Celtic start SPL title defence by crushing Kilmarnock
Celtic made a flying start to their bid for a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title as the champions routed Kilmarnock 4-0 on Sunday. Brendan Rodgers' side finished eight points clear of second placed Rangers last term and they are already in pole position in the 2024/25 title race. Celtic have reigned supreme in Scotland in 12 of the last 13 seasons and the opening weekend of the new campaign underlined why the Hoops are firm favourites to extend their dominant era. Chasing a 55th Scottish title, Celtic could not have made a better start as Kilmarnock were brushed aside at Parkhead, just 24 hours after Rangers were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at Hearts. Jim Craig, a European Cup winner with Celtic in 1967, unfurled the Premiership champions' flag before kick-off and Rodgers' men ensured the party atmosphere would last right up until the final whistle. Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel made his Celtic debut in an otherwise familiar line-up which was only missing the injured Daizen Maeda. Japan's Reo Hatate opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful drive from the edge of the area. Liam Scales headed home from Matt O'Riley's corner five minutes before half-time. Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes rested key players ahead of his side's Uefa Conference League qualifier against Tromso on Thursday. And Celtic took full advantage as Nicolas Kuhn's deflected effort flashed into the net after 59 minutes. Substitute Anthony Ralston lashed home from a tight angle in stoppage-time as Celtic moved ahead of St Mirren on goal difference at the top of the table. Elsewhere on Sunday, Dundee fought back twice to deny arch rivals Dundee United a winning return to the top tier in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Tannadice. United were given a guard of honour on to the pitch by Dundee's players in recognition of their Championship title triumph last term. The hosts made a strong start to the derby as goals from Kristijan Trapanovski and Miller Thomson, either side of Seb Palmer-Houlden's equaliser, put them in control at the interval. But a late penalty from Dundee captain Luke McCowan earned them a share of the spoils. St Mirren followed their midweek European success by opening their domestic schedule with a 3-0 win over Hibernian. Stephen Robinson's side advanced to the next qualifying round of the Uefa Conference League with a 4-1 home win over Icelandic side Valur on Thursday. St Mirren maintained their momentum as Roland Idowu fired them ahead three minutes into the second half. Oisin Smyth headed the second in the 77th minute and bagged the third two minutes later, sending into Thursday's European tie against SK Brann in fine form. (AFP)