Celtic restore lead with win over Hibs

11/05/2008 20:48

By Kenny MacDonald

GLASGOW (Reuters) - Champions Celtic beat nine-man Hibernian 2-0 with a goal in each half from Stephen McManus and Scott McDonald to restore their four-point lead over Rangers in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday.

They have one game left in the title chase while Rangers, who face Zenit St Petersburg in Wednesday’s UEFA Cup final, have three remaining in an exciting finish to their campaign.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan told BBC radio: "That was a terrific game. Hibs were after the points they needed to get to third and we were after the points to keep the League going, so it made for a smashing game of football."

Hibs had Martin Canning and Ian Murray red carded in the final seven minutes.

Defeat also cost them their last chance to push for a UEFA Cup place, which now goes to Motherwell in third slot.

Celtic captain McManus powered in a header from a cross by Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura in the 37th minute.

Canning was dismissed in the 83rd minute and McDonald headed Celtic’s second four minutes later from close range.

Murray, booked earlier, was sent off four minutes into stoppage time for a second yellow card.

Celtic top the SPL standings with 86 points from 37 games while Rangers, who beat Dundee United 3-1 on Saturday, have 82 from 35. Motherwell are .....continued below

Advertisement starts

Advertisement ends

third on 56 points from 36 games and Hibs occupy fourth position with 52 from 36.

(Editing by Trevor Huggins)