Scotland round-up: Hartson shines
Saturday, December 29, 2001
Article summary
John Hartson shined as Celtic FC beat Dundee United FC on Saturday.
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Welsh international John Hartson took just four minutes to prove himself a worthy stand-in for Chris Sutton as Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic FC comfortably beat Dundee United FC 4-0 on Saturday.
Hartson opener
Sutton was ruled out for up to six weeks with ankle ligament damage this week but Hartson jumped at the chance to claim his first team berth with a superb opener. Bulgarian midfielder Stilian Petrov increased the lead before half-time at Tannadice Park stadium. Midfielder Alan Thompson struck an excellent free-kick after two minutes of the second period before Swedish international Henrik Larsson ensured an emphatic victory.
Mols back with a bang
Rangers FC striker Michael Mols celebrated his return to the starting line-up with the only goal of his side's game against Saint Johnstone FC at Ibrox stadium. The Dutchman struck in the second minute.
O'Neil strikes late
John O'Neil gave Hibernian FC a share of the points in a typically bruising Edinburgh derby with a last-gasp strike at Tynecastle stadium against Heart of Midlothian FC. There was little between the sides but Canadian international Kevin McKenna's mis-hit shot looked as though it was going to be enough to keep all three points with the home side. But, with only seconds remaining, O'Neil drove a low shot into the net through a packed penalty area to give the visitors a deserved share of the spoils.
Aberdeen continue to perplex
Aberdeen FC continued to prove they are the Jekyll and Hyde side of the division with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Dunfermline Athletic FC. Manager Ebbe Skovdahl guided Aberdeen to a ninth successive home victory with the against Celtic last week, but a Lee Bullen strike ensured that the side's woeful away form -
just one win all season - continued.
Rubio own goal
Livingston FC's Portuguese defender Oscar Rubio scored an own goal at Almondvale fstadium to gift opponents Kilmarnock FC a 1-0 win. Rubio deflected a Peter Canero drive into his own net to hand all three points to the visitors.
