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By Fraser Gibson
1710:
Well folks, was today pivotal in the SPL title race? Have Hearts taken another step towards a Europa League slot? Will Falkirk move off the bottom? Answers to these questions and more in the forthcoming weeks. Thanks for your company this afternoon and don't forget to join us again for Dundee United v Celtic tomorrow.
1708: Wee correction for you folks, Carl Finnigan did not complete his hat-trick for Falkirk today with a penalty ... I'm told Scott Arfield was the spot-kick king.
1707: "On the whole, well done to the Jambo Tarts it was thoroughly deserved the draw, to say the least. Now it looks like we are in for a strong 3rd position - the Europa League, here we come!!" queenHARRYWILSON on MySport Join the debate
1701: "We have just handed Celtic the league. Well done Rangers - you embarrassments. If we don't win the league, I am definitely not renewing my season ticket." GersRaggi9 on MySport Join the debate 1659: At the other end of the table, bottom side Falkirk record a crucial and convincing win over Inverness to narrow the gap on their rivals.
1657: So, Rangers fail to bounce back from their Co-p-operative Insurance Cup defeat to Celtic with victory. Celtic can now extend their advantage in the title race tomorrow against Dundee United.
1655: FULL-TIME Rangers 2-2 Hearts
1654: Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor beats away a powerful Calum Elliot drive as Hearts go close to claiming a winner at Ibrox
1653: FULL-TIME Falkirk 4-0 Inverness
1652: FULL-TIME Hibs 0-0 Aberdeen
1650: FULL-TIME Hamilton 0-0 St Mirren
1646: GOAL Falkirk 4-0 Inverness CT Carl Finnigan converts Neil McCann's pass to claim a hat-trick.
1646: Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood's instant reponse is to haul Sone Aluko off and replace the creative midfielder with Derek Young. The decimated Dons would definitely settle for a point now
1645: It's chaos here! Three red cards all at the same time!
1642: RED CARD Sending off at Easter Road. Mark Kerr is red-carded for squaring up to Rob Jones and foolishly butting his head towards the Hibs skipper. The Dons are down to 10 men. That was absurd from Kerr. What a clown.
1641: GOAL Falkirk 3-0 Inverness. Carl Finnigan converts the penalty
1640: RED CARD Hamilton keeper Tomas Cerny is sent off after bringing down Craig Dargo on the edge of the box.
1640: RED CARD Inverness keeper Ryan Esson is sent off for a challenge on Carl Finnigan after Falkirk are awarded a penalty.
1636: PENALTY Falkirk have the chance to pull a goal back against Inverness.
1636: Frantic action at Ibrox as Rangers try to get back in front.
1631: Well, well - game on at Ibrox! Rangers appeared to be easing to victory and the top of the league, but Hearts have stunned the home crowd with two quickfire goals.
1629: "A disappointing response from Billy Mehmet and Craig Dargo for St Mirren in this match, normally they're involved, but Hamilton have been working harder in this match." BBC Scotland pundit Craig Brown
1628: Hibs' John Rankin unleashes one of his famous 'squigglers' from long range which bounces a yard in front of Langfield who does well to flap it over the bar.
1627: GOAL Rangers 2-2 Hearts Hearts are suddenly level in an amazing turnaround. Calum Elliot heads the ball down for Ruben Palazuelos to sweep the ball home from 14 yards.
1623: GOAL Falkirk 2-0 Inverness CT Mark Stewart slams the ball into the net after latching onto Michael Higdon's flick-on.
1622: GOALRangers 2-1 Hearts Hearts pull a goal back out of the blue when a superb long-range effort from Calum Elliot is turned round the post by goalkeeper Allan McGregor. From the corner, Christos Karipidis forces the ball home, heading in despite DaMarcus Beasley's attempt to clear off the goalline.
1622: Fletcher misses an absolute sitter for Hibs when he attempts a Hollywood finish from Riordan's curling cross, but he fails to connect with the ball and the ball goes behind him.
1621: Goalkeeper Dani Mallo spills the ball for Falkirk presenting Adam Rooney with a chance, but the striker fires off target.
1620: Then Steven Fletcher flashes a diving header inches past Langfield's left-hand post from another brilliant O'Brien centre. Hibs are looking the more likely to break the deadlock at the moment.
1619: Over to Easter Road and a teasing cross from Alan O'Brien is missed by Jamie Langfield but Zander Diamond manages to hoof it clear.
1618: "A great deal of urgency now from Hamilton. James McCarthur got to the bye-line and Joel Thomas hit the side netting." BBC Scotland pundit Craig Brown
1617: "Jackie McNamara has been immense." BBC Radio Scotland pundit Allan Preston at the Falkirk Stadium
1612: Are you all out lazing about in the sunshine today? Let's hear your rants and raves! Join the debate 1611: Denes Rosa makes a great run through the heart of the Dons defence and Derek Riordan spots him, but his high punt just eludes the Hibs midfielder and Jamie Langfield nicks the ball from his feet.
1608: Hamilton's James Gibson fires a shot over the bar after Jack Ross heads his shot out for a corner. Close one for St Mirren.
1607: The action starts at Ibrox with Calum Elliot on for Deividas Cesnauskis as Hearts give Christian Nade a partner up front and go with a 4-4-2 formation in attempt to salvage the game.
1605: We're under way again across the country
1604: "I wouldn't want to be an Inverness player at half-time. I'm sure Terry Butcher has torn strips off them." BBC Radio Scotland pundit Allan Preston
1602: "It is all about the response from Rangers after losing the final last weekend. I've watched a lot of their games this season and, if they don't score in the first 10 minutes they tend to sit back and hope things will happen.
"But not today. They have been pressing all over the park, although Hearts have done nothing up front. Christian Nade is up there on their own against two rookie centre-halfs, but they don't even play to his strengths. They just fire long balls and seem to be playing for set-pieces." BBC Radio Scotland pundit Billy Dodds
1601: Thanks for your patience - teams are coming back out for the second half. Surely Rangers will hold on and return to the top of the SPL? Join the debate
1552: I'm off to drain a quick half-time cuppa - back soon.
1551: "Well Fraser, I reckon Lafferty is a talent who brought us fans big expectations with his price tag. Although a lot of people will heavily criticise I think his recent performances through the middle rather than out of position on the left wing have been promising. He's got a few goals and is starting to settle in nicely." pedro mendes govan cruisader on MySport Join the debate
1550: Nothing between the sides at New Douglas Park, with the best opportunity from Saints' Billy Mehmet right before half-time - but he was denied by Martin Canning.
1549: Half-time Rangers 2-0 Hearts
1548: Half-time Hibs 0-0 Aberdeen
1548: Half-time Hamilton 0-0 St Mirren
1547: Half-time Falkirk 1-0 Inverness CT
1546: GOAL Rangers 2-0 Hearts A rare moment of Hearts pressure is ended by a swift Barry Ferguson break and Steven Davis sends a powerful drive just wide via a deflection off a defender.
From the resulting corner, Rangers go two ahead when Pedro Mendes picks out Barry Ferguson in the clear 16 yards from goal and the Ibrox captain fires the ball into the far corner of the net.
1545: Hibs think they've scored but the ref disallows it for a foul on the keeper by Colin Nish. Nish tussled in the air with Jamie Langfield and clearly obstructed the Dons goalie as he bundled the ball into the net.
1544: "Fraser, how are Lee McCulloch and Christian Dailly doing at the back? That's my big worry today ... the thought of those two paired up is a nightmare." Pedro_Mendes_Loyal on MySport Join the debate Lee McCulloch and Christian Dailly are having an easy time as the stand-in veterans patrol Rangers' central defence. Christian Nade is doing his best to rough them up in his rather inelegant way, but the Hearts striker is getting little service.
1543: "Mo Camara is prepared to get forward in this game, which is good tactics, as his delivery is normally good." BBC Scotland pundit and former Scotland manager Craig Brown on St Mirren's player against Hamilton.
1540: Now it's Hibs defender Chris Hogg's turn to leave the field of play with a blood injury. Makes it sound like a rough and tumble game; it's not, it's actually quite attractive to watch despite the lack of goals.
1539: Zander Diamond ghosts in unnoticed by the Hibs defence but he fails to capitalise and Szamotulski bails his AWOL team-mates out. Still goalless at Easter Road.
1538: The Inverness players are unhappy with the award of the Falkirk goal, believing Carl Finnigan was in an offside position.
1537: GOAL Falkirk 1-0 Inverness Carl Finnigan fires into the net from Jackie McNamara's mishit effort on goal
1536: Kyle Lafferty hits the deck again and Nacho Novo takes the place of the Northern Ireland international, who is stretchered off the park.
1532: Tommy Wright's bandage has sparked a debate on Sportsound about famous bandage-wearers. Some wag suggests someone should stick one around Chick Young's mouth to shut him up ... charming!
1532: Nacho Novo is warming up on the touchline for Rangers
1530: "Hibs' Ian Murray looks like he's had a fight with a pair of barbers' scissors. He's been scalped." BBC Radio Scotland commentator Paul Mitchell at Easter Road
1531: Kyle Lafferty returns to the field but is running gingerly around the Ibrox turf.
1529: Rangers scorer Kyle Lafferty pulls up with a foot injury after attempting a quick turn inside the penalty box. There appeared to be no contact from any of the Hearts defenders.
1528: It's all gone very quiet in in MySport land ... what do Rangers fans think of Kyle Lafferty recent contributions? Join the debate
1525: Inverness striker Adam Rooney rounds Falkirk goalkeeper Dani Mallo but from a tight angle fires his shot wide.
1523: Tommy Wright is back on the Easter Road pitch sporting a giant head bandage reminiscent of the one Basil Fawlty wore in the classic 'The Germans' episode when the stuffed moose fell on him and he flipped out.
1522: The sun seems to have energised the players for this afternoon's games after the early mist cleared - let's hope the goals flow.
1520: Hamilton's encounter with St Mirren remains scoreless but the Accies have had the best of the early play.
1519: "You can almost feel the tension in the stands. There are a lot of anxious faces." BBC Radio Scotland commentator Scott Davie reflects on the SPL basement clash at the Falkirk Stadium
1518: Hibs break at speed and Derek Riordan bamboozles a pair of Dons defender before arrowing a left-foot shot which grazes Jamie Langfield's post. That was close.
1517: Falkirk have the territorial advantage over visitors Inverness but the Bairns are yet to carve out a decent effort at goal.
1514: Aberdeen have woken from their reverie: Tommy Wright bravely connects with Foster's floated cross but his header flashes over the bar. Wright took a knock on the head there and has left the field to receive stitches.
1512: Gary McDonald, unmarked in the Hibs box, directs a left-foot shot towards goal but Grzegorz Szamotulski bats the ball away and the home defence scramble it clear.
1511: "Falkirk are very much controlling the game at the moment." BBC Radio Scotland commentator Scott Davie at the Falkirk Stadium
1509: GOAL Rangers 1-0 Hearts David Obua's slack, crossfield ball is intercepted by DaMarcus Beasley and a swift pass forward sets up Kyle Lafferty to fire home the opening goal from 20 yards.
1508: Colin Nish plays a slide-rule pass across the Dons box to Fletcher but the Hibs striker can't get enough purchase on the ball and his shot trundles wide. That was a great chance to open the scoring. It's all Hibs so far.
1506: "Falkirk have to win today. There's no two-ways about it. A draw's not good enough." BBC Radio Scotland pundit Allan Preston at the Falkirk Stadium
1505: We've not played five minutes at Easter Road and Aberdeen have already misplaced a host of passes. The Dons look nervy. Are they still shellshocked after the humiliating cup exit at the hands of Dunfermline?
1503: "Inverness player Lionel Djebi-Zadi always seems to get caught on the wrong side of the ball." BBC Radio Scotland commentator Scott Davie at Falkirk Stadium
1501: "16 seconds gone and Hibs almost fashion a chance through Steven Fletcher!" BBC Radio Scotland's Paul Mitchell
1500: And we're off across the country!
1457: Both halves of the Old Firm face tough matches this weekend at the top of the table. At the bottom, Falkirk and Inverness face a crunch clash while and Aberdeen and Hibs both retain hopes of Europa League action next season.
1441: Keep your comments coming on all the action this afternoon via MySport and text on 80295.
1438: Afternoon everyone! The sun is splitting the sky in Glasgow, setting us up perfectly for a feast of football. Let's hope the fare is better than the early game at Rugby Park.
By Andy Campbell
1435: Okay, I'm off but I will leave you in the more than capable hands of my esteemed colleague Fraser Gibson, who will guide you through the rest of the afternoon's action. Thanks for all your contributions.
Three changes for Rangers with Christian Dailly DaMarcus Beasley and Kris Boyd replacing David Weir, Kirk Broadfoot and Kenny Miller. Lee McCulloch will drop back into defence to partner Dailly and Miller starts on the bench.
Hearts also make three alterations to their starting line-up. Suspended goalkeeper Janos Balogh's place is taken by Jamie MacDonald, Marius Zaliukas takes over from Eggert Jonsson in defence and Deividas Cesnauskis starts in midfield in place of the injured Andrew Driver.
1422: FULL-TIME Kilmarnock 0-0 Motherwell
The match ends in stalemate. Very few chances created by either side and some stubborn defending in both penalty areas.
1419: Kilmarnock goalkeeper Alan Combe fails to claim a corner and the ball breaks for David Clarkson but the Motherwell substitute's shot is too high.
1418: There will be three minutes of injury time. Will there bea dramatic late goal.
1417: "This is probably the worst game I have seen this season, or any other season." boshie_fae_the_brig on My Sport Join the debate
1416: Final substitution for Killie. Conor Sammon takes over from David Fernandez.
1414: A further substitution for both sides. Keith Lasley is introduced for Maros Klimpl for the visitors while Killie's Gavin Skelton replaces Mehdi Taouil.
1412: Maros Klimpl forces way into the Kilmarnock box and fires a low shot towards goal which is blocked by goalkeeper Alan Combe.
1411: "I can't think of one decisive pass in the whole game, everything seems to have been cut out quickly."
BBC Radio Scotland pundit Craig Paterson
1410: Superb save by Graeme Smith. Mehdi Taouil's corner finds Manuel Pascali, who heads low towards goal but the Motherwell keeper pushes the ball away.
1405: Danny Invincibile replaces Jamie Hamill for Killie.
1403: Maros Klimpl's powerful shot from the edge of the box goes narrowly over the Kilmarnock crossbar.
1402: More last-ditch defending for Motherwell. Garry Hay is released on the left by Mehdi Taouil's flick and the full-back's back-post cross is cleared by Stephen Hammell as Jamie Hamill lurked.
"Top drawer defending from Motherwell, but that was a fantastic ball in from Garry Hay." BBC Scotland pundit Craig Paterson
1400: Another substitution for Motherwell. Cillian Sheridan is withdrawn and Stephen McGarry is sent on for the visitors.
1359: Goalkeeper Graham Smith is quick off his line claim the ball as Kevin Kyle threatens for his home side.
1353: "Jim O'Brien had two players clear in his sights, he tried to pick out Cillian Sheridan, but it just didn't work out for him."
BBC Radio Scotland pundit Craig Paterson
1352: Motherwell make a substitution with David Clarkson replacing Brian McLean. A positive move by manager Mark McGhee with his team on the back foot.
1351: Garry Hay gets down the left and delivers an excellent cross towards Kevin Kyle and the former Scotland striker heads narrowly wide.
1350: Garry Hay's attempt from the free-kick is blocked in the box and Mehdi Taouil retrieves the ball on the edge of the box and skews his shot wide.
1349: Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds pulls down the speedy David Fernandez on the edge of the area. The Killie players want a penalty but gave to settle for a free-kick with Reynolds booked for the challenge.
1348: Referee Dougie McDonald exchanges words with Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies at the touchline.
1347: "Both goalkeepers' gloves haven't been made particularly dirty this afternoon."
BBC Radio Scotland commentator Liam McLeod
1345: The pace has picked up but both sides are still struggling get efforts in at goal.
1339: Brian McLean's cross is flicked on by John Sutton and Jim O'Brien, who volleys high over the Kilmarnock crossbar.
1336: Well captain Stephen Craigan clears well under pressure after Garry Hay sends in a dangerous cross.
1333: The match re-starts with the sun bursting through the clouds in Ayrshire.
1325: "I don't often criticise McGhee but he has too many defenders on the park and that's why we are lacking creativity. Quinn and Kliml playing in midfield when we have Lasley sitting on the bench is crazy as far as I'm concerned." madscot125 on My Sport Join the debate
1322: "Looks like its the same old story for Killie. Dominate the match, but can't score." german exile on My Sport Join the debate
1316: HALF-TIME Kilmarnock 0-0 Motherwell
A disappointing first-half with very few shots on goal. Kilmarnock in the ascendency for the most part but Motherwell defending well enough to clear crosses and long throw-ins.
1312: In a rare foray forward, Motherwell's Stephen Hughes chips the ball into the Kilmarnock penalty area and Cillian Sheridan heads wide.
1309: "With their domination, Kilmarnock must feel they should be ahead."
BBC Radio Scotland pundit Craig Paterson
1307: Another Craig Bryson shot is deflected high into the air and there is a scramble in the box before Well keeper Graeme Smith collects the ball.
1302: "Good link-up play by Kilmarnock, but Craig Bryson's touch is a little bit heavy."
BBC Radio Scotland pundit Craig Paterson
1300: "Motherwell to win, Hamilton and 'Mirren to draw and an ICT win today would be an ideal saturday for Inverness to drive the bairns further back." TheKarlICT on My Sport Join the debate
1258: Mehdi Taouil is fouled again, this time by Maros Klimpl. The Moroccan is clearly causing problems for the visitors.
1256: Kilmarnock are certainly making the early running but have yet to seriously test the Motherwell goal.
1255: More delightful skills by Mehdi Taouil outfoxes Brian McLean, who eventually fouls the Killie playmaker.
1249: Garry Hay nutmegs Brian McLean and sends a near-post-cross onto the head of David Fernandez, whose effort sails clear of the Motherwell goal.
1246: "That's what I like bout the Kilmarnock midfielders - they're not scared to get up there into the box."
BBC Radio Scotland pundit Craig Paterson
1245: The home side are trying to utilise the long throw-ins of Tim Clancy, with Kevin Kyle the obvious aerial target in the box.
1243: Craig Bryson fires in a left-footed volley from the edge of the box but Motherwell goalkeeper Graeme Smith claims the ball comfortably.
1241: "So, Kilmarnock haven't won in 2009? I don't think that's going to change today... " 2o-DeMoN-o9 on My Sport Join the debate
1238: Lovely turn in the middle of the park by Mehdi Taouil. The Killie midfielder is enjoying the slick Rugby Park surface.
1236: Kilmarnock's Garry Hay steals the ball in the inside right channel and works the ball onto his left-foot before dragging his shot wide.
1235: "This surface is different class from Fir Park. the Motherwell players will love it - particularly the ball players."
BBC Radio Scotland pundit Craig Paterson
1231: And we're off.
1228: BBC Radio Scotland pundit Craig Paterson has predicted a 1-1 draw for today's lunchtime kick-off.
1227: "I think we've picked a team that gives us the best chance of winning the game from the start. Whatever happens here today, we have to take our three points - and everything else that happens later today will be a positive."
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee
1225: "When we've been on top, we've never made chances and never taken them."
Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies
1215: The team lines show two changes for the home side with Mehdi Taouil and David Fernandez replacing Gavin Skelton and Danny Invincibile.
Motherwell are unchanged with last week's match-winning goalscorer David Clarkson named as a substitute once again.
1212: "Cant wait for the Well game. Just up after nightshift so not at Rugby Park. £20 to get in to there is shocking when it is on the TV and a lunch time kick off." kevmfc on My Sport Join the debate
1207: Motherwell have won three of their last five games and
1205: Kilmarnock's last SPL win was on 27 December against Hibernian. Since then the Ayrshire side have drawn four and lost seven.
1202: "Crucial game for Killie with their chairman (or whoever it was) predicting doom if they go down." Boogie Bear on My Sport Join the debate
1200: Scottish Premier League sides enter what could be a decisive weekend with five matches taking place today.
There is something to play for in every fixture with implications for the title race, European and top six places and relegation.
First up is the lunchtime kick-off at Rugby Park where Kilmarnock host Motherwell.
Killie have struggled of late - no league wins in 2009 - but hold a 100% SPL record over Well so far this season.
Mark McGhee's side boosted their European hopes last week with victory over Dundee United and will look to continue that momentum.
There are four matches kicking off at 3pm, including a bottom of the table clash between basement club Falkirk and Inverness CT.
Elsewhere, Rangers and Hearts meet at Ibrox with both sides aiming to recover from derby defeats last weekend.
At New Douglas Park Hamilton are looking for their first win over St Mirren this season and Hibernian seek to maintain an unbeaten record against visitors Aberdeen.
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