Dusan Pernis

By Graham Barnstaple
May 3 2012

Almost all of the major positions are done and dusted in the SPL after last night’s results.

Dundee Utd went into their game at Ibrox against Rangers knowing they had to win to keep alive their hopes of catching Motherwell in third and a Champions League qualifier.

Their dreams were dashed within the opening half hour when they found themselves three goals down. Rangers scoring through Whittaker and an Aluko double. Two more goals in the second half fromNessand Bedoya sealed the victory.

This allowed Motherwell players and fans to breathe a sigh of relief and pinch themselves that their team will be in the draw for the Champions League Third Qualifying Round to be made on July 20.

It will be exciting times atFirParkbetween now and then as the fans plan their trip no matter who it will be against.

At the other end Hibs defeatedAberdeen, in front of the Dons lowest home crowd from the 70s, while Dunfermline drew withInvernessto leave a gap of five points with two games to go.

This sets up a crucial game on Monday night with the Pars knowing a win is a must or they will be down after only one season in the SPL.

This could mean the last weekend could only be about who makes the Europa League through their League position, with three teams still battling that out, Dundee United, St. Johnstone (who take on Celtic tonight) and Hearts.