10 – Heart of Midlothian defeated Aberdeen 2-1 at Tynecastle to keep alive their hopes of a third-place finish in the cinch Premiership. Josh Ginnelly and Lawrence Shankland scored the goals as Steven Naismith’s side came from behind to secure a crucial victory, which leaves them two points behind the Dons. Shankland moved on to 23 league goals for the season, just two behind top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi. Hearts are now unbeaten in their last 10 home matches against Aberdeen, with their last defeat coming back in May 2017.
15 – St Johnstone sealed their safety in the cinch Premiership thanks to a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock at the BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park. Liam Gordon’s early goal was enough to secure a 15th consecutive top-flight season for Saints. The Perth side have taken seven points from four matches since Steven MacLean took over as caretaker boss. St Johnstone have lost just once in their last six visits to Killie – Saturday’s success was their third victory in that period.
3 – Partick Thistle took a huge step towards the cinch Premiership play-off final thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Ayr United at Firhill on Friday night. Jack McMillan scored the opener before a Brian Graham double gave Kris Doolan’s side a hefty lead to take to Somerset Park for Friday’s second leg. The Jags have lost just one of their 16 matches since Doolan took over in February. Friday’s win was the seventh time they have scored three or more goals in a match in that period, including all three of their play-off matches so far.
10 – Airdrieonians secured their place in next season’s cinch Championship thanks to a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Hamilton Academical in the play-off final at New Douglas Park. The Diamonds trailed 2-1 on aggregate until stoppage time, when Gabby McGill equalised to take the tie to extra time and ultimately penalties. Rhys McCabe and his players held their nerve, scoring all six of their penalties before Josh Rae saved from Daniel O’Reilly to secure victory. Airdrie will return to the second tier for the first time in 10 years – they were last relegated in 2012/13. Incredibly, this was the ninth time the Diamonds have competed in these play-offs, and the first time they have tasted victory – they lost out in the semis on two previous occasions and in the final six times.
1 – Annan Athletic defeated Clyde 5-2 on aggregate in the play-off final to seal their place in cinch League 1 for the first ever time. Peter Murphy’s side won Friday night’s second leg 2-1 at New Douglas Park thanks to a late double from substitute Benjamin Luissint. Annan joined the Scottish Football League in 2008, and have spent 15 years trying to be promoted, including five previous unsuccessful attempts in the play-offs. It was the Galabankies’ first promotion since 1992/93, when they went up to the East of Scotland League Premier Division.
5 – Spartans gained promotion to the SPFL for the very first time after a 1-0 victory at The Reigart Stadium sealed a 2-1 aggregate win in the cinch League 2 play-off final. Blair Henderson scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to ensure that Dougie Samuel’s three-time Lowland League champions finally made the step up to the SPFL. Spartans are the fifth side to gain promotion since the play-offs were introduced, following in the footsteps of FC Edinburgh, Cove Rangers, Kelty Hearts and Bonnyrigg Rose. There will be four Edinburgh clubs in the national league set-up for the first time since 1948/49, when Hearts and Hibs were joined by Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City.
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