Half-Time Report: Leigh Griffiths strikes against Aberdeen

Celtic are on course to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership after Leigh Griffiths scored on the stroke of half time against Aberdeen.

Chances were few and far between during the opening stages before Griffiths almost put Celtic into the lead with a curling effort that drifted just wide of the target.

Aberdeen responded through striker Adam Rooney, who sent a shot over Craig Gordon's crossbar from inside the penalty area, before doing the same moments later as the Dons threatened on the break.

The Hoops thought they had a shout for a penalty when Shaleum Logan blocked a cross from the right flank. However, referee William Collum was unmoved by the protests of players and supporters alike.

Celtic then came close to breaking the deadlock as Griffiths found himself played in on goal, but a close-range stop from Dons keeper Danny Ward kept the visitors on level terms.

Ten minutes before the interval, the champions were given a scare at the back after Rooney shook off his marker and got his head on John Hayes's cross, only for the forward to see his header drift narrowly wide of goal with Gordon beaten.

However, it was Celtic who took the lead in the 44th minute as Griffiths finally found a way past Ward, heading home from Kieran Tierney's delivery.