Motherwell wins 5-1 to boost European hopes

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -- Motherwell beat St. Johnstone 5-1 in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday to clinch a place in European competition for next season and boost its chances of reaching the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.

Michael Higdon and Nicky Law put Motherwell in command at Fir Park with two goals in three first-half minutes before Jamie Murphy scored the best goal with a 52nd-minute volley.

St. Johnstone replied with a penalty but substitute Henrik Ojamaa hit two late goals to help Motherwell go five points clear in third place.

Fourth-place Dundee United drew 2-2 with Hearts, Kilmarnock beat Inverness 4-3 and Dunfermline beat Aberdeen 3-0.

Champion Celtic hosts second-place Rangers on Sunday.

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