Hearts retain Premiership top spot

15 August 2015 17:01

Hearts retained top spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership after two early goals in Dingwall helped them to a 2-1 victory over Ross County.

Osman Sow opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a low drive from just outside the box and Alim Ozturk doubled the advantage four minutes later with a close-range finish.

Liam Boyce netted from the spot seven minutes before the break and both sides had second-half chances. But Robbie Neilson's men ensured they would improve on their start to their last campaign in the Championship with a fourth successive win.

Celtic bounced back from their midweek draw at Kilmarnock with a 4-2 home win over Inverness, although a late lapse would have given Ronny Deila some concerns ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Malmo on Wednesday.

Mikael Lustig and Leigh Griffiths headed first-half goals and midfielder Stuart Armstrong struck a double before the final quarter, but the home defence gifted substitute Ryan Christie a goal before Dani Lopez drilled home another consolation.

Aberdeen maintained their perfect start to the season after coming from behind at Fir Park to inflict Motherwell's third consecutive defeat.

The Dons fell behind early on to Marvin Johnson's follow-up but levelled with a freak goal in the 25th minute when Niall McGinn's low cross went across Connor Ripley and into the far corner.

The on-loan Middlesbrough goalkeeper suffered another blow in the 62nd minute when he bumped into a crowd of bodies as he came for McGinn's free-kick to allow Ash Taylor to head into an empty net and seal a 2-1 triumph.

Dundee consolidated their top-six position with a 2-1 victory over Tayside rivals St Johnstone at Dens Park.

James McPake netted his second derby goal this week when he hooked home after a 16th-minute corner and Kane Hemmings headed home Nicky Low's cross before the break to make it two.

Steven MacLean pulled one back soon after the break when he stabbed home following a good run and cross by Michael O'Halloran but Dundee held out.

Hamilton answered those who doubted their goalscoring threat by recording a 4-0 victory over Dundee United at New Douglas Park.

New strikers Carlton Morris and Christian Nade were both on target as Accies found the net for the first time this season and Ali Crawford and Lucas Tagliapietra were also on target at New Douglas Park as Accies secured their first victory of the new campaign in style.

Kris Boyd netted a late equaliser as Kilmarnock drew 2-2 against 10-man Partick Thistle at Firhill.

Kris Doolan put the Jags ahead with a well-taken goal as Thistle dominated the early exchanges but Killie came back into it and Rory McKenzie levelled after a quick free-kick.

Home defender Liam Lindsay was sent off but Doolan soon netted in the 77th minute before Boyd headed home with six minutes left.

Source: PA