SPL wrap: Celtic go top as Hibs stumble

17 November 2012 18:53

Celtic moved top of the Scottish Premier League on Saturday thanks to a 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

With pacesetters Hibernian being upset 3-1 at Dundee, Celtic's win moved them a point clear of Hibs on top of the league table, and the Glasgow giants have a game in hand.

Neil Lennon's side had gone three league games without a victory, but second-half strikes from Lassad Niouoi and Charlie Mulgrew fired the Parkhead men.

After a goalless first half, the visitors eventually took the lead after 73 minutes when Nouioui tapped home following a thundering Victor Wanyama shot that rebounded off the post.

The defending champions then doubled their lead when Mulgrew converted a Georgios Samaras cross to seal the victory.

Hibs, meanwhile, were stunned by bottom side Dundee at Dens Park.

Goals from Kyle Benedictus, Steven Milne and Kevin McBride had the home side 3-0 up after 52 minutes, meaning Leigh Griffiths' 90th-minute strike for Hibs was no more than a consolation.

St Johnstone missed out on the chance to leapfrog Aberdeen into third place when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Ross County.

Dave MacKay gave St Johnstone the lead six minutes into the second half, but a 70th-minute own goal from Liam Craig secured a point for the visitors at McDiarmid Park.

And Hearts secured a valuable three points, when a Daniel Grainger goal handed them a 1-0 home win over St Mirren.