SPL wrap: High five for Celtic, Motherwell on top

Celtic thrashed Dundee United to make it three consecutive wins in the Scottish Premier League, but Motherwell retained top spot on Saturday.

Neil Lennon’s team conceded their first goal of the league campaign but three second-half strikes were enough to earn them a 5-1 win.

Irishman Anthony Stokes had given them a fourth-minute lead, but United drew level on the half hour through Johnny Russell.

Gary Hooper restored Celtic’s advantage on 33 minutes to ensure they headed into the break ahead.

South Korea international Ki Sung-Yong, Joseph Ledley and James Forrest all netted in the second half to make it nine points in three matches for Celtic.

But they remain second after midfielder Tom Hateley found the net with a 90th-minute free-kick to keep Motherwell top courtesy of a 1-0 victory at St Mirren.

Champions Rangers recorded a 2-0 win over Inverness CT in an action-packed encounter.

Inverness defender Ross Tokely was sent off after giving away a penalty on 59 minutes and Croatia international Nikica Jelavic converted.

Soon after, Rangers received another penalty but Jelavic was denied by goalkeeper Ryan Esson, only for Maurice Edu to react quickest and put in the rebound.

Edu was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence soon after.

A brace from John Sutton helped Hearts to a 3-0 win over Aberdeen, with Arvydas Novikovas also on the scoresheet.

An Andy Kirk strike earned Dunfermline Athletic a 1-0 win at St Johnstone and they held on for 30 minutes with 10 men after John Potter was sent off.