Soccer-Celtic's title hopes hit by loss to Motherwell

By Kenny MacDonald

GLASGOW, April 5 (Reuters) - Simon Lappin lashed in a first-half winner for 10-man Motherwell to dent champions Celtic's title hopes in a 1-0 victory in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) on Saturday.

Motherwell's former Rangers defender Bob Malcolm was sent off in 51 minutes for a foul on Italian midfielder Massimo Donati.

Hibernian beat St Mirren after going 2-0 up in the first five minutes with goals from Colin Nish and Moroccan Merouane Zemmama. Kilmarnock and Hearts drew 0-0 while Gretna lost 2-1 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Leaders Rangers, with 74 points from 29 games, face Dundee United on Sunday and can stretch their lead further with Celtic now on 68 from 31. (Editing by Clare Fallon)