Celtic maintain lead over Rangers
GLASGOW, Scotland (Reuters) -- Rangers remain five points behind Scottish leaders Celtic after resisting a spirited second-half display from Dundee United for a 2-1 home win.
Celtic picked up their 14th win out of 15 games with relative ease in a 2-0 victory at Livingston earlier on Saturday.
First-half goals for Rangers from Nuno Capucho and Peter Lovenkrands put the champions in control but United hit back through former Rangers striker Billy Dodds in a hectic second half.
"It should have been done and dusted at halftime but as usual we made it hard for ourselves after we played really well to create those chances," said Rangers coach Alex McLeish.
For Celtic, Chris Sutton (48) and Alan Thompson (85) netted which meant the club protected their unbeaten domestic record.
"I knew it was going to be tough and we've never had an easy game here," coach Martin O'Neill said.
"We looked in control of the game in the first half but it was important to turn our possession into goals."
Celtic lead the standings with 43 points from 15 games while Rangers have 38. Hearts are third on 26 after a 2-1 defeat at Dunfermline, who are fourth on 23.
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