Hesselink hat-trick gives Celtic the points

Celtic 5 St Mirren 1

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s hat-trick in a demolition of St Mirren at Parkhead helped Celtic extend their lead at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League to 20 points.

The champions endured a nervy few moments just after the interval when Stephen McGinn equalised the Dutchman’s first-half opener.

But in a second-half whirlwind, the big striker grabbed another two goals, one from the spot, with Aiden McGeady and substitute Kenny Miller also adding their names to the scoresheet.