Rangers go to the top of the table

GLASGOW, Scotland -- Rangers went to the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 2-0 victory at home to Dundee United.

First-half goals from Steven Naismith and captain Barry Ferguson sent Rangers a point ahead of champions Celtic and they have a game in hand, away to St Mirren on Tuesday.

Before kick-off a minute's applause was held as a mark of respect for Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, who died the previous Saturday after collapsing during their 5-3 victory at home to United.

In addition, Ferguson wore a Motherwell armband which included O'Donnell's number 10, and the United players all wore a black armband.

Rangers led after nine minutes when Naismith headed Chris Burke's cross past Euan McLean and went 2-0 up in controversial circumstances in the 39th minute.

Burke's cross from the left was met by Ferguson who headed home from eight yards and, although the assistant referee flagged for an offside decision, referee Michael McMurray overruled him and allowed the goal to stand.

In the final minute Rangers were awarded a penalty after a push on Spanish forward Nacho Novo but McLean saved the spot-kick from substitute Kris Boyd.

Hearts' 10 men battled back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at home to Kilmarnock - but dropped to second bottom in the table.

Forward Calum Elliott was sent off in the first half and Killie took advantage to open the scoring before the break through Digiacomo.

Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka equalized in the second half.

St Mirren beat managerless Hibernian 2-1. First-half goals from Ian Maxwell and Gary Mason put them in charge and Hibs scored late on through Michel Antoine-Curier.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle won 3-0 at home to bottom of the table Gretna.

Romanian striker Marius Niculae's first half double, either side of an John Rankin goal put Caley in control by the break

Falkirk, who had Scott Arfield sent-off in second half, drew 0-0 at home to Aberdeen. E-mail to a friend