Rangers savour derby delight

By Alex O'Henley

Rangers FC moved three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League after their first win at Celtic Park in almost five years thanks to second-half goals from Grégory Vignal and Nacho Novo.

Derby debuts
The match saw Craig Bellamy make his long-awaited debut and the Welsh striker almost got his Celtic FC career off to a great start. Bellamy was sent through one-on-one with Ronald Wattereus early in the game, but the Netherlands goalkeeper, who was also making his Old Firm debut, came smartly off his line to block Bellamy's shot.

Douglas error
Wattereus was the difference between the two sides and was on excellent form to twice deny John Hartson. The Rangers keeper went on to win the man-of-the-match award and his fortune was very much in contrast to opposite number Robert Douglas, who was at fault for the opening goal midway through the second period. The Scotland international allowed Vignal's hopeful 25-metre drive to squeeze in to the goal after it bounced awkwardly.

Novo chip
Ten minutes later Douglas was beaten for a second time when Novo outpaced Ulrik Laursen to reach a bouncing ball and chipped the advancing goalkeeper to give Rangers manager Alex McLeish his first win at the home of their Glasgow rivals. Rangers are now on 65 points, three points ahead of Celtic, although Martin O'Neill's side have a game in hand.

Hearts broken
Elsewhere, Hibernian FC tightened their grip on third place with a comfortable 4-0 win against Dundee FC at Easter Road. Garry O'Connor scored two and further strikes from Steven Whittaker and Steven Fletcher moved the Edinburgh outfit six points clear of Heart of Midlothian FC, who lost 2-0 against Motherwell FC. Scott McDonald and Marc Fitzpatrick were both on target at Fir Park.

Inverness adrift
Aberdeen FC secured their first win in nine games with a 2-0 victory against Livingston FC at Pittodrie. Kevin McNaughton and Noel Whelan scored the goals to leave the bottom side six points adrift of Dundee United FC who shared the points at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC. Barry Wilson's 37th-minute penalty cancelled out an earlier own goal from Grant Munro.

Boyd winner
Elsewhere, Kris Boyd earned Kilmarnock FC a 2-1 win against Dunfermline Athletic FC at Rugby Park after Jesper Christiansen had equalised Steven Naismith's opener for the home side.