Scottish Premier League Roundup, Dec. 11

New boss Craig Brown watched Aberdeen slump to the foot of the SPL after a 5-0 thrashing at Hearts, while Rangers drew 1-1 at Inverness.

Stephen Elliott, Skacel and substitute Arvydas Novikovas were on target in the second half to propel Hearts to a fifth straight win to consolidate their third-placed position behind Rangers and Celtic.

In the early kick-off Inverness goalkeeper Ryan Esson saved a late Kenny Miller penalty to secure Caley Thistle a point against table-topping Rangers.

Jonny Hayes' 30-yard thunderbolt just after the half-hour had given the Highlanders the lead before Miller equalised with his 20th goal of the season in the 57th minute.

But the league's top scorer blew the chance to send the visitors five points clear at the SPL summit when his 82nd-minute spot-kick was saved as Terry Butcher - a former Rangers captain - remained unbeaten as Inverness boss against the Glasgow giants.

Liam Craig's late strike gave St Johnstone a dramatic victory over St Mirren at New St Mirren Park.

The battle of the Saints came to life in the second half after Sam Parkin gave the visitors the lead in 53 minutes with a bullet header but Michael Higdon levelled in the 62nd minute with a 25-yard free-kick.

A draw looked on the cards but with seconds remaining Craig grabbed a dramatic winner when he side-footed past Craig Samson from just inside the box after being set up by substitute Collin Samuel.