Hearts help Rangers rise

By Alex O'Henley

Rangers FC regained the initiative in the race for the Scottish Premier League title after rivals Celtic FC slumped to a 2-0 home defeat by Heart of Midlothian FC.

Familiar foe
The visitors dominated from the kick-off with Lee Miller breaking the deadlock after just eight minutes, heading in from close range after Celtic goalkeeper David Marshall could only parry Andy Webster's downward header. Ten minutes later, Miller turned provider, playing in former Celtic player Mark Burchill to give his side a surprise two-goal cushion.

Rangers chance
Celtic pressed in the second half but Hearts held on for a deserved victory to remain in the hunt for a UEFA Cup spot next season. Celtic’s loss, meanwhile, meant Rangers would move a point clear at the summit with victory against Motherwell FC at Fir Park on Sunday and this always looked likely after they raced into a 3-0 lead.

Vignal double
French full-back Grégory Vignal scored a rare double, firing a right-foot volley into the top corner on four minutes before heading a second just after the half-hour mark. Dado Pršo looked to have put the result beyond doubt following the restart but Kevin McBride converted a penalty to give his side hope. Barry Ferguson was then dismissed for a second bookable offence and a Martyn Corrigan strike six minutes from time set up a tense finish.

Hibernian edge thriller
However, Rangers held on for a crucial 3-2 win that moves them back ahead of Celtic with seven games left to play. Hibernian FC lie a massive 25 points adrift of the leaders but continue to lead the race for third after their 3-2 win at home against Dundee United FC. The side lying at the foot of the table looked to be heading for a vital point until Gary Smith headed a 90th-minute winner for Hibernian, who had Ian Murray dismissed.

Dundee victory
Tony Mowbray's Hibernian side are one point ahead of Aberdeen FC, who secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC courtesy of Noel Whelan's first-half strike. A second-half penalty from Steve Lovell gave Dundee FC all three points against Kilmarnock FC at Dens Park, while Livingston FC and Dunfermline Athletic FC drew 1-1.