Celtic 2-0 Hibernian

May 11 2008 By Garry McConnachie

SILKY Celtic have ensured the race for the SPL title will go down to the wire after this convincing win over nine-man Hibs.

The Parkhead side had seen their lead at the top of the table cut to just a point following Rangers' controversial win over Dundee United yesterday afternoon.

Today's match started at a frantic pace and barely slowed for the duration as both teams went looking for the three points.

Hibernian were looking to keep their chances of a Uefa Cup place alive but goals either side of half time from captain Stephen McManus and Scott McDonald killed off their hopes.

During the opening 45 minutes the passing from both sides left a lot to be desired but Celtic's patience and persistence paid off when McManus rose highest to bullet home a header from Shunsuke Nakamura's corner in 36 minutes.

In the second half the pace continued but Hibs lost any chance of salavaging anything from the game when Martin Canning was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Barry Robson in 82 minutes.

Within four minutes Celtic had wrapped up the points when Scott McDonald nodded into the net from McManus' free kick.

And Hibs lost the plot right at the death when Ian Murray was shown a straight red card for a cynical swipe that took Aiden McGeady out on the right flank.