Liam Scales earns Celtic narrow win over Kilmarnock

Liam Scales provided a looping finish to earn Celtic a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock.

The Irish defender hooked a Camilo Duran cross into the top corner in the 26th minute to restore Celtic’s four-point lead in the William Hill Premiership.

Celtic – and Kasper Hogh in particular – otherwise had a frustrating day in front of goal, with Benjamin Nygren missing a second-half penalty.

Hogh had an early goal disallowed as his barren run without a goal hit the 16-game mark since he netted a hat-trick at Kilmarnock on his second appearance.

The Danish striker finished from seven yards after being set up by Nygren and ran to the standing section to celebrate.

His joy was short-lived as referee John Beaton was summoned to the monitor and gave a free-kick to Killie for Mika Baur’s challenge on Greg Kiltie.

Killie had some good first-half chances and Celtic could not get the two-goal cushion in a dominant second half.

The champions were nearly made to pay in stoppage time, but Ieuan Owen could not make any contact with Erik Ring’s inviting cross inside the six-yard box.