Celtic ease their way to SPL summit

Scottish round-up

Scottish round-up

Celtic cruised to the top of the Scottish Premier League - if only for 24 hours - with a 3-0 victory over Motherwell.

The margin meant the Bhoys have rattled in 13 goals in three home matches this season but they could see Rangers leap-frog them tomorrow afternoon if they win at Hearts.

Inevitably, after a first-half stalemate, inspirational Henrik Larsson broke the deadlock two minutes after the break with a towering header.

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The visitors forced Magnus Hedman into two smart saves before Larsson's strike partner Chris Sutton ended all 'Well resistance 15 minutes later.

Substitute Shaun Maloney, on for John Hartson, sealed the win with the third 20 minutes from time.

With the second and third in action at Tynecastle on Sunday, Dundee jumped up to fourth spot after a 2-0 win over struggling Aberdeen.

The Dark Blues went ahead just before the half hour with a screaming 25-yard volley from full-back Tom Cowan.

And Nacho Novo added the second when he converted Barry Smith's free kick.

Bottom club Dundee United with a 2-0 victory at Partick.

Veteran striker Charlie Miller was the Terrors hero with goals either side of the interval which sent the Firhill club down to the bottom.

Kilmarnock also secured a valuale 2-1 away win at Livingston.

Sean Hessey gave the visitors the ideal start with the opener after 15 minutes but much-travelled midfielder Lee Makel levelled within three minutes.

But there was little time for Livvy to celebrate as Kris Boyd grabbed the winner to complete a three-goal scoring burst inside seven minutes.

The mid-table battle between Dunfermline and Hibernian ended goalless.