Celtic extend lead with Hearts win as Livingston suffer relegation
Celtic’s Callum McGregor with team mates after their side’s victory
Celtic moved six points clear of Rangers at the top of the cinch Premiership thanks to a 3-0 victory over third-placed Hearts, while Livingston suffered relegation following a 4-1 thrashing at Motherwell.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s early double paved the way for Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops to remain on course to retain the title before Matt O’Riley’s late penalty completed the scoring.
Rangers can reduce the gap back to three points on Sunday when they play their game in hand at home to Kilmarnock, ahead of next week’s Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.
Livingston’s return to the Championship following a six-season stay in the top tier was confirmed by a Theo Bair double, including one from the penalty spot, and goals from Sam Nicholson and Dan Casey at Fir Park.
Joel Nouble claimed a consolation for Livi, who were unable to earn a further stay of execution after last week’s 2-0 success over fellow strugglers Ross County.
The Staggies bounced back from that damaging defeat to climb out of the relegation play-off place – above St Johnstone – thanks to a 2-1 comeback win over Hibernian.
Jordan White struck Ross County’s 88th-minute winner after Simon Murray swiftly cancelled out Myziane Maolida’s early opener for Hibs.
Bojan Miovski’s 68th-minute penalty ensured St Johnstone were beaten 1-0 by eighth-placed Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Elsewhere, St Mirren took a significant step towards securing a European place for the first time in 37 years after goals from Alex Gogic, Scott Tanser and Toyosi Olusanya earned a 3-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park.
Michael Mellon pulled one back for the sixth-placed hosts, who missed the chance to leapfrog their opponents.
