Scottish Premiership as it happened

1. Aberdeen go top of Premiership
2. Celtic second with their game off
3. Wins for Inverness, Hamilton and Kilmarnock
4. Bottom three all lose

Thanks for your company today. Join us again on Saturday, when the focus turns to the Championship, with the pick of the fixtures being the Edinburgh derby between leaders Hearts and Hibernian.

It is not often in recent years, certainly not at this stage of the season, that you can end a live text by mentioning anyone other than Celtic being top of Scotland's top flight.

Former Aberdeen player and manager Willie Miller is saying on BBC Radio Scotland that he believes they have what it takes to sustain that challenge.

Time will tell and I imagine most neutrals will be hoping that there is challenge for the title, whether it be from the Dons, Dundee United, Hamilton or Inverness.

So there we are after a trio of rather depressing interviews with the managers of St Mirren, Ross County and Motherwell, we have some sweetness and light from Mssrs Hughes and McInnes.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes on BBC Radio Scotland

"I'm delighted with the players' approach to the game.

"It was important that we used the big crowd to get behind the team with us having the chance to go top.

"It was a good strong performance and we created as many chances as we have in any game in that good run.

"Although you are always wanting a second goal, I was confident with the way we were playing.

"We thoroughly deserved the three points.

"We are just enjoying it and it is important that players don't get ahead of themselves."

Inverness manager John Hughes on BBC Radio Scotland

"Our first-half performance was back to what we were doing early in the season - total domination on the ball.

"My only disappointment was losing a goal so soon after scoring our second.

"We are trying to get our wingers higher up the park and our link-up combination play was great.

"Ross County came back into it in the second half, but we have good legs to break on the counter attack and it worked out great.

"It is great to see our work on the training ground coming to fruition."

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre on BBC Radio Scotland

"Inverness were worthy winners. It was certainly not the type of performance we were looking for.

"They were doing the fundamentals better than us - they looked quicker to the ball, had a snap in their challenges and were passing the ball better.

"It wasn't good enough and we had to make early changes for a reason.

"I've seen it before and we are at the bottom for a reason and it is important we get bodies in the January transfer window."

St Mirren caretaker boss Gary Teale on BBC Radio Scotland

"It is extremely disappointing as the performance in the first half was not near the level we reached on Saturday.

"The second half was better and, at the end of the day, the decisions of the officials cost us.

"I don't think Kilmarnock's were penalties and I think the referee has tried to even it out and for us it was embarrassing he gave us a penalty.

"I thought the sending off against Kenny McLean was very soft and I think there is a chance for us to make an appeal.

"I am here to try to get the job permanently and I think the decisions have not helped."

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough on BBC Radio Scotland

"Not the kind of result, not the kind of performance and I have now seen it myself now - that has apparently happened a few times.

"We have to take it on the chin, pick ourselves up for a game in three days' time and can't feel sorry for ourselves.

"It is one way you see the character of a player when the chips were down and one or two were not up to it.

"We've been out fought and out battled. I am not being disrespectful to Hamilton, but they did not outplay us, they worked harder than us and we have to make sure we have the right characters who will battle for the claret and amber."

Hamilton Accies manager Alex Neil on BBC Radio Scotland

"Magnificent result and the performance merited the scoreline as we had more chances.

"The last two years has been a whirlwind for us and we have been a fantastic addition to the Premiership.

"We have some really good players and I think that showed today.

"The players have come here to give themselves a platform and, if they attract interest, we would not stop them furthering themselves.

"We are doing well in the league and attractiing interest, which is good for everyone."

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MCWotte: "Great run and well done so far to Derek McInnes and the Dons." Praise there from the former Scottish Football Association performance director.

Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston on BBC Radio Scotland

"A great win for us. It is an important time of the year, the festive period, to win.

"If one team was going to win, it was us as they did not put us under pressure.

"Our first penalty was a little soft - I would have been complaining about that one - but the second was definitely a penalty.

"When you look at the fixtures, January is going to be massive for us and we have to build on this."

BBC Radio Scotland pundit Willie Miller

"Celtic should still win the title, but it is really refreshing to see a challenge from teams who are playing good football."

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Hamilton Accies official: "Our biggest win v Motherwell in exactly 80 years. 1st Jan 1935."

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afc1974: "We can win this. Celtic will drop points. Stand free all Dons."

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Kenny: "In 2015 the Hoops will still be champions though not by a huge margin."

The bottom five teams all failed to pick up points, although to be fair to Partick Thistle that was because their game was called off!

Kilmarnock's victory takes the Ayrshire side to within two points of sixth-top St Johnstone.

Inverness Caley Thistle are in fifth place, a point behind Hamilton, after they came out tops in the Highland derby with an impressive display against Ross County in Dingwall.

Hamilton's dismantling of Motherwell means they are only four points adrift of the leaders, with the Accies in fourth place.

Aberdeen's sixth straight league win - the first time they have achieved that for 26 years - takes Derek McInnes' side to the top of the Scottish Premiership. They are now a point ahead of Celtic, although the reigning champions do have that game in hand against Partick Thistle, which was due to be played tonight but was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at Firhill,

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

GOAL

Aberdeen's Cammy Smith provides the finishing touch to end St Johnstone's hopes of a late equaliser after a fine break and pass by Adam Rooney.

GOAL

Gregg Wylde slots home the third penalty of the match, this time for St Mirren, after a foul on Jim Goodwin.

GOAL

Hamilton substitute Daniel Redmond is quickest to pounce on the ball in the box and hammers a shot high past Motherwell goalkeeper Dan Twardzik to complete the visitors' Lanarkshire derby humiliation.

A bruising day for St Mirren continues as defender Marc McAusland goes off with blood pouring from a head wound after a challenge from Kilmarnock defender Manuel Pascali.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen are still squandering chances to extend their narrow lead over St Johnstone. Will that come back to bite them in the final few minutes?

Motherwell's Henrik Ojamaa hits a first-time shot from a cross from the right, but the ball fizzes past Hamilton goalkeeper Michael McGovern's left-hand post.

RED CARD

Kilmarnock midfielder Craig Slater is sent off after receiving a second yellow card for over-celebrating his goal against St Mirren. Is that a lifeline for the Buddies?

GOAL

Kilmarnock look to have sealed the victory after a penalty is given for a challenge on Josh Magennis. Some are blaming Jim Goodwin, others Stevie Mallan, but Craig Slater makes no mistake with the penalty after Alexei Eremenko passes up the chance to score his second from the spot.

SNS

Aaron Doran (right) has scored twice for Inverness

SNS

Alexei Eremenko fired Kilmarnock ahead against St Mirren from the penalty spot

GOAL

Tony Andreu sweeps home a shot with his right foot to make it 4-0 for Accies in atrocious conditions in Hamilton. Motherwell are well and truly sunk in the New Douglas Park downpour of rain and goals.

GOAL

Billy McKay fires into the bottom left corner to put Inverness two goals clear of Ross County after the striker is set up by Gary Warren.

RED CARD

St Mirren midfielder Kenny McLean is shown a straight red card after reacting angrily after a free-kick for his side against Kilmarnock. One goal down, one man down, caretaker manager Gary Teale has his work cut out to get anything out of this game for his side.

SNS

Dougie Imrie opened the scoring for Hamilton against Motherwell

GOAL

At last, at last, at last. After three chances for the Accies striker against Motherwell today, Mickael Antoine-Curier weaves his way through a series of claret and amber jerseys and smashes a shot past Dan Twardzik with the goalkeeper helpless.

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Calum in Glasgow: "Hi last time a non Old Firm side was top after New Year was 1992 when Hearts had 44 and Rangers had 43. Where are they now! A happy Dons fan."

Andy: "Aberdeen really need a second goal to put this game to bed. Too many people are counting their chickens before they've hatched here!"

Niall McGinn misses a good chance for Aberdeen, the forward appearing to lose his footing as he was poised to shoot in front of goal. That came after a rare spell of St Johnstone pressure.

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Alexander Cameron: "I think Aberdeen, if they play they can every game, they can win the league and the Scottish League Cup and it helps with Scott Brown getting clean sheets>

Dan Finn: "Predictions for the year ahead?! Malonga n co to do the Conga on the 3rd."

Scott Morgan: "Love listening to open all mic's Derek Fergusons' enthusiasm and comments are brilliant."

Scott: "My prediction for 2015 - Hearts to win the championship by a big margin."

Accies go close to a third goal in the Lanarkshire derby. Dougie Imrie sets up a great chance for Mickael Antoine-Curier with a chip to the back post, but the striker knocks his shot wide.

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Big Pie: "A very Happy New Year to all the Team and your families. Hope you all realise how valuable a service you provide to us listeners. Here's hoping the remaining Douglas Park floodlights fail in the next few minutes. Cheers, 'Well fan in Moray."

Lionel Ainsworth's cross for the sub, Lee Erwin, shows Motherwell are still, somehow, in this game. Accies centre-half Martin Canning does enough to limit Erwin's shot, though, and the ball goes wide of the Hamilton goal.

GOAL

Substitute Jackson Irvine won the corner himself and the midfielder pounces from the set-piece to bring Ross County back into the game against Inverness.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Ross County are nearly back into the game with a Jackson Irvine shot being turned on to the post by Inverness goalkeeper Dean Brill.

GOAL

Aaron Doran grabs his second goal to put Inverness in control in Dingwall as his 20-yard drive takes a deflection past the Ross County goalkeeper.

SNS

David Goodwillie (right) opened the scoring for Aberdeen

Adam Rooney misses a great chance to extend Aberdeen's lead, firing high and wide as he stretches to connect at the back post against St Johnstone.

GOAL

Alexei Eremenko strokes home the opener at St Mirren Park from the penalty spot after Marc McAusland is penalised for a push on Lee Miller in the area.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Hamilton striker Mickael Antoine-Curier hits the Motherwell post with a side-footed shot from 12 yards after good work by Ali Crawford.

David Goodwillie goes close again for Aberdeen as St Johnstone struggle to get back into the game at Pittodrie.

St Mirren midfielder Jim Goodwin tries a clever free-kick aimed under the Kilmarnock defensive wall, but it trundles into the side netting. There's been more action in the first couple of minutes in Paisley than we did in the whole first half.

We're under way at St Mirren Park and Jason Naismith has to head over his own crossbar - and goes close to finding the net - after a curling free-kick from Kilmarnock midfielder Alexei Eremenko. The Finn's subsequent corner kick has St Mirren goalkeeper Mark Ridgers scrambling, but the Buddies survive.

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Adam: "Serious question - when was the last time a team from outside the Old Firm topped the league after Christmas? Great stuff for Scottish football. A delighted Dons fan." Answers not on a postcard but alternative means thank you!

Hamilton are saying there is going to be a five-minute delay to the second half because one of the four floodlights has failed. So far, the lights have gone out completely for Motherwell at New Douglas Park.

Richard Wilson

BBC Scotland at St Mirren Park

"Kilmarnock managed a couple of long-range efforts, but in truth creativity has had to take shelter from the conditions. Driving wind and rain have reduced this to a game of effort and toil, of which there has been plenty. St Mirren might consider moving McLean back into midfield and bringing on a more conventional centre-forward, because their few attacks have tended to run aground rather tamely, but it is perseverance rather than ingenuity that is likely to bring the breakthrough at St Mirren Park."

At the other end of the table, St Mirren are struggling but could still increase the gap between themselves and bottom side Ross County if they continue to hold Kilmarnock. County's predicament is highlighted by manager Jim McIntyre having already hauled off misfiring striker Yoann Arquin, replacing him with Liam Boyce, and then attempting to change their midfield effectiveness, with Terry Dunfield being replaced with Jackson Irvine.

So, as it stands, Aberdeen are destined to continue their winning run and take over at the top of the Scottish Premiership from idle Celtic. Hamilton and Inverness are on their way to maintaining their challenge near the summit as well.

HALF-TIME

Aberdeen 1-0 St Johnstone

Hamilton Academical 2-0 Motherwell

Ross County 0-1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle

St Mirren 0-0 Kilmarnock

Hamilton striker Mickael Antoine-Curier receives Ali Crawford's inviting pass on the edge of the Motherwell box but blasts a shot over the bar from 18 yards when he really ought to have hit the target.

St Mirren makeshift forward Kenny McLean lashes wildly wide in a late chance in a poor game against Kilmarnock.

At wet and windy New Douglas Park, striker John Sutton does well to link up a counter-attack by Motherwell, but when the ball comes in to the midfield, Josh Law's pass out to the right is over-hit and the move breaks down. The Steelmen have struggled to get going.

GREAT SAVE!

Aberdeen goalkeeper Mark Brown makes a fine save to turn a fine shot on the turn from Steven Anderson for a corner kick.

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Andrew: "Prediction for 2015 - United, Dons and Celtic to battle for the league and Scotland to qualify for Euro 2016." You're a brave man with that prediction, although I don't know which is the more unlikely!

GREAT SAVE!

Aaron Doran weaves his way into the Ross County penalty box, but the Inverness winger is denied a second goal after a fine save from Antonio Reguero.

DISALLOWED GOAL

The Aberdeen fans think their side have gone 2-0 up as Peter Pawlett slips the ball past St Johnstone, but the flag had gone up for a hand ball.

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Scotbot of the 45+: "Aberdeen go top of the league*. Didn't think I'd ever say that. *(Small print: till further notice, obviously)."

David Goodwillie creates room for himself and curls a left-foot drive that slips just wide of a St Johnstone post. Aberdeen 1-0 ahead and well on top at Pittodrie.

Hamilton go close to extending their lead further with a corner move from the training ground. Scorer Ali Crawford drives the ball into the penalty box and Tony Andreu drives it first time wide.

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Kenny Anderson: "#bbcscotfootball it can only be good for Scottish football if Dundee United and Aberdeen can sustain their current challenge."

GOAL

Tony Andreu's shot is saved by Motherwell goalie Dan Twardzik and Ali Crawford is well placed to pounce on the rebound from a few yards out and extend Hamilton's lead.

Hamilton press Motherwell back, but the attack falters when Ali Crawford's pass in to the box is fed back to Mickael Antoine-Curier by Darian MacKinnon and the big striker couldn't make enough space to find his balance and he screws his shot high and wide.

GOAL

Marley Watkins sets up Aaron Doran and he fires Inverness into a deserved lead in Dingwall.

Richard Wilson

BBC Scotland at St Mirren Park

"Both sides are gamely trying to make the most of difficult conditions - but few chances created. Kenny McLean has cut a frustrated figure playing up front for St Mirren. He's not receiving the ball when and where he wants it and he would normally influence the game more significantly from a deeper position. But St Mirren have few options up front."

Kilmarnock's Josh Magennis has just tried an effort from very long range against St Mirren and that just about sums up this game so far. The conditions are tough and no-one has had a clear sight of goal as of yet.

Henrik Ojamaa shoots at Michael McGovern's Hamilton goal from 25 yards out, but a deflection takes the sting out of it and it's knocked out for a corner, which comes to nothing. Motherwell still struggling to make an impact.

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Tim Ferwood: "I sense a Goodwillie hat-trick today to emphasize the Dons' title chances! #bbcscotfootball #topoftheleague"

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Bringthemonjpn: "One day into 2015 and we have already seen some magic goals from Scottish players. Flick-ons, overhead kicks - brilliant."

Motherwell defender Fraser Kerr makes a vital intervention to prevent an Ali Crawford pass into the box reaching a red and white shirt. Accies are coping with the rain and wind on the artificial surface much better than Motherwell.

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Andrew Murray: "Happy Arab here. United are certainly good enough to challenge for the title." Don't think that's the Andrew Murray of tennis fame as he's busy on court right now!

PENALTY APPEAL

Inverness are denied what appears to be a stonewall penalty when Billy McKay appears to be pulled back by Ross County's Jamie Reckord.

GREAT SAVE!

Niall McGinn forces yet another fine save from St Johnstone goalkeeper Alan Mannus with a left-foot effort destined for the top corner.

St Johnstone goalkeeper Alan Mannus prevents Aberdeen extending their lead, saving a header from Peter Pawlett.

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Dougie Kinnear: "Ooooh! That's a peach! Great work from McGinn and a beautiful finish from Goodie!"

That Hamilton goal came seconds after Motherwell were forced into an early change, with defender Simon Ramsden being forced off through injury and Lee Erwin taking his place.

Dougie Imrie races clear of the Steelmen's defence and cracks a low shot past Dan Twardzik to give the hosts an early lead.

Hamilton attacker Dougie Imrie gives an early indication of his intentions with a fierce long-range left-foot shot that is deflected out for a corner. Ali Crawford's corner is headed at goal by Alex Neil but goes out for another corner, from which Crawford's delivery is headed powerfully to the back post but is once again cleared off the line before Mickael Antoine-Curier knocks an effort over the bar. What a crazy start!

GOAL

David Goodwillie breaks the deadlock - and his own goal drought - for in-form Aberdeen with a spectacular overhead kick against St Johnstone.

Couple of great early chances for Inverness, with Billy McKay firing into the side netting and Aaron Doran missing the target against Ross County.

KICK-OFF

We're off around the country in what could be a significant day in the Scottish Premiership. Lashing rain is the order of the day, but only this evening's match between Partick Thistle and Celtic has been postponed.

Richard Wilson

BBC Scotland at St Mirren Park

"Driving wind and rain at St Mirren Park, so difficult conditions for both sides. The football will be shaped by the weather, but the home team and Kilmarnock are looking to nurture their revivals in form. This will be a game for the committed and the brave."

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AJ Hooker: "Disappointed not to have scored 8 or 9 to be honest." An understandably pleased Dundee United fan there.

Aberdeen are on a run of four straight wins and five in the Premiership.

But St Johnstone are unbeaten in their last eight games, winning seven of them, including their last six.

They also defeated the Dons 1-0 at McDiarmid Park in August and are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Derek McInnes' side, so it is all set up for a cracker at Pittodrie.

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bringthemonjpn: "Hope that the Aberdeen Rooney does better than the Man U Rooney did today. Chance to go top."

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright on BBC Radio Scotland

"We are on a good run of form, but we know Aberdeen are flying as well.

"The consistency of team selection has been a factor, but Gary will slot in their at right-back in place of Brian.

"It will be a difficult game, but we have got to keep the run going and feel that, on our day, we can beat anyone."

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes on BBC Radio Scotland

"The incentive today is the three points.

"We know they would take us to the top of the league.

"There is no question it would be nice to be there, but we have to remain focused on the game."

Shay Logan returns from injury to replace youngster Craig Murray in Aberdeen's defence.

St Johnstone are without full-back Brian Easton, with Gary Miller taking his place, while former Scotland forward James McFadden is fit enough for a place on the bench after a recent hamstring problem.

St Mirren are understandably unchanged under caretaker manager Gary Teale after halting their 10-match run without a victory by defeating Dundee 3-1.

Alexei Eremenko's stunning free-kick winner against Hamilton wins him a recall in the Kilmarnock midfield, with Robbie Muirhead and Jamie Hamill dropping out.

Dundee manager Paul Hartley on BBC Radio Scotland

"We are really disappointed. We felt we were too easily to play against and were cut open too many times.

"We were all over the place at times.

"Losing Kyle Letheren just before kick off did not help and the goalkeeper had a difficult game.

"We are going through a difficult time as players and coaching staff and we've got to get out of it somehow."

LINE-UPS

Hamilton Academical: McGovern, Gillespie, Canning, Devlin, Hendrie, Neil, MacKinnon, Imrie, Andreu, Crawford, Antoine-Curier. Subs: Routledge, Scotland, Longridge, Brophy, Garcia Tena, Redmond, Hill.

Motherwell: Twardzik, Reid, Kerr, McManus, Hammell, Ainsworth, Lasley, Ramsden, Ojamaa, Law, Sutton. Subs: Nielsen, Erwin, Cummins, Thomas, Cadden, Ferguson, MacLean.

Referee: Crawford Allan

Ross County make one change, with Graham Carey coming into midfield in place of Michael Gardyne. Highland derby rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle are unchanged.

LINE-UPS

Ross County: Reguero, Saunders, Boyd, Paul Quinn, Reckord, Kiss, Brittain, Woods, Dunfield, Carey, Arquin. Subs: Cardle, Jervis, Maatsen, Boyce, Brown, Toshney, Irvine.

Inverness CT: Brill, Raven, Warren, Meekings, Tremarco, Tansey, Shinnie, Watkins, Christie, Doran, McKay. Subs: Esson, Vincent, Ross, Sekajja, Devine, Horner, Williams.

Referee: Steven McLean

Motherwell make one change, Mark O'Brien being left out and Fraser Kerr coming into defence as new manager Ian Baraclough looks to continue the improved form since he took charge and record a third straight win. Hamilton are unchanged as they look to recover from their defeat by Kilmarnock.

What it all means is that we could, in theory at least, have a three-horse race for the Scottish Premiership title.

That seemed an extremely unlikely prospect at the start of the season given Celtic's dominance since Rangers departed the top-flight scene and the way the men from Parkhead continue to dwarf the others financially.

But are the Dons and United capable of sustaining the challenge? It could also be asked - are this Celtic side capable of handing the title to someone else despite the odds stacked so heavily in their favour?

Drop us a text at 80295, Tweet using #bbcscotfootball or leave a comment on the BBC Sport Scotland Facebook page.

Of course, Dundee United's emphatic derby win over neighbours Dundee in that earlier kick-off means that Aberdeen have slipped to third on goal difference and they will be hoping to ensure that it is only a temporary occurrence.

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Anonymous: "Sitting on the road into Dingwall stuck in a looooooooong queue for the football"

Anonymous: "Hartley - do what you did at Alloa and walk away."

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Mikey Hunter: "I see United are still poor only winning 6-2! I remember when we beat the Dundee 7-2 on New Years Day. Saints are still the best in Tayside!" Time will tell after today's game at Pittodrie perhaps.

LINE-UPS

St Mirren: Ridgers, Naismith, McAusland, Goodwin, Tesselaar, Osbourne, Mallan, McLear, McGinn, Kelly, McLean. Subs: Wylde, Reilly, Ball, Drury, Kello, Baird, Morgan.

Kilmarnock: Samson, Barbour, Ashcroft, Connolly, Chantler, McKenzie, Slater, O'Hara, Magennis, Eremenko, Miller. Subs: Johnston, Cairney, Brennan, Pascali, Muirhead, Syme, Splaine.

Referee: William Collum

LINE-UPS

Aberdeen: Brown, Logan, Taylor, Reynolds, Considine, McGinn, Pawlett, Jack, Hayes, Goodwillie, Rooney. Subs: Langfield, Monakana, Smith, Shankland, Murray, Gibbons, Wright.

St Johnstone: Mannus, Mackay, Anderson, Wright, Miller, Croft, Millar, Lappin, O'Halloran, Wotherspoon, MacLean. Subs: Scobbie, McDonald, Banks, Caddis, McFadden, Davidson, Brown.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara on BBC Radio Scotland

"Fantastic. I'm delighted with a lot of things in the game.

"A lot of our players were at it today and, when we play like that, we feel we can beat anybody.

"We knew we could cause them problems."

Arguably, the pick of the games to come is at Pittodrie, where Aberdeen have a big chance to set the Scottish Premiership title chase alight by defeating St Johnstone. With Celtic losing to Dundee United, drawing with Ross County then having their game against Partick Thistle called off, Derek McInnes' side have been presented with a chance to leapfrog the reigning champions at the top of the table.

There are four more fixtures to come and, after the goalfest from Tannadice, we have four more games this afternoon after the Partick Thistle against Celtic match was postponed.

Hello and Happy New Year to you all. I'll be your host for the rest of the games on a big day of derbies in the Scottish Premiership.

Well folks, thanks for joining me on what was an entertaining start to the football year.

I'll pass you on to my colleague Clive Lindsay, who will take you through the rest of the day's action.

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Lee: There is no excuses for top flight games to be postponed. The SPFL need to start hammering clubs for cancelations.

Carina: Tangerine dream in 2015 #derbydemolition.

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Leigh Edwards: Beeeaaaauuuuutiiiifffuuulllll!!!!!

I think it's safe to say Leigh is a Dundee United fan.

We'll hopefully hear from both managers at Tannadice soon, and then it's on to the four other games on today's fixture list.

Remember the Partick Thistle v Celtic match has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

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George Pendrich on Facebook: Dundee are a lost team devoid of tactical awareness and confidence. After a good start to the season who knows where the next points are coming from?

Dundee have now gone seven games without a win and today's derby defeat will have been the hardest to take of the lot.

Dundee United were miles better than Paul Hartley's troops today.

The victory takes Dundee United level on 37 points with Aberdeen, but the Tannadice outfit go second in the Premiership table on goal difference.

FULL-TIME

It's game over at Tannadice and what a start to 2015, just the eight goals to get you going on this New Year day.

GOAL

Greg Stewart slips a lovely ball into the box and Luka Tankulic dinks it brilliantly over Radoslaw Cierzniak, I doubt it's much consolation for the visiting fans though.

SNS

Jaroslaw Fojut certainly enjoyed his goal for Dundee United.

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Ryan on Facebook: Thought United would win but in a much closer affair. Being a Hibee this result has no bearing on me except that this is the same United team we outplayed in the League Cup when we lost on penalties, which is a positive.

A cup half full kind of guy is Ryan.

Aidan Connolly curls an effort wide of the post, United are far from finished here with around five minute to play.

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Robbie Devenney: Dundee must be wanting the year to end already.

GOAL

Sub Charlie Telfer makes it six for the hosts. Gary Mackay-Steven's attempted cross makes its way to Telfer and he provides a great low finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

We reckon this is the first time United have scored six goals against their city rivals. Sore one for the Dens men.

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Ryan Hawes on Facebook: Can't blame the Dundee players. When you have such a long way to travel on away day, fatigue can play a part and these things can happen...

Ryan may not be totally serious...

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Kevin: Have Dundee forgot to turn up? They're not that bad a team to be losing 5-1.

SUBSTITUTION

Aidan Connolly is on for the hosts in place of Nadir Ciftci.

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Napoleon on his hopes for the year ahead: For my club, the Lg title - for every other club, adequate pitch covers, and access to the weather forecast.

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Kevin: Poor performance from Dundee, no fight.

Dundee sub Dylan Carreiro gets a sight of goal after great work by Gary Irvine, but the young Canadian's effort is poor.

SUBSTITUTION

Dundee United youngster Charlie Telfer is on in place of Callum Butcher.

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Iain: Dundee are just terrible.

A fair number of the Dundee fans have seen enough, as the away end at Tannadice empties.

SUBSTITUTION

Dundee's David Clarkson is hooked and Dylan Carreiro makes his way on to the pitch.

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EdinburghTom: Demolition derby!

The Dundee United players are all looking to get amongst the goals now and John Rankin tries a speculative effort from about 30 yards, but thankfully for the visitors it goes well over the bar.

SUBSTITUTION

Dundee took defender Thomas Konrad off, replaced by Luka Tankulic, just before United notched their fifth of the game.

GOAL

Gary Mackay-Steven whips in a corner and Polish defender Jaroslaw Fojut rises and nods the ball into the bottom corner, although it took a slight touch off James McPake.

GREAT SAVE!

Radoslaw Cierzniak makes a stunning save. Greg Stewart's free-kick takes a touch off Keith Watson, but the United glove man saves his team-mate from the horror of an own goal as he palms the ball on to the bar.

SUBSTITUTION

Chris Erskine, who scored Dundee United's third goal of the game, goes off with Ryan Dow on.

Chris Erskine's left foot effort is easily collected by Dundee keeper Arvid Schenk.

Dundee United are starting to threaten again with Nadir Ciftci showing some delightful touches in the final third.

SNS

Dundee playmaker Paul McGowan let his team-mates have it when United bagged their fourth goal of the game.

David Clarkson is almost in, but the long ball from James McPake skips up in front of the Dundee hitman and drops into the arms of the hosts' goalkeeper.

Dundee United keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak comes and fails to collect a corner but Thomas Konrad can't sort his feet out and knocks the effort wide.

Dundee are looking for more than damage limitation here and have won a few corners in quick succession.

CLOSE!

Dundee defender James McPake fires in a dipping effort from all of 30 yards that keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak does well to block, and when the ball eventually breaks to David Clarkson he can't get a clean shot away.

Dundee keeper Arvid Schenk had a bad first half as the ball flew past him four times, and he looks rather nervy again as he fluffs at attempted clearance.

SUBSTITUTION

Dundee boss Paul Hartley makes a change at half time with Gary Harkins off and Martin Boyle on. Can he provide the spark to get the Dens Park men back into this one?

KICK-OFF

We're back under-way at Tannadice.

Partick Thistle v Celtic OFF

Partick Thistle confirm a waterlogged pitch is the reason for their match against Celtic being postponed.

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence is telling us that there are plenty of scouts in the Tannadice stands today, including one from Swansea, and there's been lots to admire about a number of Dundee United players.

CLINICAL UNITED

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Gary Mackay-Steven's second goal of the day made it 4-1 to Dundee United. The visiting defence will need to tighten up hugely in the second half or this could get a whole lot worse for them.

The first half at Tannadice has provided all the action you could ask for of a New Year derby match, providing you're not a Dundee fan that is.

Gary Mackay-Steven has scored a cracking double for the dominant hosts, and Greg Stewart's free-kick for Dundee was another belter.

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David Rabett on Facebook: 4-1, not looking likely for a Dundee comeback.

HALF-TIME

Kevin Clancy brings the first half to a close and it's not been good viewing for fans of Dundee.

GAME OFF

Partick Thistle have just Tweeted to say their game against Celtic tonight is off after a 1pm pitch inspection.

Two minutes left of what has been a nightmare first half for Paul Hartley's Dundee side.

Is there any way back into this one for the Dark Blues?

GOAL

Dundee are in serious bother now as Gary Mackay-Steven latches on to Stuart Armstrong's through-ball and sweeps a left foot finish beyond Arvid Schenk, who is not having the best of debuts in the Dundee goal.

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Gary Mackay-Steven curled home a beautiful goal to give United a 2-1 lead.

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Greg Stewart's brilliant free kick sparked wild celebrations amongst the Dundee players and backroom team, but their smiles were short-lived as United soon hit back with two goals.

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Alan Ryan: Commentary is making this sound like exciting stuff.

Lee Gardiner: Not a great advert for Scottish defences!

CLOSE!

Gary Harkins loses the ball and United's John Rankin breaks forward, has a look and then takes a pop from distance with his excellent left foot. The ball almost scrapes the paint off Arvid Schenk's left hand post on its way past.

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bringthemonjpn: Great game of football. Pace is faster than a Hamley's Christmas till. Even the ball boys could lose count of the score.

GOAL

Dundee United have had their porridge this morning.

A hopeful ball into the box from Conor Townsend somehow makes its way to Chris Erskine and he cuts back inside and fires a shot that takes a touch and finds its way into the net.

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Mick Walsh: Good game so far, some goal by Dundee!!!!

GOAL

Another cracking goal sends Dundee United in front again. Gary Mackay-Steven bamboozles Paul McGowan on the right flank and then cuts inside and curls the ball into the top corner.

What a start to the year...

GOAL

And Greg Stewart makes full use of the chance. The striker curls an absolute peach with his left foot into the top corner from just outside the area.

YELLOW CARD

Dundee United's Callum Butcher picks up a caution for a challenge on Gary Harkins. Free kick in a useful position.

Gary Harkins has been Dundee's star man so far but with Paul McGowan standing in acres of space in the area, Harkins over-hits a simple ball and the chance is gone. McGowan doesn't look impressed with his team-mate.

Dundee win a corner and Gary Harkins' delivery finds Thomas Konrad in the area but his header is tame, and slides well wide of the target.

Dundee's Gary Harkins drops his shoulder to create himself a yard of space on the left hand side of United's box, but his left foot shot is easily gathered by goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak.

The first 15 minutes have flown by at Tannadice, it's been frenetic but both sides are trying to get the ball down and play.

We're just hearing that there is a 1pm pitch inspection at Firhill, with Celtic and Partick Thistle due to meet there at 17:30 this evening.

We'll keep you up to date with any news from there...

Stuart Armstrong didn't know a great deal about his opening goal but that will make no difference to him or the United fans.

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