SPL round-up

Victories for Hearts and Celtic; Dons and Accies share spoils

Last updated: 20th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

SPL round-up

Glen & Driver: Hearts heroes

Click below for individual match reports and stats:
Aberdeen 2 Dundee Utd 2
Celtic 3 St Johnstone 0
Hamilton 2 Falkirk 2
Hearts 2 Hibernian 1

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Hearts secured local bragging rights in the Edinburgh derby, while Celtic claimed a much-needed win.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen displayed commendable battling qualities on home soil and Falkirk were held in their basement battle with Hamilton.

Hearts' preparations for a local derby with arch-rivals Hibernian were far from ideal, but they bounced back from consecutive defeats in fine style.

Two goals in the space of three first half minutes helped to see them home, with Andrew Driver and Gary Glen putting them in complete control.

Derek Riordan did pull one back for Hibs late on, but the Jambos held on to give the Tynecastle faithful something to shout about.

Celtic cut the gap at the top of the table to 10 points with a 3-0 win over St Johnstone, but they are running out of time in their efforts to usurp Old Firm foes Rangers at the summit.

A 16th-minute strike from Josh Thompson, a 67th-minute penalty from Robbie Keane and a late effort from Georgios Samaras handed them maximum points at Parkhead on Saturday.

Aberdeen saw their winless run in the league stretched to nine games, but they can take heart from a 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

A Jon Daly double put United in complete control, but the Dons responded in the best possible manner.

Zander Diamond gave them hope on 32 minutes and Michael Paton calmly converted from the spot on the stroke of half-time to ensure the game ended all square.

Hamilton and Falkirk also put on a four-goal thriller, and also had to settle for a point apiece.

Scott Arfield edged the Bairns in front on 26 minutes, but the SPL's bottom club were unable to hang on to that advantage.

Mickael Antoine-Curier pulled the Accies level on 50 minutes and Simon Mensing put them in front from the spot eight minutes later.

Falkirk replied through Robert Flynn inside 60 seconds, but neither side could find a winner.