Rangers beat Hibs 2-1 to move six points clear

Leaders Rangers beat Hibernian 2-1 with goals from Jean-Claude Darcheville and Nacho Novo to move six points clear of champions Celtic in the Scottish Premier League yesterday.

French striker Darcheville struck the opening goal five minutes before half-time when he fastened onto a pass from Bosnian defender Sasa Papac and sent a 12-metre shot into the roof of the net from the left.

Then Spanish striker Novo rifled home the second goal for Rangers from 10 metres after 79 minutes before Hibernian grabbed a consolation through Dean Shiels in the last minute.

After 28 games in the Scottish Premier League, Rangers have 71 points while second-placed Celtic are on 65.

Dundee United are third with 49 points ahead of Hibernian with 47 although both sides have played 31.

Dundee United beat Motherwell 2-0 with late goals from Danny Swanson and Dutch striker Mark De Vries.

Struggling Aberdeen drew 1-1 with visitors St Mirren, Falkirk slugged out a goalless draw at Hearts and Kilmarnock romped to a 4-1 home win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.