Glasgow Celtic restored their seven point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League this evening after a controversial last minute penalty from Henrik Larsson sealed a 2-1 victory for the Bhoys at Motherwell. Larsson ensured maximum points for Martin O'Neill's men after Eddie Forrest was adjudged to have fouled Shaun Maloney.
Celtic went in at the break with a one goal advantage after Lubo Moravcik scored with a breathtaking 35-yard free kick after 14 minutes. The champions almost doubled their lead after 25 minutes but talisman Larsson saw his shot well blocked by Motherwell goalkeeper Brown.
The second half saw the home side pour forward searching for an equaliser and their persistence was rewarded after 68 minutes when Greg Strong seized upon a tame clearance to fire past Douglas in the Celtic goal. Both teams had chances to win the match but it was O'Neill's side who had the luck and Larsson's composure ensured his team maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Earlier today, Rangers kept the pressure on the leaders with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox. Georgian striker Shota Arveladze was the architect of Rangers' success, scoring after nine minutes and setting up Argentine Claudio Caniggia for the second five minutes before halftime. Norwegian international Tore Andre Flo was on hand to turn in a rebound on 53 minutes, and Antonio Calderon's free-kick was a mere consolation goal for Kilmarnock.
Livingston, in third place, had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to Aberdeen, as two strikes from Darren Mackie cancelled out Livingston goals from Barry Wilson and Steve Tosh. Dundee United came from behind to beat fourth-placed Hibernian 3-1, while Hearts eased to a 3-0 victory over bottom club St Johnstone with the help of two goals by Spanish forward Juanjo. Dunfermline beat Dundee 1-0 in the other premier league match.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
