Scottish Premier League wrap: Celtic make winning start

Celtic have made a winning start to their Scottish Premier League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Hibernian on Sunday.

Striker Anthony Stokes and midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung struck at the Easter Road Stadium as Neil Lennon’s side collected three points on the opening weekend, something arch rivals Rangers failed to do after drawing 1-1 against Hearts a day earlier.

A howler from Hibernian goalkeeper Graham Stack, who completely missed a free-kick delivered from deep by Kris Commons, allowed Stokes to smash the ball into the net from a tight angle to put Celtic in front after 14 minutes.

The scoreboard would have read 2-0 in favour of the visitors soon after had Mark Wilson’s goal not been ruled out for offside.

Celtic did go two goals to the good on 63 minutes when Hibernian midfielder Lewis Stevenson lost possession, allowing Stokes to feed Ki, who slammed the ball home with his left foot leaving Stack powerless.

Celtic looked likely to find a third goal when full-back Emilio Izaguirre was brought down in the area but Stack denied Gary Hooper, tipping his spot-kick onto the post and scrambling to prevent the rebound.

In the day’s other game, Danny Swanson struck a 70th-minute equaliser to help Dundee United secure a 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock.

Rory McKeown had put Kenny Shiels’ side in front a minute into the second half before Swanson ensured United would take a point from the contest.