Scottish round-up: Rangersrecovered from their recent slump to secure a 2-1 win over Dunfermlineand strengthen their grasp on top spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
An own-goal from Alex Keddie and a Nikica Jelavic penalty sealed the victory as the Scottish champions held on after Joe Cardle pulled a goal back for the Pars.
The win followed a goalless draw with St Johnstone and a first league defeat of the season against Kilmarnock, as Rangers moved seven points clear of Celtic ahead of their meeting with Dundee United tomorrow.
St Johnstoneextended their formidable away record with a 2-1 victory as Hearts'troubles continued at Tynecastle.
Liam Craig netted after three minutes and Dave MacKay converted a 78th minute penalty as Saints, who have lost just once away from Perth all season, strengthened their advantage over their hosts in fourth place in the table, with Mehdi Taouil’s 86th-minute strike proving a consolation.
Jamie Hamill had earlier seen his 64th-minute spot-kick saved by Peter Enckelman as beleaguered Hearts — mired in debt and with owner Vladimir Romanov seeking to sell — suffered a fourth loss in six games since the first-team squad first suffered delayed payment of their wages.
Goals by Gary Harkins and James Dayton gave Kilmarnocka 2-0 victory over Aberdeenat Rugby Park to leave the hapless Pittodrie side bottom of the table.
A mix-up between Dons defender Andrew Considine and goalkeeper Jason Brown in the fifth minute allowed Harkins to slide the ball in from close range.
Although the visitors responded positively, Dayton, on minutes earlier for Paul Heffernan, made sure of the points in the 65th minute when he beat Brown from the edge of the box.
Jonny Hayes lifted Invernessoff bottom spot with a brilliant long-range strike at St Mirren.
Hayes curled home from 25 yards in the 69th minute and Caley Thistle held on to jump three places.
Inverness had dominated the first half after Hayes set up Andrew Shinnie for an 11th-minute opener but St Mirren striker Steven Thompson headed home in first-half injury time.
Hayes provided the one moment of real class after the break to net his second goal in four starts following his comeback from a shoulder injury.
The Dubliner’s absence was a key factor in Caley Thistle’s period at the bottom but they can now look up after a solid performance.
