Football News : SPL: Celtic move to within a point of title

By ESPN staff

Celtic are one point away from being crowned SPL champions after second-half goals saw them beat St Johnstone 2-0 at Celtic Park.

Match action from ESPN (UK)

• Sat: Rangers delay the inevitable

Rangers' victory at Motherwell on Saturday meant Celtic were unable to take the title on Sunday - even if they took all three points on offer. However, they now have the chance to get over the line when they visit Kilmarnock next week, when a draw will be enough for a first title in four seasons.

Celtic, perhaps a bit deflated by Rangers' win which prevented a possible title party, were not at their best but still found a way to win.

After a goalless first half, Georgios Samaras settled the home crowd down when heading powerfully past Alan Mannus in the 66th minute. And Samaras was involved in Celtic's second four minutes later: his cross from the right was attacked by Chris Millar, but the midfielder's attempted clearance got the better of Mannus and flew into his own net.

In Sunday's other clash, Leigh Griffiths grabbed an 85th-minute winner as Hibernian came from behind to beat Invernes s CT 3-2 and move six points clear of bottom side Dunfermline.

The first half came and went without a goal being scored, before Greg Tansey broke the deadlock from the penalty spot on the hour mark after Paul Hanlon felled Billy McKay. Hanlon made amends when heading in an equaliser shortly afterwards and Garry O'Connor put Hibs in charge for the first time in the match after 75 minutes.

Jonny Hayes looked to have secured the home side a point late on, only for Griffiths to fire in the winner with five minutes to run on the clock.