Scottish Premier League Roundup: Matchday 17

Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 17 of the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League:

Falkirk 1-2 St Mirren

St Mirren started strongly at Falkirk and deservedly took the lead four minutes from half-time, when Jim Hamilton fired in from close range, after Jack Ross' drive had been parried into his path.

It was a lead that was cancelled out just past the hour mark, when Steve Lovell capitalised on a mistake from Saints goalkeeper Mark Howard, much to the delight of the home crowd.

It was a delight that proved short-lived however, as first Jackie McNamara saw red for a late lunge on Hamilton, before Dennis Wyness' first goal since last October, a fine finish, secured a decent win for St Mirren.

Hibernian 2-0 Celtic

Hibernian took full advantage of Artur Boruc's blunder as Celtic suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Easter Road.

John Rankin tried his luck from 45-yards out early in the second half, and the visiting goalkeeper allowed the ball to slip through his grasp and into the net.

The SPL leaders pressed for an equaliser, but were undone in the 69th minute when Colin Nish put the finishing touch to a slick breakaway, condemning Celtic to defeat, allowing Rangers to cut the gap at the top.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1-3 Dundee United

An impressive second half display from Dundee United secured a comfortable win at Inverness.

Jon Daly put United ahead from Danny Swanson's cross on 51 minutes, before Craig Conway made it two with a smart volley in the 64th minute.

David Robertson's third made sure of a win for United, meaning Adam Rooney's strike was nothing more than a consolation for Inverness.

Rangers 7-1 Hamilton Academical

Hamilton dared to dream when McCarthy lobbed over Allan McGregor following the Rangers goalkeeper's poor punch, but the home side's response was emphatic.

Kenny Miller got Rangers level with a rasping drive from long range, before Kris Boyd took centre stage with a well taken hat-trick.

It was Miller that was the architect of his strike partner's first, but it was all Boyd's work for his second and Rangers' third as he won the penalty - as Martin Canning was sent-off for a professional foul - before converting from the spot.

His treble was completed courtesy of Steven Davis' 65th minute cross, before Kyle Lafferty and Nacho Novo reminded Rangers manager Walter Smith there are more than two strikers at Ibrox, with goals of their own.

The impressive Davis completed the scoring and ended Hamilton's misery in the final minute with Rangers' seventh of the game.

Kilmarnock's game with Aberdeen, and Motherwell's game with Hearts were both postponed, after both stadiums were deemed to have frozen pitches.