SPL wrap: Celtic edge closer to another title

Celtic defeated Hibernian 3-0 but title celebrations were put on hold after Motherwell salvaged a late draw against St Mirren on Saturday.

Scottish international Kris Commons bagged a double for the SPL leaders, while Mikael Lustig headed home a goal of his own at Celtic Park.

However, a James McFadden equaliser for Motherwell at home to St Mirren meant the defending champions will have to wait until after the Scottish Cup break to claim the trophy.

Celtic and Hibernian both played open football during the early stages, but it was the hosts who took the lead just before 15 minutes.

Charlie Mulgrew played the ball to Gary Hooper, he in turn found Commons on the edge of the area and after nearly losing the ball between his feet, regained control and fired beyond goalkeeper Ben Williams.

Hibernian rarely threatened the Celtic goal, with the only real effort coming from Leigh Griffiths, after he was played in by Alex Harris, but the attack was snuffed out by Victor Wanyama as the leaders went into the break ahead.

Within five minutes of the restart the home side had doubled their lead as Lustig crossed into the box for Commons, who smashed home for his second of the game.

Neil Lennon’s side continued to press forward and could have extended their advantage as Stokes had an effort from the edge of the Hibernian penalty area, but Williams was able to beat the ball away for a corner.

Celtic eventually got their third goal after a corner between Commons and Joe Ledley saw the Welshman cross for Lustig to head the ball into the net.

In other results on Saturday, Hearts twice came from behind to beat fifth-placed Ross County 4-2 at Tynecastle Stadium.

And Kilmarnock suffered a shock 2-1 loss to bottom side Dundee, a result that saw Dundee United leapfrog them into the top half of the table following their narrow 1-0 win against Aberdeen.