Kris Boyd showed why Rangers fans are desperate for him to remain at the club as his double secured a 2-1 victory over St Mirren and allowed the Scottish champions to reclaim second spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The striker netted in the opening minute and again in the second half at Ibrox to bring his tally for the season to seven goals and - despite a late consolation from Stephen O'Donnell - his brace ensured Rangers moved ahead of Hibernian with a game in hand.

Hearts' impotent attack let them down once again as the first Edinburgh derby of the season against Hibs ended goalless.

The goal-shy Jambos dominated much of the game with their arch-rivals but were unable to seriously test Graham Stack in the Hibs goal.

They almost lost, as goalkeeper Janos Balogh tipped David Wotherspoon's drive onto the post and also had to be alert to deny substitute Derek Riordan.

A Damian Casalinuovo double gave Dundee United a 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

The Argentinean striker put the Taysiders ahead from the spot in the 21st minute after Killie left-back Garry Hay had tripped United midfielder Jennison Myrie-Williams inside the box.

In a game which saw good performances from both goalkeepers, and several missed chances, Casalinuovo was handed his second goal on a plate in the 57th minute when he was set up by Myrie-Williams.

Motherwell levelled twice in the final 12 minutes of a dramatic Lanarkshire derby as they drew 2-2 against 10-man Hamilton.

Former Motherwell midfielder Simon Mensing headed the opener on the hour mark after Tomas Cerny had kept Accies level with a string of saves, including a penalty stop from Ross Forbes.

Motherwell sub Jamie Murphy scored a spectacular equaliser but the visitors needed a Lukas Jutkiewicz goal to earn them a point four minutes from time after Marco Paixao had headed Accies back in front.

Aberdeen recorded a welcome 2-1 win over an unlucky St Johnstone in an entertaining tussle at Pittodrie.

Sone Aluko gave Aberdeen the lead with a superb solo effort in the first half before Liam Craig equalised with 14 minutes to go after Jamie Langfield had spilled a Dave Mackay cross.

However, an 83rd-minute penalty from Lee Miller gave the Dons their first win since the middle of September.