Hibernian 1 Hearts 3
Two late goals earned Hearts victory in the Capital derby. Hearts had the perfect opportunity to go ahead when Callum Booth was short with a passback and Graham Stack brought down Stephen Elliott inside the box – but Ian Black’s penalty was saved by the Hibs ‘keeper. However Hearts went in front after the interval when Black's corner was met by Webster and, although Stack blocked his effort on the line, Ryan McGowan made sure from close range. Hearts lead lasted only a minute as Hearts skipper Marius Zaliukas turned Danny Galbraith’s cross into his own net. The arrival of substitute John Sutton tipped the game in Hearts’ favour. First the former Motherwell striker set up Andy Webster for a low driven finish then he used his strength to set up fellow substitute Rudi Skacel for a left-foot finish to make it 3-1 and move Hearts up to fourth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Dundee United 1 Aberdeen 2
Aberdeen recorded their second win over of the season over United thanks to a wonder Kari Arnason strike. The home side went in front when Jon Daly rolled the ball home in a goalmouth scramble. Aberdeen responded when Arnason's throw in was helped on by substitute Rory McArdle and fellow sub Mohamed Chalali scored with his first touch of the ball to head past Dusan Pernis. United brought on new signing Richie Ryan but his first appearance was overshadowed by Arnason's strike, the Icelandic midfielder finding the net from 30 yards.

Dunfermline Athletic 0 Celtic 3
Celtic solidified their position at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a comprehensive win at East End Park. Celtic went ahead when Georgios Samaras’ misdirected header fell for Anthony Stokes, who beat Chris Smith with a clever chip. Celtic increased their lead just before the break when Charlie Mulgrew’s free-kick was side-footed home by Victor Wanyama. Mulgrew lashed in the third from a second-half free-kick and Celtic could have added to their tally as they closed out the victory well on top. The Pars remain bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and haven’t beaten Celtic at home in the last thirty-one meetings.

Kilmarnock 2 St Mirren 1
Kilmarnock moved up to seventh in the table thanks to a stunning last-minute Danny Racchi winner. Lee Mair headed Saints into the lead when he beat Cammy Bell from Graham Carey’s corner. The home side levelled when Paul Heffernan found space in the box to fire home. The game seemed set to end in a draw until Racchi made room to lob a classy winner over Craig Samson.

Rangers 3 Motherwell 0
Rangers won at a cost – already without groin injury victim Nikica Jelavic, they lost Kyle Lafferty for a month with a hamstring injury. Lafferty went off after eight minutes with John Fleck replacing him. David Healy put Rangers in front when he took Maurice Edu’s pass and beat Darren Randolph from a tight angle. Rangers increased their lead when Steve Davis and Healy combined to set up Sone Aluko for a crisp finish in a well worked goal. Lee Wallace’s cross was then turned into his own net by Motherwell skipper Stephen Craigan to complete the scoring for the home side.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 03 January 2012