Scottish Premier League/Celtic 2 Livingston 1: Chris Sutton's second-half penalty killed off Richard Gough's gutsy side and sent the champions three points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

Celtic looked like they were getting back to their best following their impressive win at Hearts as John Hartson, who is set to sign a new contract in the coming week, headed his 18th goal of the season to give his team-mates an early lead.

But the SPL strugglers grabbed a goal completely against the run of play from Jim Hamilton before the break and some stunning saves from Colin Meldrum threatened to frustrate the home side.

Sutton did beat the Livingston goalkeeper from the spot after referee Craig Thomson had penalised the Livingston goalscorer for handball, securing the points which pile the pressure on Rangers, who could only draw at Dundee United following the departure of Jean-Alain Boumsong.

Former Rangers captain Gough was hoping to do his old club a favour as well as leave with a famous result that would have eased his current employers' relegation worries.

Celtic though almost put paid to that desire after just eight minutes. Hartson flicked on Aiden McGeady's corner at the near post and, although the ball found its way to Stanislav Varga under the crossbar, his header sailed over.

Livingston were defending well, which was a surprise with Oscar Rubio and Emmanuel Dorado at the back, but Celtic and their ever-demanding supporters remained patient.

But it was Rubio who conceded a dangerous free-kick to the champions in the 16th minute which was promptly punished.

Alan Thompson clipped a trademark left-footed cross into the box and Hartson's glancing header flew past Meldrum and nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Sutton almost got to the ball inside the area moments later but the Livingston goalkeeper was quick off his line to collect.

His opposite number Robert Douglas was left to watch on with the fans, such was Livingston's failure to break into their half. So it was no surprise he was far too casual when he cleared a pass-back with Jim Hamilton close to embarrassing him.

Celtic would have increased their lead in the 36th minute had it not been for the bravery of Meldrum. McGeady cut in from the left and threaded the ball through to Petrov, but the Livingston goalkeeper raced off his line to make a crucial challenge at his feet.

Douglas produced a moment of brilliance seconds later when he acrobatically tipped over Gus Bahoken's cross-cum-shot from the touchline.

But the former Dundee man was let down by his defence as Livingston equalised out of nowhere. From Burton O'Brien's corner, Goran Stanic struck a shot which seemed harmless enough but Hamilton was left in acres of space to steer the ball home from close range.

After the break Celtic found Meldrum in breathtaking form and he produced another top-class save in the 52nd minute when Hartson got on the end of a Thompson corner but the goalkeeper flung himself to his right to push the ball over.

Hartson really should have scored again in the 55th minute when he controlled Sutton's cross on his chest and blasted the ball towards the target but he was frustrated as Meldrum turned the ball behind for a corner.

The Livingston man was beaten a minute later but Celtic needed some help from the penalty spot to regain the lead.

Hamilton handled the ball in the box and Sutton stepped up to casually send the Livingston goalkeeper the wrong way.

Martin O'Neill gave Brazilian Juninho eight minutes to shine when he replaced McGeady but the manager was just hoping to keep hold of the three points. And, thanks to Douglas' late point-blank save from Bahoken, they did just that to complete a good start to 2005 for the green and white half of Glasgow.

CELTIC: Douglas, McNamara, Balde, Varga, Laursen, Petrov, Lennon, Thompson, McGeady (Juninho Paulista 85), Sutton, Hartson. Subs Not Used: Marshall, Lambert, Maloney, Wallace, McManus. Booked: Thompson. Goals: Hartson 15, Sutton 57 pen.

LIVINGSTON: Meldrum, McNamee, Bahoken, Rubio, Dorado, O'Brien, Lovell, Brittain (Dair 87), Stanic (Adam 87), Snodgrass (Libbra 66), Hamilton. Subs Not Used: Fleming, Harding, McPake, Easton. Booked: Hamilton, McNamee. Goals: Hamilton 39.

Referee: C Thomson (Scotland).