Ladbrokes Premiership: Ross County secure top-half as the split arrives
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Ross County managed a significant triumph this weekend, with victory over Patrick Thistle propelling Jim McIntyre’s men into the top six with the post-split places now confirmed.
Dutch dynamo Alex Schalk was the only scorer in the Staggies 1=0 victory, netting his eighth County goal of 2016.
The Dingwall club leapfrogged Dundee into the top half, as Hamilton recorded a first victory in four meetings with the Dark Blues, winning 2-1 at New Douglas Park. And it was a similarly positive weekend for County’s Highland neighbours Inverness.
The Caley Jags further dented Dundee United’s survival ambitions with a commanding 2-0 win on Tayside.
The result at Tannadice gave Kilmarnock the chance to put eight points between them and the automatic relegation spot, and the Rugby Park club took full advantage with a 3-0 defeat of St. Johnstone.
Kris Boyd was at the double for Killie, with Kallum Higginbotham also netting his third goal of the season, and the result means that the Ayrshire club will now be firmly focused on catching the sides above them, instead of looking nervously over their shoulder.
It was a pivotal weekend at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership, too.
Celtic defeated Motherwell 2-1, meaning the Hoops have now taken 21 points from the last 27 available, and are unbeaten in all competitions since February 3.
The last team to beat Ronny Deila’s Bhoys were title challengers Aberdeen, but they were unable to match a sensational Hearts in the Friday night fixture.
A brace from Spanish striker Juanma took the Jam Tarts’ striker onto 11 league goals for the season, and was enough to dispatch the Dons 2-1, despite in-form Simon Church netting the opener for the visitors.
Celtic are now eight points clear at the Ladbrokes Premiership summit with five games remaining, and are 1/100 to secure a sensational fifth title in succession, with outsiders Aberdeen 20/1 to produce a famous comeback and get their hands on the trophy.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
