Hooper Sends Celtic Nine Points Clear

Celtic have extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League to nine points after narrowly beating Motherwell 1-0.

The defending champions needed a Gary Hooper goal eleven minutes from time to take all three points in a tight match at Celtic Park.

Celtic also had 'keeper Fraser Forster to thank after he saved a Tom Hately penalty in the second-half and pulled off a good save to deny Motherwell forward Jamie Murphy.

Second place Inverness have lost ground on the leaders because their game at Ross County was called-off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Aberdeen missed out on the chance to go fourth by drawing 2-2 at home to Dundee United.

Scott Vernon put Aberdeen in front before Gavin Gunning and a Jamie Langfield own goal turned the match on its head.

Aberdeen needed a superb free-kick from in-form winger Niall McGinn to rescue a draw.

St Johnstone are into the top half thanks to a 1-0 win at home to Dundee. Liam Craig got the only goal of the game.

A Paul McGowan penalty secured a point for St Mirren at home to Kilmarnock. Killie had taken a first-half lead when Liam Kelly converted from the spot.