Chris Maguire's header from Charlie Mulgrew's free-kick into the box gave the Dons the lead after 22 minutes as they looked to repeat their 4-2 win earlier in the season.

But Celtic hit back on the stroke of half-time, Gary Caldwell's header diverted past Jamie Langfield by Dons defender Andrew Considine.

And Gordon Strachan's side took the lead with 18 minutes remaining, Scott McDonald's smart first-time effort beating Langfield at his near post, before the Australian striker sealed the points in stoppage time to ensure Celtic take a four-point lead over Rangers, who face Hearts on Sunday.

Dundee United substitute David Goodwillie scored a late winner against 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road to secure a 2-1 victory and boost their chances of catching Hearts.

The youngster showed great composure to drill the ball beyond Yves Ma-Kalambay from 16 yards after collecting goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska's clearance.

United had taken the lead in the 28th minute through Warren Feeney but Steven Fletcher equalised five minutes before the break. Chris Hogg, Hibs skipper for the day, was sent off with five minutes to go.

At the other end of the table, a second-half header from defender Tam Scobbie was enough to give 10-man Falkirk to a vital 2-1 victory over Motherwell in their bid to avoid relegation.

The local boy scored for the second week running following his goal in last weekend's Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final win over bitter rivals Dunfermline.

Carl Finnigan handed Falkirk a ninth-minute lead but, after Scobbie had doubled that advantage, the visitors ensured a nervy climax when they pulled one back.

Gerard Aafjes was red-carded for bringing down David Clarkson with 20 minutes remaining and the Motherwell striker made no mistake from the spot.

James McCarthy scored a goal in each half as Hamilton claimed a vital 2-1 win over Kilmarnock, their first home league win since January.

The teenage midfielder netted after just four minutes with a precise drive which went in off the post, and doubled his team's advantage 10 minutes after the restart with a fabulous finish from Richard Offiong's cross.

Kilmarnock, who were forced to substitute defender David Lilley and forward Danny Invincibile due to injury inside the first 15 minutes, pulled a goal back with an injury-time penalty from Jamie Hamill.

Ross Tokely's late winner allowed Inverness to take a major step towards survival with a 2-1 win over St Mirren, who found themselves sucked deeper into the relegation battle.

Grant Munro's early opener was cancelled out by Jim Hamilton but Caley Thistle showed their stomach for the fight when Tokely claimed the decisive goal late on.