Rangers stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at Dundee United yesterday in a fast-flowing encounter which was decided by Barry Robson's penalty. Dundee are now level on 22 points with second-placed Rangers, although the latter enjoy a better goal difference.
Champions Celtic are top of the standings with 25 points after crushing Motherwell 3-0 at home on Saturday, thanks to a hat-trick from Scott McDonald.
McDonald headed his first after 42 minutes before grabbing a second after the interval with a low shot past keeper Graeme Smith.The former Motherwell player completed his treble with a late penalty after being brought down by Stephen Craigan.
Yesterday Dundee United took the lead with a superb volleyed goal from defender Lee Wilkie in the 28th minute. Rangers fought back after the interval and were level courtesy of a Daniel Cousin penalty on 52 minutes after United's Norwegian defender Christian Kalvenes tripped DaMarcus Beasley.
But Dundee went 2-1 ahead just two minutes later when Robson fired home from the spot after Carlos Cuellar hauled down Jordan Robertson.
Hibernian had Dean Shiels sent off as they lost 1-0 to a Billy Mehmet goal at home to St Mirren while Gretna lost 4-0 at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Kilmarnock defeated Hearts 3-1 while Aberdeen and Falkirk drew 1-1 yesterday.
