Kettlewell's Dream Start, Spoils Shared at Somerset, Lichties Light Up Starks: Championship Review Week 22

William Hill Championship Round 22 Review

It was another weather hit weekend for Scottish football, with only 3 Championship games surviving the weather, as Morton vs Dunfermline at Cappielow and Queens Park vs St Johnstone at Lesser Hampden we're both called off due to frozen pitches

However, there was still plenty action across the other league games which could impact how the rest of the season plays out **

Ross County 2-0 Partick Thistle

Henderson (1', 11')

Stuart Kettlewell's Ross County return enjoyed a winning start as they defeated second place Partick Thistle at The Global Energy Stadium in the Friday night game thanks to an early brace from Jay Henderson.

County got off to a flyer as a low strike from Jay Henderson on the edge of the box rifled into the net after just 18 seconds of play, which was the first goal Ross County had scored in 3 league games.

That's how you start a game!!

Just 18 seconds and Ross County take the lead against Partick Thistle

📺 Watch live on the BBC Scotland channel and @BBCiPlayer#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/79UR4GnLdI

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 9, 2026

Henderson would then get his second just 10 minutes later as a strike from Kieran Phillips was spilled by Josh Clarke and Henderson was there to fire home the rebound from outside the box.

🗣️ "Ross County fans haven't seen this all season"

Stuart Kettlewell's men double their lead against Scottish Championship promotion hopefuls Partick Thistle.

📺 Watch live on the BBC Scotland channel#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/mXNIxKwqRO

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 9, 2026

This was the first time County haven't lost to The Jags since that famous playoff win in 2023, and this was their first league win since October which moves them to within two points of Queens Park in 9th, although The Spiders have a game in hand.

Partick Thistle remain in second however are now 5 points adrift of leaders St Johnstone who have a game in hand and will be looking to take advantage of that and move 8 points clear.

Ayr United 1-1 Airdrieonians

Murphy (29', pen), McKinnon (42')

Ayr United shared the spoils as they played out a draw with Airdrieonians at Somerset Park thanks to a penalty from Jamie Murphy, while Cole McKinnon would grab the equaliser for the visitors

The Honest Men were awarded the penalty as Dylan Macdonald brought down Scott McMann who was charging down the left hand side, Murphy then comfortably converted, going to the left and sending Harry Stone the wrong way.

The Diamonds would grab the equaliser through a scramble in the box as firstly an attempt from Chris Mochrie was spilled and somewhat cleared, then Cole McKinnon's rebound was blocked, but the midfielder managed to put away the 3rd rebound.

The goals from today's William Hill Championship fixture v Airdrieonians.#WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/kHKKrP6mXl

— Ayr United (@AyrUnitedFC) January 10, 2026

The result moves Ayr 3 points ahead of Dunfermline in the final playoff spot, however The Pars have a game in hand, as for Airdrieonians, they are now 2 points clear of Queens Park in 8th, however with 3 extra games played, it is very possible that they move down once the games in hand have been caught up on.

Raith Rovers 2-3 Arbroath

Brown (52') Mullin (68'), Reilly (28') Mebude (45') Robinson (81')

The highest scoring game in the Championship was at Starks Park as Arbroath defeated Raith Rovers 3-2 thanks to goals from Gavin Reilly, Dapo Mebude, and Scott Robinson, while Scott Brown and Josh Mullin netted for the home side.

The Lichties opened the scoring as a ball into the area found Mebude, and then made it's way to Gavin Reilly who had a free shot and rifled it past Josh Rae from close range.

Arbroath would double their lead just before the break as a great strike from Scott Stewart was saved by Rae but Dapo Mebude was there to fire in the rebound with a diving header at the far post.

Raith would pull one back as skipper Scott Brown took it forward himself before scoring a beautiful goal as he smashed it into the top right hand corner from just outside the penalty area.

They would then get the equaliser as quick build up play allowed Dylan Easton to play through Josh Mullin who was 1 on 1 with Aidan McAdams and Mullin slotted it home with a composed finish.

Arbroath would score their winner as Harry Cochrane played a killer pass to a wide open Scott Robinson who converted comfortably and sent The Lichties up the road with all 3 points.

📹 Match highlights from today. pic.twitter.com/GxFYE2onHy

— Raith Rovers Football Club (@RaithRovers) January 10, 2026

This moves Arbroath to within 4 points of second place Partick Thistle, which is definitely a battle to keep an eye on, however for Rovers, they remain a point behind bitter rivals Dunfermline who have 2 games in hand, so they have a big task ahead if Dougie Imrie's side are to push for the final playoff spot.