Rangers beat Motherwell 2-1 thanks to second half goals from Steven Davis and Nacho Novo to remain top of the Scottish Premier League. Walter Smith's side lead the way on 16 points from six matches, three clear of Celtic.

In a dull first half the best chance fell to Motherwell striker Chris Porter who got in the way of an attempted clearance from Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander only to see his goal bound effort spin away from the far post.

After struggling to break down a resolute Motherwell defence for 57 minutes, Davis struck after collecting a neat flick on from Kenny Miller and clipping his finish over sprawling Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith.

Rangers eased into a 2-0 lead on 76 minutes through an unorthodox finish from Spanish striker Novo who had only been on the pitch for three minutes.

Miller sped down the right and cracked in a low cross which Smith dived out to push away but the ball struck a sliding Novo and bobbled over the line.

Porter struck a post after 82 minutes with Alexander beaten but the visitors did manage to pull a goal back five minutes later when David Clarkson hooked in a close range shot after Rangers failed to clear.

Champions Celtic kept in touch as a double from striker Georgios Samaras helped them to a comfortable 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Midfielder Shaun Maloney curled home the opener in 25 minutes after missing the target with a penalty after he had been tripped inside the box by Killie defender Garry Hay.

Samaras scored a wonderful solo goal 10 minutes after the break and an 80th minute penalty before Killie midfielder Mehdi Taouil scored a consolation from the spot after Celtic defender Gary Caldwell was sent off for handling the ball on the line.