Robson leaves Rangers reeling

By Alex O’Henley

Rangers FC lost further ground on Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic FC when Barry Robson earned Dundee United FC a shock draw with a superb 20-metre free-kick in the last minute at Ibrox.

Novo opener
The midfield player became the first man to beat Stefan Klos in eight games to end a run of four defeats for an otherwise defensive Dundee United team. Rangers dominated for much of the match but had to wait until the 68th minute for Nacho Novo to finally break the deadlock with an excellent long-range effort. Dado Pršo then sent a header against a post, before Robson pinched a late point for the visitors.

O’Brien double
The result leaves Rangers seven points behind Celtic, after Martin O’Neill’s side recovered from their UEFA Champions League defeat against FC Shakhtar Donetsk with a 4-2 victory against Livingston FC at Almondvale. The Scottish champions took the lead after just two minutes through Stilian Petrov, and were four ahead 30 minutes later with goals from Henri Camara, John Hartson and Chris Sutton. Burton O'Brien scored two either side of half-time to reduce the arrears.

Late winner
Another Celtic player, Kevin McBride, was also on target at Pittodrie, but the on-loan midfield player's 28th-minute penalty for Motherwell FC was cancelled out by Derek Adams on 66 minutes. Aberdeen FC then completed the turnaround two minutes from time when Scott Severin fired in a shot from 25 metres to score his first goal for the club, who move up to third.

Edinburgh derby
In the first Edinburgh derby of the season, Heart of Midlothian FC ran out 2-1 winners against Hibernian FC at Tynecastle. Patrick Kisnorbo gave Craig Levein's side the lead on 14 minutes and Joe Hamill added what proved to be a vital second midway through the second half. Derek Riordan pulled a goal back in the 90th minute, but Hearts survived the three minutes of added time to move level with their city rivals on 15 points.

First away point
Dunfermline Athletic FC also won 2-1, against Dundee FC at Dens Park, after strikes from Scott Thomson and Derek Young. Ten-man Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC earned their first away point of the season against Kilmarnock FC at Rugby Park. With seven minutes remaining, substitute Liam Fox struck to grab a 2-2 draw, though the team remain at the foot of the table.