300-UP AS DEFOE IS A HIT FOR SIX

JERMAIN DEFOE struck his 300th club career goal as Rangers beat Livingston

2-0 at Ibrox to move six points clear at the head of the Scottish Premiership.

Veteran ex-england striker Defoe, 38, added the second after Joe Aribo’s opener to ensure Steven Gerrard’s side took full advantage of Celtic’s failure to beat Aberdeen.

Neil Lennon’s side were denied victory at Pittodrie by an added-time penalty in a dramatic 3-3 draw which left skipper Scott Brown (below) feeling dejected.

Lewis Ferguson put the Dons ahead from the spot and Ryan Hedges restored the home side’s lead after Callum Mcgregor levelled.

But Celtic thought they were on course for three points when Leigh Griffiths and a Ryan Christie penalty gave them the edge with 12 minutes remaining – only for Ferguson to convert his second spot-kick in the final moments.

Lennon admitted his side had not played well – but insisted the title race was far from over.

The Celtic manager said: “If we win the game in hand the deficit is three points.

“There is still a long way to go. I think the players have had a tough week. They could have played better, we will improve.

“I’m disappointed we haven’t won it.

“Defensively, it’s poor from our point of view. We can’t accept the goals that we’re giving away at the minute. It’s too sloppy.

“I thought the referee had a very poor game – decision-making, being influenced by his assistants and some of the decisions were baffling.”

Aberdeen boss Derek Mcinnes disagreed and said: “The penalty decisions, the referee got them all right. Big decisions he got right.

“My players never gave it up and wholeheartedly deserve their point.”