With Celtic's game at Inverness postponed earlier in the day because of a waterlogged pitch, victory for the Scottish champions would have seen them leap-frog their rivals to the summit.

But Rangers were twice pegged back when goals from Nikica Jelavic and Steven Naismith were cancelled out by David Robertson and Johnny Russell, before David Goodwillie netted a last-minute winner.

St Johnstone were left to rue passing up a host of chances as Kenny Shiels got his caretaker spell in charge of Kilmarnock off to a slow - but positive - start with a goalless draw.

Saints dominated possession and goalmouth opportunities throughout, coming closest when striker Peter MacDonald struck the bar with a second-half header.

Chris Humphrey inspired Motherwell to their second victory over Aberdeen since former manager Craig Brown's departure for Pittodrie as the Lanarkshire side opened up a four-point cushion in the race for a top-six place with a 2-1 win.

Humphrey blasted home inside 15 minutes and set up several more chances before Shaun Hutchinson looked to have made the points safe in the 87th minute.

Nikola Vujadinovic headed Aberdeen back into it in injury-time but Motherwell held on to move nine points above the Dons.

St Mirren striker Michael Higdon's second-half hat-trick all but consigned Hamilton to relegation from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat.

David Buchanan scored just before the break to give bottom side Accies the interval lead but in a remarkable 10-minute turnaround at New St Mirren Park, Higdon scored with a header, a penalty and a wonderful volley.

Hamilton, who had defender Martin Canning sent off when he conceded the spot-kick with a challenge on Buddies' substitute Craig Dargo, are nine points behind the 11th-placed Paisley side and have played a game more.