There was yet another turn in the Scottish Premier Division race as Rangers surrendered at home to Kilmarnock and left Celtic in control of the title. A dramatic goal, three minutes into injury time, ended the last unbeaten home run in Britain, ended Walter Smith's career as a manager at Ibrox on a losing note, and probably ended Rangers' hopes of a record tenth consecutive championship. Rangers, one point behind Celtic, knew they had to win to keep real pressure on their ancient rivals. They welcomed back Italian defenders Lorenzo Amoruso and Sergio Porrini, but keeper Andy Goram and midfielder Jonas Thern were both ruled out because of hamstring injuries. Kilmarnock, chasing a UEFA Cup place, were without Scotland B striker Paul Wright, who is struggling with a back injury. Rangers came forward in numbers and after just six minutes Gough headed wide following a free kick from Jorg Albertz on the left. Albertz, named Player of the Month yesterday, was the champions' most influential player in the first half. He released Gordon Durie in the 19th minute, but the Scotland striker's touch let him down and the ball was scrambled away. However, Kilmarnock grew in confidence and should have taken the lead ten minutes before the break. French striker Jerome Vareille thumped in a fierce shot from an acute angle with Rangers' defence all over the park. Keeper Antti Niemi did well to parry his effort, only to see it land at the feet of Mark Reilly, but the Kilmarnock midfielder scuffed his shot and dragged the ball wide of the post. Although they had most of the chances Ally McCoist in particular was guilty of a bad miss - Rangers had to keep an eye on their opponents' breaks and had another scare in the 61st minute when Vareille put Gus McPherson clear with no-one marking him. McPherson advanced into the penalty area, but like McCoist his finish was poor and Niemi was not troubled. Rangers stepped up the pressure and it needed a brilliant stop from former Celtic number one Gordon Marshall to keep out a shot from Laudrup. The home side were again out of luck with five minutes to go as Gough headed into Marshall's hands. Then came the dramatic winner. Sub John Hendry delivered a cross from the right and Ally Mitchell got clear at the back post to tuck the ball beyond keeper Antti Niemi. It all now means that Celtic will become champions if they beat Dunfermline at East End Park tomorrow. Rangers' players thumped the turf in frustration at the end of the game and the fans were stunned into silence. But probably no-one was more disappointed than manager Walter Smith as this was his last appearance at the ground. Skipper Richard Gough, who is joining San Jose Earthquakes, and Chelsea-bound Brian Laudrup were also making their final bows. Rangers: Niemi, Cleland, Porrini (Ferguson 70), Gough, Amoruso, Bjorklund (McCoist 45), McCall (Durrant 80), Gattuso, Durie, Albertz, Laudrup Kilmarnock: Marshall, MacPherson, Kerr, Lauchlan, Montgomerie, Reilly, Nevin, Holt, Roberts (McGowne 85), Vareille (Henry 80), Burke (Mitchell 67) Booked: Marshall Att: 50,116 Ref: B Tait (East Kilbride) PREMIER DIVISION ROUND-UP Hibernian will be playing First Division football next season after a brave performance at home to Dundee United ended in defeat. And they will have to find a new chairman. Lex Gold announced afterwards that for once the chairman would carry the can for failure, and he would step down. Hibernian needed to win to preserve their Premier Division status and were given hope through Grant Brebner's 31st-minute opener. But the tide soon turned. Two goals within seven second-half minutes by Olofsson exposed uncertain defending and brought an end to Hibernian's encouraging rebirth under new manager Alex McLeish. McLeish may be there next season, but Lex Gold won't be. He went into the dressing room to tell the players of his decision: The players were in deep pain, I talked to each of them. The supporters were shouting for them, though, and I told them to go out. The fans deserved that. I made it quite clear that as the chairman I have a job to do here. A club of this size should not be in this position. I know I only had ten months, but the buck stops with me and I am stepping down at the end of the season. The win confirmed United's survival in the top flight, thanks to Aberdeen's 2-2 home draw with Hearts. The Dons trailed twice, but Mike Newell's goal a minute into the second half secured them a point. They now play Motherwell next Saturday, knowing that ‘Well will need a win to avoid a play-off. They lost 3-2 at St Johnstone to an 88th minute goal, after leading 1-0 and 2-1.

SCOTTISH LOWER DIVISIONS   DIVISION ONE Falkirk hit back from an early shock to seal second place in the league with a 3-1 win at Ayr. Darren Henderson headed the home side ahead following a Mark Duffy cross after seven minutes and Ayr looked certain to add to their tally. However, Jamie McGowan volleyed in the equaliser and then David Moss headed home a David Hagen cross to give the Bairns the lead. Ayr's Duffy hit the post in the second half but they were killed off when substitute Marino Keith grabbed Falkirk's killer third in the final minute. The defeat increases Ayr's relegation problems and they now need to draw against next-to-bottom team Partick at Fir Hill to beat the drop. Partick won 3-0 at champions Dundee, whose feet must have been firmly off the pedal. If Thistle win next Saturday, then they will survive at Ayr's expense. St Mirren made themselves safe with a 1-0 away win which relegated Stirling. DIVISION TWO There is still all to play for at the top of Division Two. Stranraer's 2-0 win over top club Livingston stopped them being promoted. Goals from Duncan George (53 minutes) and Isaac English (73) kept the West Coast team within a point of the new town side. However, they have a goal from Queen of the South's Desmond McKeown to thank for their remaining in the top two. Third-placed Clydebank led from the 14th minute (through Derek McWilliams) until seven minutes from time. The match ended 1-1, when a win would have left the home team level on points with Livingston. Next Saturday, Livingston are at home to Caledonian Thistle, Clydebank are at relegated Brechin and Stranraer are at Clyde. At the bottom, Stenhousemuir recovered from 2-0 down to 2-2 at home to East Fife, but succumbed 3-2 and were overtaken by Clyde, 1-0 winners at Forfar. Forfar remain in danger, as their goal difference is inferior and a win for Stenhousemuir on the last day would be enough, if Clyde also won. As mentioned Clyde are home to Stranraer, Stenhousemuir are at Queen of the South, while Forfar are at East Fife. DIVISION THREE Arbroath's draw at East Stirling keeps them on course for Division Two behind runaway champions Alloa. Kenny Kennedy scored for the home team after 22 minutes, but Kevin Tindal levelled just after the hour. However, Ross County's 4-0 win at Queen's Park keeps them in with a shout. They are still three points behind, but their goal difference is superior to Arbroath, so if they do win next week and the Smokies lose then they will snatch that last promotion spot.

top