Bhoys Widen the Gap as Rangers Stumble

CELTIC widened the gap on nearest challengers Rangers to four points at the top of the SPL this weekend, with a convincing 3-1 victory over Hibernian. Rangers had the chance to go top- for a few hours at least, with a victory at Pittodrie in the early Saturday kick off- but could only manage to hold Jimmy Calderwood's in form side to a 0-0 draw.

Expectations were high amongst the home fans in a bumper 20,441 crowd at Pittodrie that the heroics of last weeks 4-2 victory over Celtic could be repeated, but a scrappy match ensued, with neither side taking control. In fact, the fans had to wait until the dying minutes for any real excitement, with both Rangers Nacho Novo and Aberdeen's Darren Mackie coming close.

Rangers failure to take over the top spot would undoubtedly have given Celtic a boost going into their match against Hibs, and after only three minutes, Scott McDonald poked home from close range to prove the point. Six minutes later, and it was 2-0 Celtic, with defender Stephen McManus firing home after a corner from Nakamura had caused panic in the Hibs defence.

The defensive deficiencies that cost the champions so dearly at Pittodrie last week were evident again, however, when Rob Jones connected with Derek Riordan's free kick to head home and reduce the deficit. With only a one goal advantage, there was always the chance of a sucker punch from the away side, and Colin Nish nearly provided it after yet another superb cross from Riordan.

A Hibs equaliser would have been a travesty, however, as the home side had dominated throughout, and in 76 minutes, the match was dead and buried when Scott McDonald lashed home from close range into the top of the net for his second of the match, and 11th of the season.

Rangers now find themselves trailing Celtic by four points, after having brought what was at one stage a seven point gap back to only two after close of play last weekend. The frustration of being so close to catching the rabbits tail, only to see it sprint off in the distance again, will be wearying for Rangers, but if they are to remain in contention for the title, they must remain focused.

Celtic are away at Inverness next week, but Rangers have the more difficult tie, facing Craig Leveins transformed Dundee United side at Ibrox. If they are to remain only four points behind Celtic by the time February 15 comes around, they must keep their eyes on the tail and not go to sleep against a Dundee United side that will not be scared to punish them, should the opportunity arise.