Celtic goes 9 points clear at top of SPL

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -Celtic went nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Motherwell on Wednesday.

Gary Hooper scored his 17th goal of the season for the defending champions in the 79th minute not long after Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster had saved a penalty from Motherwell midfielder Tom Hateley.

Heading into the two-week winter break, Inverness and Motherwell are both nine points behind Celtic. Motherwell has played an extra game.

In Wednesday's other games, bottom-place Dundee lost 1-0 at St. Johnstone, Aberdeen drew 2-2 with Dundee United and St. Mirren held Kilmarnock 1-1.