Scottish League

Champions Celtic eased to a 3-0 win over Aberdeen on Saturday to remain top of the Scottish Premier League.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink flicked home the opener in the 14th minute. Celtic took a 2-0 lead before half an hour had been played when Republic of Ireland midfielder Aiden McGeady launched a fierce, left-footed drive beyond goalkeeper Jamie Langfield. Australian striker Scott McDonald added the third in 49 minutes.

They now have 31 points from 13 games and have yet to concede a home goal in the league this season.

Rangers won 3-1 at Falkirk thanks to goals from defender Carlos Cueller, striker Jean-Claude Darcheville and forward Kris Boyd, and remain second on 29 points.

"We should have been comfortable (winners) but we managed a third near the end," Rangers manager Walter Smith said after the game. "Certainly, in the second half of the game, Falkirk were the better side."

Third-placed Hibernian drew 2-2 at home with Dundee United who had Sean Dillon sent off.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat St Mirren 1-0, with Don Cowie firing the first-half winner with a neat volley, and Kilmarnock lost 1-0 at home to Motherwell.

Hearts were held by bottom club Gretna at Fir Park yesterday. Laryea Kingston put Hearts ahead soon after his side had Michael Stewart sent off in the 20th minute, but the Ghanaian turned the ball into his own net just after half-time.