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.