Rangers extend lead at the top to three points

Miller scores
By FOS Editor
November 20 2010

Rangers win at Kilmarnock combined with Celtic's draw with Dundee United sees the Ibrox side go three points clear at the top of the SPL while Accies defeat to Hearts sees the Lanarkshire side rooted to the bottom of the table.

Kilmarnock v Rangers

 

The SPL kicked off in explosive fashion this afternoon with a  pulsating game between Kilmarnock and Rangers. Rangers were behind at half time but for the sixth time this season recovered to win the game.

 

However, Kilmarnock were their own worst enemies, giving away two foolish penalties after dominating the first half.

 

Conor Sammon fired the home side in front from close range on 21 minutes but Miller replied from the penalty spot five minutes before the interval.

 

Mohamadou Sissoko was ordered off for conceding his second penalty, with Miller again converting on 55 minutes.

 

Sammon slid in at the back post to level, only for Miller to seal the points with a finish from six yards.

 

This then put the pressure on Celtic to win at home to Dundee United to keep the pressure on Rangers at the top and keep the gap at one point.

 

Celtic v Dundee Utd.

 

Sadly for the Hoops a n injury-time header from Sean Dillon snatched a point for Dundee United at Celtic Park, opening the gap at the top to three points.

 

Gary Hooper's 11th goal of the season gave Celtic a 23rd-minute lead after good work by Shaun Maloney.

 

United keeper Dusan Pernis made fine saves to keep out efforts from Hooper and Niall McGinn.

 

Dundee United seldom threatened but Celtic were made to pay for their profligacy when Dillon popped up to level in the dying seconds.

 

Hearts v Hamilton

 

Hearts consolidated third place in the SPL with a comfortable win against Hamilton. It was Hearts' fourth straight league victory, and Hamilton's fourth straight defeat, rooting Billy Reid's side to the foot of the league table with only nine points from 14 matches.

 

Rudi Skacel gave Hearts a 32nd-minute lead, dipping a volley towards the Accies goal from 18 yards out.David Templeton doubled the lead seven minutes after the interval, firing from distance into the top corner.

 

Simon Mensing missed an 80th-minute penalty for Hamilton to sum up the Lanarkshire side's miserable afternoon in the capital.

 

Inverness v Hibs

 

Adam Rooney fired in a hat-trick as Inverness overcame Hibernian in a match packed with thrilling action. This rare home win for the Highlanders was enough to see them leap above Motherwell into fourth place.

 

Richie Foran side-footed home early on and Rooney converted a penalty after the interval following Paul Hanlon's red card for handball on the line.

Derek Riordan rounded Ryan Esson to pull one back for Hibs only for Rooney to score his second on the break. Liam Miller's penalty gave Hibs hope but the visitors were undone again as Rooney completed his treble.

 

Aberdeen v St. Johnstone

 

Zander Diamond's own goal compounded the agony of 10-man Aberdeen as St Johnstone snatched a late victory.

 

Both sides, clearly struggling for confidence in front of goal, served up an entertaining clash at Pittodrie.

 

Rory McArdle saw red for a two-footed lunge on Cleveland Taylor early in the second half.

 

The Saints broke the deadlock seven minutes from time when Diamond headed into his own net from Peter MacDonald's cross and the visitors held on to win.

 

This now means Aberdeen have taken only four points from the last 36 since winning their opening two games, and are now deep in relegation trouble.

 

St. Mirren v Motherwell

 

In-form striker Nick Blackman ensured Motherwell took a share of the spoils against St Mirren, with his 10^th goal of the season.

 

The Steelmen threatened through Alan Gow and Tom Hateley free-kicks in a bright start from the visitors.

 

Blackman fired over before Saints broke the deadlock through Gareth Wardlaw's front post header left Randolph helpless after Motherwell had failed to deal with a Paul McGowan corner.

 

Blackman equalised when he smacked a shot on the turn past Craig Samson before Buddies striker Michael Higdon saw red for two bookable offences.