GLASGOW, Scotland (AP):

RANGERS TOOK a three-point lead in the Scottish Premier League by beating Kilmarnock 2-1 yesterday, while Celtic withstood a late rally to win 4-2 at Motherwell.

Kilmarnock had trailed Rangers only on goal difference ahead of yesterday's game, and took the lead through Frazer Wright in the ninth minute after Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor failed to deal with a high ball.

But Kris Boyd equalised from the penalty spot after a foul by Manuel Pascali on Nacho Novo in the 57th, and added his second goal five minutes later by slotting in a cross from Steven Davis.

The win gives Rangers 13 points after five games, with Kilmarnock left on 10 and trailing Celtic on goal difference.

Celtic appeared to be cruising to three points after going up 3-0 in the first 24 minutes, with Shaun Maloney turning in Scott Brown's cross for the opening goal in the fifth. Georgios Samaras doubled the lead four minutes later when he found the bottom corner, and Scott McDonald volleyed in the third from the edge of the area.

sidefooted

The rout seemed to be on when Samaras added his second from close range in the 42nd, before Motherwell fought back in the second half. John Sutton side-footed Keith Lasley's 54th-minute cross into the net, and John Sutton then drilled in a second just two minutes later.

Motherwell continued to attack but could not break through again, and are stuck on four points.

Hamilton climbed to fourth place by rallying to win 2-1 at Aberdeen, while Hearts slipped to fifth with a 2-1 loss at Falkirk.

Neil McCann scored his first goal for Falkirk, against his former club, after just three minutes.

Hearts drew level in the 71st through Michael Stewart, but Scott Arfield struck in the 90th to give Falkirk their first win of the season.

St. Mirren also picked up their first win by beating Inverness 2-1 after a winner from Garry Brady in the 80th.

Dundee United lost 2-1 to Hibernian to fall to last place.