Scotland round-up: Double delight for strikers

Michael Mols and Chris Sutton were both in double goalcoring form as leading pair Rangers FC and Celtic FC secured victory on the first weekend of Scottish Premier League fixtures since the winter break.

Mols winner
The Glasgow rivals had returned to league action with wins on Wednesday, but Rangers were given a touch test by Aberdeen FC on Saturday, despite going ahead through Mols on 37 minutes. Aberdeen had not won at Ibrox in eleven years, but Steve Tosh gave them hope of a point with his 75th-minute equaliser. However, Mols struck again to seal victory for Rangers.

Sutton strikes
Celtic moved back to within three points of the leaders the next day as they overcame fellow Glaswegians Partick Thistle FC 2-0. English striker Sutton claimed the goals on seven and 31 minutes to keep his side within sight of Rangers, and 23 points ahead of third-placed Heart of Midlothian FC.

European place
Hearts themselves secured a 3-0 home win against Dunfermline Athletic FC on Saturday to remain set for a European place. Scott Severin's diving header and second half strikes from Gary Wales and Kevin McKenna left fifth-placed Dunfermline seven points behind their victorious hosts.

Convincing result
Kilmarnock FC took advantage of the result to move into fourth place with a convincing 4-0 win at Livingston FC. Scotland international Andy McLaren scored twice in the game and Under-21 caps Kris Boyd and Peter Canero also chipped in with goals.

McCall celebrates
Ian McCall's first game in charge of Dundee United FC saw his side climb out of last place with a crucial 2-1 victory against Motherwell FC. Andy Tod gave United the perfect start on two minutes, but Motherwell were given hope when home goalkeeper Alan Combe was sent off on 19 minutes for bringing down David Clarkson, the referee ruling the foul a professional foul and Derek Adams scoring the resulting penalty. However, Charlie Miller's strike from a free-kick on 68 minutes took his team ahead of their defeated visitors.

Abandoned game
Dundee FC's Sunday game with Hibernian FC was abandoned on 26 minutes due to heavy snow. The televised match had begun in sunshine, and Dundee were celebrating in the 12th minute when Fabian Caballero put them ahead. But it was to no avail, as a blizzard began 20 minutes into the game, and with the pitch markings soon obscured, referee Alan Freeland decided play could not continue after a ten-minute hiatus.