Scottish Premier League: Celtic go top, Aberdeen win again

Celtic will finish the year top of the Scottish Premier League table, while Aberdeen’s Craig Brown-led great escape mission is well underway.

With Rangers’ trip to St Johnstone called off due to the inclement weather sparking concerns over spectator safety, Celtic took advantage by sneaking a 1-0 win over Motherwell at Celtic Park.

Northern Ireland midfielder Patrick McCourt got the decisive winner for Celtic in the 27th minute, ensuring his side moved to 42 points on the table.

Rangers trail by a solitary point in second, though Walter Smith’s reigning champions have two games in hand ahead of the Old Firm derby against their bitter foes on Sunday.

Also in Rangers’ favour was the dismissal of Celtic captain Scott Brown for two bookable offences, ruling him out of the always-anticipated encounter.

At the other end of the table, Aberdeen’s bid to keep its Premier League status intact was bolstered by a crucial 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Hamilton Academicals.

Much-travelled striker Scott Vernon scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, handing Aberdeen their second win in succession under newly appointed former Scotland manager Craig Brown.

Hearts secured a 2-0 away win over St Mirren through goals from strike duo Kevin Kyle and David Templeton, while an 89th-minute goal from Paul Hanlon ensured Hibernian clinched a 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

Kilmarnock eased past Inverness Caledonia Thistle 3-1, leap-frogging their opponents into fourth on the table in the process.