Rangers 1 Hearts 1
Champions Rangers were held to a home draw in the first defence of their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title. Gers drew only three games in all of last season but found the going tough against a well-drilled Hearts side. David Obua put the visitors ahead when he was left unmarked to head in Danny Grainger's corner after 16 minutes - and the Ugandan and David Templeton both came close to adding to the visitors' lead in a first-half in which the Edinburgh side dominated. However Ally McCoist's side looked more threatening after the interval and captain-for-the-day Steven Davis and Stevie Naismith both came close before Naismith headed in Sasa Papac's cross to level. Rangers pressed hard for a winner - but were also thankful to Allan McGregor for a fine save from Obua's volley thirteen minutes from time.

Motherwell 3 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0
Motherwell moved to the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table thanks to a comprehensive opening-day win. Full-back Stevie Hammell scored a rare goal - his first in seven years - to fire in after Michael Higdon had flicked the ball on. Jamie Murphy - being watched by Premiership and Championship sides - added the second when he slotted Nicky Law's pass beyond Ryan Esson. Motherwell added a third late on with a spectacular long-range effort from midfielder Keith Lasley. Caley Thistle were unfortunate to see efforts from ex-Motherwell frontman Richie Foran and Greg Tansey rebound from the woodwork.

Aberdeen 0 St Johnstone 0
Craig Brown's new-look Aberdeen side were held to a draw at home despite dominating the game – although they did finish with ten men. Visitors' 'keeper Peter Enckelman made a good save from a Darren Mackie drive before Josh Magennis shot wide - but he was beaten when the on-form Fraser Fyvie's cross went over his head but rebounded off the post. Home youngster Ryan Jack was shown a straight red card by ref Steve Conroy for a late challenge on Rangers signing target Murray Davidson but the Perth side couldn't capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Hibernian 0 Celtic 2
Celtic got their campaign off to a winning start with a straightforward win at Easter Road. Celtic went ahead when home 'keeper Graham Stack fumbled Kris Commons' free-kick and Anthony Stokes scored from an acute angle. Skipper-for-the-day Mark Wilson had the ball in the net soon after the opener but was adjudged offside. Celtic increased their lead after 63 minutes when Ki Sung Yeung collected Stokes' pass 25 yards from goal and coolly slotted the ball past Stack. The home goalkeeper prevented Celtic adding a third when he saved Gary Hooper's penalty - awarded after Ivan Sproule had fouled Emilio Izaguirre - but Hibs never looked likely to get back into the game.

Dundee United 1 Kilmarnock 1
United battled back to earn a point against Killie at Tannadice. Home frontman David Goodwillie fired wide of the Kilmarnock goal in the first half and Gary Harkins missed a couple of chances for the visitors. But Kenny Shiels' side took the lead soon after the break when Rory McKeown beat Dusan Pernis with a long-range drive. However home sub Danny Swanson, who had replaced Johnny Russell, levelled when his shot from his initial blocked free-kick beat Cammy Bell. Goodwillie had an excellent chance to win it for United in injury time after being sent through on goal by Jon Daly - but Bell came to Kilmarnock's rescue.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 25 July 2011