Celtic edges Rangers to forge seven-point Scottish Premier League lead

GLASGOW, Scotland - Scott McDonald's goal gave Celtic a 1-0 victory at Rangers on Saturday to open up a seven-point lead over its Glasgow rival.

Celtic, bidding for a fourth straight Scottish Premier League title, settled the "Old Firm" derby in style with its first meaningful shot in the 58th minute.

Georgios Samaras beat David Weir in the air to head on a deep ball into McDonald's path. The Australia striker chested the ball down, swivelled past Kirk Broadfoot and volleyed into the top corner to avenge a 4-2 loss at Celtic Park earlier in August.

"We are seven points ahead, but there is still a long way to go," McDonald said. "Losing at home hurt us and we wanted to come here and get our revenge."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan had warned his side against complacency.

"We were seven points clear a couple of weeks ago and we lost the game at Easter Road (Hibernian) and the panic bells started going everywhere," Strachan said. "We know that seven points is OK but it's only OK if you've got two games to go."

Celtic now has 50 points from 20 games and Rangers 43.

"We must face up to that fact and there is no margin for error now," Rangers manager Walter Smith said. "Celtic have that (advantage) but we don't. We have to make sure we can go on and keep winning in the months ahead."

Rangers had the ball in the net in the 11th, only for referee Craig Thomson to rule it out. Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc fumbled a clearance from Steven Davis' corner into his own net as he was being knocked over by Broadfoot.

Rangers dominated possession but an inability to finish in front of goal allowed Celtic to emerge from Ibrox with a win for the first time since February 2006.

"We were the better side, but after we went behind we lost a bit of composure as we started pouring forward in search of an equalizer," Smith said. "After having a lot of the territorial pressure, it was extremely disappointing not to get a good result with it. "

In the only movement in the standings Saturday, Motherwell edged Inverness 3-2 to climb three points clear of bottom place, where Hamilton remains after losing 1-0 to St. Mirren for its fourth straight defeat.

Dundee United maintained its hold on third place by beating Falkirk 1-0, while its nearest challenger, Hearts, lost 1-0 at Aberdeen. Kilmarnock built a two-goal lead by the 12th and, despite Hibernian wiping it out by halftime, emerged 4-2 winners.