Stuttering Celtic remain top

By Alex O’Henley

Celtic FC maintained their four-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League but were far from fluent as they narrowly beat Kilmarnock FC ahead of their Scottish League Cup quarter-final tie against rivals Rangers FC this week.

Nish consolation
Mid-table outfit Kilmarnock made it tough for Martin O'Neill's side and it was not until Aiden McGeady's free-kick just before half-time that the home side finally broke through a stubborn defence. Alan Thompson doubled their lead with a penalty on 64 minutes, but Celtic had to endure a late rally after Colin Nish reduced the deficit in the final minute.

Rangers victory
City rivals Rangers FC kept up the pressure with a comprehensive 4-1 win at Livingston FC. Danish winger Peter Løvenkrands broke the deadlock on 37 minutes after the home defence failed to clear from a corner, and Nacho Novo capitalised on another defensive lapse to score his tenth goal of the season shortly after half-time. Craig Easton briefly gave the home side hope on the hour, but strikes from Steven Thompson and Hamed Namouchi ensured Rangers a morale-boosting win ahead of Wednesday's derby.

Hearts third
Heart of Midlothian FC leapfrogged Aberdeen FC to go third after John Robertson celebrated his first win as manager with a 1-0 victory at Pittodrie. The decisive moment came just before the hour when Aberdeen defender Kevin McNaughton was sent off after handing the ball. Paul Hartley converted the subsequent penalty.

Fifth successive loss
Hibernian FC are fifth after returning to winning ways with a 1-0 triumph at home to Motherwell FC. Captain Ian Murray scored the decisive goal with a glancing header on 78 minutes to consign Terry Butcher's side to their fifth consecutive defeat.

Dundee derby delight
The Tayside derby also ended 1-0 as John Sutton’s header four minutes from time extended Dundee FC's unbeaten run against Dundee United FC to eight matches. Dundee United played much of the second half with nine men after defenders Chris Innes and Mark Wilson were shown red cards in separate incidents before the hour.

Inverness draw
Finally, managerless Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC came from behind to secure a vital away point against Dunfermline Athletic FC at East End Park. Darren Young opened the scoring for Dunfermline but 17-year-old Liam Fox came off the bench to gain his side a share of the spoils with ten minutes remaining.