Larsson strikes to send Celtic top

Hibernian 1 Celtic 2

Hibernian 1 Celtic 2

A second-half strike fromHenrik Larsson helped Celtic move to the top of the Scottishpremier league with a 2-1 victory over Hibernian at arain-soaked Easter Road today.

Larsson finished clinically from six metres out six minutesinto the second half after Shaun Maloney's cross left him withjust the goalkeeper to beat. Celtic now have a two point leadover Rangers, who host Dundee later on Saturday.

Hibs had taken the lead through Mathias Doumbe in the 38thminute, the French defender finishing from close range after aStephen Dobbie corner.

But Celtic equalised two minutes later when the refereeawarded a penalty for a trip on Bulgarian Stilian Petrov andAlan Thompson converted confidently.

Celtic had to survive the last 20 minutes of the match with10 men as defender Bobo Balde was sent off for lashing out witha boot after he was tackled heavily by Scott Brown.

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