SPL

SPL 2008-09 Falkirk 0-1 Rangers

Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka scored the only goal of the game as Rangers beat Falkirk 1-0 in the opening game of the 2008-09 SPL season. Velicka, who was disappointing in his debut in the second leg of Rangers second round qualifying game against old club Kaunas, converted in the 64th minute from Kyle Lafferty’s cross.

Velicka scored the opening goal of the 2008-09 season for Rangers
Velicka scored the opening goal of the 2008-09 season for Rangers

Velicka’s goal came 10 minutes after Michael Higdon had his penalty saved by Allan McGregor. Steven Whittaker, one of the three Rangers players to be booked in the game, had brought down McBride in the box, but McGregor saved Rangers by pushing Higdon’s shot wide.

Other results from the SPL- Aug 9 2008

Hearts 3-2 Motherwell ( Michael Stewart 25′ , Audrius Ksanavicius 40′ , Saulius Mikoliunas 82′ / David Clarkson 33′, 81′)

Kilmarnock 1-0 Hibernian ( Jamie Hamill 80′)

Aberdeen 0-2 Inverness ( Andrew Borrowman 27′, Roy McBain 90′)
This is Inverness’ first ever win over Aberdeen.

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Barcelona pre season Scotland tour results

Pep Guardiola started his reign as Barcelona manager in style as they thrashed Hibernian and Dundee United 6-0 and 5-1 in their two pre season friendlies.

At Murrayfield, Hibs would have had their confidence severely dented after being trampled upon by a strong Barcelona outfit.

Barcelona 6-0 Hibernian ( Gudjohnsen*2, Messi, Bojan, Yaya Toure, Pedro)

Date- July 24
Venue- Murrayfield

Barcelona 5-1 Dundee United ( Lionel Messi*3, Thierry Henry, Samuel E’too/Prince Buaben)

Date- July 26
Venue- Tannadice

A happy return to Scotland for Thierry Henry. The former Arsenal striker scored against Dundee on his Barcelona debut last year, as Riijkard’s team won 1-0. This time the margin was more emphatic.

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Scottish Premier League (SPL) transfers summer 2008

List of summer soccer transfers ( 2008) in the Scottish Premier League.

Does not include Inward loan returns.

Aberdeen transfers summer 2008

In : Gary McDonald ( Oldham), Bertrand Bossu ( Walsall-free), Sammy Stewart ( Glenavon-£15,000), Mark Kerr ( Dundee United), Charlie Mulgrew ( Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tommy Wright ( Darlington-£100,000)

Out : Jackie McNamara ( Falkirk-free), Barry Nicholson ( Preston North End-free), Steve Lovell (free-Falkirk), Dave Bus ( De Graafschap- loan return), Richie Byrne ( Free), Derek Soutar ( free- but is on trial with Hartlepool, saved a penalty against Falkirk), Dan Smith ( free), Martin Skinner ( free- Peterhead), Davie Ross ( free- Peterhead), Neil McVitie ( free- Peterhead), Karim Touzani ( free-Sparta Rotterdam)

Celtic transfers summer 2008 :-

In : Pat McCourt ( Derry City-£200,000), Georgios Samaras ( Manchester City- 3 year contract-fee rumoured to be around the 1m mark), Marc Crosas ( Barcelona-£415,000 could rise to £1.6m depending on appearances. Barcelona can buy him back for two million euros in two years. Should they not exercise the option, Barcelona will be given 25% of the transfer fee if Crosas is sold to any other club), Glenn Loovens ( Cardiff City- £3m)

Out :- Michael McGovern ( Dundee United), Diarmuid O’Carroll ( Morecambe), John Kennedy ( Norwich City- loan till Jan 1, 2009), Jim O’Brien ( Motherwell), Scott Cuthbert ( St.Mirren-loan)

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