Saturday's Scottish football as it happened

1. Aberdeen 2-0 Dundee
2. Hearts 3-0 Partick Thistle
3. Inverness CT 0-2 Hamilton
4. Kilmarnock 0-4 Ross County
5. St Johnstone 2-1 Motherwell
6. Dundee United 1-3 Celtic

Goodbye

So, Hearts remain top of the Premiership table courtesy of their victory at home to Partick Thistle.

Celtic - ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Malmo next Tuesday - beat Dundee United and Ross County record a resounding win at struggling Kilmarnock.

St Johnstone come back to beat Motherwell at McDiarmid Park, while Hamilton claim maximum points against Inverness.

And Aberdeen had to remain patient before seeing off Dundee at Pittodrie.

Thanks for your company this afternoon. Highlights of all today's games will be available on our website from 18:00 tomorrow. Enjoy your Saturday night. Cheers.

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson

"We've still got quite a few guys to get back.

"To keep a clean sheet's great. The forward players worked really hard as well. To get three goals was great.

SNS

"We're still missing penalties. It started from last season, we missed a few. This season we've managed to score two but we're also missing as well so it's something we need to try to get on top of.

"We're trying to get ourselves through to the international break. We can get the guys that are struggling and still playing patched up and then the other guys coming back.

"Once we get through to the international break, we can then start to really push on and hopefully continue our good form.

"We're still miles away from being title contenders. We are, let's be honest. We're only a few games into the season. We've still got a long way to go."

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes

"There was so much to like about us in the first half - total dominance against a good side.

SNS

"We had to try to work round their shape as they've gone with a back five. We tried to keep asking questions and we had about 10 corners in that first half.

"It looked like a goal would just be a matter of time but if it doesn't happen then you just need to keep doing the right thing.

"I think the 2-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.

"Last season it took us a while to find any kind of consistency, although there was some good results. It's important to get into your stride as quickly as possible - it's been a good start."

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre

"I'm thrilled. I thought we were excellent from the first whistle. We made good goalscoring opportunities and to be 4-0 up after 30-odd minutes - you've done a lot of things well in the game.

SNS

"I'm really pleased. We made a couple of changes today and the guys who came in played fantastically well.

"We spoke about starting as quickly as we could and being ruthless. The boys certainly done that."

Kilmarnock boss Gary Locke

"The first half was embarrassing. The goals we lost - we're not giving ourselves a chance. They're cheap goals and individual mistakes.

"We're making basic mistakes and there's maybe a lack of confidence. But we're going to have to stick together and rally round.

SNS

"If we start games like this then we're never going to give ourselves a chance."

Results

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Dumbarton 0-2 Queen of the South

Livingston 1-2 Falkirk

Raith Rovers 3-0 Alloa

LEAGUE ONE

Brechin 1-2 Airdrie

Cowdenbeath 1-0 Albion

Forfar 4-1 Stenhousemuir

Peterhead 2-1 Dunfermline

Stranraer 1-2 Ayr

LEAGUE TWO

Arbroath 1-2 Queen's Park

East Fife 2-1 Elgin

East Stirling 3-1 Annan Athletic

Montrose 2-0 Clyde

Stirling 1-3 Berwick

Dundee boss Paul Hartley

"I thought we were in control in the second half and playing some good football. We had a really good opportunity with Hemmings but the (first) goal we lost is disappointing.

SNS

"Overall, I thought the second half was good from us. We came here with a gameplan and changed the shape of the team.

"We frustrated Aberdeen and they didn't really cut us open. We've got a few players missing and hopefully we can get them back in the next week or so."

Boys Don Well

SNS

Following the win over Dundee at Pittodrie, it's the first time since 1991/92 Aberdeen have won their first four fixtures of the season.

Hearts & minds

Victory at Tynecastle against Partick Thistle sees Hearts leapfrog Celtic and move back to the top of the Premiership table.

Eighteen goals in the six top-flight games today. Not too shabby, eh?

SNS

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

Bill Alexander: The top six win; the bottom six lose.

FULL-TIME

Aberdeen 2-0 Dundee

Hearts 3-0 Partick Thistle

Inverness CT 0-2 Hamilton

Kilmarnock 0-4 Ross County

St Johnstone 2-1 Motherwell

GOAL

Adam Rooney sends Scott Bain the wrong way and rolls it into the bottom left hand corner. The Dons double their lead late on as the home fans roar their approval.

PENALTY

Penalty to Aberdeen, Gary Harkins sent off for foul on Adam Rooney!

GOAL

With Inverness throwing men forward, Hamilton break away to score their second and surely seal the three points with Louis Longridge rounding the goalkeeper to score.

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

Ally Finlay: Who needs the Old Firm? Hearts and Aberdeen doing well yet the media still say we need rangers... #bbcscotfootball

Aberdeen 1-0 Dundee

Excellent passing play from Aberdeen almost results in a second goal. Graeme Shinnie is the man who gets onto the end of the move but goalkeeper Scott Bain denies him from point blank range.

RED CARD

Jake Taylor is given his marching orders for a second bookable offence - simulation in the box as referee Craig Thomson orders the midfielder for an early bath.

St Johnstone 2-1 Motherwell

Kenny Crawford

BBC Sport Scotland

"Steven MacLean scores his third goal of the season - that's the former Aberdeen man equalled his tally from last season. All goals in this match have been from a couple of yards out!"

GOAL

They've done it! St Johnstone come from behind to lead at McDiarmid Park. Michael O'Halloran is the provider for Steven MacLean to rifle home his and St Johnstone's second from close range.

Tommy Wright will be doing a wee Gangnam Style dance of delight on the touchline...

Join the debate at #bbccotfootball

Andrew Priestley: Hearts are continuing their impressive start to the season. They are proving that sometimes you have to go down to improve. #bbcscotfootball

GOAL

He's just had a penalty save but that won't be bothering Juanma Delgado now as he powers beyond the Partick Thistle defence to chip in Hearts' third.

GOAL

Juanma Delgado's spot-kick is saved by Tomas Cerny but Sam Nicholson is on hand to blast in the rebound. A fairer reflection on the match now.

PENALTY

Stuart Bannigan trips Callum Paterson as he careers into the box and Hearts have a spot-kick.

GOAL

Aberdeen finally make the breakthrough. Jonny Hayes races down the right hand side, beats his man and lays the ball on a plate for Adam Rooney who bullets a header past Scott Bain.

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

BBC Sportsound pundit Craig Paterson

"Any momentum that Aberdeen are building is just dying. It's nothing like the first half."

GOAL

Tommy Wright's troops are level. Graham Cummins's cross is met by striker Steven MacLean who fires home from close range for his second goal of the campaign.

Hearts 1-0 Partick Thistle

No 'coming back to haunt his old team' for Ryan Stevenson today; the Thistle midfielder is replaced by Steven Lawless as the Jags continue to trail at Hearts.

Kilmarnock 0-4 Ross County

Kilmarnock have stemmed the flow of goals hitting the back of Jamie MacDonald's net but our reporter Chick "Chico" Young says Gary Locke's side - 4-0 down - have been very poor today.

"Ross County know this is all tied up," booms Chico on the wireless.

CLOSE!

Sam Nicholson is clean through on the right for Hearts but the winger drags his shot wide from the edge of the penalty area. The Jambos were on their feet to acclaim a second goal!

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

It's a different Dundee this half. Kevin Holt finds space to run forward and unleashes a left foot shot wide, and suddenly it's Aberdeen who are being pinned in their own half.

SNS

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

Dundee have done more in the opening two minutes than in the whole of the first half, and they should be ahead.

Kane Hemmings races through on goal but is denied by Danny Ward. However, the visitors keep up the pressure and Greg Stewart flashes a shot just wide of the top corner.

Hearts 1-0 Partick

Richard Wilson

BBC Scotland

"The only solace for Partick Thistle is that they are just one goal down at Tynecastle. Hearts have swept upfield at every opportunity and the visitors' defence has had to live on the edge."

KICK-OFF

A cup of tea and a caramel wafer later... we're back under way!

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

Fadi Audah: If Dundee score the first goal after soaking up all that pressure in the 1st half, I can see them winning the game #bbcscotfootball

Tom and 20 others: What a start to the season - Hearts are "doing a Hearts" #bbcscotfootball

Stephen Hay: Kilmarnock showing why they celebrated so much with that point against Celtic. It's going to be a long season. #bbcscotfootball

HALF-TIME

CHAMPIONSHIP

Dumbarton 0-1 Queen of the South

Livingston 0-1 Falkirk

Raith Rovers 0-0 Alloa

LEAGUE ONE

Brechin 0-2 Airdrieonians

Cowdenbeath 1-0 Albion Rovers

Forfar 4-1 Stenhousemuir

Peterhead 1-1 Dunfermline

Stranraer 0-1 Ayr Utd

LEAGUE TWO

Arbroath 0-1 Queen's Park

East Fife 1-1 Elgin

East Stirling 1-1 Annan Athletic

Montrose 0-0 Clyde

Stirling 0-2 Berwick Rangers

HALF-TIME

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

Hearts 1-0 Partick

Inverness CT 0-1 Hamilton

Kilmarnock 0-4 Ross County

St Johnstone 0-1 Motherwell

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

Yet another corner from Aberdeen and Gary Harkins almost heads into his own net.

Instead it goes behind for a ninth Dons corner, but the visitors are still surviving the onslaught...

HITS THE WOODWORK

The shattered hosts venture forward and Kris Boyd's free-kick thuds against the woodwork and no team-mate is on hand to profit. It never rains but it pours for Gary Locke's troops today...

GOAL

Kilmarnock boss Gary Locke must wish he'd gone to the cinema this afternoon rather than survey the wreckage of the first half at Rugby Park.

It's now 4-0 to Ross County as Andrew Davies fires home from six yards after Kilmarnock failed to deal with a corner.

County strutting their stuff like 1970s Brazil; the hosts are Killie their fans softly...

Hearts 1-0 Partick

Richard Wilson at Tynecastle

BBC Scotland

"Hearts have barely let up and that won't change even now they have the lead. The visitors are manfully trying to keep them at bay, but it's a hard shift for Partick Thistle."

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

Frustration is starting to show in the Aberdeen ranks. There's a series of arguments breaking out between teammates with players losing their patience and taking long range shots.

In the meantime the Dons are still going forward constantly, and David Goodwillie should do better with a header from close range.

GOAL

Kilmarnock fans look away now. Ross County swarm all over the beleaguered, nerve-shredded and shell-shocked Killie side and Liam Boyce takes advantage of sloth-like defending to fire home from close range.

SNS

HITS THE WOODWORK

Adam Rooney hits the top of the bar with a header from Niall McGinn's cross.

Then Jonny Hayes goes for goal with a shot with Scott Bain spills but manages to grab at the second attempt.

GOAL

Partick Thistle have struggled with corners all day and this time Igor Rossi Branco knocks the ball down for Osman Sow to volley in from a couple of yards out.

SNS

Martin Dowden at the Caledonian Stadium

BBC Scotland

"Great finish from Carlton Morris in a very open game but Inverness CT have had three or four superb opportunities to hit the net. Home side looking more threatening in the final third than they have done."

St Johnstone 0-1 Motherwell

Kenny Crawford

BBC Sport Scotland

"One interested spectator at McDiarmid Park is Scotland boss Gordon Strachan. Only three of Motherwell's starting XI are Scots so maybe not loads of Steelmen to pick from."

Kilmarnock 0-2 Ross County

Kilmarnock keeper Jamie MacDonald is keeping Ross County at bay as Michael Gardyne and Craig Curran threaten to score a third goal for a rampant County.

Kilmarnock 0-2 Ross County

Boos from the home fans inside Rugby Park as the Kilmarnock defence continues to buckle under the weight of some razor-sharp Ross County attacking. County are two goals to the good and clearly in the mood for more.

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

The chances keep coming from the home side. Another corner for the Dons and Ash Taylor heads over from close range.

Then David Goodwillie twists and turns inside the area, and his cross is deflected towards Kenny McLean who shoots over.

CLOSE!

Igor Rossi Branco oh so close to giving Hearts the lead as he volleys wide at the back post after a corner is flicked on.

GOAL

Hamilton capitalise on a mistake as Iain Vigurs concedes possession and Carlton Morris gets away from Ross Draper to fire Accies ahead.

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

Niall McGinn tries an audacious trip from outside the box which Scott Bain has to tip over.

From the corner though Dundee break forward on the counter attack and only good defending from Jonny Hayes stops Kane Hemmings from racing clear.

Kilmarnock 0-2 Ross County

More woes for the home side at Rugby Park as Kilmarnock captain Mark Connolly hobbles off to be replaced by Stuart Wilson.

St Johnstone 0-1 Motherwell

Kenny Crawford at McDiarmid Park

BBC Sport Scotland

"Louis Moult opens his account for Motherwell with the easiest of chances - the ex-Wrexham man turns in Lionel Ainsworth's low cross from the right.

"Motherwell have not taken a point at McDiarmid in their last four attempts so it's a fantastic start for Ian Baraclough's side."

GREAT SAVE!

Sam Nicholson has been lively so far Hearts and the winger tests Tomas Cerny with a fierce drive.

GOAL

The Steelmen break the deadlock in Perth as Lionel Ainsworth's cross picks out Louis Moult who finds the net in clinical style.

Aberdeen 0-0 Dundee

It's one-way traffic early on as Aberdeen try to unsettle Dundee's three-man defence. Adam Rooney has his back to goal but manages to get a shot away which goalkeeper Scott Bain covers.

GOAL

Do not adjust your sets. County double their lead with the Kilmarnock defence all at sea. Liam Boyce's effort is blocked and the predatory Jonathan Franks follows up to fire home from close range.

County are on fire; Kilmarnock in the mire!

GOAL

We have our first goal in the five top-flight games at 15:00. First blood to County as Liam Boyce's deflected strike breaks the deadlock at Rugby Park.

Hearts 0-0 Partick

Richard Wilson

BBC Scotland

"It seems a tall order for Partick Thistle at Tynecastle. They travel to Edinburgh without a win in the league and having scored only two goals, whereas Hearts have a 100% record from their opening four games, and have scored 10. Hearts are strong, committed, and the team line-up is consistent; Partick Thistle have to find a way to cope."

KICK-OFF

Goals please, and plenty of them!

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes

The crowd today will be healthy, the pitch is looking great, we're playing against a team that's got loads of good players themselves, and we've got a real job on our hands to get the job done today.

SNS

This year the signings Paul Hartley has made we'll see more improvement. They're put together a strong team there, they can beat any opposition on their day.

Inverness CT v Hamilton

The visitors were being written off at the start of the season but may have a few pundits revising their predictions after last weekend's thumping win over Dundee United.

Ali Crawford has started in very lively form and new German forward Gramoz Kurtaj looks like a very handy addition.

A spate of injuries has unsettled the hosts' small squad and there appears to be something of a hangover following the highs of last season.

St Johnstone v Motherwell

The Saints are another team looking for a first win and definitely have the edge in this 'Off The Ball derby', with Motherwell having lost on their last four trips to Perth.

Following an opening weekend victory, Ian Baraclough's men have suffered three losses on the spin but it won't be all doom and gloom at Fir Park since the Steelmen pushed Aberdeen all the way last weekend.

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright is used to slow starts so he's not panicking and he knows three points today will propel his team up a congested table.

Kilmarnock v Ross County

Kilmarnock, who prop up the table at this early stage, have not won at Rugby Park since March but spirits will have been lifted after back-to-back 2-2 draws against Celtic and Partick Thistle.

Kris Boyd opened his account with a late goal last weekend and manager Gary Locke has several promising young talents at his disposal.

SNS

The Staggies are still bedding in new partnerships in central defensive and central midfield but have already shown signs that they are unlikely to be mired in another struggle against relegation.

Aberdeen v Dundee

The Dons are aiming to start a league campaign with four consecutive wins for the first time since 1991-92.

SNS

However, Dundee have a great record at Pittodrie, losing just two of their previous 18 league visits to the Granite City.

The visitors have been lively in attack, with Greg Stewart building on his impressive debut season in the top flight and Kane Hemmings scoring twice in four outings.

Aberdeen appear to have found a talented goalkeeper in Danny Ward, which will strengthen an already solid defensive base.

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

Brian McLauchlin at Pittodrie

BBC Scotland

This is the 250th meeting between Aberdeen and Dundee: 116 wins for the Dons; 54 for Dundee with 79 draws. Predictions?

LINE-UPS

Kilmarnock: MacDonald, Smith, Connolly, McKenzie, Boyd, Higginbotham, Westlake, O'Hara, McCulloch, Ashcroft, Magennis. Subs: Davies, Hamill, Findlay, Splaine, Kiltie, Slater, Barbour.

Ross County: Fox, Robertson, Gardyne, Irvine, Davies, Reckord, Quinn, Franks, Curran, Boyce, Fraser. Subs: Bachmann, De Vita, Graham, Holden, Boyd, McShane, Murdoch.

LINE-UPS

Inverness CT: Fon Williams, Raven, Lopez, Draper, Devine, Tansey, Williams, Polworth, Christie, Vigurs, Mutombo. Subs: Tremarco, Wedderburn, Horner, Ferguson, Brown, Sutherland, Esson.

Hamilton: McGovern, Gordon, Kurakins, Gillespie, Imrie, Crawford, Kurtaj, Morris, MacKinnon, Garcia Tena, Tagliapietra. Subs: MacDonald, Watson, Longridge, Docherty, Nade, Boyd, Martin.

LINE-UPS

St Johnstone: Mannus, MacKay, Scobbie, Lappin, Millar, Davidson, MacLean, Shaughnessy, Cummins, Easton, O'Halloran. Subs: Clark, Wotherspoon, Sutton, McKay, Kane, Craig, Thomson

Motherwell: Ripley, Hammell, Laing, McManus, Ainsworth, Johnson, Lasley, Law, Moult, Taylor, McDonald. Subs: Twardzik, Chalmers, Kennedy, Clarkson, Leitch, Thomas, Cadden

Celtic debutant

Scott Allan says the reception he received from the Celtic fans at Tannadice was "different class".

"I think I can feature anywhere across the front three in the formation we play. Wherever the manager wants to play me, I'll try my best.

"I've known a lot of the boys for a few years so it was easy for me to come in and settle.

SNS

"For me, just to be involved [against Malmo] would be good and hopefully we get through to the group stage [of the Champions League].

LINE-UPS

Aberdeen: Ward, Logan, Shinnie, Taylor, Considine, Jack, McLean, Hayes, McGinn, Goodwillie, Rooney. Subs: Brown, Smith, Robson, Quinn, Storie, Wright, Parker.

Dundee: Bain, Holt, Konrad, McPake, Stewart, Hemmings, Etxabeguren, Ross, McGowan, McGinn, Harkins. Subs: Mitchell, Irvine, Meggatt, Ferry, Gadzhalov, Curran, Carreiro

LINE-UPS

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Ozturk, Rossi, Oshaniwa, Sow, Buaben, Gomis, Nicholson, Reilly Juanma. Subs: Hamilton, McGhee, McHattie, McKirdy, King, Morrison, Oliver

Partick Thistle: Cerny, Miller, Seaborne, Welsh, Booth, Amoo, Bannigan, Doolan, Stevenson, Frans, Fraser. Subs: Scully, Osman, Lawless, Wilson, Hendry, McDaid, Nisbet.

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara

"We lacked a bit of belief in the first half and sat off them. We were punished for not concentrating and we lost two goals from our corners today.

"We were unlucky with the goals we lost.

"The biggest thing is belief at this level."

SNS

Hearts v Partick

Tynecastle is sold out today as Hearts look for a fifth win on the bounce.

SNS

The Jambos have built on the momentum gathered from steamrollering their way to the Championship title and head coach Robbie Neilson has enjoyed early success with his system of player rotation.

Thistle are yet to win a game this season but they have only lost once in their four outings. Goals have been hard to come by although Kris Doolan should be in confident mood after grabbing a brace last weekend, the club's first of the season.

Five games at 3pm

So, Ronny Deila is content with victory if not his side's finishing at Tannadice ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League qualifier against Malmo.

We'll have the views of Jackie McNamara soon; our attention now turns to the five games at 3pm.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila

"I'm very satisfied. It's a tough game, mentally, after Wednesday. We should've scored more goals - that's the biggest issue. But I'm happy with three points."

SNS

'Celtic in control'

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport

Save 20 minutes at start of second half, Celtic pretty much in control at Tannadice today - that's with nine changes! More woes for #DundeeUnited

'Deila will be delighted'

BBC Sportsound pundit Pat Bonner

"A deserved victory and Ronny Deila will be delighted. You have to change the side around ahead of playing in Europe."

FULL-TIME

A much-changed Celtic side secure victory at Tannadice but missed a host of chances to make the scoreline more emphatic. United rallied and improved after the break without really showing a cutting edge in the final third.

Dundee United 1-3 Celtic

The game is becoming increasingly stretched as United seek to reduce the deficit against this profligate Celtic side.

Dundee United 1-3 Celtic

Celtic spurn the chance to make it 4-1 as Gary Mackay-Steven shows impressive skill to tee up Anthony Stokes but the latter fluffs his lines and United survive.

Dundee United 1-3 Celtic

United are suddenly knocking on the door and pressing hard for a second goal with Celtic's defence creaking - defender Eoghan O'Connell is booked for a foul on Simon Murray.

Dundee United 1-3 Celtic

Scott Allan celebrates his Celtic debut with a yellow card after hackinjg down Aidan Connelly.

From the free-kick, Connelly curls it over the wall and Logan Bailey has to push it away from the top corner.

Dundee United 1-3 Celtic

Celtic's third goal has knocked the wind from Dundee United's sails; the hosts had been the more impressive of the two sides since the break. However, McGregor's strike may have taken the game and the points away from them.

GOAL

Celtic re-establish their two-goal lead as Callum McGregor's shot deflects off Coll Donaldson and finds the bottom corner of the net. Izaguirre, Stokes and Mackay-Steven are all involved in the impressive build up - could that goal seal the points for Ronny Deila's side

Dundee United 1-2 Celtic

Celtic are trying to rediscover their spark, missing from the first half, as Saidy Janko sees his 25-yard shot whistle wide of goal.

Allan chance

Scott Allan is straight into the action, pouncing on a poor clearance from Dundee United keeper Luis Zwick but his shot fails to find the net. The visiting supporters show their appreciation for the former Hibs playmaker.

Shuffling the pack

Simon Murray replaces Robbie Muirhead for United and Scott Allan makes his Celtic debut, coming on for goalscorer Leigh Griffiths.

SNS

Scott Allan replaced Leigh Griffiths to make his Celtic debut

Dundee United 1-2 Celtic

Chris Erskine shows a neat piece of skill on the touchline as he looks to step away from Emilio Izaguirre but he runs the ball out of play.

With neither defence looking particularly confident, we could see a few more goals...

SNS

Celtic change

Ronny Deila shuffles his Celtic pack with Calum McGregor replacing Charlie Mulgrew. The visitors will be seeking to re-establish that two-goal advantage.

More goals?

Celtic have yet to show the fluency of their first half play as United appear more comfortable with combating their attacks. Will we see any more goals at Tannadice?

Dundee United 1-2 Celtic

The visitors have been the quieter of the two sides in the second half, Rogic feeds Stokes who in turn plays in Izaguirre but the left back's cross fails to find a taker in the box.

Dundee United 1-2 Celtic

United are forced into a change as the limping Scott Fraser is replaced by Ryan Dow.

Dundee United 1-2 Celtic

Another Celtic corner and another missed chance. Kris Commons sends his cross onto the head of Efe Ambrose but the defender's effort drifts wide.

CLOSE!

United come agonisingly close to an equaliser as Chris Erskine dinks a great pass out to the left for the onrushing Paul Dixon but the full-back sees his shot whistle narrowly past the near post.

Dundee United 1-2 Celtic

Both sides are on the attack early in the second half and it could end 6-6 at this rate!

KICK-OFF

We're back under way at Tannadice.

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

Stephen Hay: Why is every foul in the box a yellow card? #bbcscotfootball #Celticfc #DundeeUnited

'Out of sight'

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport

Great entertainment here at #Tannadice. #Celtic should be out of sight but 2-1 it is at the break. Janko impressive.

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller says United received "a dooin" in the first half, but only go in 2-1 behind. The bold Willie says Celtic manager Ronny Deila will be more than a little alarmed by their inability to take chances.

HALF-TIME

Not a lot to report from Tannadice, eh? Three goals; about three million missed chances; three bookings; one penalty and lots of shaking heads as the sides trot back up the tunnel.

Will United make Celtic pay for their profligacy?

GOAL

United's half-time orange will taste a little sweeter as they reduce the deficit before the break. Ambrose upends Scott Fraser in the box and is booked for his challenge. Chris Erskine is coolness personified as he drills the ball home.

SNS

PENALTY

United have a penalty after Scott Fraser is tripped by Efe Ambrose.

GOAL

Celtic double their lead and it's heartbreak for United defender Mark Durnan. The visitors launch a counter attack from a United corner, with Griffiths playing Kris Commons down the right and then thundering through the middle expecting the return. Commons tries to find his team-mate in the box but the luckless Durnan sees his attempted block trundle past the keeper and into the net.

SNS

The luckless Mark Durnan turned Kris Commons's cross into his own net

CLOSE!

How did he miss? Ryan McGowan is teed up following a mazy run by Blair Spittal but he screws his effort wide with the goal gaping. That should've been the equaliser; Jackie McNamara displays wild-eyed dismay on the touchline.

GREAT SAVE!

Luis Zwick is putting on a real show for his highlights reel today. The United keeper is doing his best to keep Celtic at bay, this time brilliantly parrying a fierce Leigh Griffiths drive.

Celtic are pushing hard to double their lead before the break, with seven minutes plus added time remaining.

YELLOW CARD

Celtic captain Charlie Mulgrew is booked for a late challenge on Ryan McGowan. United have a free kick in a promising position but the hosts have lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

Ronny Deila's side remain a goal to the good.

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

Dylan McKaig: Wow 1-0. I think it is game over already. Poor defending from United.

Dundee United 0-1 Celtic

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller is raising concern over the number of spurned chances for Celtic in the opening half at Tannadice. Kris Commons, in particular, could have nabbed at least a brace.

As it stands, the visitors lead by that early Leigh Griffiths strike.

GREAT SAVE!

Take a bow Luis Zwick! The United goalkeeper denies Kris Commons a wonderful second Celtic goal as he instinctively throws out a mitt to save a rasping drive after Commons cleverly flicked the ball over the United defence to engineer some space in the box.

Celtic fail to capitalise from the corner and United breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Dundee United 0-1 Celtic

With the exception of the Robbie Muirhead half chance, United have been unable to put this much-changed Celtic side under any kind of pressure in the opening half-hour at Tannadice.

Jackie McNamara will be hoping his troops can get further forward before the break .

CLOSE!

United come close to an equaliser as Celtic goalkeeper Logan Bailly gets in a terrible fankle as his botched clearance almost gifts Robbie Muirhead an open goal.

Second later, Kris Commons fires a shot high over the bar. It's all happening at Tannadice: how on earth have we only seen one goal so far?

GREAT SAVE!

Celtic come roaring forward again and Kris Commons fizzes in a low shot but Luis Zwick displays Ninja-like reflexes to get down and tip the ball round the post for a corner.

CLOSE!

Great play from Izaguirre and Stokes tees up Commons and Celtic look odds on to double their lead but Commons spurns the opportunity. The United defence is suddenly all at sea...

GOAL

Celtic break the deadlock in impressive style as Anthony Stokes threads a ball through the United defence and Leigh Griffiths. The in-form striker takes the ball round United keeper Luis Zwick and rolling it into the empty net from an acute angle.

SNS

BBC Sporstound pundit Willie Miller

"United are trying to settle and not give anything away. They haven't been in the Celtic box at all but, with McGowan in midfield, it looks more like a defensive set up."

YELLOW CARD

Dundee United defender Paul Dixon earns a yellow card for a sliding challenge on Saidy Janko.

From the free-kick, Celtic captain-for-the-day Charlie Mulgrew arrows his 25-yard effort just over. Ironic cheers from the home fans; that was close, though.

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Thou Shall Not Pass! Paul Dixon earned a booking for this sliding challenge on Saidy Janko

Celtic pressure

Kris Commons whips a dangerous free kick into the Dundee United area but the hosts are equal to it and repel the attack for a corner. Anthony Stokes fails to keep the pressure on from the corner and the ball is walloped to safety.

Dundee United 0-0 Celtic

Both managers are out of their dugouts and pacing their respective technical areas like angry bears. Tactical instruction being offered.

A decent opening 10 minutes to the game but it remains goalless.

CLOSE!

Celtic could and should be ahead. Gary Mackay-Stevens threads a cross onto the feet of Anthony Stokes but the Irishman miscues his effort. Kris Commons then fires a shot a goal but it's cleared off the line by Mark Durnan and United survive!

CLOSE!

Celtic test United's resolve down the right as Saidy Janko gallops down the flank before whipping over a sumptuous ball for striker Leigh Griffiths to nod just wide.

Dundee United 0-0 Celtic

Efe Ambrose has some early jitters as he stumbles in possession and generally appears unhappy with his lot. Does the defender think it was a 12:30 kick-off?

KICK-OFF

We're up and running in Dundee.

Not long...

The teams trot out onto a lush surface at Tannadice as both managers plonk themselves down in their respective dugouts.

A cracking atmosphere in the City of Discovery!

Old foes

These teams met seven times last season, with Celtic prevailing five times and enjoying a 20-4 aggregate score. There was a Scottish Cup draw and Dundee United picked up a league win last December. The goalscorers that day were Nadir Ciftci and Stuart Armstrong and we all know where those two are now.

Celtic have not lost a domestic away game since then...

Allan bow?

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Last week's signing Scott Allan, who began his career at Tannadice, could make his Celtic debut today after being named among the substitutes.

Jus the three alterations for Dundee United, with John Rankin, Darko Bodul and Simon Murray dropping out. Ryan Dow is fit enough to join the match day squad for the first time this season.

Get Involved

Are you heading to a game today? Want to get a tactical thought or two off your chest? Let rip via text using 80295, tweet #bbcscotfootball or drop me a line @bbcthomasmcg

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara

"It's an important game for us. We're at home against a good side and we'll need to do things a lot better than we did last week (in the 4-0 defeat by Hamilton).

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Jackie McNamara believes the mauling by Hamilton was just a blip...

"Our performances have been okay. One blip has been the Hamilton game and hopefully that is just one bad day. We've got a young team and have to learn quickly from it."

Case for the defence?

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Having conceded such a late goal against Malmo on Wednesday, it's almost been forgotten that Celtic won the first leg of the Champions League play-off.

Manager Ronny Deila has been busy putting a positive spin on the 3-2 victory over the Swedes but he will be concerned at late defensive lapses, with two goals given away in the club's last three matches.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila

"We have a big and good squad; it's good to use it (during) a hard period. It was the right time for changes. We have a lot of respect for Dundee United and are looking forward to the game."

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Deila says he wants to utilise Celtic's size of squad

'Changes...'

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller

"There's changes and there's changes; maybe bring in four. But nine changes? That's incredible! I'm not disputing there are some very good players, but if I'm Jackie McNamara I'm thinking this is an opportunity to get something and lift their season."

Thanks Willie, I'm now singing David Bowie's "Changes" in my head...

United front

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Dundee United will be smarting after last Saturday's 4-0 loss at Hamilton, so the prospect of a visit from the champions may not fill home supporters with optimism. United have only managed three home wins against Celtic in the past decade and go into this one with just four victories in their last 22 competitive matches.

There has been grumbling among supporters online but manager Jackie McNamara says he has no time to waste with social media.

Celtic changes

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has done more than freshen up his side following the Champions League qualifier against Malmo.

Only Leigh Griffiths and Emilio Izaguirre survive from that starting XI as Deila looks to rotate his squad ahead of the return leg in Sweden on Tuesday.

LINE-UPS AT TANNADICE

Dundee United: Zwick, Dixon, Donaldson, Durnan, Dillon, Souttar, McGowan, Fraser, Erskine, Spittal, Muirhead. Subs: McCallum, H Souttar, Telfer, Murray, Coote, Connolly, Dow.

Celtic: Bailly, Janko, Ambrose, O'Connell, Izaguirre, Rogic, Mulgrew, Mackay-Steven, Commons, Stokes, Griffiths. Subs: Fasan, Scepovic, Allan, McGregor, Kelleher, Thomson, Tierney.

Here we go...

Saturday lunch-time kick offs, don't you just love them?

Good morning and a warm welcome to our live text coverage of today's Scottish football.

First up on the menu is Dundee United v Celtic at Tannadice.

Then, we have five top-flight games at 15:00.

Are you sitting comfortably? Good, then we'll begin.

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