5 Things we learned from Ladbrokes SPFL (10-11 September)

There was celebration for fans of the capital duo in the Ladbrokes SPFL, as Hibernian continued their 100 per cent record in the Ladbrokes Championship with a gritty win at Dumbarton, while Edinburgh City chalked up their first ever point in the big time.

So, what else did we learn on a weekend of twists and turns across the divisions? Well…

Andreu the difference for Dundee United

Terrors fans are quickly falling in love with Tony Andreu, with the loanee midfielder netting three times in two games since his move from Norwich. An instinctive hit which took Dunfermline keeper Cammy Bell by surprise was followed by a stunner to wrap up the points on Saturday.

Add to that his Challenge Cup winner against Peterhead on the previous weekend, and a knack for picking out incisive first-time passes, and it seems the talented Frenchman could make the 4/1 for United to win the title an excellent bet.

Hibs are winning in every way

However, they’ll have to overtake a Hibernian side who have defeated all challengers so far this season, with five wins on the bounce in the Ladbrokes Championship. But the three points they snagged at Dumbarton were their most hard-fought yet.

Jason Cummings’ smartly-taken penalty was the difference on the day, though Hibs kept the Dumbarton defence on their toes with one looped ball after another, while the Cabbage backline limited their opponents to a handful of ambitious attempts. It wasn’t beautiful from Neil Lennon’s men – but it was convincing.

Livi masterclass shows how to beat Alloa

Livingston ended Alloa’s perfect record in sensational style, with a second consecutive 3-1 triumph at Indodrill Stadium, as the visitors netted three times in 15 first-half minutes to put the game beyond their opponents – and in truth, the Lions could have won by more.

Their incisive crossing and willingness to shoot from range kept the hosts – and in particular goalkeeper Neil Parry – busy throughout, with Scott Pittman, Liam Buchanan and Michael Miller all finishing coolly from inside the box. The hosts did manage a consolation goal, but Livi have shown the blueprint for beating them.

Diamonds’ defence need polishing

There’s no doubting that Airdrieonians can cause problems for any Ladbrokes League 1 opponent – after all, they’ve netted in all five games so far. But Eddie Wolecki-Black’s men need to fix their defensive issues if they’re to make good on that 9/1 to lift the title.

Despite Brechin City suffering the loss of keeper Graeme Smith, the Diamonds still couldn’t outscore their opponents in a 3-2 loss, with lax marking allowing Dougie Hill to nod home a City winner. With just one clean sheet in 12 outings in all competitions, Airdrie’s attacking aces need to be matched by their defence.

Citizens prove their point in League 2

Ross Allum was the toast of Edinburgh City fans on Saturday night, with his superbly-struck equaliser grabbing the Citizens a first ever point in the Ladbrokes SPFL, as they held Stirling Albion to a 1-1 draw at Forthbank Stadium.

And it was a thoroughly-deserved point for the visitors, who topped the stats for shots on target and corners, to put a run of narrow defeats behind them. With Gary Jardine’s men now up and running after silencing the Binos, the 125/1 on them to win Ladbrokes League 2 could be tempting a few punters.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing