SPL wrap: Rangers take seven-point lead

Rangers kicked seven points clear of Celtic after a 2-1 win over Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.

With their city rivals in action at Dundee United on Sunday, Ally McCoist’s side took the chance to move more than two games clear of Celtic with their home win.

Alex Keddie’s own goal on 22 minutes gave Rangers the perfect start and just seven minutes later, Nikica Jelavic, who is the Scottish Premier League’s leading scorer, converted from the penalty spot.

Joe Cardle, the only non-Scot in Dunfermline’s starting 11, produced a quick-fire response for the visitors but they were unable to score another goal in a tense second half.

St Johnstone recorded a 2-1 win at Hearts, with Liam Craig’s third-minute opener giving them the early lead.

Substitute Alan Maybury doubled the lead with his penalty after 79 minutes and although a Mehdi Taouil strike with four minutes to play gave Hearts a chance, they could not capitalise.

Aberdeen’s woes continued with the bottom-placed side seeing their winless run extend to five after goals from Gary Harkins and James Dayton gave Kilmarnock a 2-0 victory while Jonathan Hayes’ second-half winner helped Inverness Caledonian Thistle to a 2-1 win at St Mirren.