SPL wrap: Rangers stagger, Hearts surge

Rangers missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League when they drew 1-1 with Inverness on Saturday.

Kenny Miller scored the only goal for Rangers, but also missed a late penalty that would have sent his side five points clear of second-placed Celtic, who do not play this weekend after their match against Kilmarnock was called off due to wintry weather conditions.

The Scottish marksman smashed home a 20-yard equaliser early in the second half to cancel out Inverness winger Johnny Hayes’ brilliant first half opener for the hosts at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Goalkeeper Ryan Esson was the hero for Inverness, keeping out Miller’s penalty attempt in the final 10 minutes with his feet, after he had dived right to make the save.

Miller had a late chance at retribution in the second minute of injury time but hit his shot wide of the post from inside the penalty area.

Had Inverness won, however, they would have climbed to their highest position on the SPL table in their history – third.

Elsewhere, Hearts thrashed Aberdeen 5-0, with Rudolf Skacel scoring a brace in the rout at Tynecastle Stadium.

Forward David Templeton opened the scoring in the fifth minute, and Skacel got his first four minutes later to give the hosts a dream start.

Irishman Stephen Elliott got on the scoresheet six minutes after the break, before Skacel nabbed his second.

The rout ended when Lithuanian forward Arvydas Novikovas scored within seven minutes of coming on as a substitute.

St Johnstone’s Liam Craig scored a 90th minute winner to help his side beat St Mirren 2-1 at St Mirren Park.

Sam Parkin opened the scoring for the visitors in the 53rd minute, only for forward Michael Higdon to cancel out his effort nine minutes later.

Craig’s late heroics secured the three points for St Johnstone, giving them a five-point buffer over St Mirren in the league standings.