Samaras double lifts Celtic as Dons hold Rangers

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

GLASGOW (AFP) — Georgios Samaras scored twice as Celtic went top of the Scottish Premier League table on goal difference at Parkhead on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Falkirk.

But Rangers dropped their first points of the season as they drew 1-1 amid controversy at Aberdeen.

The win sends Celtic top, equal on points with Rangers and Kilmarnock.

Shaun Maloney made his return at Celtic as a first-half substitute and he had a hand in all three goals.

He won the free-kick that lead to Stephen McManus' opener after 32 minutes before setting up Samaras for a second half double.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was delighted with his new signing.

"It was an ordinary start and we had a couple of chances and then Maloney came on and played very...