FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE SPFL THIS WEEKEND

COMMITTED COUNTY GRIND DOWN CELTIC

CELTIC were dominant in possession but the tempo of their play dropped in the second period. Ross County stuck doggedly to their task and took advantage to win 1-0. John Hughes’ side are in a relegation scrap and put their bodies on the line in defence. Celtic were undone by a set-play and missed chances but lost to a team who wanted it more last night.

McGREGOR STANDS TALL YET AGAIN FOR RANGERS

RANGERS engaged cruise control when 3-0 up inside 49 minutes thanks to the early saves of Allan McGregor yesterday. The veteran was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half hour at Ibrox as Dundee United started strongly. When called upon, McGregor usually comes up with the big saves required for Steven Gerrard’s side. He did so again in the 4-1 win.

BRILLIANT BOYLE IS HELPING HIBS SOAR

MARTIN BOYLE has seized the initiative for Hibernian in the race for third. The Australian missed a penalty but scored and set up the other goal in the 2-0 win over Hamilton Accies. Boyle (below) can score goals, commit defenders with his pace and is starting to add more assists. He is one of the most dangerous allround forwards in the league.

KILMARNOCK HAVE TO BELIEVE IN WRIGHT PATH

THREE 1-0 defeats were not what new Kilmarnock boss Tommy Wright had in mind when taking the reins at Rugby Park. The team’s latest reverse at Pittodrie did provide cause for optimism, though. Killie had more possession than Aberdeen and created chances. The odd mistake and a lack of clinical edge is still costing them dearly.

LABOURED HEARTS INCHING TO THE TITLE

HEARTS are 11 points clear in the Championship but they dropped more points after a 1-1 draw with Morton. Robbie Neilson’s side have been underwhelming recently but the topsy-turvy nature of the division leads to teams inevitably taking points off each other. Hearts are the only club who have won at least 50 per cent or more of their matches in the second tier this term.