Sat Apr 19 13:30:59 2008

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Celtic downs Dons to take over top spot

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Glasgow, Scotland (Sports Network) - Celtic jumped into the top spot in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park.

Georgios Samaras scored the lone goal of the match in the 56th minute for Celtic, which leads Rangers by one point. However, Rangers has three games in hand and will visit Celtic Park next Sunday, leaving the Hoops with plenty of work still to do.

Aberdeen almost struck early in the match as Scott Severin's strong 25-yard effort crashed into the right post and rolled across the goal line before hitting the opposite post and staying out.

It was an unfortunate break for Aberdeen, but they were lucky not to be down a goal midway through the half when Aiden McGeady's cross found Bobo Balde at the back post, however the defender lifted his shot over the net from close range.

Samaras had multiple chances to put the hosts ahead, but he squandered a good one before halftime and another shortly after the break.

The former Manchester City striker atoned for his earlier misses in the 56th minute when he won a free kick near the corner flag and got in a good position inside the box for the cross.

Barry Robson lofted the ball into the area and Samaras got loose to head the ball into the back of the net from eight yards.

Celtic's Paul Caddis then preserved all three points for the Hoops with 13 minutes to play as he snuffed out a great chance for Aberdeen.

Barry Nicholson played the ball into the path of Lee Miller, and he had a good look at an open net with Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc out of position. However, Caddis recovered in time to block Miller's shot and save the win for the home side.

Laryea Kingston led Hearts to a 3-2 win over St Mirren with his goal in the 81st, Inverness thrashed Kilmarnock 3-0, and Gretna finished 0-0 with Falkirk.