Champions Celtic moved closer to retaining their title when a 2-1 win at Aberdeen on Saturday stretched their lead to 22 points.

Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura set up striker Craig Beattie to slot home the ninth-minute opener before adding the second with a superb free-kick 11 minutes later.

Aberdeen grabbed their consolation goal in stoppage time when Darren Mackie squeezed a shot under Polish keeper Artur Boruc.

Celtic have 71 points from 28 games. Arch rivals Rangers, in second place with 49 from 27, face Falkirk today.

Hearts missed a fine chance to move third when they were held 1-1 by St Mirren. Hearts are level on 45 points with Aberdeen but behind them on goal difference.

Celtic's victory was overshadowed by a bizarre head injury suffered by substitute striker Kenny Miller in the second half when he collided with linesman James Bee during his warm up.

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