Hibs miss chance as Celtic close in

SPL round-up:Hibernian blew their chance to go top of the Scottish Premier League as they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Inverness at Easter Road. Eoin Doyle's opener and a terrific strike from David Wotherspoon had given Pat Fenlon's side a comfortable advantage. However, Conor Pepper pulled one back before Richie Foran grabbed a late equaliser.

Inverness remain without a league win this season, but they had cause to be happy with a point from contest that should have been over by half-time.

Hibernian took the lead when Paul Cairney’s ball over the top utilised Doyle’s pace as he outsprinted his marker and charged into the penalty area. The striker’s initial shot was blocked by Ryan Esson but he was able to force the rebound over the line.

And Wotherspoon doubled the home side’s advantage in spectacular style. Allowed space 25 yards from goal, the Scotland under-21 international unleashed an unstoppable shot on the half-volley that found the top corner of the net.

Inverness found a route back into the match after 38 minutes, albeit in controversial circumstances. Alan Maybury hit the deck after being pressured by Pepper, but referee Euan Norris waved play on as the Inverness player raced through and drove his shot in off the far post.

The hosts had looked comfortable for most of the half, but saw all their hard work evaporate as one defensive lapse allowed Inverness to equalise. Following a set-piece, Meekings collected the loose ball and took two defenders out of the game with a turn. His shot was deflected into the path of Warren who, again, saw his effort superbly denied by Williams. However, in came Foran to smash the ball home off the underside of the crossbar.

Celtic closed in on top spot as goals from Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama gave them a comfortable 2-0 home win over bottom side Dundee which would have been more comprehensive had it not been for former Hoops keeper Robert Douglas.

The 40-year-old Dees number one had a fine match, brilliantly saving a Scott Brown penalty in the 38th minute only to be beaten just before the break when Hooper hammered in from 10 yards. Wanyama fired in from distance after four minutes of the second-half and when the one-side match was over, the only conclusion available was that Douglas’s performance had prevented the scoreline reflecting Celtic’s superiority.

It was a welcome win for Neil Lennon. Celtic had fought out an encouraging goalless draw against Benfica in their Champions League Group G opener on Wednesday night but Lennon was concerned with his side’s SPL form, which had seen them drop seven points in the first five games. Today’s win leaves them two behind leaders Motherwell.