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Celtic and Rangers stay on top after Boxing Day wins

Rangers secured a vital 3-1 victory at home to Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League on Wednesday but Celtic stayed two points clear thanks to a 2-0 victory at Dundee United.

Motherwell had canceled out Gabon international Daniel Cousin's first half goal through Paul Quinn at the start of the second half and looked the more likely side to go on to secure the three points.

However, Chris Porter deflected Chris Burke's corner into his own net and Rangers substitute Kris Boyd completed the scoring in injury time.

second half goals

But Rangers remain two points behind leaders Celtic -- who won 2-0 at Dundee United courtesy of second half goals from Dutch international Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and captain Stephen McManus -- although the Ibrox side have played two games less.

Paul Hartley set up both goals -- crossing for Venegoor of Hesselink to head home in the 69th minute and providing the free kick that McManus scored from in the 74th.

Hearts lost 1-0 at home to St Mirren, with Stephen McGinn scoring for the Paisley side early on.

The defeat left the Edinburgh side in 10th place in the 12-team league.

last minute leveler

Bottom of the table Gretna drew 1-1 at home to Aberdeen. Stevie Lovell's late goal looked to have won the match for the Dons but Allan Jenkins scored a last minute leveler.

Kilmarnock won 2-1 at home to Hibernian. Colin Nish scored in the first half and Taouil doubled their lead after the break, before Dean Shiels pulled one back for Hibs from the penalty spot.

Dutch player Jerard Aafjes scored the only goal of the game as Falkirk won at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
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