An action-packed midweek card in the Scottish Premiership can mean only one thing – a Hotline rammed with boasts, bickering and the odd bit of banter.
Rangers kept their noses four points ahead at the top with a slender 1-0 win at home to Livingston while in the big one at Tynecastle Celtic survived a second half fightback and a penalty miss to edge Hearts 2-1.
Steven Davidson, Uddingston, said: “Celtic are turning into a real team under Ange now. The depth and quality in the squad is fantastic. A couple of weeks ago someone was saying on here that ‘Celtic's transfers stink of panic’. That comment has aged like milk. Celtic are doing good business and bringing in players making and impact while Rangers can only manage pre-contract deals.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “Tight seasons are decided on close shaves and you just get the feeling Tony Ralston’s 97th minute winner at Ross County and Liam Boyce’s roll along the line penalty are going to be crucial come the finish. We were always going to tire with so many players just back from injury and playing first games but showed fighting spirit and defended brilliantly.”
David Bryce, Troon, said: “Well done to Celtic for a hard fought win at Tynecastle. First half we were excellent however once again in the second half the team were out on their feet. This cannot continue. The fitness levels are lacking and we ended up being really fortunate to win the game.
"Once again Carter-Vickers was absolutely immense. Forget Jota, this guy should be the priority. Matt O’Riley was neat and tidy however ran out of steam and Hatate was excellent in the first half. Once again Forrest was a non-event.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, added: “Yet again Celtic played well for 45 minutes but let their opponents back in the game and were lucky to take three points. They can’t keep doing it without being punished. No doubt Rangers fans will be complaining the second goal was four inches offside but the same can be said for the Hearts goal.”
However, Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “Lucky Celtic again, are you sure Ange is not Irish instead of Aussie-Greek? The luck of the Irish is definitely in that team with Boyce missing a penalty.”
Over to Hearts fan Ian McDonald, Innerleithen, who groaned: “You would think Robbie Neilson would have learned by now to press an average Celtic team from the start. Nope, let them walk all over you then change it when you’re two down. Only a penalty miss away from a draw. Thank goodness we were not playing a good team.”
On to Rangers and Barriemore Barlow, Dunbartonshire, isn’t impressed. He said: “Rangers’ squad is not as strong as has been mooted. Scott Wright is simply not good enough, James Sands hardly touched the ball in his two games, Juninho Bacuna must have been poor if Sands is deemed superior. More additions essential in this window.”
Think the refs have escaped criticism for once? Think again.
John Caw emailed: “Once again another referee allowed Hearts to kick lumps out of Celtic. How Peter Haring stayed on the park is beyond reasoning.”
Brian McColligan added: “Should Celtic complain about John Beaton? An offside goal, dubious penalty and seven minutes injury time – or was he just playing on until Hearts scored?”
But Conor MacLeod emailed: “Old Firm fans seem to be more annoyed about the other team complaining about the standard of refereeing than actually complaining about refereeing. Imagine what would they could achieve if they could stop arguing with each other for five minutes.”
Away from the top of the table and Hibs drew a blank at Motherwell and Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “Shaun Maloney must have a master plan up his sleeve if he can think his side can win games without getting a shot on target. I expect them to be awarded a spot kick and the penalty taker to pass it back.”
And George Fairgrieve emailed: “I see Shaun Maloney is ‘in no hurry to splash the cash’. That’ll please the Easter Road board, they’ve never been keen on spending. The defence still panic when a high ball comes into the box. Shore up the defence.
And our own Michael Gannon won praise for his column on Aberdeen’s woes in today’s newspaper. William Masson, Aberdeenshire, said: “Micheal Gannon’s piece on the Dons pretty much hits the mark. On paper the Dons look to have a decent squad but they need every player to turn up on a match day. Even when Derek McInnes had us flying high we needed all hands to the pump as we weren’t good enough to carry passengers.”
