When Vennegoor of Hesselink fired Celtic into a first-half lead after only 14 minutes it looked like the champions would stroll to victory.

Former Hoop Charlie Mulgrew drilled home an equaliser in the 56th minute before curling a wonderful free-kick past Artur Boruc eight minutes later to put Aberdeen ahead.

But McDonald restored parity in the 77th minute before Vennegoor of Hesselink squeezed Aiden McGeady's cross in to send Celtic top of the table, with rivals Rangers playing Hibernian on Sunday.

McDonald's goal, however, marked a return to form for the Australian international striker, who had been experiencing his first lean patch in four years, with questions subsequently being raised over his playing weight.

Jon Daly, meanwhile, celebrated the birth of his daughter with a goal as Dundee United recorded its first SPL home win since March with a 3-0 success against Hearts.

Daly volleyed home from 18 yards just after the interval to add to Craig Conway's first-half free-kick.

Scott Robertson headed a simple third to finish off a poor Hearts side which had Eggert Jonsson sent off at the death.

Bob Malcolm scored Motherwell's winner as it came from behind to beat St Mirren 2-1 for its first home victory of the season.

The hosts had fallen behind to a goal from Billy Mehmet just before the half-hour mark but fought back early in the second half thanks to John Sutton - playing against his old team - and Malcolm's bundled winner just after the hour.

St Mirren's woes were complete when Franco Miranda received a straight red card after the assistant referee signalled that he had used an elbow.

Two goals from Scott Arfield and Burton O'Brien's first goal for Falkirk helped seal a 4-1 win against SPL newcomers Hamilton.

Buoyed by Steve Lovell's second goal in two games moments before half-time, the home side surged further ahead with strikes from Arfield and O'Brien midway through the second period.

Hamilton then capitulated and Arfield netted a fourth from the penalty spot before Robert Olejnik palmed Trent McClenahan's cross into his own net for a consolation.

The victory, only Falkirk's second of a difficult start to the season, lifted the Bairns off the foot of the table.

Inverness also picked up its first home win of the season with a fine 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock.

Conor Sammon gave Killie the lead after four minutes but a lob from Phil McGuire brought the home side level.

The turning point came just before half-time when Andy Barrowman won a penalty after he was tripped in the box by Craig Bryson.

Despite protests from the visitors that the Caley striker had embellished his fall, Barrowman converted the spot-kick with aplomb.

James Fowler was sent off for Kilmarnock before Ian Black headed home a third for the Highlanders.

Scottish Premiership League

Celtic 3 (Vennegooor of Hesselink 14, 90, McDonald 78)
Aberdeen 2 (Mulgrew 57, 65)

Dundee United 3 (Conway 39, Dally 50, Robertson 61)
Hearts 0

Falkirk 4 (Lovell 44, Arfield 69, 87p, O'Brien 72, )
Hamiltoon 1 (Olejnik 90og)

Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3 (McGuire 21, Barrowmann 43p, Black 81)
Kilmarnock 1 (Sammon 4)

Motherwell 2 (Sutton 48, Malcom 62)
St Mirren 1 (Mehmet 30)