Anthony Stokes and Gavin Rae traded goals as Glasgow Celtic's domestic winning run ended at Pittodrie.

Having claimed 20 victories on the spin in Scotland Neil Lennon's in form Bhoys hit the front courtesy of a splendid Stokes goal.

The Dons equalised, though, when a deflected Rae effort crept over the line and Celtic manager Neil Lennon reckoned the early Saturday kick off did his team few favours.

"I don't know who scheduled the game but that has certainly not done us any favours. I think that has played as much a part as Aberdeen's performance in this run ending. The result is no surprise considering the call-offs and the schedules that the players have had this week. It is obvious that they are tired, mentally and physically. The draw was totally understandable in the circumstances.

"These players had one day recovery from Wednesday night and travelling. For the game to be scheduled with 15 players away, it was always going to be a big ask.

"Aberdeen were fine, but I felt if the game had been a day later, we would have been much more at it ourselves. We scored a great goal and lost an own-goal to a deflection.

"But I'm immensely proud of the way the players have handled things over the last few months. We've got a big month coming up and we should be a lot stronger for next week."

Aberdeen's recent improvement has encouraged manager Craig Brown, who thought his side deserved to claim all three points. “We only got one point so it is moderately pleasing – the better team drew.

"We were desperate to get three points but I suppose when a team comes having won 20 games in a row and we get a draw it is satisfactory."

Lennon hopes that Celtic will be able to get back on the winning trail again. "We've been on a fantastic run, and the players and supporters should be immensely proud of it. We have a month of good games to look forward to, and I'm sure you'll see us at our best.

"We'll get on with what we're doing and I've enjoyed watching them play. Today wasn't one of our better days, but we've come away with a decent point. We don't play again until Sunday, so that'll give the players a chance to recover."

Motherwell enjoyed a 2-0 away success over Dunfermline, while there were no goals in the games between Hibernian and St Mirren, and Kilmarnock and St Johnstone.

Rangers' miserable spell continued too as Hearts with strikes from Ian Black and Jamie Hamill came from behind to triumph at Ibrox.