Celtic picked up their first win in three games as they defeated Motherwell 4-1 at Fir Park.
Strachan's side keep pressure on Rangers with thumping win
Celtic picked up their first win in three games as they defeated Motherwell 4-1 at Fir Park.
Gordon Strachan's side turned in an impressive display to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premier League to four points and keep the pressure on Rangers ahead of Wednesday's Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
Stephen McManus was at the centre of the action early on and the Celtic skipper fired his team ahead in the 17th minute after Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith failed to gather a Shunsuke Nakamura's free-kick.
McManus' joy turned to despair seven minutes later when he turned the ball into his own net in a vain attempt to clear Ross McCormack's shot.
However, Celtic restored their lead on the half hour mark as Scott McDonald volleyed home Nakamura's cross with the aid of a deflection off Mark Reynolds.
Powerful
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink then made it 3-1 at the break with a powerful header into the top corner from Barry Robson's cross.
Motherwell, who won at Celtic just eight days ago, were unable to mount a fightback as the second half got under way and nearly fell further behind when Smith tipped a powerful McDonald drive over the bar.
A fourth Celtic goal seemed inevitable and duly arrived in the 57th minute when Vennegoor of Hesselink smashed past Smith from 12 yards.
There was no change to the scoreline for the last half hour as Motherwell toiled away bravely, but their defeat leaves them vulnerable in the race for third place.
