SPL wrap: Celtic thump Kilmarnock, Inverness go second

8 December 2012 19:04

Celtic dismantled Kilmarnock away from home, while Inverness climbed to second place in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.

Goals from Scotland international Scott Brown, Welsh midfielder Joe Ledley and Greek forward Georgios Samaras handed Celtic a deserved 3-1 victory at Kilmarnock.

Brown opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Ledley doubled the advantage on 65 minutes.

Samaras put the result beyond doubt after 74 minutes, while Cillian Sheridan netted a late consolation for the hosts.

Celtic, who have scored a remarkable 24 goals on the road compared to seven at home, remain on top of the table with 31 points.

Elsewhere, Inverness leapfrogged Hibernian in the standings with a comfortable 3-0 win at home.

Ross Draper headed the hosts in front after 13 minutes before second-half goals from Richie Foran and Billy McKay sealed the result.

Inverness, on the back of three consecutive wins, are three points behind Celtic, while Hibernian slipped to fourth place on 27 points.

Meanwhile, Motherwell moved up to third position with a thrilling 3-2 home win over Ross County.

The match seemed headed for a draw when Rocco Quinn levelled proceedings with his second goal for County in the 70th minute.

But Motherwell remained undeterred and claimed the winner through Keith Lasley with eight minutes to go.

Hearts accounted for Aberdeen 2-0 at home, while St Mirren and St Johnstone played out a 1-1 draw in Paisley.