk would turn up occasionally and play wonderful football. The other times were pretty dire. They seem to now have turned that into happening within 90 minutes. It makes them a nightmare to predict. I will go for a Falkirk win but Cowdenbeath showed last week they are no push overs so it could be a fascinating 90 minutes.
Livingston v Dumbarton
Livvi got turned over 4-0 by Dunfermline though complimented on their play it was never one they were at the races. The performance continued midweek at Tynecastle as they ran Hearts hard though the 3-1 score line suggest different. Mark McNulty got their goal. The Sons had their hearts broken as they were within sniffing distance of their first 3 points only for it to be cruelly snatched from them. A Lee Kilday own goal followed by goals from James Lister and Bryan Prunty had them 3-1 up.
Livingston
Reported Out
Liam Fox; Jason Talbot; Kyle Jacobs
Dumbarton
Reported Out
Kevin Nicol; Pat Walker
Reported Available
Chris Turner
Prediction
I would like to say that the footballing side here – Livingston – look the most likely but the tenacious spirit at Dumbarton might pull off a shock with an away win… I kind of doubt it but wouldn’t be surprised…
Raith Rovers v Partick Thistle
Raith lost narrowly last week to Morton and then in the Scottish Communities League Cup they lost 4-1 away to Glasgow Celtic. Allan Walker had equalised for Rovers and then they watched Gary Hooper take 4 goals in 1 game. Thistle were fortunate last weekend to keep their 100% record as they needed a penalty in the first half despatched by Aaron Muirhead and a 2nd half own goal from Scott Linton to secure the 3 points.
Raith Rovers
Reported Out
Pat Clarke
Reported Doubtful
Eddie Malone
Partick Thistle
Reported Out
Ryan Scully; Sean Welsh; Steven Craig
Reported Available
David Rowson
Prediction
Champions win ugly, have all the luck and win when they play badly. Did Thistle use all their luck last weekend? I think not and believe they will make it 7 out of 7 league victories this weekend.
