Scottish Football: More gloom for Macari

The air of optimism which has surrounded Celtic since the arrival of Fergus McCann as the chief executive brought a crowd of just over 36,000 to Celtic Park for the match against Motherwell, but that was replaced by despondency as Motherwell's Dougie Arnott scored the only goal to keep some pressure on Rangers at the top, writes David McKinney.

Meanwhile, Rangers beat Hearts 2-1 as the striking partnership of Ally McCoist and Mark Hateley scored the goals which maintained the club's four-point lead. Third- placed Aberdeen beat Dundee United 1-0 at Pittodrie.

The relegation battle between St Johnstone and Raith Rovers was won 2-0 by the Perth side. Billy Dodds scored both, taking his run to nine goals in 15 games.

A crowd of 13,357 watched the First Division's top two clubs, Dunfermline and Falkirk, draw 1-1 at East End Park, while Hamilton scored nine goals against bottom club Brechin. In the Second Division Cowdenbeath maintained their unenviable home record - they have now gone 38 games without winning at Central Park - as Berwick Rangers trounced them 5-1.