Sutton penalty puts Celtic three points ahead

Celtic opened a three-point lead on rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premier League yesterday with a 2-1 home win over next-from-bottom Livingston.

The champions took the lead through John Hartson in the 16th minute but Jim Hamilton equalised six minutes from the break.

Hamilton was penalised for handball on 56 minutes allowing Chris Sutton to score the decisive goal from the penalty spot.

It was Celtic's fifth league win in a row. Manager Martin O'Neill said: "They were hard earned points, really hard earned.

"We got a little bit sloppy after going that goal in front and that carried on with Livingston equalising with a goal from a corner."

Celtic have 53 points from 21 games with Rangers on 50. The duo meet next weekend in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Rangers had moved to the top for 24 hours with a late goal in a 1-1 draw at Dundee United on Saturday.

Hibernian and Hearts fought out a thrilling 1-1 Edinburgh derby draw at Easter Road in yesterday's other match.

Derek Riordan fired Hibs ahead on 24 minutes but Paul Hartley's goal early in the second half ensured a point each.

Hibs are third with 37 points, Hearts sixth with 28.

Playing Today

Scottish Division One
Ross County vs St Johnstone

Scottish Division Two
Arbroath vs Stanraer
Ayr vs Morton
Brechin vs Alloa
Dumbarton vs Forfar

Scottish Division Three
Albion vs Peterhead
East Fife vs Stenhousemuir
Elgin vs Montrose
Queens Park vs Gretna