Weekend in numbers

6 – Heart of Midlothian extended their lead at the top of the William Hill Premiership to six points thanks to a 3-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice. A double from Pierre Landry Kabore and an Alexandros Kyziridis penalty secured a comfortable victory for Derek McInnes’ side. Hearts are now unbeaten on their last seven visits to Tannadice, winning five and drawing two – their last defeat was back in February 2016. This is the first time since 1990/91 that a side other than Celtic or Rangers have topped the table after the end of January – on that occasion Aberdeen led going into the final day but ultimately lost out to Rangers.

3 – Kilmarnock defeated Aberdeen 3-0 at the BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park to move six points clear at the foot of the William Hill Premiership. Goals from Brad Lyons, Bruce Anderson and Tyreece John-Jules handed Neil McCann his first victory as Killie manager and ended the club’s run of 17 matches without victory in all competitions. It was the Ayrshire side’s biggest league win in over a year, since they defeated the same opponents 4-0 in December 2024. Killie have won five of their last six home matches against the Dons, the exception being a 1-0 defeat in October.

4 – Ayr United returned to the top four of the William Hill Championship courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Raith Rovers at Somerset Park. Goals from Ben Dempsey and Anton Dowds secured three points for Scott Brown’s side, who moved three points clear of Dunfermline Athletic in the race for a play-off spot. The Honest Men have lost just twice in their last 10 league matches, but their ambitions of challenging the top two have been held back by too many draws – they have drawn 11 of their 23 league games this season. If they can turn more of these into victories, they may well have a shot at returning to the top flight for the first time in 48 years.

3 – Montrose were the only side to record a victory in William Hill League 1 this weekend, beating East Fife 3-2 at MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. A hat-trick from Taylor Sutherland secured all three points for Stewart Petrie’s side as they moved up to fifth in the table, seven points behind fourth-placed Alloa Athletic but with two games in hand. It was the first hat-trick of Sutherland’s short career – the 20-year-old was playing just his second game for the Gable Endies after joining permanently from Dunfermline Athletic last month. Sutherland is the first player in almost eight years to score a league hat-trick for Montrose, the last one was scored by Lewis Milne in a 5-0 victory over Stirling Albion at Forthbank in April 2018.

2 – Edinburgh City beat Dumbarton 2-1 at the Marbill Coaches Stadium to move to within two points of their opponents at the foot of the William Hill League 2 table. An Innes Lawson double was enough for Michael McIndoe’s side to come from behind and secure three crucial points. City continued their very impressive away form – they have earned 24 points on the road this season compared to just seven at home. They have the worst home record in the division, but only leaders The Spartans have a better away record. The Citizens have won all three league meetings with the Sons this season, which could prove crucial in the battle for survival.