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Jermain Defoe scored his three hundredth objective in membership soccer as Rangers moved six factors clear on the prime of the Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 win at residence to Livingston on Sunday.
Victory noticed Steven Gerrard’s males capitalise on the truth that reigning champions Celtic, the Gers’ bitter Glasgow rivals, couldn’t maintain on to a lead earlier Sunday when Aberdeen snatched an injury-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw at Pittodrie.
Rangers have now established a transparent hole between themselves and second-placed Celtic, who’re bidding to turn into the primary aspect to win 10 successive Scottish titles — each the Hoops (additionally in 1965-74) and Rangers (1988-97) have beforehand managed 9 in a row.
After Joe Aribo put Rangers in entrance at Ibrox, Defoe struck within the sixteenth minute together with his landmark objective — additionally the much-travelled 38-year-old’s first in league soccer this season.
The previous England striker, who scored his first objective in senior soccer with West Ham 20 years in the past final month, obtained a ball excessive from James Tavernier, received in between Livingston’s centre-backs and didn’t break stride with a left-foot end.
Earlier, Celtic supervisor Neil Lennon mentioned referee Willie Collum had had a “very poor recreation” after his aspect have been denied victory by Lewis Ferguson’s late penalty.
Celtic, who got here into the match on the again of successive defeats after a 2-0 loss to Rangers was adopted by a 3-1 Europa League reverse in opposition to Serie A leaders AC Milan, twice got here from behind solely to be denied.
Ferguson opened the scoring together with his first penalty two minutes earlier than half-time however Callum McGregor equalised within the 52nd minute.
Ryan Hedges restored Aberdeen’s lead within the sixty fourth minute however Celtic substitute Leigh Griffiths equalised within the seventy fifth minute and the Dons have been reeling when the Hoops’ Ryan Christie scored with a penalty two minutes later.
There was extra spot-kick drama, nevertheless, when McGregor tripped Connor McLennan and Ferguson struck one other exact penalty to present fourth-placed Aberdeen a degree.
“I am upset we’ve not received it,” Lennon advised the BBC.
“We confirmed the character to return again twice and we then lose that late objective. Defensively, we have been poor however attacking it was good, notably within the second half. It is too sloppy defensively although.”
Turning to Collum, the Hoops boss added: “I assumed the referee had a really poor recreation as we speak, determination making, being influenced by his assistants and a few of his selections have been baffling.”
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