Celtic wrapped up their third straight SPL title triumph with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dundee United, while Rangers lost 2-0 to Aberdeen.The Old Firm rivals had been level on points at the start of Thursday evening, with Celtic holding the goal difference advantage, but it was the Hoops who claimed their sixth title in eight years by a three-point margin.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesslink powered home a header on 72 minutes from an inch-perfect corner from the left from Paul Hartley to send Celtic's fans into raptures at Tannadice.

But by that time Rangers were already losing at Aberdeen after Lee Miller's 63rd-minute header and it got worse for the Gers as Darren Mackie (77) bundled home number two before Nacho Novo was dismissed.

In Thursday evening's other game third-placed Motherwell defeated Hibs 2-0 at Easter Road.

Simon Lappin (4) scored a superb free-kick after Stephen Hughes was brought down on the edge of the box. The on-loan Norwich midfielder curling a wonderful effort into the top corner.

And Jamie Murphy's penalty on 50 minutes made it 2-0.

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