Scottish Premier League Week One Review: A Tail Of Two Penalties

An exciting first weekend of football in Scotland but I'll start with some breaking news.

Rangers have accepted an offer for Carlos Cuellar in the region of £8 million from Aston Villa.

The loyal Gers fans will be in shock tonight as nothing seems to be going right for the men from Ibrox. A £5 million profit won't be music to their ears but it is considerable.

The Spaniard has expressed his desire to play international football for Spain and believes a move to England will help that goal.

He obviously didn't talk to Mikel Arteta!

So to the weekend's action where we'll start with the reigning champions Celtic.

Celtic vs St Mirren

A packed house at Celtic Park turned up to witness their beloved Celtic's first game of the season but they were left far from impressed.

Celtic struggled to make their possession count all game and a great strike from Billy Mehmet almost upset the apple cart but the post denied St Mirren.

Sadly the game was decided by two penalty decisions.

Firstly, referee Eddie Smith didn't point to the spot as Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was bundled over by Howard the Buddies keeper.

Secondly, a double whammy.

Will Haining was dismissed and a penalty awarded for a pull on Vennegoor of Hesselink but replay's show it was the wrong decision.

Barry Robson made hard work of the penalty but a goal it was and with St Mirren down to 10 men it was all over.

St Mirren boss Gus McPherson was furious with referee Smith and has appealed the red card this morning.

Too little to late as far as the Buddies fans are concerned.

Aberdeen vs Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Aberdeen hadn't won their first game of the season since 2002. ICT hadn't beaten the Dons in 17 attempts. Something had to give in this one and it wasn't the home crowd that left happy.

Barrowman opened the scoring for Inverness on his SPL debut for the club. The striker banged in 27 goals for Ross County last season and he couldn't have got off to a better start in his top flight career.

Sustained Aberdeen pressure was only broken for Thistle to score their second.

A quick breakaway in the final minute ended in a goal by McBain to send the Aberdeen fans home booing.

There's always next year.

Hearts vs Motherwell

Hearts had a shocking season last year and were keen to get off to a flyer this year but last year's surprise side Motherwell are no pushovers.

The opener was arguably goal of the weekend with great build up play eventually falling to former Manchester United youngster Michael Stewart who buried the opportunity to put Hearts one up.

David Clarkson was catching Scotland boss George Burley's eyes late last term and he made another case to the national boss by tapping Motherwell level.

This was a flowing open encounter and Hearts retook the lead after a poor header back by Mark Reynolds. Ksanavicius latched onto the loose ball to fire the Tyncastle side in front again.

It was poor defending at the other end that let Motherwell's Clarkson equalize again.

This though wasn't destined to end a draw and substitute Mikoliunas fired home an unstoppable top corner effort after being left free in the box.

So in the end Motherwell only have themselves to blame but both teams will have to tighten up if their to achieve their goals this season.

Kilmarnock vs Hibernian

Ayrshire side Kilmarnock finished last season second bottom. Hibs hadn't scored a goal all pre season. Not exactly set up for a thriller.

Both teams huffed and puffed all afternoon but it was Kilmarnock who were to take advantage of a fortuitous break.

Hibs defender Van Zanten was forced off injured late on and as they'd already used their three subs and Kilmarnock wasted no time in taking advantage.

Jamie Hamill fired a 25 yard strike into the bottom corner to send the Rugby Park crowd home happy but the pressure grows on Hibs boss Mixu Paatalinen.

Hamilton Academicals vs Dundee United

Monday night's game sure was a thriller as SPL new boys Hamilton got their season off to a flying start with a 3-1 victory.

Dundee United had gone in front but Hamilton have been waiting 20 years for this moment and ground out a terrific win.

Falkirk vs Rangers

Rangers needed a victory like they'd never needed one before. They got it but boy were they lucky.

A disappointing game sparked into life when Rangers Steven Whittaker dropped McBride in the box.

The resulting penalty was saved by Alan McGregor but anyone who watched the game new Rangers were a beaten side had the goal gone in.

The Gers responded like any team would in such a situation and as so often is the case they went up the park and scored.

Ironically it was Lithuanian Andrius Velicka who saved Rangers blushes with a far post tap in following good work from Kris Boyd and new boy Kyle Lafferty.

Three points for the blue half of Glasgow but tonight's news cast further shadows on the club.

So there you have it. Week one in Scotland has thrown up two controversial wins for the Old Firm and a stunning league debut by Hamilton.

Some great football played throughout as the SPL continues to grow.

Check back next week for more of the same from Scotland.