Champions Celtic came from behind to win 2-1 at Motherwell thanks to late goal from Georgios Samaras and moved eight points clear of Rangers.

Chris Porter headed the home side into the lead in the 61st minute but Scott McDonald levelled barely a minute later before Samaras, on for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink bundled home a Barry Robson corner from close range with 12 minutes remaining.

The champions extended their lead over Rangers at the top of the table to eight points but the Ibrox men have four games in hand, starting with a trip to Easter Road on Sunday.

Karim Touzani's first ever goal for Aberdeen saw his side move within two points of Dundee United as they beat them 2-1 to increase their hopes of finishing third.

Touzani's 48th-minute header from Jeffrey de Visscher's corner added to Richard Foster's first-half strike and saw the Dons build on last weekend's victory over Hibs.

A terrific run and shot by Danny Swanson immediately after Touzani's goal handed United a lifeline, but they were unable to build on it.

In the bottom half of the table, Will Haining claimed a last-gasp 1-0 victory for St Mirren over Kilmarnock as he headed home the winner with seconds remaining in the match at Love Street.

The centre-half glanced on Andy Dorman's free-kick in the 90th minute to give Gus McPherson's side all three points in a tepid match of few highlights and even fewer goalscoring opportunities.

Killie midfielder Jamie Hamill had Jim Jefferies' side's only genuine clear-cut chance but he dwelt too long on the ball in the box and his shot was blocked by St Mirren centre-half John Potter.

Meanwhile Inverness swept aside relegated Gretna 6-1, their biggest SPL victory.

The win was never in doubt after Dougie Imrie put them ahead after 37 seconds.

Rory McAllister headed a second and spectacular second-half strikes from Barry Wilson and Don Cowie put Inverness firmly in command after Steven Hogg had briefly given Gretna hope. Ross Tokely and Iain Vigurs completed the rout in the closing stages.

Sunday, May 4

Hibernian (5) v Rangers (2)

Hibernian are without suspended trio Guillaume Beuzelin, Colin Nish and Thierry Gathuessi.

Brian Kerr and Alan O'Brien come into contention after returning to training, but their fellow midfielder Merouane Zemmama remains sidelined after breaking his foot.

Rangers winger DaMarcus Beasley could end a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a knee ligament injury.

Lee McCulloch (foot) and Charlie Adam (knee) are also close to fitness but the match may come too soon for the midfield duo. Steven Whittaker is suspended.

Last season: Hibernian 3 Rangers 3, Hibernian 0 Rangers 2 Rangers 3 Hibernian 0, Hibernian 2 Rangers 1

Last five league matches: Hibernian L L W D L; Rangers W W D L L

Top scorers: Steven Fletcher (Hibernian) 14; Kris Boyd (Rangers) 21

Match odds: H 10-3 A 4-6 D 12-5

Referee: C Murray (Scotland).

Monday, May 5

Falkirk (8) v Hearts (7)

Falkirk will be without the suspended Arnau Riera. On-loan goalkeeper Shane Supple is expected to keep his place, but defender Dean Holden (broken leg) is still out, while Jack Ross could be omitted after signing a pre-contract agreement with St Mirren.

Hearts look set to welcome back winger Andrew Driver after the youngster recovered from a thigh tear. Striker Christian Nade could also return after missing the 1-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle because of a head injury.

Laryea Kingston has shaken off illness and could start but Robbie Neilson will miss out with a pelvic complaint.

Last season: Hearts 1 Falkirk 0, Falkirk 1 Hearts 1 Hearts 0 Falkirk 0

Last five league matches: Falkirk D D L D L; Hearts D W D W W

Top scorers: Michael Higdon (Falkirk) 8; Laryea Kingston (Hearts) 6

Match odds: H 6-4 A 7-5 D 9-4

Referee: S Dougal (Scotland).

Sporting Life / Reuters