Soccer – SPL Review:Celtic made a mockery of Hearts' Scottish Premier League title credentials with a sound 4-0 thrashing of the Tynecastle side while Rangers got the better on the other side of Edinburgh against Hibernian.
Pre-match talk was of the third-placed Gorgie side challenging the Old Firm for the title but Hearts never recovered after falling behind to a James Forrest goal in the seventh minute.
The Hoops created numerous chances in a powerful performance and a second-half double from Anthony Stokes and a goal from substitute Paddy McCourt, on for the injured Forrest, cemented Celtic's place at the top of the league.
Nikica Jelavic marked his first start in almost four months with a goal as Rangers steered their title charge back on track with a 2-0 win over Hibernian at Easter Road.
The striker, back after ankle surgery, has been tipped to fill the void left by Kenny Miller's departure and he rose to the challenge, after Madjid Bougherra set the ball rolling with the opener.
The victory saw Rangers bounce back from defeat by Hearts at the weekend, while Hibs remained in the relegation zone after failing to repeat their impressive win over the Scottish champions at Ibrox the last time the two clubs met.
Liam Craig's penalty kept St Johnstone in the hunt for the top six as they turned the tables on Motherwell with a 1-0 win at McDiarmid Park. Craig slotted home in the 62nd minute to move St Johnstone two points behind their sixth-placed opponents in the league.
Motherwell skipper Stephen Craigan was disgusted with the decision to penalise him for a penalty-box challenge on Michael Duberry and his frustration continued as Saints soaked up some late pressure.
Substitute David Robertson produced a dramatic late rescue act for Dundee United to deny St Mirren victory in Paisley with an 87th-minute leveller in a 1-1 draw.
St Mirren led on 37 minutes when Darren McGregor's header from a Jure Travner corner was knocked clear by United's Morgaro Gomis, but the officials ruled the ball had already crossed the line.
David Goodwillie should have claimed an earlier equaliser for United, who dominated much of the game, but he sent a close-range shot against the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.
It typified a night of wasteful finishing by United, who were also finding home goalkeeper Paul Gallacher in fine form, but Robertson's last-gasp header at least got them a point.
Inverness lost 2-0 at home to Aberdeen with Ryan Jack and Nick Blackman getting on the score sheet either side of halftime.
Selected Results
Scottish Premier League
Celtic 4-0 Hearts
Hibernian 0-2 Rangers
Inverness CT 0-2 Aberdeen
St Johnstone 1-0 Motherwell
St Mirren 1-1 Dundee Utd
Premier League
Liverpool 1-0 Fulham
Carling Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Birmingham 3-1 West Ham
(Birmingham win 4-3 aet)
