Celtic stretch lead at top

FT: Celtic 1 Hibernian 0

Celtic extended their lead over Rangers at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League to 22 points with a narrow home win against Hibernian.

The visitors arguably shaded an open first half but a Craig Beattie headed goal nine minutes after the interval gave the Hoops all three points.

Hibernian substitute Ivan Sproule, on at half-time for Michael Stewart, was shown a straight red card four minutes from time for a reckless challenge on Celtic full-back Lee Naylor.

Hibernian’s earlier belief appeared to have deserted them but some slack play by the Celtic defence in the 73rd minute required Naylor to launch into a tackle to prevent Sproule capitalising on a Fletcher cross 12 yards from goal.

The match was drifting, but in the 86th minute the increasingly frustrated Sproule was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Naylor near the technical areas.

Hoops manager Strachan raced on to remonstrate but Dougal calmed the situation down quickly before sending the Irishman packing.