Celtic swept aside third-placed Motherwell to extend their unbeaten league since the start of the season and increase their lead over the chasing pack in the Scottish Premiership.

The Hoops were in front inside five minutes when Motherwell keeper Gunnar Nielsen could only punch Anthony Stokes's strike into the path of Kris Commons and the ex-Derby attacker tucked the rebound away with ease.

Celtic dominated the early stages and Efe Ambrose missed a glorious opportunity to add their lead from a set piece when he sent his header over the crossbar.

However, Neil Lennon's side did make it two on 39 minutes when Stokes's run into the box was abruptly ended by Nielsen and referee Bobby Madden didn't hesitate in pointing to the spot.

Commons smashed home the spot kick with aplomb and Celtic, nearly put the result beyond doubt before the half time whistle when Emilio Izaguirre and Commons again both threatened the visitors' goal.

Motherwell briefly threatened a comeback when Iain Vigurs shot forced a good save out of Fraser Forster just after the hour mark.

In the end, the game was finished as a contest when Stephen McManus put through his own net midway through the second period.

The only black mark of Celtic comfortable performance was the sending of Stokes ten minutes from time.

Celtic's win, twinned with Aberdeen's defeat at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, means that their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership is now 12 points with no defeats in 20 games since the start of the season.