Scotland round-up: Petrov strengthens Celts' grip

Stilian Petrov grabbed his second goal in two games to give Celtic FC victory against Dundee United FC as the champions clasped another finger around the Scottish Premier League title trophy.

Two wins needed
The Bulgarian international, Celtic's scorer in the 1-1 draw with Rangers FC last week, struck again today - finishing neatly on 41 minutes after a Henrik Larsson pass - as Martin O'Neill's side moved to within two victories of retaining the title and their first back-to-back championships in 20 years. Celtic have 87 points, while Rangers - who face Ayr United LFC in tomorrow's Scottish League Cup final - have 74.

Ketsbaia double
A Temuri Ketsbaia-inspired Dundee FC swept aside Motherwell FC 2-0 with a superb first-half display. The Georgian struck with two long-range efforts against a disappointing Motherwell side.

Mike makes his mark
A sixth-minute winner from new signing Leon Mike continued Aberdeen FC's challenge for European football next year. Mike, recently acquired from Manchester City FC, had an impressive outing in his first start as Aberdeen took a deserved three points against Dunfermline Athletic FC. Aberdeen are two points above Livingston FC in third place.

Dargo denies Livingston
Livingston ended a four-match run of defeats to share a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock FC. Barry Wilson gave Jim Leishman's side a 22nd-minute lead but an opportunist Craig Dargo strike drew Kilmarnock level nine minutes before the break.

Pressley on song
In the Edinburgh derby, meanwhile, a Steven Pressley penalty two minutes from time - awarded for Gary Caldwell's foul on Ricardo Fuller - secured all three points for Heart of Midlothian FC. Hibernian FC had taken the lead after just four minutes through Garry O'Connor, but Scott Severin drew Hearts level shortly before half-time. The defeat brings an end to Hibs manager Bobby Williamson's 100 per cent record since taking charge at Easter Road.