Celtic down Rangers 3-2 in derby with Robson penalty

A Barry Robson penalty earned champions Celtic a 3-2 derby win over Rangers and sent them five points clear of their rivals in the Scottish Premier League yesterday.

However, Rangers have three games in hand as the championship race hots up in the final stages. They have 75 points from 32 games, compared to Celtic's 80 from 35.

The first half was an action-packed, four-goal affair, ignited by a fourth minute strike from Celtic's Australian striker Scott McDonald.

He pounced on a knockdown by Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and steered a close-range shot past keeper Neil Alexander.

Rangers responded with two headed goals from defender David Weir and French forward Daniel Cousin following corners by Steve Davis.

Weir nodded home at the near post for the equaliser before Cousin sent a header high into the net in the 29th minute to put Rangers in front.

McDonald levelled before the break by turning and cracking in a looping shot which appeared to take a deflection as it sailed over a stranded Alexander.

McDonald was involved yet again in Celtic's winner when he was brought down by defender Kirk Broadfoot for a 70th minute penalty.

Robson crashed the spot-kick straight down the middle for the winner and Rangers' misery was compounded when Steven Whittaker was sent off in the final minute for a second bookable offence, chopping down Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan told BBC Radio: "It was a perfect game for Scott McDonald who did well for us, but Barry was always taking the penalty.

"It keeps the championship race going for another week... and that's all we have done."