A Robbie Keane double, taking his tally to 11 goals in 11 games since arriving on loan from Tottenham in the January transfer window, and a Scott Brown strike took the Hoops back to within 10 points of leaders Rangers having played two games more.

Killie skipper Craig Bryson scored a consolation goal for the Ayrshire men whom were outplayed from first whistle to last.

Steven Naismith claimed a double as Rangers posted a 4-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle in the lunchtime game.

Danny Wilson and Kenny Miller were also on the scoresheet as the Scottish champions secured an emphatic win, with Suso Santana the goalscorer for the Jambos.

Hibernian bounced back from their surprise Active Nation Scottish Cup exit at Ross County to kick-start their Europa League bid and leave Falkirk deep in relegation trouble.

Former Bairns boss John Hughes enjoyed another winning return to Westfield as his side proved clinical in front of goal to win just their second game in 10 matches.

It all looked so rosy for the hosts after Mark Stewart gave them a deserved advantage, but poor finishing and defending proved their undoing in an otherwise lively display.

For the fourth game in a row the bottom-placed team failed to emerge victorious despite taking the lead.

Derek Riordan's 15th of the season, a fine free-kick, and further goals from top scorer Anthony Stokes and defender Sol Bamba saw Hibs emulate their 3-1 August win at the venue.

Dundee United emphatically recovered from Paul Dixon's early dismissal to consolidate third place and end Motherwell's 12-match unbeaten run with a 3-0 win.

Peter Houston's side never looked back after edging ahead in the 38th minute when David Goodwillie claimed the final touch to Andy Webster's header.

Prince Buaben soon capitalised on a rare error from John Ruddy and Danny Swanson broke away midway through the second half to finish off Motherwell's uninspired comeback attempts.

Well had lost just three goals in their previous 12 SPL matches but they ended the match a dispirited side as they fell four points behind United and dropped to fifth.

Ten-man Aberdeen ended their dismal run of form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over St Mirren at Pittodrie.

The Dons headed into the match on the back of a dreadful 11-match winless streak but goals from Zander Diamond and Sone Aluko gave them a two-goal lead.

Steven Robb pulled a goal for the Buddies with 11 minutes remaining and Aberdeen's Steve MacLean saw red for a second bookable offence three minutes later to set up a nervy finish, but the Reds hung on for a welcome triumph.

Hamilton took a massive leap towards a third straight season in the Scottish top flight thanks to a 1-0 win over St Johnstone.

James Wesolowski's second goal for the club was enough to seal Accies' second win in four days and take them 11 points clear of rock-bottom Falkirk.

Flavio Paixao went close to doubling the advantage and was also denied what appeared a clear-cut penalty as the visitors' top-six hopes suffered another huge blow.