Stokes extends Celtic's lead

Scottish Premier League review : Anthony Stokes’s first-half winner against Aberdeen at Parkhead took Celtic five points clear…

Scottish Premier League review: Anthony Stokes's first-half winner against Aberdeen at Parkhead took Celtic five points clear of Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The home side, buoyed by the Light Blues’ defeat at Hearts earlier in the day, sprang out of the traps and in the 27th minute the Hoops striker ran on to a Gary Hooper pass to round Dons keeper Jamie Langfield before stroking into an empty net.

The second half was less convincing and there were a couple of nervy moments for Celtic before the win was confirmed.

However, Stokes’ strike was ultimately enough to widen the gap at the top of the table over the Ibrox men, who lost at Hearts earlier in the day, although the champions have two games in hand.

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Ryan Stevenson ensured Hearts continued their bid to be taken seriously as title contenders. The win allowed the Jambos to move to within two points of the champions and boosted their case for a three-way fight for the championship or to at least split the Old Firm this season.