Celtic v Aberdeen

 

Saturday 16th April 2005

 

Bellamy does it again to save the Hoops

 

 

Craig Bellamy heaped pressure on the Celtic board with a breathtaking winner as the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions pulled themselves back from the dead to shatter Aberdeen and increase their lead over Rangers to five points.

The visitors had looked on course to claim their third consecutive success on the Hoops' doorstep and give the Ibrox men back the initiative in the title race after racing to a shock two-goal lead through Zander Diamond and Darren Mackie goals after 14 minutes.

But Stanislav Varga and John Hartson hauled them back on level terms either side of the break before Bellamy blasted a goal-of-the-season contender, intensifying the Celtic fans' claims to make his move loan move from Newcastle permanent.

If Celtic retain the title they will look back on this afternoon as the one which clinched it as they entered the final five games and Old Firm showdown on top of the table with Rangers facing a tricky test on the East End Park plastic on Sunday.

Just like the Hearts defeat here a fortnight ago, Aberdeen stunned the SPL leaders by snatching the lead against the run of play in the 11th minute.

Kevin McNaughton played the ball out to Scott Severin and his cross found Zander Diamond, who still had plenty to do.

But the young defender swivelled like a prized striker just inside the box, and powered a right-foot volley through a crowded penalty box and past the despairing hand of David Marshall and into the bottom corner of the net.

In a carbon copy of the last home match here, Aberdeen ruthlessly took full advantage of some terrible defending by Celtic to extend their shock advantage three minutes later.

Heikkinen did brilliantly to play Muirhead away down the left flank and he looked up to pick out Darren Mackie in the centre with an even better ball and the striker left Stanislav Varga for dead to plant his right-foot shot past Marshall from close range.

The home side stepped up the pressure in the 26th minute when Jackie McNamara almost dragged them back into the match with a speculative right-foot shot from 28 yards which Esson had to scurry back quickly to tip over the crossbar.

Celtic went even closer when Bobo Balde headed Thompson's cross towards the top corner but Lubomir Blaha jumped at the far post to clear off the line to save Aberdeen.

But the shell-shocked home fans were celebrating in the 27th minute as Varga stooped to head McGeady's cross into the top corner from six yards to raise the temperature.

O'Neill made a change in the 31st minute by bringing on Didier Agathe in place of Joos Valgaeren for his first appearance through injury since November 28.

Celtic made a whirlwind start to the second half and Bellamy should have equalised in the 51st minute when McGeady played him clean through, after a strong run from Varga through the middle, but Esson came racing off his line to save his weak effort with his foot.

But Aberdeen failed to clear with Agathe pouncing on a loose ball and picked out Hartson to blast a right-foot shot past the keeper from eight yards for his 28th of the campaign.

Aberdeen still caused the home defence plenty of concern at the other end as McNaughton curled a left-foot shot over the top from the edge of the area.

O'Neill threw on another of his big guns in the 57th minute with the introduction of Chris Sutton, who had not fully recovered from a foot injury sustained in the midweek win at Livingston, for Aiden McGeady, who had took his place in the side.

But the inspirational Englishman had barely arrived in the box when Bellamy produced a moment of genius to send the champions hurtling into the lead in stunning fashion.

Thompson's corner flew all the way to the opposite side of the box and the Newcastle man drove an unstoppable right-foot volley across Esson and into the top corner of the net.

But Celtic were fuming in the 62nd minute when they were denied a certain penalty after Bellamy had been sent sprawling in the area by Richie Byrne's barge in the back.

O'Neill took off second-half substitute Agathe for Stephane Henchoz late on but having seemingly been robbed of a penalty, it was a nervous finale for the champions.

Bellamy could have settled them down with a second in the dying seconds only to screw his right-foot shot wide.

But he had already done his job as the fans rose to their feet to salute him at the final whistle.

Website man of the match : Craig Bellamy

Teams

Celtic Marshall, McNamara, Balde, Varga, Valgaeren (Agathe 31), McGeady (Sutton 56), Petrov, Lennon, Thompson, Hartson, Bellamy, Agathe (Henchoz 85).

Subs Not Used: Douglas, Lambert, Maloney, Beattie.

Goals: Varga 27, Hartson 51, Bellamy 57.

Aberdeen Esson, McNaughton (Winter 88), Diamond, Severin, Muirhead, Hart, Heikkinen, Mackie, Clark, Byrne (McGuire 72), Blaha (Foster 60).

Subs Not Used: Preece, Kristjansson, Dempsey, Considine.

Booked: Byrne, Blaha.

Goals: Diamond 11, Mackie 14.

Att: 59,998

Ref: C Thomson (Scotland).

 

 

Livingstone v Celtic

 

Wednesday 13th April 2005

 

Back on top thanks to BBJ

 

John Hartson ended his recent goal drought with a rejuvenated hat-trick at Almondvale tonight as the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions snatched back the initiative from Rangers in an unpredictable title run-in.

Celtic's top-scorer has been in the shadows of countryman Craig Bellamy in recent weeks having failed to hit the net in his four previous matches.

But while Rangers were last night left to rue missed chances after an unexpected defeat at Ibrox to Dundee United, who stay one point above Livingston with six games left, Hartson rediscovered his goalscoring touch to stretch his season's goal tally to 27.

Stanislav Varga also pounced in the dying seconds as Celtic also moved to within just one goal of their arch-rivals.

As a result of last night's shock scoreline, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill opted to name an unchanged line-up from that which booked the Tennent's Scottish Cup holders' return to the final with victory over Hearts at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Richard Gough would have been more stunned than many at his former club's failure to beat his relegation rivals and he chose to make four changes from the side which drew with Dunfermline with Hassan Kachloul, Oscar Rubio, Gustave Bahoken and Derek Lilley in for Colin McMenamin, James McPake, Robert Snodgrass and Craig Easton.

Celtic struggled to get going early on and watching Rangers fans could be forgiven for thinking about another tale of the unexpected.

Bellamy was furious with Alan Thompson in the 16th minute when he played the ball up to his team-mate but never got the return pass as he overlapped.

Burton O'Brien scored twice in the 4-2 home defeat to Celtic in October but the midfielder blazed a 25-yard left-foot shot over the crossbar in the 17th minute.

But David McNamee put his side in desperate trouble five minutes later when he won a tackle and the inadvertently passed the ball back into the path of Bellamy.

The on-loan striker was expected to hit the net with just the goalkeeper to beat but McKenzie stood up well and saved his right-foot shot with his left boot.

Thompson was booked moments later for a mistimed tackle on Kachloul but the game had finally livened up after a poor start.

McNamee became the first player booked for the home side in the 31st minute when referee Mike McCurry took action for a bad challenge on Stanislav Varga.

But Livingston gave watching Rangers fans some hope that they too could spring another surprise in gripping title race in the 31st minute.

Gabor Vincze played a great ball to the overlapping O'Brien but he blazed his right-foot shot over from 25 yards to let the hesitant Celtic defence off the hook.

Celtic looked set to take the lead just four minutes before the break when Bellamy burst clear and then unselfishly squared the ball to Hartson - but Oscar Rubio got back to block his effort and pick up an injury in the process.

Hartson, however, did score moments later when Bahoken made a major mistake to knock the ball back into the centre of goal, after Jackie McNamara had crossed from the right flank, and the striker swivelled to fire into the back of the net from eight yards.

Bellamy came close to joining his countryman on the scoresheet, 10 minutes after the restart, when he sprinted clear of the Livingston defence and then unleashed a low left-foot drive - but McKenzie again stood up well to save with his feet.

Celtic looked like killing the game off with the pint-sized striker causing the basement club no end of problems with his pace.

But goalkeeper David Marshall needed to be alert at the other end to keep his side ahead with a brilliant acrobatic save.

Jason Dair cut in from the left flank and let fly with a curling right-foot drive which the youngster threw tipped over.

Gough made a change in the 69th minute, bringing on Pascal Nouma for Bahoken - but it had the opposite effect.

Hartson secured their passage to the top of the table in the 75th minute when he stooped at the back post to head Thompson's cross home after a quick Petrov corner.

With usual penalty-taker Sutton going off for Stephane Henchoz, the Welshman completed his hat-trick from the spot with five minutes to go after being barged over by McPake.

Varga also got in on the act in the final seconds, reducing the goal difference by converting at the back post - to inflict more misery on Livingston and put the pressure back on Rangers.

Website man of the match : John Hartson

Teams

Livingston McKenzie, McNamee, Rubio (McPake 83), Dorado, Bahoken (Nouma 68), Dair, Deloumeaux, Vincze, O'Brien, Lilley, Kachloul.

Subs Not Used: Meldrum, McMenamin, Snodgrass, Easton, Brittain.

Booked: McNamee.

Celtic Marshall, Valgaeren, Balde (McGeady 88), Varga, McNamara, Petrov, Sutton (Henchoz 77), Lennon, Thompson, Bellamy, Hartson.

Subs Not Used: Hedman, Fernandez, Lambert, Maloney, Wallace.

Booked: Thompson.

Goals: Hartson 43, 75, 86 pen, Varga 90.

Att: 8,750

Ref: M McCurry (Scotland).

 

Celtic v Hearts

 

Sunday 10th April 2005

 

Scottish Cup Semi-Final

 

Bellamy fires Celtic through to final

 

 

CELTIC progressed into the Scottish Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Hearts at Hampden. Much had been made of the fact the Edinburgh side had perhaps achieved a psychological edge over the Hoops with their victory at Celtic Park last weekend.

But if that was the case, and most observers would doubt the validity of the claims, it lasted a mere two minutes before Chris Sutton, back in the side after an injury lay-off, headed the Scottish Cup holders into the lead from an Alan Thompson corner.

For much of the game thereafter, Celtic were in control and the natural order of things appeared to have been restored.

Before the match, there had been a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Pope John Paul II. Unfortunately, and perhaps predictably, there was an element in the Hearts support who disrupted the silence, though the Edinburgh club immediately apologised after the game for the behaviour of those fans.

Once the game got underway, Celtic raced out the blocks, cheered on by a vociferous support, and grabbed the opener. The goal actually followed Celtic’s second corner in just the second minute of the game and came through the precise delivery of Alan Thompson and the bravery of Chris Sutton.

The Celtic midfielder curled the ball perfectly into the danger area in front of goal where it was met by the onrushing figure of Sutton, who bravely took a bang from defender Lee Wallace as he nodded home.

It was exactly what Martin O’Neill would have been looking for to clear up any lingering doubts left over from last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat by the Edinburgh side.

The move also got Celtic off to an early start and they continued to maintain their early pressure, winning set pieces around the Hearts box and using the blistering pace of Craig Bellamy to great effect.

Celtic were keeping possession and passing the ball well, but Hearts were gradually being allowed time on the ball, although this time did not lead to clear cut opportunities and they were restricted in the opening 15 to a half hearted appeal for a penalty after Webster went down easily in the box.

Their first chance from open play was sparked by Mark Burchill, who got down the line and took advantage of a slip by Bobo Balde to squeeze in a cross that was cut out by Varga. That loose ball fell into the path of Joe Hamill, who hammered in a shot that was deflected away from goal by Petrov and the warning signs were there to remind Celtic that this was a side that had taken three points at Celtic Park just one week ago.

After the Hearts supporters came close to souring the mood of the day before the game started, it took Martin O’Neill to brighten it considerably, albeit unintentionally, with a moment of pure slapstick. The Celtic manager was walking backwards toward his dugout when he fell over the water bottles in front of the Hampden crowd and Sky TV cameras.

Having dusted himself down and given a wave to the laughing supporters, the Celtic manager no doubt realised that this was a moment that would be appearing in out-take shows for a long time to come.

There was in fact little else to truly raise the spirits of either set of supporter in the remainder of the opening half, that was until the 45th minute when Petrov showed great strength and determination to hold the ball inside the box, turn and eventually cut the ball into the path of Lennon who drilled it across the face of goal and narrowly past the stretching boot of Hartson.

Although Celtic would have gone into the break the far happier of the two sides and of course one goal to the good, they would have been looking to come out and exert their authority proper in the second 45.

Much in the way that the first half started in lightning fast fashion, the second had an equally incredible start as Bellamy produced a moment of magic that the Celtic supporters are now becoming accustomed to.

Just two minutes of the half had been played when the diminutive striker, with very little room to manoeuvre, spun on the ball and sent in a blistering shot that sailed beyond Gordon and into the back of the net.

Hearts looked stunned, the Celtic support ecstatic and the goal heralded the start of an intense spell of attacking play that saw Thompson clip the bar with a shot and Varga just inches away from turning in a Thompson corner.

Hearts were meanwhile only able to threaten Marshall on one occasion during this opening 10 minute period and were restricted by Celtic’s good defending and their inability to string together any telling passes in the final third of the field.

When one such pass was finally played in the 59th minute, by McAllister, into the path of Cesnauskis who broke with pace down the right and into the box, it lead to a goal.

Spotting Marshall off his line the Lithuanian midfielder hit the ball first time, lifting it over the stranded goalkeeper and into the back of the net. It was Hearts’ first clear cut opportunity of the entire match yet they had been allowed to take full advantage.

The goal was the shot in the arm that the Gorgie club needed and gave them the confidence to go forward and press Celtic further. Yet one little cameo from Bellamy, who picked up the ball some ten yards inside his own half and drove all the way to the Hearts byline, nearly finding Hartson with the cutback, had the defence scampering back in a panic and showed just why they were afraid to commit men forward.

It was another example of just how much the little Welshman, with his tireless running, blistering pace and boundless enthusiasm, adds to O’Neill’s side. He dropped deep to present an option for the midfield, hared after every long ball forward and dragged the Hearts back three across the park throughout the 90 minutes.

Hearts brought on striker Dennis Wyness for midfielder MacFarlane and sought to up the pressure in the final quarter. The tactic worked initially as Celtic were forced to defend and Varga slid in to make a vital block from Burchill.

But Celtic continued to look strong on the counter with Petrov giving Sutton a chance, when it looked easier to shoot on his own and Bellamy came tantalisingly close to slotting away Gordon’s fingertip save.

Hearts continued to chase for the equaliser and Celtic continued to counter, but no real threats developed in the closing exchanges and when the final whistle did eventually sound Celtic were the clear winners. Another Scottish Cup final place had been achieved and now Dundee United await on May 28.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Craig Bellamy

HEARTS (3-5-2) Gordon; Webster, Pressley, Wallace; Neilson (Cesnauskis 45), MacFarlane (Wyness 76), Hartley, Hamill (Kizys 57), McAllister; Burchill, Wallace.
Subs: Moilanen, Berra.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Marshall; McNamara, Balde, Varga, Valgaeren; Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson; Bellamy, Hartson (McGeady 71).
Subs: Douglas, Henchoz, Lambert, Maloney.

 

Celtic v Hearts

 

Saturday 02nd April 2005

 

Fatal blow to our title hopes??????

 

 

Hearts planted the Bank of Scotland Premier League championship race back in the grateful hands of Rangers after snatching a shock victory at Celtic Park.

With one Old Firm game left to go at Ibrox after the split, Alex McLeish's men will have the unexpected opportunity go a point clear at the top with a win at Motherwell on Sunday.

And they had John Robertson's men and, in particular, former Celtic striker Mark Burchill to thank.

Lee Miller headed the Edinburgh outfit into an early lead before setting up Burchill to give them a two-goal advantage at the break.

The home side never recovered from that in a dress rehearsal for next week's Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park and Robertson, whose future is not absolutely certain under new chief executive Phil Anderton, left Celtic Park with a big smile on his face.

Celtic started confidently but their fans were stunned into silence after just eight minutes when the visitors snatched the lead against the run of play.

David Marshall, back in for injured Robert Douglas for the first time since November 10, did brilliantly to keep out Andy Webster's point-blank header, from Marius Kizys' free-kick, but Miller reacted quicker than the sleeping home defence to head home the rebound.

The Glasgow giants reacted instantly and Hearts had Steven Pressley and Robbie Nielsen booked, the latter for bringing down in-form Craig Bellamy outside the box.

From the resulting free-kick, Aiden McGeady curled an inviting ball into the box but John Hartson headed over from just six yards.

Hearts were let off the hook in the 17th minute when Alan Thompson's dangerous corner was allowed to fly across the face of goal.

Bobo Balde looked surprised to see it arrive and he completely missed a golden chance to pull Celtic back on level terms.

And the home side were emphatically punished three minutes later with Burchill ruthlessly coming back to haunt them.

Miller played a perfectly-weighted ball through to Burchill after a Stephane Henchoz mistake.

Stanislav Varga gave him far too much room and the former Portsmouth striker coolly steered his right-foot shot past Marshall and into the bottom corner.

Hartson had the ball in the net moments later when he headed Thompson's free-kick across Craig Gordon and into the far corner but the linesman had his flag up for offside.

Controversial referee Dallas, who is no stranger to both teams, had his book out again in the 24th minute after booking Neil MacFarlane for pulling back Thompson.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure as Gordon got down well to save Hartson's shot from eight yards and Varga headed Thompson's cross wide from close range.

Bellamy always looked capable of doing something special with his pace but his cross was too powerful in the 34th minute and Hartson could only head over the top.

O'Neill made a change in the 36th minute by bringing on the attacking flair of Ross Wallace for off-the-pace Henchoz.

But it was Bellamy who continued to pose the biggest threat and he fired the ball across the face of goal, four minutes before the interval.

Stilian Petrov attempted to reduce the deficit at half-time but Gordon pushed away his stinging long-range drive.

Wallace should have made it 2-1 in stoppage time after Bellamy had played him clean through but he dragged his shot wide of the post with Gordon well beaten.

Chairman Brian Quinn was jeered by a section of the home crowd at the break following O'Neill's insistence that he needs more money to make a mark in the Champions League.

Celtic were also looking to make life as uncomfortable as possible for Hearts in the second half as they pushed forward in search of goals.

That left big gaps at the back, however, and Burchill could have scored a second in the 50th minute but he pulled his right-foot shot wide from 19 yards.

Celtic were becoming increasingly desperate and Varga chose to let fly with a shot from 30 yards which Gordon comfortably caught and then saved from McGeady.

The Scotland goalkeeper also saved Hartson's header before Robertson brought on Calum Elliot for the injured Burchill.

And Gordon also pulled off a great save to deny the Welshman in the 62nd minute as he acrobatically threw himself in the air to tip another header over.

Hearts continued to produce the heroics in defence as MacFarlane deflected Bellamy's drive behind and then Hartson headed wide at the back post.

Kizys could have killed the game off in the 68th minute but he poked the ball just past the upright from eight yards with Marshall beaten.

Miller could also have wrapped up the points in the 78th minute but completely missed Elliot's ball across the face of goal.

Webster then headed just wide of the far post three minutes later after being picked out at the back by Hamill.

Bellamy could have made it an anxious final five minutes for a jubilant Hearts but he blazed over from eight yards out, summing up Celtic's miserable day.

Website man of the match : Neil Lennon

Teams

Celtic Marshall, Henchoz (Wallace 36), Balde, Varga, McNamara, Lennon, Petrov, Thompson, McGeady (Maloney 68), Bellamy, Hartson.

Subs Not Used: Hedman, Sylla, Valgaeren, Fernandez, Lambert.

Hearts Gordon, Neilson, Pressley, Webster, McAllister (Simmons 77), MacFarlane, Kizys (Stewart 72), Hamill, Wallace, Burchill (Elliot 62), Miller.

Subs Not Used: Moilanen, Wyness, Berra, Cesnauskis.

Booked: Pressley, Neilson, MacFarlane.

Goals: Miller 8, Burchill 19.

Att: 59,562

Ref: H Dallas (Scotland).

 

 

Dundee United v Celtic

 

Saturday 19th March 2005

 

Craigy Bhoy sends Celtic top

 

A CRAIG Bellamy hat trick at Tannadice made it three wins in seven days for Celtic and put Martin O’Neill’s men back in pole position at the top of the SPL table.

Today’s game against Dundee United concluded a three game run of fixtures in a week long spell that the Celtic manager long ago identified as vital in determining the destination of the title at the end of the season.

And if the manager was looking for a gauge of his team’s championship credentials he got their measure today as they put three goals past a vastly improved Dundee Utd team and showed their determination to hang on to their one goal lead.

Yet when supporters are looking back on individual contributions in this match they will remember Bellamy and the recently much-maligned Rab Douglas, who produced a world class save to take all three points right at the death.

Many people were still making their way to their seats in the fifth minute when Bellamy stamped his authority on this match with a breathtaking finish that encapsulated all of his outstanding ability.

The little striker had made the running for Jackie McNamara who had cut inside and was bearing down on goal through the middle. The Celtic captain pushed the ball out and into Bellamy’s path on the edge of the box and then broke forward, looking for the return pass. But Bellamy had other ideas and took the ball first time, hammering it past Bullock and into the far corner of the net.

This early finish though did not mark the beginnings of a landslide victory for Celtic as United responded with two quick fire chances that indicated that they had perhaps been caught cold by the red-hot Bellamy.

The home team actually had a free kick inside the box, after Douglas picked up a Lennon pass back, but the kick was charged down and blocked by no fewer than three Celtic players.

Aiden McGeady had again started the match brightly and responded to this attempt by laying the ball into the path of Bellamy on the right, who showed all of his electric pace to take it beyond the outstretched Paul Ritchie and fire a shot just wide of Bullock’s goal.

An Alan Thompson free kick from 35 yards out then forced a good save from Bullock, before McGeady took the ball on a run across the pitch leaving a bemused United midfield in his wake and the Celtic support singing his name.

But this was a Dundee Utd side showing greater confidence under interim coach Gordon Chisholm and anyone who travelled north from Glasgow dreaming of a walkover for Celtic were rudely awakened by a Jim McIntyre strike in the 23rd minute.

Although Celtic had been playing with real confidence this goal brought back memories of that shaky spell in November of last year, when goals were given away with uncharacteristic cheapness.

There seemed little danger initially when Tony Bullock drove a long ball forward and either Varga or Balde would have been certainties to clear the danger. But instead the ball found its way through to McIntyre, who only had to touch it with his outstretched leg and steer it beyond Douglas for the equaliser.

But it took just ten minutes for Celtic to respond and again take the lead through Bellamy.

Ulrick Laursen can take some credit for this one as it was he who latched on to a loose ball on the halfway line and rolled a beautifully weighted ball into Bellamy on the edge of the box.

The stocky little striker still had everything to do at this point, but his strike was instant and instinctive as he lifted the ball over Bullock with pace and accuracy and it went in off the keeper’s back post.

The half nearly finished on an even bigger high as a Thompson free kick into the back post was met in the air by Varga who forced another outstanding save from Bullock, a goalkeeper who has enjoyed some very noteworthy performances against Celtic in recent seasons.

The Celtic support may have been 'walking in a Bellamy wonderland' at half-time but the second 45 almost began with a short, sharp shock to send them back to reality.

Chisholm had asked for more fight from his players in his programme notes and his side flew out the blocks after the interval and had two excellent opportunities to snatch an early equaliser.

The first chance came completely out of the blue with four minutes played when Mark Kerr stabbed a hopeful shot at goal from around 25 yards out. There wasn’t much power in the effort but it almost went in after Neil Lennon stuck out a leg and nearly deflected it past Douglas.

The Irish midfielder’s relief was obvious, but it was minor compared to that Varga and Balde, who minutes later failed to meet a Wilson cross on the right which landed on the head of McIntyre at the back post. It seemed like a certain goal but the United striker failed to get any real power in the header and it was well taken by Douglas.

But after this sudden burst of action the half began to settle into its rhythm and Celtic enjoyed the lion’s share of possession for a ten minute spell.

McGeady was looking particularly bright, always willing to take the ball and take on the opposition and Bellamy meanwhile was a restless presence up front, dragging his markers across the final third of the park with darting runs and always looking to take the ball from his team mates.

Yet despite enjoying the possession Celtic were not carving out opportunities and it took a powerful drive from Robson on the edge of the box to level the scoring and dispel any notions of complacency.

The crowd seemed to anticipate the danger in the 70th minute before Celtic’s defence did and an unsettling silence fell over them as Stevie Crawford jumped on a Neil Lennon error and rolled the ball out wide to Robson on the left.

It was met at pace by the former Caley man and he produced the same kind of incredible finishing that Bellamy had shown, rocketing the ball past the helpless Douglas and into the back of the net.

United had worked hard and despite Celtic's own outstanding play perhaps deserved this equaliser.

Celtic’s response though was immediate and a scrum in the United box allowed Sutton, Varga and then Sutton again shots on goal. Moments later the big Englishman, who had returned early from injury to play this game and came on as a substitute for Hartson, put through Bellamy who fired his shot wide with an unmarked Petrov screaming for the pass at the back post.

But Bellamy cleared up this little glitch in finishing as he snatched his and Celtic’s third three minutes later in the 80th minute. Sutton was again the provider as he met a long ball in the air and flicked it on into the path of Bellamy who fired home.

The strike completed what was the perhaps the most spectacular hat-trick of goals that has been scored in Scotland in recent years and put the icing on another outstanding performance from the Welsh attacker.

Celtic were reduced to ten men for the last five minutes of the game after Sutton was forced to limp off injured and having made all of his substitutions O’Neill could not call on a replacement. His team and the supporters then endured a few nervy moments as Grady and Scotland enjoyed half chances.

The referee was also to add an incredible eight minutes extra time after a bad collision between McNamara and Brebner saw the United man stretchered off with a suspected broken leg. It was this tackle that was to allow United a free kick just inside the D and give Rab Douglas his moment of glory.

It was Robson who again stepped up to hammer this one at goal, curling his shot over the wall and into the corner, but Douglas matched this superb strike with a save that will live long in the memory, touching the ball round the post and to safety with one hand.

The save gave Celtic all three points and sent the side to the top of the table, but when supporters look back at the end of the season they will remember this one for Bellamy’s sublime performance that showed all of his skill and relentless determination.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: CRAIG BELLAMY.

DUNDEE UTD (5-3-2) Bullock; Wilson, Ritchie, Kenneth, Archibald; Kerr (McInnes 57), Brebner, Duff (Scotland 85), Robson; McIntyre, Crawford (Grady 76).
Subs: Colgan, Samuel, Dodds, Robertson.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Douglas; McNamara, Balde, Varga, Laursen (Wallace 78); McGeady (Henchoz 84), Petrov, Lennon, Thompson; Hartson (Sutton 61), Bellamy.
Subs: Marshall, Valgaeren, Maloney, Fernandez.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Celtic

 

Wednesday 16th March 2005

 

Celts close gap to one point

 

 

Craig Bellamy again took centre stage as Celtic moved to within a point of their Old Firm rivals with a hard-fought and ultimately deserved 2-0 win in Inverness.

In scoring an excellent and timely opener and then earning the penalty from which Alan Thompson ensured that the Hoops would return south with maximum points, the Welshman proved the difference between two sides that, for over an hour, were impossible to separate.

Celtic, for whom Stephane Henchoz started at the expense of Stan Varga, began sloppily, with Ulrik Laursen allowing himself to be robbed of possession to set Caley on the attack inside 60 seconds.
Roy McBain was the man doing the stealing, and but for an assured save low by Rab Douglas low to his left, the midfielder’s low rifled shot might well have resulted in the Highlanders snatching a shock early lead.

This was, though, to prove an isolated moment of concern for Martin O’Neill’s side during an open period which saw a series of potentially excellent scoring opportunities squandered by the poor quality of Celtic’s final ball.

The Hoops’ best early move ended with Stilian Petrov narrowly missing out on providing a proper connection on Aiden McGeady’s lofted cross, while Bellamy – always a willing runner – headed just over from another McGeady centre four minutes later.  

Bellamy then nearly set up the opener with a clever dummy, stepping over Stilian Petrov’s cute reverse pass to create an opening that John Hartson wasn’t quite quick enough off the mark to make the most of.

The on-loan Newcastle striker continued to look the most likely source of inspiration for an increasingly sluggish Celtic side as the half wore on and, with 10 minutes of the opening 45 remaining, he carved out the best chance of the half with some brilliant foraging on the left flank.

McGeady looked most likely to profit, but after latching on to Bellamy’s cut-back, the young Irish internationalist saw his initial shot blocked and then watched as Hartson hooked the follow-up high and wide.

Yet, in truth, and while Caley could have offered few complaints had they fallen behind at this stage, Celtic’s performance had at times been lacking both in quality and, more surprisingly, in energy.

Fortunately, O’Neill’s half-time pep talk ensured that - in the latter respect at least - things quickly improved following the re-start, and within four minutes Alan Thompson had rattled the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick.

McGeady’s trickery was also being utilised to greater effect, and only an excellent save from Brown prevented one of the youngster’s more bamboozling runs ending in glory.

The Caley keeper had been in excellent form throughout, in fact, but on 63 minutes he could do nothing to prevent Celtic taking the lead.

McGeady was again involved, though on this occasion it was in a creative capacity, accepting Bellamy’s pass on the right flank and then threading through a return that, from an acute angle, the Welshman dispatched with clinical excellence.

It was a fine goal, and no more than the on-loan striker had deserved for his skill, workrate and sheer enthusiasm throughout a match that, prior to that point, had been fraught with frustration.

Bellamy wasn’t content to rest at that either, and came within inches of doubling his tally soon after, slicing into the side-netting with his weaker foot after bursting through beyond the Caley rearguard.

In the end, he had to be content with an assist to supplement his solitary goal, earned when he tempted Grant Munro into an ill-advised lunge inside the box that saw the Hoops striker’s legs swiped from beneath him.

Alan Thompson stepped up to coolly convert the resultant spot kick - deceiving Brown with a shot low and straight – and Celtic’s victory was assured.

Next up for O’Neill’s side is a return north to face Dundee United, and a chance to head into the international break back on top of the Scottish Premierleague.

Website Man of the Match: CRAIG BELLAMY

INVERNESS CALEY THISTLE (4-4-2): Brown; Tokely, Dods, McBain, Golabek; Hart, Wilson, Munro, Duncan (Black 89); Bayne (Fetai 76), Juanjo (Prunty 71)
Subs: Fraser, McCaffrey, Hastings, Proctor
CELTIC (4-4-2): Douglas; McNamara, Henchoz, Balde, Laursen; Petrov, Lennon, Thompson, McGeady; Hartson (Beattie 77), Bellamy
Subs: Marshall, Valgaeren, Pearson, Fernandez, Wallace, McManus

 

 

Celtic v Dunfermline

 

Saturday 13th March 2005

 

McGeady & Bellamy run riot as Pars are hit for six

 

 

CRAIG Bellamy provided the pace and Aiden McGeady the sublime craft as Martin O’Neill’s men hit a hapless Dunfermline side with a six goal blitz this afternoon at Celtic Park.

The Welsh international gave the Pars defence a torrid time throughout the 90 minutes, having a hand in almost every one of Celtic’s goals, but it was an outstanding showing from McGeady that was the highlight of this high-scoring encounter.

The young Irish internationalist has found himself rested in recent weeks as Martin O’Neill has shuffled his starting 11 since the arrival of Bellamy on loan from Newcastle. But that absence appears to have only heightened the 18 year-old’s hunger for first team action and when he returned to the side today he was in inspirational form, tormenting the defence with all the twists and turns that were in evidence in the first half of this season.

With the title race continuing to run neck and neck, thoughts of goal difference have begun to creep into the thoughts of Celtic’s supporters and an attacking performance was perhaps anticipated by the visitors, whose game plan became apparent within the opening minutes.

Andy Tod was operating as John Hartson’s man marker in a back five which saw Bellamy trailed by both Scott Wilson and Andreas Skerla. Dunfermline seemed happy in the first 45 to sit back and invite Celtic to attack and hold possession and while this tactic may have frustrated the home side had their response been to launch balls into the box, the playmakers instead stepped to the fore with Bellamy and McGeady linking well.

Celtic’s first goal threat came from this combination as McGeady pushed the ball into the path of Bellamy on the left who then drove to the byline and fired it in to the near post where it was met by Wilson. 

This was an early threat and despite Dunfermline’s numbers at the back it took Celtic just nine minutes to open the scoring. Bellamy played a key role, winning a free kick from Skerla on the right hand side which Alan Thompson stepped up to curl in to the back post. There it was met on the half volley by Hartson, who looked a touch relieved to see the ball squirm under Stillie and into the back of the net for the opener.

While undoubtedly surprising the home side, this quick goal did not force a rethink from manager Davie Hay and they continued to sit back and attempt to stifle Celtic’s attacking options.

But rather than succeeding they discovered that this tactic of sitting back in numbers was actually inviting new attacking threats from Celtic. Moments after Bellamy had a shot on goal, Stilian Petrov almost got on the end of a McNamara long-ball and much in the way that Varga pushed forward at every given opportunity against Clyde the big centre half was again supporting the front men with surging runs from defence.

Bellamy again had the defence in trouble in the 26th minute after slipping Skerla on the left hand side and cutting the ball to Hartson whose shot forced an excellent save by Stillie. Thompson marginally failed to get the right connection on the rebound and the ball was cleared only as far as McNamara, who drove it back across goal where it was finally hacked away.

But with this dominance in possession it was only to be expected that there would at some point be a lull in Celtic’s play and with Dunfermline continuing to sit back, the last ten minutes of the half were played out with several tentative Celtic attacks and no threat whatsoever from the visitors.

While an attacking show was perhaps expected, this first half was not a cavalier performance and Celtic looked content to hold on to possession and slowly chip away at the defence.

But that expected charge did come in second half and when it arrived Dunfermline’s defence quickly crumbled beneath the weight of its pace and invention.

McGeady quickly emerged as Celtic’s central threat in the opening ten minutes as a series of runs left the opposition in knots. One run, with 13 minutes played in the half, saw him break across the box before feeding the ball to McNamara on the right. McGeady again made himself available for the return, cutting inside with the ball before firing a shot at goal that was deflected wide of target by Hartson.

The ensuing minutes saw McGeady continue to threaten, as well as show considerable maturity with a number of defensive runs back into the midfield and if endeavour brings just reward it was fitting that the young Irish international was Celtic’s second goalscorer.

The goal came in the 62cnd minute after McGeady cut in from left, his touch again losing his marker and allowing him an extra yard of space. Bellamy’s had sucked the defence out to the left and allow McGeady even more room to look up and send a curling shot past Stillie and into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Celtic were now enjoying themselves and the two goal cushion allowed them the leeway to attack without fear.

First Bellamy almost connected with an overhead kick in the 67th minute and then minutes later he delivered an outstanding cross to the near cross to the near post that was knocked out for a throw in.

The busy Welshman was again there to collect the ball and delivered a near identical cross that was this time met by John Hartson for Celtic’s third.

Three minutes later Dunfermline offered their only threat on goal of the game, with Donnelly curling a shot just wide of the left hand post from well outside the box, but this glimmer of hope was cruelly extinguished seconds later.

Bellamy’s pace down the left flank again left the Pars defence for dead and with space and time he delivered another first class ball to the near post where it was met by the onrushing Stilian Petrov for the fourth.

The Bulgarian midfielder had been full of industry throughout the game and has been in a rich vein of scoring form in recent months and added his second and Celtic’s fifth three minutes later in the 75th minute.

The goal was again inspired by McGeady who cut inside from the left, slipped his man and rolled ball into the path of Petrov down the left hand channel. There he lifted the ball over Stillie where it was stopped on the line, but only momentarily. First Thompson rushed in to attack it, but when it was blocked Petrov rushed in to prod home.

But there was little respite for Dunfermline as Celtic made changes designed to heighten the goal threat. First Laursen, who was again a solid performer, was withdrawn for Stephane Henchoz who is edging nearer to full fitness. Then Craig Beattie came on for Jackie McNamara, adding even more pace to the front line.

Chances then followed for Hartson, who first fired into the hands of Stillie and minutes later turned the ball wide, but the crowd were on their feet again with seven minutes left as McGeady was withdrawn for Ross Wallace.

The 18 year-old fully deserved the praise of the supporters and his colleagues and manager as he left the park and had shown all of the devastating skill that had waned slightly in recent performances.

If the substitutions were designed to boost Celtic’s goal difference, Martin O’Neill succeeded and with two minutes left on the clock Celtic added a sixth.

The goal was made by the substitutes as Wallace showed great close control to take a crossfield pass on the left. Taking the ball down the line he then showed his composure to ignore the cries of the crowd for an early ball, took two touches to bamboozle the defender and then sent the perfect pass to the near post for Craig Beattie who headed home for the sixth.

When the final whistle did blow there were few complaints from a crowd who had been genuinely entertained by an amazing second half performance. And with a tough trip north to Inverness on the horizon this Wednesday it was just the kind of home performance that Martin O’Neill would have been looking for.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Aiden McGeady.

CELTIC (4-4-2) Douglas; McNamara (Beattie 80), Balde, Varga, Laursen (Henchoz 75); McGeady (Wallace 84), Lennon, Petrov, Thompson; Bellamy, Hartson.
Subs: Marshall, Valgaeren, Fernandez, Lambert.
DUNFERMLINE (5-3-2) Stillie; Campbell, S Wilson, Skerla, Tod, C Wilson (McKeown 85); Ross, Nicholson, Young; Christiansen, Donnelly (McGlinchie 88).
Subs: Langfield, Scullion, Dunn.

 

Hibs v Celtic

 

Sunday 06th March 2005

 

No slip up's this time

 

 

 

Bank of Scotland Premier League champions Celtic took advantage of an unexpected Rangers slip-up with a comfortable win at Hibernian.

Alex McLeish's men missed the chance to extend their lead at the top to nine points with a shock draw against Inverness at Ibrox 24 hours earlier.

Celtic responded by inflicting a second consecutive defeat on Tony Mowbray's third-placed side - with goals for Stilian Petrov, John Hartson and Craig Bellamy.

Guillaume Beuzelin gave Hibernian some late consolation with an injury-time strike - but it was a case of men against boys in the capital.

The champions made a dream start when midweek hero Petrov coolly slotted home his second goal in two games, with the Hibs defence sleeping after just four minutes.

Chris Sutton found Hartson in the area, and he controlled the ball before picking out the Bulgarian at the back post.

Petrov still had some work to do but dragged the ball back on to his right foot, outwitted both Gary Caldwell and goalkeeper Simon Brown stationed on the line and then comfortably sidefooted the ball into the back of the net from just three yards out.

Hibernian failed to learn from that and were lucky not to go even further behind in the 11th minute.

Petrov's corner fell at the feet of on-loan striker Bellamy on the edge of the box, and his first-time right-foot shot was heading for the bottom corner when Gary Smith came to Hibernian's rescue by deflecting the ball just past the upright.

Brown found himself picking the ball out of the back of the net again in the 31st minute.

Sutton got to the byline and chipped the ball across the face of goal, and Bellamy's flick-on fell at the feet of Hartson who got between Smith and Murphy to poke the ball in from close range for his 22nd goal of the campaign.

In the process of setting up the second goal, the Englishman seemed to pull his hamstring and was instantly replaced by Aiden McGeady.

Bobo Balde was guilty of poor defending himself in the 36th minute to gift Hibernian a glorious chance to reduce the deficit.

His back-pass was loose, and Derek Riordan ran on to it. But Robert Douglas raced to the edge of his penalty area to save the defensive giant by getting an arm on the strike and diverting the ball off target. Stanislav Varga then did enough to make sure of keeping the ball out.

Referee Kenny Clark harshly booked Neil Lennon and Caldwell, before Bellamy fired over from the edge of the box.

Mowbray made a change at the break by bringing on the creative Beuzelin - who had missed the last five games with an ankle injury - for Alen Orman.

Celtic looked certain to increase their advantage after the break and would have done in the 53rd minute but for the timely intervention of Smith, who got back to his six-yard box to clear livewire Bellamy's cross - with Hartson waiting to pounce behind him.

Dean Shiels came to Hibernian's aid in the 58th minute.

Hartson shook off the challenge of Caldwell in the area and placed the ball past Brown - but the defender raced back to clear the danger.

Bellamy looked hungry for his second Celtic goal since his switch from Newcastle - and in the 63rd minute he went close when he pulled his right-foot shot just wide of the target from the edge of the box.

Six minutes later, though, the Wales forward got himself on the scoresheet for the first time in the Scottish league.

There was a hint of offside as Bellamy got ahead of Steven Whittaker to race on to Alan Thompson's through ball, and he shrugged off the challenge of the Hibs man before firing low under the body of Brown from just inside the penalty box.

The Hibernian defence were again looking at each other quizzically in the 79th minute when Balde was allowed to head Thompson's corner over from six yards.

Ian Murray lost his cool and was booked for a rash challenge on Bellamy moments later.

The Hibernian fans disgraced themselves late on by pelting former player Ulrik Laursen with objects.

Referee Clark called for more security before he booked substitute Amadou Konte for diving and Balde for a foul.

Beuzelin gave the home fans something to celebrate in the final minute when he converted Konte's cross at the back post.

Caldwell and Bellamy had to be pulled apart as tempers frayed at the final whistle.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Stilian Petrov

Teams

Hibernian Simon Brown, Whittaker, Caldwell, Smith, Murphy, Orman (Beuzelin 45), Scott Brown, Ian Murray, Shiels, O'Connor (Sproule 81), Riordan (Konte 81).

Subs Not Used: Alistair Brown, Fletcher, McDonald, McCluskey.

Booked: Caldwell, Ian Murray, Sproule.

Goals: Beuzelin 90.

Celtic Douglas, McNamara, Balde, Varga, Laursen, Petrov, Lennon, Sutton (McGeady 32), Thompson (Fernandez 81), Hartson (Beattie 74), Bellamy.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Henchoz, Lambert, Wallace.

Booked: Lennon, Balde.

Goals: Petrov 5, Hartson 31, Bellamy 69.

Att: 15,787

Ref: K Clark (Scotland).

 

 

Celtic v Dundee

 

Wednesday 02nd March 2005

 

Bobo at the double as hoops dump Dundee

 

 

Celtic’s Premier League destiny remains in their own hands after a double from Bobo Balde helped inflict defeat on a Dundee side whose defensive gameplan crumbled inside 10 second half minutes.

Stilian Petrov completed the scoring in this hopelessly one-sided affair and, while Rangers’ hugely controversial victory at Tynecastle ensured that no ground was gained in the race for the title, Martin O’Neill will have been content, if not ecstatic, with his own side's showing. 

Celtic, starting with the same team that underperformed so dreadfully in the Old Firm derby, began the match brightly and, with the energetic Craig Bellamy’s movement causing no end of consternation in the visitors’ defensive ranks, they were soon threatening Derek’s Soutar’s goal.

First to step forward for a crack at goal was Stan Petrov, but though the Bulgarian twice found time and space to try his luck from 25 yards, his first effort was too straight and his second too wayward to leave Soutar unduly concerned.

Speculative long-range shots were, though, to remain the principal source of danger for the keeper during a first half which saw O’Neill’s side presented with the unenviable task of breaking down two deep-lying banks of four Dee players.

Occasionally they succeeded, such as when a well-worked move involving Bellamy, Alan Thompson and Neil Lennon ended with Jackie McNamara volleying just over on 17 minutes, but such moments came around too rarely for a home support that was becoming increasingly restless.

The unease in the stands wasn’t alleviated by a period which saw Dundee remind everyone that, while their attacking ambition appeared at times to be all but non-existent, they remained capable of punishing any lapses in concentration in the Hoops’ defensive ranks.

Certainly, and for all that they spent the best part of the match in utter isolation, Fabian Caballero and Stevie Lovell succeeded in causing the odd moment of panic, with the former’s trickery and the latter’s pace a permanently dangerous blend.

Caballero was the first to threaten, leading a slick break that culminated in him threading through Neil Barret for a shot that finished wide of the near post and, seconds later, the Argentine succeeded in teeing up his strike partner for a shot that Douglas got down well to save.

With Celtic stuttering, Chris Sutton attempted to take a hand in proceedings, first charging forward to bullet McNamara’s tantalising cross straight at Soutar and then displaying some neat ball-juggling skills to cushion another McNamara centre before volleying it inches over with his left foot.

It was, however, to the sound of booing that Celtic retreated to the dressing rooms at half-time, and their need for an early goal in the second half to settle both themselves and their fans was evident.

Fortunately, within four minutes of the re-start, Petrov delivered.

In truth, credit for the deadlock being broken was due as much to McNamara, whose cross was almost impossible to defend, but Petrov it was who claimed the plaudits for a diving header that was perfectly executed.

There was no stopping Celtic thereafter. Within five minutes, Soutar was called upon to make a superb double save, first diverting John Hartson’s rocket-like drive on to the crossbar and then showing safe hands to cling on to Stan Varga’s downward header.

Neil Lennon also came close to a rare goal, curling over from 20 yards, as O’Neill’s side strengthened their grip on this increasingly one-sided encounter, and the outcome was put beyond doubt on the hourmark.

Thompson, who had endured a miserable first half, earned his team a corner with a deflected shot and, when Petrov delivered his cross deep to the back post, Balde was left with the straightforward task of nodding beyond Soutar from all of five yards.

It was a beautifully simple goal, and that same Petrov-Balde combination which led to Celtic increasing their lead in the dying minutes, the Guinean heading his colleague’s deep cross back across goal, beyond Soutar and the despairing clearance attempt of McDonald.  

In between times, Bellamy fired over, Thompson stung the palms of Soutar and Hartson dithered before failing to beat Soutar, but the points had long since been secured. The only pity was that events at Tynecastle prevented them counting for more. 

Website Man of the Match: Stilian Petrov

CELTIC (4-4-2): Douglas; McNamara, Balde, Varga, Laursen; Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson; Hartson, Bellamy
Subs: Marshall, Juninho, Lambert, Wallace, Beattie, McManus, McGeady
DUNDEE (4-4-2): Soutar; McDonald, Wilkie, Mann, Robb; Barret, Smith, Sancho, Fotheringham (Brady 45); Lovell (Sutton 88), Caballero
Subs: Murray, Larsen, Kitamirike, Clark

 

Clyde v Celtic

 

Sunday 27th February 2005

 

Hoops breeze through to semi finals

 

 

IF Celtic’s grip on their SPL title has appeared to slip recently, their  hold on the Tennent’s Scottish Cup seems unshakeable. The impression that they completed the hardest part of the assignment first by eliminating Rangers in the third round was reinforced in Cumbernauld yesterday with a quarter-final defeat of Clyde ultimately every bit as facile as their romp at Dunfermline in between times.

Martin O’Neill’s side will enter tonight’s semi-final draw as the hottest of odds-on favourites to triumph at Hampden on 28 May, the Celtic manager buoyed by a second half performance yesterday which went some way to healing the wounds of his first home defeat to Rangers seven days earlier.

Craig Bellamy’s first goal for the club sealed a pleasing afternoon’s work for O’Neill’s team, although defender Stanislav Varga was the unlikely hero in the scoring stakes with a double. Clyde could take pride in a sterling first half effort, which saw Craig Bryson have a goal somewhat contentiously disallowed at 0-0, but the First Division side could have few complaints at the eventual outcome.

If the continuing presence of Robert Douglas in goal for Celtic had been well trailed by O’Neill, the inclusion of Juninho was more of a surprise. The Brazilian’s floating role behind a front two of Bellamy and Chris Sutton, in the absence of the suspended John Hartson, forced an immediate tactical rethink from Clyde manager Billy Reid. Having
initially lined up with a flat back four, Reid redeployed right-back Simon Mensing to a man-marking role on Juninho.

While Douglas survived his part in Celtic’s Old Firm defeat, Ulrik Laursen found himself relegated to the substitutes’ bench with Stephane Henchoz recalled on the right of a three man central defence as O’Neill tinkered with both his personnel and formation.

There was unquestionable evidence of nervousness among the Celtic ranks in the early stages from which their highly motivated opponents drew encouragement. The uncertainty was typified by Stilian Petrov’s unforced error which allowed Ian Harty to set up the first opening of the afternoon, former Rangers player Jimmy Gibson lacking the composure
necessary to capitalise as he shanked his first time shot wide of Douglas’ left hand post.

Celtic gradually began to dominate possession in the manner most would have expected of them, Bellamy’s pace troubling the reshaped Clyde defence. One burrowing run from the Welshman forced Bryn Halliwell into his first save of the tie, the home goalkeeper quickly having to follow it up with good stops to deny Sutton and Juninho as Celtic tried to
impose their authority on proceedings.

Just as it appeared they had exerted a grip on the game, however, referee Thomson delivered the decision which so incensed the Clyde supporters. A poor defensive header by Henchoz was pounced on by Bryson who hurdled Petrov’s attempt to foul him on the edge of the penalty area and strode on to drive a magnificent rising shot beyond Douglas’ left
hand into the roof of the net. Unfortunately for the teenager, the referee had failed to apply the advantage rule and called the play back for a free-kick against Petrov.

Although the set piece, sweetly curled around the defensive wall by Darren Sheridan, was touched onto the post and out for a corner kick by Douglas, it was scant consolation for Clyde who no doubt sensed they had been deprived of the moment which might just have given them a chance of causing an upset.

Their fears were realised five minutes before the interval when Celtic took a lead they were never likely to relinquish. Clyde, who had defended admirably until this point, failed to register the presence of Varga when Juninho whipped over a corner from the left and the giant Slovakian’s glancing near post header gave Halliwell no chance.

The tone for a far more assured and convincing second half display by Celtic was set by the lively return to first team action of Shaun Maloney who replaced Sutton on the resumption. Out for a year with a knee injury, the young Scot needed just two minutes to make an impact as he won the penalty-kick which allowed Celtic to double their lead. His
free-kick having been charged down by the Clyde wall, Maloney was fouled by Gary Arbuckle as he latched onto the rebound and surged into the area. In the absence of Sutton, Alan Thompson stepped up to convert
confidently from the spot.

Now infinitely more relaxed, Celtic proceeded to serve up some eye-catching football as they put an increasingly dispirited home team to the sword. Petrov, who had just struck the crossbar from distance, made it 3-0 on the hour when he beat Halliwell with a precise low shot after an excellent exchange of passes with Juninho.

Clyde’s hopes of keeping a sheen of respectability on the scoreline were sabotaged by their own negligence in defence, Varga literally walking the ball into the net from a couple of yards out when he was again unmarked in latching onto Thompson’s inswinging corner from the right. Celtic were required to work a little harder for their fifth goal, as
Bellamy opened his account for the club.

A slick move saw Juninho work himself into space on the right of the Clyde penalty-area, his low cross dummied by Maloney into the path of Bellamy who steered a right foot shot high beyond Halliwell’s left hand into the roof of the net from around 14 yards.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH : STAN VARGA

Clyde: Halliwell, Mensing, Balmer, Potter, Bollan; Arbuckle (Gilhaney
61), Gibson, Sheridan (Burns 61), Malone; Bryson (Jones 78), Harty. Subs
not used: Morrison, Wilson.

Celtic: Douglas, Henchoz, Balde, Varga; McNamara, Petrov (McGeady 70),
Lennon (Lambert 70), Thompson; Juninho; Bellamy, Sutton (Maloney 46).
Subs not used: Marshall, Laursen.

Referee: C Thomson.

Attendance: 8,200

Celtic v Rangers

 

Sunday 20th February 2005

 

Not good enough

 

Celtic’s five-year unbeaten home record against their Old Firm rivals came to an ignominious end this afternoon as goals from Gregory Vignal and Nacho Novo inflicted Martin O’Neill’s first derby defeat at Celtic Park.

Tomorrow’s newspapers are sure to report a tale of two goalkeepers, however, with the heroics of Rangers’ Ronald Waterreus in stark contrast to a performance from Rab Douglas that, while otherwise sound, will be forever remembered for one horrendous error.

It came in 71 minutes, when he shovelled a seemingly straightforward shot from Gregory Vignal into his own net, consigning Celtic to a defeat that, while unpalatable, could not be described as undeserved. 

For all the thrills and spills thrown up during the 90 minutes, there were no shocks or surprises on the pre-match teamsheets, which showed Craig Bellamy among three Old Firm debutants, with Aiden McGeady, as expected, the player at whose expense the new Bhoy started.   

Bellamy’s eagerness to make an impression was evident during a short delay that preceded Mike McCurry’s opening whistle, a period the Welshman initially spent darting around the pitch before eventually succumbing to the temptation to gaze, wide-eyed, at the sea of green-and-white scarves held aloft.

Odds on the Cardiff-born striker proving the hero had been short beforehand, and in four minutes he showed why, drifting out to the left to collect before exploding inside and curling in a right-foot shot that Wattereus gathered at the second attempt.

This was to set the tone for an opening half which, though territorially even, was dominated in terms of chances by the home side, for whom Chris Sutton had another decent chance soon after, one he hooked wide via a deflection.

Rangers were enjoying plenty of the play at this stage, but an inability to penetrate ensured that clutching a couple of crosses out of the air and rushing to boot clear from Nacho Novo remained the extent of Douglas’ early involvement.

Waterreus, on the other hand, was finding himself frequently called into making saves of genuine significance. His save from Bellamy on the quarter-hour mark may have owed more to the tame nature of the on-loan and clean-through striker’s shot than any brilliance on his part, but the same could not be said of the Dutchman’s denying of Hartson 10 minutes later.

A goal had appeared inevitable after Bellamy and Stilian Petrov combined to slip their team-mate through, but Waterreus was out quickly and stuck out a hand to keep out the big Welshman at point-blank range.

It had been a strange and not altogether satisfactory half for Celtic, with their only consolation that Rangers hadn’t created, or looked likely to create, any chances of real note.

This was all to change in the 10 minutes that followed the break, however. First, in 51 minutes, Vignal – whose most notable prior contribution had been the pushing of a ballboy – sliced wide when a pass to either Barry Ferguson or Dado Prso appeared a better option.

Then, just five minutes later, Prso - cutting in on a Thomas Buffel pass – forced a fine reflex save from Douglas, who could only beat away the Croatian’s effort.

Celtic, having started sluggishly, did briefly re-establish a grip on proceedings in the minutes which followed and, on 67 minutes, it again took an excellent save from Waterreus to keep the score blank after Hartson had controlled Thompson’s cross and smashed the ball towards goal.

Bellamy’s influence, meanwhile, was steadily diminishing, though he again found Waterreus in impressive form when, after a nice display of skill, he sent in a volley that the Dutchman was able to gather comfortably.

Then, with 19 minutes remaining, disaster. Vignal’s 30-yard shot was speculative and undoubtedly stoppable, but Douglas failed to position his body behind it and the ball squirmed through his hands on its way to nestling in the net.

It was a nightmarish moment for the big keeper, who – head in hands – was then forced to suffer the indignity of hearing his name chanted by the away support.

Yet Douglas was far from alone in disappointing during a dreadful second half for Celtic, one which saw Rangers play football that was of considerably superior quality.

Indeed, there could be no complaints when, on 82 minutes, their victory was secured, Nacho Novo racing through to lob Douglas after leaving Laursen spralling on the turf.

It brought to an end a match that would be best forgotten, but which will be difficult to erase from the memory.

Website Man of the Match: BOBO BALDE

CELTIC (4-4-2): Douglas; McNamara (McGeady 77), Balde, Varga, Laursen; Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson; Hartson, Bellamy
Subs: Marshall, Juninho, Wallace, Henchoz, Lambert 

RANGERS (4-3-3): Wattereus; Hutton, Andrews, Kyrgiakos, Ball (Rae 73); Ricksen, Ferguson, Vignal; Novo, Prso, Buffel
Subs: McGregor, Namouchi, Burke, Malcolm, Thompson, Lovenkrands

 

Dunfermline v Celtic

 

Sunday 06th February 2005

 

Celts stroll through to 1/4 finals

 

A FIRST-HALF goal blitz was enough to blow away Dunfermline’s Scottish Cup aspirations at East End Park today and send Celtic off on the next step on the road to Hampden.

A masterful performance, which included two goals in two minutes and a third strike just before the stroke of half-time, ended this tie as a contest and was enough to put Celtic in the hat for the quarter-final draw.

And with two of the strikes coming from John Hartson and the other from Chris Sutton, his sixth in six consecutive matches, you can guarantee that Martin O’Neill will have a few selection headaches when it comes to introducing new signing Craig Bellamy into the side.

In light of the synthetic East End Park surface, the manager opted to delay Bellamy’s Celtic debut but fellow new Bhoy Stephane Henchoz stepped into the right side of the defence in place of rested captain Jackie McNamara.

And the Swiss defender could hardly have wished for an easier debut as Celtic turned on the style in the first 45, limiting the home side’s opportunities completely and putting three goals beyond the hapless Stillie.

In fact it took Celtic just seven minutes to cut the Dunfermline defence in half for the first time and break the deadlock. Petrov and Thompson had built up the move in the midfield before the Bulgarian midfielder fed Sutton wide on the right. Celtic’s number nine latched on it perfectly and cut in along the byline before threading a simple and accurate pass across the six yard box to Hartson who slotted the ball home unchallenged.

The strike must rate among the simplest that the Welsh international has scored this season and two minutes later he almost took advantage of a far more difficult opportunity as he got on to a long ball into the box and showed strength and poise to hold off his marker and swivel and shoot on goal.

The ball rocketed past Stillie and hammered back off the post and into the middle of the box and much in the way that the home defence looked sluggish and slow to react to the through ball that set-up the first goal, the centre halves were again rooted to the spot as Sutton stepped forward to put the rebound into the back of an empty net.

The match looked to be all but over with just nine minutes on the clock, but the Celtic defence were still wary of Dunfermline’s rare forays forward, with Laursen cutting out one dangerous looking cross from the right that looked bound for the head of Nicholson. But the home team were largely frustrated and their play held around the fringes of the Celtic box by the running and covering of Petrov, Thompson and Lennon.

Then in the 21st minute English midfielder then got involved in Celtic’s next real attack as he stepped up to take a free kick some 30 yards out and curled the ball with his left foot, up and over the wall and down into Stillie’s bottom left hand corner. The effort was almost certainly goalbound until the former Aberdeen keeper got down at full stretch and touched the ball wide with his fingertips.

Eight minutes later and Stillie again frustrated Thompson after the number eight broke from the left and got himself on the end of a long ball out of defence. The shot was driven low at the near post but the keeper came out to block the shot and concede a corner and Celtic were now dominating the fixture completely.

This dominance looked to have demoralised the Pars and another goal, coming two minutes before half time, finally broke their spirit.

Laursen started the move with a ball out of defence and on to Sutton who flicked it on and through to John Hartson, who again showed outstanding composure and control when taking down the flick on and turning on the pass and rifling home from around eight yards out. The finish was emphatic and by this early stage in the game, so was the scoreline.

Stunned by the accuracy of Celtic’s attacks in the first 45 and undoubtedly frustrated by the lack of cutting edge to their attacks, Pars boss Davie Hay reshuffled his pack during the break with Darren Young being replaced by striker Noel Hunt and centre half Andy Tod moving up front as a target man.

Minutes later Wilson was withdrawn for another frontman, Georgi Hristov, and the move at least succeeded in adding fresh impetus to the home team’s attacks.

Celtic’s response to the changes was the introduction of Juninho for Alan Thompson and the continued build up of measured possession play and first Sutton then Petrov were almost put through by zipping low passes.

Stan Varga then came close to opening up the defence with a run from defence and you felt that, despite the near emphatic nature of the first half scoreline, that there could still be goals in this encounter.

And were it not for the heroics of Rab Douglas the first could have been for Dunfermline, until the keeper stretched across his line to touch away a header.

The attempt came within the midst of what could have been termed as a good spell for Dunfermline, although the Celtic defence were rarely worked beyond clearing up a succession of long balls that were launched down the right flank or into the area.

With the game practically won and just over ten minutes remaining Celtic utilised the last of their substitutions with Ross Wallace replacing Hartson and Juninho moving up front with Sutton. Paul Lambert also came on for Stilian Petrov and the changes gave Celtic a similar boost to the one felt by Dunfermline after their substitutions and Wallace looked particularly bright on the left, putting an excellent cross on the head of Sutton that was touched over the bar by Stillie.

Then with five minutes remaining Rab Douglas was called into action for only the second time in the match proper as he turned a Noel Hunt header up and on to the bar, but by this stage a large number of the home support were drifting away and both they and the team seemed resigned to their fate.

The crowd was a disappointing 8014, although the Celtic sections were close to capacity and the supporters in full song for the final whistle.

The only real shadow over the match in fact the was news that John Hartson would miss the next round through suspension after a soft second half booking and the Welshman will undoubtedly be missed as he ran Sutton close for today’s Man of the Match award.

Henchoz too will no doubt be pleased after a quiet game during which he showed that he was comfortable on the ball, strong on the tackle and good in the air – the hallmarks of all of Martin O’Neill’s defensive signings.

Celtic can now look toward tomorrow night’s draw, perhaps thankful that they have paid their final visit to Dunfermline’s plastic pitch this season.

Website Man of the Match: Chris Sutton.

DUNFERMLINE (5-3-2) Stillie; Ross, Tod, Skerla, Wilson (Hristov), Thomson; Mason, Young (Hunt), Makel; Nicholson, Christiansen.
Subs: Langfield, Donnelly, Campbell.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Douglas; Henchoz, Balde, Varga, Laursen; McGeady, Lennon, Petrov (Lambert), Thompson (Juninho); Sutton, Hartson (Wallace).
Subs: Marshall, McManus.

 

Kilmarnock v Celtic

 

Sunday 31st January 2005

 

Hoops back on top

 

CHRIS SUTTON continued his rich vein of goalscoring form to drive home the only goal of the game against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park today.

The strike from the penalty spot was Sutton’s fifth in consecutive matches and enough to put Celtic back at the top of the table after an entertaining encounter on the West Coast.

A crowd of just under 10,000 gathered in a bitterly cold Rugby Park for what was a must-win fixture for the Bhoys and one which maintained their three point advantage over Rangers in the title race.

Midfielder Stilian Petrov had commented in this week’s Celtic View that he felt injury free for the first time this season and today started the game determined to build on last week’s man of the match winning performance.

It took just two minutes before the Bulgarian midfielder announced his intent with a beautiful turn on the ball which took him past three men, before driving in Celtic’s first shot on goal that fizzed harmlessly wide of the post.

Also in the build up to the game speculation over the future of Bobo Balde appeared to be on the verge of developing into hard fact and the big defender almost signed off with a goal in what has been alleged could be his last game for the club. But having done well to make room at the back post and get on to the end of a long ball, he was only able to head over.

Petrov was again involved in the eighth minute, taking the ball comfortably in the middle of the park before swivelling quickly and firing it out to Alan Thompson who drove a pass in from the left which was headed over by Sutton.

But Kilmarnock, playing with three up front, appeared determined to open the scoring also and Milk Cup top scorer Steven Naismith had the ball in the back of the net bin the 11th minute after driving home a ball that fell loose at the back post after a Peter Leven corner, but the ball had clearly gone out before being cut back for the Killie youngster.

The effort sparked the match into life and what followed was a 20 minute period in which each side drove at each other and play ebbed back and forth between each team.

First Hartson fired over in the 14th minute and then 60 seconds later Lilley headed wide for the home team. The Welshman again came close to diverting goalward a Petrov effort,  but Celtic’s first clear cut chance fell to Sutton in the 19th.

The move was made by Thompson who played a beautiful ball in behind the Killie defence for Sutton, but his effort was easily taken by Alan Combe in the Killie goal and the number 9 looked disappointed with his effort.

The ball was then sent up the park by Combe and then followed some concern in the Celtic box after Douglas fumbled a corner,  but minutes later Celtic again came close after Sutton did well to take the ball from Lennon inside the box and shield it before rolling it across goal and into the path of Petrov who fired wide.

Thompson looked more at home on the left of O’Neill’s midfield and Stilian Petrov’s game looks to have benefited from the shift into the middle as both players were exerting their authority.

The Englishman was adding to Celtic’s attacking options, playing a good ball into the box for Sutton who won the corner. The set piece resulted in another corner, which was swept in again by Thommo and glanced wide by the head of Sutton.

The first half was one that had swung almost evenly up until this point, but Celtic then began to assert their authority in the latter 15 minutes, although Kilmarnock had looked to be a danger on the break and the match as a spectacle had benefited greatly from a side willing to play with three forwards and take the play to Celtic.

But despite their earlier attacking enthusiasm Killie found themselves behind to a Chris Sutton penalty in the 37th minute following a lapse of discipline. First Naismith involved himself in a slight tussle with Lennon after catching the Celtic midfielder with two late challenges.

The resulting free kick was played into the box from the left where, inexplicably, experienced centre half rose above the pack and handled, leaving referee Ian Brines no choice but to point to the spot.

However Sutton displayed real composure to step up and slot the ball low into Combe’s left hand corner for the opener and his fifth strike in five consecutive matches.

But unbowed by Celtic’s success the home side started the second half brightly and left back Garry Hay first fired over from outside the box and then Naismith caused concern with a run onto a through ball that Rab Douglas came out to clear.

Celtic’s response to the attack was immediate and first Hartson drove through on goal before the ball got caught up beneath his feet and moments later the Welshman was shaping to shoot after a lovely one-two with Chris Sutton but the linesman’s flag was quickly raised.

First Celtic’s Stilian Petrov and John Hartson and then Killie’s Gary MacDonald all entered Brines’ book for fouls and this match appeared to have lost little of its spark during the half time breather.

But between the cards the attacks continued and Celtic and Kilmarnock each threatened without producing clear cut shots on target.

Then in the 65th minute it was Celtic’s turn to have a goal disallowed after a Hartson header was denied after the referee spotted a push inside the box. But at this stage there certainly appeared to be more goals in the encounter.

A set piece from Petrov led to a corner and from the set piece Thompson found himself clear on the edge of the area but, having taken the time to switch on to his stronger left foot, found his options narrowed and his effort blocked.

McGeady was then withdrawn for Henri Camara and the Irishman had acquitted himself well in the match, but if the move was designed to inject pace into the Celtic attack O’Neill succeeded with the Senegalese striker immediately running at and behind the Killie defence.

He then found himself with an opportunity inside the area after picking up a short corner, but unfortunately produced a comic cuts moment as he swung and missed the ball completely, much to the amusement of the home support.

But that laughter was rapidly turning into frustration as Kilmarnock failed to build on their early promise and their early threat appeared to have been extinguished. By the end of the match Jim Jeffries had changed all three of his front men, but the threat appeared was nullified as the game wore on particularly after the withdrawal of Naismith.

But as Celtic have discovered in recent months, a one goal lead can inspire last minute nerves among the supporters and this was most evident when substitute Gary Wales had a weak penalty claim waved away with six minutes remaining.

The ball was not cleared and as play swung back and forth across the Celtic area the supporters were clearly concerned that Kilmarnock may steal a last minute winner, but this was not to be and Hartson eventually wasted a glorious opportunity to give Celtic the conclusive winner.

With one minute of normal time remaining Hartson found himself through on goal with just Combe to beat but his shot, lifted over the keeper, rebounded back off the bar again to the amusement of the home support.

But the miss had little bearing on the game and the last laugh belonged to the visitors as the game finished 1-0 to Celtic.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Alan Thompson

KILMARNOCK (4-3-3) Combe; Ford, Lilley, Fontaine, Hay; Locke, MacDonald, Leven ; Invincible (Wales), Boyd (Nish), Naismith (Johnston).
Subs: Smith, Fowler, Murray, Dodds.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Douglas; McNamara, Balde, Varga, Laursen; McGeady (Camara), Petrov, Lennon, Thompson; Sutton, Hartson.
Subs: Marshall, Juninho, Lambert, Wallace, Lawson, McManus.

 

Celtic v Motherwell

 

Saturday 22nd January 2005

 

Celts move six clear (for 24hrs at least)

 

Getting the job done again proved the order of the day as Celtic turned up the heat on their Old Firm rivals with a drab but ultimately deserved 2-0 victory over Motherwell.

Goals from Chris Sutton and the excellent Stilian Petrov were enough to settle this largely pedestrian encounter, and Rangers will now travel to Pittodrie tomorrow knowing that the pressure is on to partially bridge a gap that, after today, stands at six points.

With Celtic Park a little fuller, though certainly no louder, than it has generally been of late, O’Neill’s side – without Juninho and Stephen McManus, omitted to accommodate the return of Messrs. Thompson and Varga – began at a sprightly pace, probing for openings from the off.

The first took just five minutes to be created, when Petrov’s cross was knocked down intelligently by Sutton into the path of Aiden McGeady, whose shot scraped against the studs of Paul Quinn on its way wide.

Yet Motherwell, full of endeavour and youthful enthusiasm, were soon giving as good as they were receiving and, with the pace of the match having dropped, it was the Lanarkshire side who were soon carving out chances of their own.

Scott McDonald had their first, latching on to a clever quick corner from the returning Kevin McBride and, with the Celtic defence slow to close down, rifling in a low shot that was just inches away from giving Rab Douglas a serious problem at his near post.

Soon after, McBride himself was just off target with a speculative looping volley that could have stolen the headlines, but was instead sliced wide of Douglas’ left-hand post.

At the other end, meanwhile, Celtic were beginning to toil, although they should really have taken the lead on 23 minutes when John Hartson showed admirable agility to slide the ball through, while grounded, to his on-rushing strike partner. While a goal looked the most likely outcome, Sutton’s shot was too straight, Marshall’s reflexes too sound, and so the net remained unruffled.

At this stage, and with the game having died, it was difficult to see where a breakthrough was going to come from, with Celtic’s less-than-lightning-quick front players dependant on crosses that simply weren’t arriving

Yet, on 32 minutes, one arrived out of nothing. A fine goal it was too, converted after a slick one-touch move ended with Sutton releasing the only Hoops player capable of breaking beyond the strikers, Petrov. 

The Bulgarian, for his part, took a sound first touch before stepping inside a Motherwell defender and rifling a low shot that skidded under the hands of Marshall and into the net.

Celtic, having not played at anything like their best, now had the all-important advantage and, while they rarely excelled in the 68 minutes that followed, neither did the points ever appear in any real danger.

There was, however, always the nagging realisation that one further goal was required to make absolutely sure of victory and, 12 minutes into the second half, Sutton provided it.

Alan Thompson, flitting between the left and the centre of midfield, laid it on with a superb through ball, and the former Chelsea striker - realising he lacked the pace to burst directly through - cut across the covering Quinn and curled a superb shot inside the far post.

That put the outcome beyond any serious doubt, and it was evident in the period that followed that it also served to relax Celtic, who were by now playing their best football of a generally forgettable match.

Indeed, Hartson, who was replaced soon after by Juninho, came close to bagging the pick of the Hoops’ goals, firing millimetres wide of the far post with his left foot after superb, incisive passes from first Lennon and then Petrov had served to carve open the Well defence.

Celtic’s mission had already been accomplished, though, and all eyes will now turn to Pittodrie to see whether Aberdeen can succeed against Rangers where they failed last week.

Website Man of the Match: STILIAN PETROV

CELTIC (4-4-2): Douglas; McNamara, Balde, Varga, Laursen; Petrov, Lennon, Thompson; McGeady (Camara 77); Sutton, Hartson (Juninho 72)
Subs: Marshall, McManus, Wallace, Lawson, Lambert
 

MOTHERWELL (4-4-2): Marshall; Corrigan, Quinn, Craigan, Hammell; Foran (Wright 86), McBride, Partridge, Patterson; Clarkson (Fagan 70)
Subs: Corr, Kinniburgh, Higgins, Keogh

 

 

Aberdeen v Celtic

 

Sunday 16th January 2005

 

Sutton fires Celts back to top

 

A DEFLECTED goal by Chris Sutton was enough to see Celtic re-establish a three point lead at the top of the SPL today at Pittodrie.

The English striker was on target for the 11th time this season as Celtic took all points in a signficant fixture and went avenged some the 3-2 home defeat in the side's last meeting.

As the Celtic injury list has continued to mount Juninho was brought into the starting line-up for the first time since the League Cup defeat by Rangers at Ibrox and Stephen McManus also made his comeback from the freak knee injury inflicted by the advertising hoardings at Almondvale three months ago. 

Aberdeen were meanwhile aiming to reinforce their reputation as a revitalised side under manager Jimmy Calderwood and entered the game confident of taking points from Celtic, but despite the pre-match build up this encounter showed few signs of developing into a classic in the first 45 minutes.

With Juninho and Aiden McGeady make a rare appearance in the midfield together some attacking flair may have been expected from the Parkhead side and it was the young Irish international who inspired Celtic’s first opportunity in the seventh minute.

The 18 year old picked up a loose ball at half way line and broke unchallenged to the edge of the box before feeding John Hartson wide on the right. The Welshman lifted the ball into the path of Juninho who had broken into the box and got the faintest of touches to put the ball past Ryan Esson and narrowly wide of his left hand post.

Hartson was again involved six minutes later, showing great close control when taking the ball 40 yards out before bearing down on the box and pushing the ball out wide to Sutton whose drive was blocked for a Celtic corner. Celtic then forced two corners in quick succession but did not take advantage of the set piece opportunities.

With 16 minutes played the pitch was already chopping up around the box and several players were finding difficulty keeping their feet on a heavy surface showing all the wear and tear of the games played here by the Dons and Inverness Caley Thistle this season.

A series of fouls were also breaking up play and a few eyebrows were raised as first Bobo Balde and then McManus volunteered their services as free kick specialists. Balde’s effort powered off the Aberdeen wall and McManus’s went high over the bar and it is unlikely that Alan Thompson will find himself alleviated of those responsibilities when he returns from suspension.

After 23 minutes however Celtic took the lead after enjoying the lion’s share of possession. It was Hartson who picked the ball up and played it to Stilian Petrov who in turn rolled it across the box. The pass somehow slipped beyond an outstretched McNaughton and through to Chris Sutton who took a touch before curling the ball goal ward. But McNaughton got in the way and the shot deflected past Esson and low into the bottom left hand corner.

The goal was deserved and Aberdeen meanwhile had been restricted in their attempts with their first shot on target coming in the 27th minute in the shape of a weak long range effort from Mackie that was easily taken by Rab Douglas. A shot by Heikkinen minutes later was well blocked by a sliding Stephen McManus and Celtic looked comfortable at the back with Ulrik Laursen once again standing out with a solid performance.

Aside from Sutton’s goal there had been little to warm the fans during this encounter until Laursen embarked on a great run from ten yards inside own half before playing a one-two with Sutton. The big Dane then broke into the box, but just as the central defendershifted his weight to switch back onto his stronger left foot he was caught by Russell Anderson and lost his footing. Sutton then followed up driving the ball at goal where it was cleared off the line by Diamond.

Jimmy Calderwood himself admitted after the game that the foul had been worthy of a penalty and Laursen, who had pushed forward throughout the game, can consider himself genuinely hard done by.

The game restarted in much the same vein as the first half with Celtic keeping the majority of possession and Calderwood made a double substitution in the 53rd minute with new signing Jamie Winter stepping in for Phil McGuire and Steve Tosh coming on for Adams in the centre of the park.

But the game continued to be a scrappy encounter, stalled occasionally by petty fouls and marked by the surrendering of possession and it was not until the 61st minute that Clark caused real concern for the Celtic defence.

Mackie fed the ball through to the Aberdeen midfielder who was clear to hit the ball first time from around nine yards out but opted to take a touch and get the ball on to his stronger foot. The teenager eventually did shape and shoot but when he did found Laursen in his path. The Aberdeen support were crying out for a penalty, but the ball clearly struck the Dane’s shoulder and the referee waved away the half hearted appeals of the players.

Although there had been little need for the referee to even warn players in the first half, some were now showing their frustration and a series of fouls ensued until McNamara became the first player to see yellow. Seconds later Anderson entered the book for a chopping foul on McGeady.

Celtic’s opportunities had been limited in this half to two, one a squandered run and cross by Juninho and the other a half chance by Sutton inside the box, but they mainly found themselves defending in numbers as Aberdeen enjoyed a spell of possession. The Celtic support again called for a penalty after Balde looked to have been caught in mid stride but Clark again waved away appeals, perhaps this time with more justification than in the earlier case of Laursen.

It also transpired that Pittodrie was not to be the stage where Juninho would reignite his Celtic career and despite his endeavour the little Brazilian had little influence in the second half and was withdrawn for Camara with 19 minutes remaining.

Perhaps still haunted by the memory of the last minute winner in the last game against Aberdeen, Celtic looked decidedly cagey in the closing ten minutes and Heikkinen stretched and almost got a foot to a hopeful through ball in the dying minutes. But Aberdeen's extreme lack of firepower up front posed Celtic few threats during the game, despite moments of imaginative play in midfield.

McGeady had time to hammer the ball over the bar before being withdrawn for Ross Wallce, but with three minutes of added time to be played it was too much to expect the young winger to make any significant impact.

When the final whistle did blow it was a blessed relief for the supporters and players alike. The result, which reinstalled Celtic’s three point lead at the top of the table, was what had mattered to both and the cheer that rose up from the large travelling support in particular was one made in the knowledge that another potentially dangerous hurdle had been completed succesfully.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Chris Sutton.

ABERDEEN (3-5-2) Esson; Anderson, McGuire (Winter), Diamond; McNaughton, Heikkinen, Adams (Tosh), Hart, Clark (Kristjansson); Whelan, Mackie.
Subs: Ilic, Stewart, Foster, O'Leary.
 

CELTIC (4-4-2) Douglas; McNamara, Balde, Laursen, McManus; Petrov, Juninho (Camara), Lennon, McGeady; Sutton, Hartson.
Subs: Marshall, Lambert, Wallace, Lawson.

The burly strike duo of John Hartson and Chris Sutton again proved that they're worth their considerable weight in gold as Celtic advanced to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup with a deserved victory over their oldest rivals.

It was hardly a classic Old Firm derby, but there was no questioning that Martin O’Neill’s side enjoyed the best of a scruffy match that preserved the Irishman’s unbeaten record against Rangers at Celtic Park. 

Hartson and Sutton also re-affirmed that they’re not necessarily too similar to decide even the most significant of matches by combining to fashion out of nothing the game’s all-important goals, and in doing so strengthen the Hoops’ grip on the Scottish Cup. 

It wasn’t all plain sailing, though, and even with the ever-reliable Jackie McNamara holding midfield in Neil Lennon’s absence, the absence of the former Leicester man was painfully evident, particularly during some fraught early exchanges that Rangers dominated. 

True, clear-cut chances were conspicuous by their absence, but there was nevertheless enough evidence of slackness in Celtic’s play – such as when Dado Prso nearly snuck in on a suicidal defensive pass from Alan Thompson – to give plenty cause for concern.

O’Neill’s side improved with every passing minute, though, and were soon registering efforts of their own, the first of which saw Stilian Petrov pounce on Marvin Andrews’ half-clearance to test Stefan Klos at his near post with a well struck left-foot volley. 

Four minutes later, John Hartson leaped highest to meet a deep, lofted cross from Thompson and, when Klos could only parry, Andrews had to dash frantically across to scramble the ball behind.

Rangers, faced with a sustained period of Celtic pressure, were growing increasingly desperate in their attempts to keep their hosts at bay, and it was little short of a miracle that Klos survived on the half-hour when a left-footed cross from McGeady resulted in an goalmouth stramash in which both Sutton and Hartson very nearly scored.

The German would not be so fortunate when the Hoops next threatened. Route one it most certainly was, but there was no quibbling with the skill and agility shown by Chris Sutton in launching himself forward to knock the ball through Klos’ legs after Hartson had flicked on Rab Douglas’ long punt forward.

It was a lead of which Celtic were entirely worthy and, with Rangers having offered precious little in the first half other than some early promise, it was difficult to envisage how they could possibly claw themselves back into this match.

As it was, the Ibrox side benefited after the restart from the same kind of sluggishness evident in the early stages of the first half, with Alan Hutton allowed time and space to maraud unchecked down the right and supply a pinpoint cross for Ricksen to plant a firm and precise header just inside Douglas’ right-hand post.

Rangers, having looked down and out, could hardly believe their luck, and the goal proved the signal for Alex McLeish’s side to retreat to their own half and attempt to weather the inevitable storm of Celtic attacks.

It was a dangerous tactic and one that twice nearly saw them come unstuck in the 10 minutes that followed, first when Khizanishvili’s acrobatic goal-line clearance spared Klos the indignity of putting through his own goal, then when Ricksen popped up to block Sutton’s goalbound header at the near post.

And yet the game, and the atmosphere, fell distinctly flat during the middle part of the second half, a period during which both sides gave the impression of settling for a replay.

Fortunately, with Celtic at least, it was an impression that proved to be misleading.

Their desire for victory remained unquenched and, with 13 minutes remaining, they claimed their just reward.

Agathe, remarkably energetic on his comeback from injury, raced forward on to a superb, incisive pass from Jackie McNamara, and after Sutton applied the subtlest of flicks to the Frenchman’s cross, Hartson - gambling on his strike partner getting a touch – nipped in to knock a deflected left-foot shot beyond the helpless Klos.

Celtic Park erupted to greet a goal that was nothing if not merited, and Petrov could have removed any lingering doubt from the equation when, following some superb approach play by Sutton, he curled in a low shot that required a solid save from Rangers’ German keeper.

The closing minutes weren’t without their nervy moments, however, with Douglas called upon to make a superb save after Prso’s volley had taken a wicked deflection off the heel of Nacho Novo.

Thomas Buffel also passed up a glorious chance to become a debut hero, lobbing wide when it appeared easier to score, but another Rangers equaliser would have been hard on a Celtic side that, while not at their best, had certainly done enough to earn their place in the fourth round draw.

Website Man of the Match: CHRIS SUTTON

CELTIC (4-4-2): Douglas; Agathe, Balde, Varga, Laursen; Petrov, McNamara, Thompson, McGeady (Camara 85); Hartson, Sutton
Subs: Marshall, Juninho, Lambert, Wallace
RANGERS (4-5-1): Klos; Hutton, Andrews, Khizanishvili; Vignal; Novo, Rae, Namouchi (Thompson 79), Ricksen, Djordic (Buffel 68); Prso
Subs: McGregor, Malcolm, Ball