Celtic move nine points clear, Saints into top six

Celtic will go into the SPL winter break nine points clear at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after beating Motherwell 1-0 at Parkhead this afternoon.

Fraser Forster saved a penalty from Tom Hateley and Celtic, who missed a number of chances, won it when top scorer Gary Hooper pounced with 11 minutes remaining.

A stunning free-kick from Niall McGinn earned Aberdeen a point in a 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Pittodrie. Scott Vernon gave the Dons an early lead but Gavin Gunning equalised and a Jamie Langfield own goal had United ahead at the interval before McGinn struck in 53 minutes.

Liam Craig got the only goal as St Johnstone beat bottom club Dundee 1-0 at McDiarmid Park to climb into the top half of the table and leave the Dark Blues nine points from safety.

St Mirren and Kilmarnock drew 1-1 in Paisley, where both goals came from the penalty spot. Liam Kelly fired Killie in front but Paul McGowan equalised for Saints in the second half.

The Highland derby between Ross County and Inverness CT was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch while Hearts and Hibernian meet on Thursday, live on Sky Sports at 7.45pm.