2 – St Mirren defeated Dundee United 2-0 at the CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice in the William Hill Premiership to boost their hopes of a European spot for a second consecutive year. Goals from Mikael Mandron and Jonah Ayunga moved Stephen Robinson’s side to within two points of their opponents in the race for 5th place. It was St Mirren’s first win over United this season – they had lost all four previous meetings without even scoring a goal. Saints have taken seven points from their first three post-split fixtures – this is already more than they achieved in their previous two top six seasons put together.
10 – St Johnstone kept their William Hill Premiership survival chances alive with a 2-1 victory over Ross County at McDiarmid Park. Daniels Balodis and Elliott Watt were on the scoresheet for Simo Valakari’s side as they secured a victory which moved them to within three points of their opponents at the foot of the table. Saints have taken 10 points from their four matches against the Staggies this season, including victories in each of the last three meetings with their relegation rivals. In all, they are unbeaten in the last seven meetings – their last defeat in this fixture came in Dingwall back in August 2023.
100 – Partick Thistle moved into the William Hill Premiership playoff semi-final thanks to a dramatic 2-0 victory over Ayr United at Somerset Park. Thistle trailed 1-0 from the first leg in Glasgow, but Brian Graham levelled things up early on and then scored a late winner to set up a clash with Livingston. Graham’s goals were his 99th and 100th for Thistle, a feat which is all the more impressive given that he was already 32 years old when he made his debut for the club. He is the first player to reach the tally since his former manager Kris Doolan hit a century in April 2017. Graham is the top scorer in the Premiership playoffs since they were introduced in 2013 – he has now found the net nine times, all of them for Thistle. The Jags have reached the semi-final stage of the playoff for the third consecutive season – they made the final in 2022/23 but lost on penalties to Raith Rovers at this stage last season.
2 – Cove Rangers beat Queen of the South 2-1 at Balmoral Stadium to confirm their place in the William Hill Championship playoff final. The sides had drawn 0-0 in Dumfries in midweek, and goals from Mitch Megginson and Blair Yule ensured that Paul Hartley’s side made it through. It was Cove’s third home win over the Doonhamers this season – before the start of the campaign they had never beaten Queens in Aberdeen in four attempts. Cove will face Airdrieonians in the final after they completed a 5-2 aggregate victory over Stenhousemuir – these sides previously met in the 2020/21 playoff semi-final, with Airdrie winning 4-2 on aggregate.
3 – East Fife roared into the William Hill League 1 playoff final thanks to a 3-0 victory over Edinburgh City at MGM Timber Bayview. Adam Laaref, Michael McKenna and Alan Trouten all found the net for Dick Campbell’s side as they overturned a 1-0 first leg deficit. Trouten’s goal was his 27th of the season – the 39 year-old is now just one short of his career record tally of 28, set with Albion Rovers in 2017/18. The Fifers remain unbeaten at home to the Citizens – they have three wins and a draw in four meetings in Methil. East Fife had lost each of their last two playoff semis – this is their first win since they beat Clyde on penalties in 2013/14. Their opponents in the final will be Annan Athletic, who defeated Elgin City 5-4 on aggregate.
1 – East Kilbride defeated Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1 at K-Park in the first leg of the William Hill League 2 playoff final. A double from Cammy Elliott and a goal from Jordan McGregor have left Michael Kennedy’s Lowland League champions in a strong position heading into next week’s second leg at New Dundas Park. Kilby lost to Stranraer in last season’s final, but will have another chance on Saturday to secure promotion into the SPFL for the first time in their history.
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