SPL: Celtic 4 Dundee United 1

Celtic have moved to within a point of first-placed rivals Rangers after a 4-1 win over Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League.

Neil Lennon’s team scored twice in each half at Celtic Park on Sunday to ensure they are still in prime position to claim the title with two games in hand over Rangers.

The fourth-placed Dundee started well defensively before gifting Celtic attacker Gary Hooper the opener in the 23rd minute.

Irish striker Anthony Stokes, who had hit the post moments earlier, was gifted possession and Hooper tapped in his cross to score his 19th goal of the season.

Midfielder Baram Kayal scored a rare goal to double the lead nine minutes into the second period, hitting a venomous drive into the top corner from 20 yards.

United almost pulled a goal back four minutes later but substitute Johnny Russell’s shot hit the woodwork from inside the area.

The hosts made it 3-0 in the 85th minute after another sloppy piece of defending allowed winger Kris Commons to score from close range.

In an entertaining finish, two goals were scored in stoppage time as Russell found a deserved goal for Dundee after nice build-up play from striker David Goodwillie.

But another piece of poor defending allowed Celtic to find a fourth as substitute forward Daryl Murphy beat four markers to seal the win.

If Celtic claim at least a point at Inverness on Wednesday, they will move to the top on goal difference.

Dundee are eight points adrift of third-placed Hearts.