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Updated: 01/04/2012 16:26 | By ESPN staff, www.espn.co.uk

Celtic a draw away from SPL crown



Georgios Samaras scores his side's opening goal, Celtic v St Johnstone, SPL, Celtic Park, Glasgow, April 1, 2012

Georgios Samaras sent Celtic on their way in the second half

Celtic are one point away from being crowned SPL champions after second-half goals saw them beat St Johnstone 2-0 at Celtic Park.

Rangers' victory at Motherwell on Saturday meant Celtic were unable to take the title on Sunday - even if they took all three points on offer. However, they now have the chance to get over the line when they visit Kilmarnock next week, when a draw will be enough for a first title in four seasons.

Celtic, perhaps a bit deflated by Rangers' win which prevented a possible title party, were not at their best but still found a way to win.

After a goalless first half, Georgios Samaras settled the home crowd down when heading powerfully past Alan Mannus in the 66th minute. And Samaras was involved in Celtic's second four minutes later: his cross from the right was attacked by Chris Millar, but the midfielder's attempted clearance got the better of Mannus and flew into his own net.

In Sunday's other clash, Leigh Griffiths grabbed an 85th-minute winner as Hibernian came from behind to beat Inverness CT 3-2 and move six points clear of bottom side Dunfermline.

The first half came and went without a goal being scored, before Greg Tansey broke the deadlock from the penalty spot on the hour mark after Paul Hanlon felled Billy McKay. Hanlon made amends when heading in an equaliser shortly afterwards and Garry O'Connor put Hibs in charge for the first time in the match after 75 minutes.

Jonny Hayes looked to have secured the home side a point late on, only for Griffiths to fire in the winner with five minutes to run on the clock.

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50Comments
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Looks like Celtic, Motherwell and Dundee United in Europe next year. Wait NEWS FLASH...............​. Rangers, the tax dodgers will be in Europe.  Ally 5 bellies McCoist and Craig lend me a quid to buy Rangers are froming a duet - they've entered the Eurovision song contest.  They're singing and old favourite to celebrate the blue knights forthcoming purchase  - Money For Nothing followed by Tax for the memories.  Hail Hail - Mines a double.
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With Celtic about to wrap up the Premier League and a very strong chance of the tax dodgers going into liquidation, I feel that the future's bright but definitely not orange. Happy days are here again.

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Walked past Ibrox today - lots of beggers at the ground. Apparently it was a board meeting. 
01/04/2012 19:21
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well done celtic hope you do beat kilmarnock next weekend and get that title.Thumbs up
01/04/2012 15:14
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Well done the HOOPS the titles coming back to PARADISE and nothing ally and his team of losers can do.
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News Flash................. The guy that plays the flute at half time at Ibrox has just been voted Gers player of the season. 
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New flash. Gers sign new player.  Board took a collection and they've got enough to sign a failed Airdrie trialist.  Tax Dodgers FC the future looks bright!  Hail Hail
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your a dirty rotten tax dodging bigot who needs to look at himself 
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Mcgregor I don't have to know what's in your pants as it's wright in the center of your forehead . you mindless bigot with no b***s 
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Ed Loney needs a reality check.  The Gers only won leagues by cheating tax payers and business corruption.  That means every league they won is more than tainted, they were won by CHEATING.  Hail Hail Mines a double.
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It's in the bag.  The Gers have run out of tax dodging and business corruption ideas to win leagues.  Hail Hail.  Poor old Alan McGregor graspng on to pathetic arguments.  We'll enjoy the league win against the tax dodgers and we'll enjoy Europe. 

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Hi Alan.  There is a keying error is not a spelling mistake.  Just like when you put LOT instead of LOL.  Is that really the best you've got.  By the way have you ordered your Gers season DVD yet.  Get a copy it's in the Gers shops its called Potless Season and all proceeds go to paying the Tax dodgers creditors.   Hail Hail Mines a double.
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Does anybody have some Kalms for Alan McGregor - I think he's about to explode.  Poor old tax dodgers fan.  When gers go into liquidation, they'll need a new club name.  Lets start a poll.  Tax Dodgers United or Liquidation City or Bent as a Five Bob Note Thistle
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Use could come back as Glasgow TAX  Dodgers ! Going DOWN1 HAHAHAHA
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Oh look Alan McGregor your local sectarian bigot is at it again.  Can't post anything without expletives.  2 syllables this time - he's improving.  Went to buy a Gers season ticket yesterday, I was tols to pay ticketus direct as the Gers have sold out to them.  4 years of season tickets the Gers won't see.  Liquidation here they come.
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Trenbane - You really are a sad pathetic cretin.  You keep posting anti scottish comments to get reactions when nobody really cares, look at the number of responses you get - GET A LIFE now go away you stupid little boy. 
01/04/2012 23:01
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mikael i also took 10 pence out to put in the bowl . but the money dident make it i got mugged
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Mc Gregor and Wright the T Dodgers S***e talker are so of hate and can't or won't admit there shortfalls and I'm not talking about what's in their pants! going down
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I had a great party last week, I have been partying from  Feb and the news get better every week . It will be the last OLD FIRM win as use are going DOWN like a sinking ship 
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The Gers only won leagues through tax dodging and corruption.  Now they've been caught out, they lose by over 20 points.  Celts 1 Tax dodgers 0 Hail Hail  
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