CELTIC…3
(McGlinchey 55, 58, Finnbogason 63)
DUNFERMLINE…1
(Williamson 15)
IT was a case of new era, same result as Willie
McStay’s Celtic reserves maintained their phenomenal unbeaten run and moved a
step closer to the league title.
Trailing 1-0 at the interval the Hoops youngsters were transformed after the
break and stunned Dunfermline with an awesome attacking display, to secure a
15th win from 16 games.
Michael McGlinchey’s double and Kjartan Finnbogason’s magnificent header
ensured a winning start for new reserve coach McStay, which leaves the Hoops
needing only two more victories to clinch yet another title.
Celtic entered this match coming off a two-month winter break and, following
an even opening, the Pars stunned the hosts by taking the lead in 15 minutes.
Scott Muirhead jinked inside and fed Iain Williamson, whose first-time shot
took a deflection and wrong-footed Hoops goalkeeper Michael McGovern.
Celtic responded instantly and full-back Paul Caddis drove forward from deep
and sent a 30-yard effort flashing over the bar.
At the other end, Dunfermline almost grabbed a second goal. Caddis was
penalised for a foul on Williamson on the edge of the box. Up stepped Muirhead,
but his curling effort smacked off the bar and bounced to safety.
The visitors, fielding a number of first-team squad members, were enjoying a
lot of possession, but Celtic gradually came into the game.
Cameroon internationalist Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe, brought to Celtic in
January from Rennes and known simply to his new team-mates as ‘Joe’, was
always available on the left flank and he embarked on a mazy run, which almost
created an opening for Kjartan Finnbogason.
With half-time approaching, the outstanding Bjarnason (above) fired a shot
inches past the post, while McGlinchey was denied by a last-ditch tackle at
the end of a superb passing move. Captain John Kennedy, looking strong again,
also waltzed forward to threaten as Celtic finished the first period strongly.
Indeed, that dominant spell acted as a warning to Dunfermline for the second
half – as Celtic motored into the lead with three goals in the space of 18
minutes.
First, Bjarnason showed great skill and tenacity to win possession and surge
forward in the Pars half. With Sol Bamba advancing, the Icelandic midfielder
released McGlinchey and his flow finish was clinical.
Minutes later, it was 2-1. Bjarnason gathered the ball on the right flank and
stormed into the box, leaving Jamie Harris in his wake, before lifting a
delicate ball to the back post.
McGlinchey, one of the smallest men on the pitch, rose superbly and planted a
fine header past the static Roddy McKenzie. The Pars were reeling but things
were about to get even worse.
Evander Sno, who linked well with Bjarnason in the second period, released
Nicky Riley on the right wing and, without breaking stride, he crossed for
Finnbogason – who rammed a header into the top corner.
It was a goal reminiscent of Chris Sutton’s against Ajax back in 2001 and its
stunning quality drew applause from everyone inside the Excelsior Stadium –
regardless of their allegiance.
Jim McIntyre forced a fine save from Michael McGovern as Dunfermline searched
for a way back into the game. However, the Celtic defence, marshalled superbly
by Kennedy, stood firm.
If title rivals Dundee United – 13 points behind going into today’s game -
keep winning, Celtic require just six more points. If the Tannadice men slip
up, the league trophy could be in Paradise sooner.
CELTIC (4-4-2) McGovern; Caddis
(Reid 79), Kennedy, Cuthbert, Doumbe; Riley, Sno, Bjarnason (Irvine 83),
Conroy; McGlinchey, Finnbogason
Subs: Fox, Millar, Cahillane
DUNFERMLINE (4-4-2) McKenzie;
Labonte, Harris, Bamba, Woods (Kay 69); Daquin (Phinn 72), Ryan, Howie,
Muirhead; McIntyre, Williamson
Subs: McBride, McDonough
