UK Football

By Kenny MacDonald

GLASGOW, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Champions Celtic were five minutes from defeat against Gretna in their first Scottish Premier League meeting on Sunday when Chris Killen and Scott McDonald snatched a 2-1 victory with late goals.

Bottom club Gretna took a first-half lead when Uruguayan midfielder Fabian Yantorno swept in a 36th-minute free kick, stranding Polish keeper Artur Boruc.

But with time running out, New Zealand striker Chris Killen headed Celtic level and in stoppage time Australian striker Scott McDonald stabbed home a low shot after Aiden McGeady's drive was deflected to him.

Aberdeen romped to a 4-0 home win over St Mirren with doubles from Scott Severin, both penalties, and Lee Miller.

Celtic return to the top of the SPL standings with 22 points from nine games, a point clear of Hibernian who won 1-0 at Rangers on Saturday with a David Murphy goal. Rangers remain third on 19 points from their nine matches.