Skacel treble sets Hearts a fluttering

A Rudi Skacel hat-trick moved Hearts in to fourth spot in the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win over bottom placed St Mirren.

The Czech international, in his second spell with the club, started the scoring after 70 seconds and added a second with a free-kick before half-time. And with the game heading into injury time Skacel completed his hat-trick, the 99th in the history of the SPL, with a fine individual goal.

Motherwell stayed third with after two own goals gave them a 2-1 win over Dundee United at Fir Park.

A Scott Severin own goal gave Well an early lead before David Goodwillie equalised from the spot after Stephen Craigan had handled in the box. However ten minutes from time Sean Dillon turned Chris Humphrey’s cross into his own net to seal the three points for Motherwell.

At New Douglas Park Sam Parkin fired St Johnstone into a half-time lead before Simon Mensing scored to level for Hamilton.

The game looked to be heading to a draw before Danny Grainger scored a last minute winner for St Johnstone.

Adam Rooney put Inverness Caledonian Thistle ahead against Kilmarnock and Johnny Hayes doubled their lead.

Substitute Rui Miguel scored his first goal for Kilmarnock but it was little more than a consolation as Inverness held on for a 2-1 win that leaves them fifth on goal difference.

In the early kick-off Colin Calderwood’s first game in charge of Hibernian ended in defeat as Aberdeen won 4-2 at Pittodrie.

Chris Maguire and a Sol Bamba own goal gave the Dons a two goal lead at half-time and goals from Scott Vernon and Paul Hartley made it 4-0. Colin Nish and a Bamba goal at the right end made the scoreline more respectable for the Edinburgh side.

Celtic and Rangers clash at Parkhead on Sunday in the first Old Firm derby of the season.