Scottish football - as it happened

Good afternoon, Happy New Year and welcome to the first Scottish live text commentary of 2013. I feel genuinely honoured. First up, we're off to Galabank where Division Three leaders Rangers face Annan - with a 0-0 draw the result the last time the sides met here.

There are four SPL matches to follow at 15:00 - Aberdeen v Dundee Utd, Celtic v Motherwell, St Johnstone v Dundee and St Mirren v Kilmarnock.

The teams are out on the park at Galabank, and does Annan's Steve Swinglehurst have the greatest surname in Scottish football?

It looks like it was the camera lens, as we're now seeing the game in glorious technicolor. Just in time for Fran Sandaza to narrowly miss connecting with a cross from the left.

Annan employ what would be know on a rugby pitch as a Garryowen - which Neil Alexander collects under a spot of pressure.

Michael Daly flashes a header wide of Neil Alexander's left-hand post as the hosts continue to show a bit of adventure. He's flagged offside in any case.

Andy Little flashes in a half-volley from just outside the box, saved by keeper Alex Mitchell. That's been Rangers' best chance of the opening spell.

It's fair to say it's been a scrappy opening period, as Ian Black fails to cause the Annan defence any problems with a free-kick.

Lee Wallace drifts a shot just over the bar after picking up on a pass inside from David Templeton, the game's starting to liven up now.

Two Rangers players - Andy Little and Fran Sandaza - end up lying in heaps in the Annan penalty box. No penalty for either challenge says the referee.

David Templeton picks up a cleared ball and drifts down to the goalline, before sending in a cross that somehow evades Annan keeper Alex Mitchell and finds its way into the top left corner of the net for the opener.

Ally Love skips his way down the left-hand wing, past two Rangers defenders and flights in a looping ball that evades Neil Alexander and cancels out Templeton's opener.

Two goals that were almost carbon copies of one another in what has been a pretty lively first-half as it's gone on.

It's getting a bit niggly and bitty as the opening period draws to a close - I think the players' minds are already in the dressing room and out of the rain.

Sportsound will be on Radio Scotland from 14:00 and, on the anniversary of the 1971 Ibrox disaster, will be re-running the documentary 'Stairway 13' around 5.40pm on 810 MW and 92-95 FM.

Celtic v Motherwell will be the live commentary on Sportsound this afternoon, with updates from the other 15:00 kick-offs available on Open All Mics.

Darren Cole now has a go for Rangers from distance - words have clearly been said in the dressing room as the visitors start the half positively.

Ian Black cracks a low drive after turning in the box, which is saved by Alex Mitchell - promising start for Rangers.

It's not all one-way traffic as local farmer Steven Sloan fizzes a shot just wide of Neil Alexander's right-hand post.

"It's a terrific game with a great atmosphere," says an effusive Brian McLauchlin reporting on Annan v Rangers at Galabank.

St Johnstone have got off to a promising start in the Tayside derby according to BBC Scotland's Allan Preston: "St Johnstone have been in the Dundee half for the majority of the opening five minutes."

Ian Black outjumps the Annan defence and nods a backwards header down for Robbie Crawford to angle a low drive past Mitchell into the back of the net.

Aberdeen: Langfield, Robertson, Anderson, Rae, Vernon, McGinn, Hayes, Fraser, Reynolds, Shaughnessy, Smith

Subs: Brown, Milsom, Fallon, Hughes, Megginson, Magennis, Masson

BBC Scotland's Allan Preston thinks Ryan McGowan's move to China is good news for him, if not for the Hearts fans: "For Hearts it's a real shame, but it's a life-changing move for Ryan McGowan."

A surging run from Lee Wallace ends in a shot which trundles past the post as Rangers look to close the game out at Annan.

Motherwell will be captained by Jamie Murphy today in what looks to be his last appearance for the Steelmen before moving to Sheffield United.

Not for the first time this season, Rangers are finishing the match stronger than their part-time opponents, but Ian Black miscues a corner, slicing it almost back to the centre circle.

With 10 minutes of the match remaining, Andrew Donnelly forces a save from Neil Alexander that gets pushed out for a corner, then has a second bite at the cherry with a header from the set-piece, but the Rangers keeper holds firmly.

David Templeton puts the match beyond Annan with a blistering shot from distance that Harry Monaghan deflects into his own net.

No goals so far at McDiarmid Park. Dundee's Iain Davidson and St Johnstone's Liam Craig have had shots but neither goalkeeper has been troubled so far.

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall is full of praise for the departing Jamie Murphy: "I can't praise Jamie highly enough, he's been terrific value for the club - it would be great if he could sign off today with a performance."

From a Gregory Tade cross from the right, Peter Pawlett challenged Dundee keeper Rab Douglas for the ball, which broke kindly for Liam Craig to slot into an empty net.

Rangers have now won 11 league games on the bounce - this one came courtesy of an improved second-half performance.

Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels, when asked if he is looking for any new faces in the January transfer window, said: "I'm looking for a new face myself - maybe about 20 years younger."

Shiels has also confirmed the Rugby Park club have signed attacking midfielder Ibrahim Rabiu from Celtic on a permanent deal.

Dundee United youngster John Souttar is 16 years and three months old - he's also an Aberdonian, so what better place to make your debut for the Arabs than at Pittodrie.

BBC Scotland's Allan Preston assesses the first half at McDiarmid Park: "St Johnstone have dominated, Dundee I'm really disappointed in - they really need to up it in the second half."

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon explains his reasons for substituting David van Zanten after he scored against Dundee Utd: "It wasn't for scoring that he was hooked, it was for wearing that mankini."

The attendance at McDiarmid Park today is 5055 with 1246 visiting Dundee fans.

The teams are out at Pittodrie as we get ready for the start of the three o'clock kick-offs.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont at Celtic Park: "It's an interesting decision by Motherwell and Sheffield United to allow Jamie Murphy to line up against Celtic this afternoon. In contrast to the stance taken by Hearts with Ryan McGowan, the clubs are prepared to take the risk that the player could pick up an injury in his final game for Motherwell.

"Celtic, meanwhile, can ensure they go into the winter break with a really commanding, probably unassailable, nine-point lead at the top of the SPL with victory today."

Liam Kelly converts the penalty to put the visitors ahead.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont at Celtic Park: "Celtic have started really brightly and it looked like they'd gone ahead just two minutes in, when Georgios Samaras glanced Kris Commons' superb cross into the net, but the assistant referee's flag cut short the early celebrations."

Early chance for Aberdeen as Russell Anderson heads over from a Ryan Fraser corner.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont at Celtic Park: "Darren Randolph does brilliantly to tip a Charlie Mulgrew free kick away from the top corner. Celtic look irresistible at the moment. A Samaras cross is turned goalwards by Gary Hooper, only for Randolph to keep it out. The rebound falls for Commons, but two Motherwell defenders are out quickly to block."

BBC Radio Scotland pundit Murdo MacLeod at Celtic Park: "One of the best starts of the season so far for Celtic, the only good news for Motherwell is that it's still goalless."

That goal for Aberdeen at Pittodrie: Ryan Faser runs behind the Dundee United defence and cuts the ball back from the byline and Scott Vernon sidefoots under the goalkeeper from 10 yards.

Gavin Gunning stoops to head in from close range to equalise for Dundee United after Joe Shaughnessy cleared off the line.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont at Celtic Park: "Jamie Murphy is handed the opportunity to mark his final appearance for Motherwell with a goal when he is played in nicely by Keith Lasley, but the Sheffield United-bound forward blazes over the bar."

St Johnstone defender Tam Scobbie makes a vital block after Colin Nish batters a shot towards goal for Dundee.

Efe Ambrose guides a Charlie Mulgrew free kick just wide of Darren Randolph's right-hand post, but Motherwell appear to have weathered that early Celtic storm.

Peter Pawlett goes down in the box at McDiarmid Park, and picks up a yellow card for diving. "Perhaps it was the gravitational pull that brought him down," is BBC Scotland's Jim Spence's rationale for his descent.

My goodness, chances are flying in around the country - but still only four goals scored in the SPL so far today.

Nicky Riley ends a 40-yard run with a shot which rises over the St Johnstone bar. A near miss for Dundee as they search for a leveller.

Frazer Wright heads against the bar for St Johnstone as the Tayside derby enters its final stages.

Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield spills the ball over his own goalline after Johnny Russell's low cross is missed by Willo Flood at the near post.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont at Celtic Park: "Motherwell are playing an odd formation here. Defensively, they have three players, but it's not a traditional three-at-the-back, it's a left back and two centre halves, with no-one at right back. Georgios Samaras really exploited that early on, but it's working for the visitors now."

Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has been spotted taking in the match at Celtic Park - his club have been linked with a move for Celtic striker Gary Hooper.

St Johnstone get their first league win in twelve with a win that moves them back into the top six of the SPL.

BBC Scotland's Allan Preston is left unimpressed by Dundee's performance: "They have tried their best today but it's just not good enough. St Johnstone thoroughly deserve their win. They look a league apart to be honest."

Niall McGinn curls a beautiful free-kick from 18 yards into the top corner of the United net, leaving goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak motionless.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont reports on another chance for the home side at Celtic Park: "Celtic are again in the ascendancy, with Darren Randolph keeping a Georgios Samaras shot out at his near post after failing to hold Victor Wanyama's header. But, with an hour gone, neither side has been able to beat the opposing keeper.

Dundee United goalscorer Gavin Gunning has claims for a penalty waved away as he heads narrowly wide from a corner.

BBC Scotland's Derek Ferguson offers life advice to Dunfermline player Shaun Byrne: "I would urge him not to get in a relationship, he's got his whole life to live."

Paul McGowan sends Cammy Bell the wrong way with a right-foooted spot-kick to level things at St Mirren Park.

Celtic are continuing to press for an opener against Motherwell and Kris Commons tests Darren Randolph with a fiercely-hit drive from 25 yards, but the keeper is equal to it.

Kilmarnock keeper Cammy Bell saves from a Gary Teale free-kick as the game in Paisley rages.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont reports on a tactical change from the Celtic manager: "Celtic bring on Tony Watt for the less-than-delighted Beram Kayal - a real sign of attacking intent from Neil Lennon."

Moments after a penalty is saved at the other end, Gary Hooper fires Celtic in front after being set up by Georgios Samaras.

In the SPL table as it stands, St Johnstone have moved up to sixth place, while Dundee are nine points adrift of Ross County - who have a game in hand.

Celtic will be nine points clear at the top of the table if scores remain the same.

Niall McGinn races clear of the Dundee Utd defence, but, as he bears down on the visitors' goal, defender Gavin Gunning performs a terrific last-gasp tackle as he is about to pull the trigger.

A cracker of a New Year derby with four goals shared between the New Firm at Pittodrie.

BBC Scotland's Alasdair Lamont at Celtic Park: "A deserved win for the champions on the balance of chances and possession. It could all have been very different though, but for Fraser Forster's superb penalty save from Tom Hateley. Though Motherwell competed well with Celtic, as several clubs have done so far this season, with a nine-point lead at this stage, the league title seems certain to remain at Celtic Park."

BBC Scotland's Billy Dodds enjoyed the match at Pittodrie between two of his former clubs: "It was a great game, the players put so much into it."

The match will be on BBC Alba from 17:30 and is well worth a watch.

BBC Scotland's Willie Miller sees a game of two spot-kicks in Paisley between St Mirren and Kilmarnock: "It was a match of two penalties - and two soft penalties I thought."

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas is hoping to keep Liam Craig at the club: "Liam has been a great servant to this club. He gives nothing but 100% every week. But if he decides [to leave] we shake his hand and wish him all the best."

Dundee manager Barry Smith has been told he has money to spend in the January transfer window: "The board have intimated that there'll be money there to spend. How much I don't know.

"Obviously we need to bring in players to boost the squad and bring in a wee bit more quality."

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall is philosophical about Tom Hateley missing a penalty against Celtic: "I think it's a great save, and we had a shout for a second penalty - but you don't get two here. I'm disappointed not to get something from the game."

Jamie Murphy - leaving Motherwell for Sheffield United gets some kind words from manager Stuart McCall: "Everyone loves and respects him because he's a special lad. Hopefully Sheffield United is the team where he goes and gets a grip of it and forces himself into the Scotland set-up."

Celtic assistant manager Garry Parker: "We had plenty of chances, we just couldn't break them down. We've had 18 shots on goal - we deserved the goal and we deserved the win."

"You always fancy him at penalties, he's a great keeper." Celtic assistant manager Garry Parker praises the penalty save from keeper Fraser Forster.

Well, that was an afternoon of football that went at breakneck speed. A perfect way to start 2013. Thanks ever so much for your company and I hope you enjoy the rest of your Wednesday. Don't worry, the SPL winter break only lasts two and a bit weeks.