Match reports 2005

Newcastle United v Celtic

Thursday 09th 2006

Over 52,000 fans pay tribute to Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer's

Testimonial Match

Alan Shearer's

Testimonial Match

CELTIC’S final match of season 2005-2006 ended in defeat as over 52,000 fans gathered to pay homage to Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

Shaun Maloney and John Hartson had cancelled out Albert Luque’s opener before Newcastle rallied to give Shearer the perfect send-off on an emotional night at St James’ Park.

Special guest Les Ferdinand had a hand in the equaliser before the injured Shearer climbed off the bench to slot a spot-kick past David Marshall for his last-ever goal in the legendary No.9 shirt.

Statistics can sometimes distort a player’s true contribution to a football club, but not in the case of Shearer. 206 goals in 404 appearances is exceptional by anyone’s standards and while trophies may have eluded him during his 10 years at St James’ Park, he has had no such trouble finding the net.

If Shearer stood for Mayor of Newcastle tomorrow, he would win by a landslide, such is his popularity in the city. Virtually every Newcastle fan inside the stadium sported the famous black and white top, with ‘Shearer’ emblazoned on the back.

A stunning card display prior to kick-off added to the spectacle, while the ‘9’ etched out on the perfect pitch was another fitting gesture on a night when injury deprived Shearer of the chance to play in his own testimonial.

After hobbling on to kick-off the match, the 35-year-old retired to the dugout as the match started tentatively. Michael Chopra has replaced Shearer in the first minute and he broke clear down the left flank after eight minutes but Stan Varga dealt comfortably with his attempted cutback.

Chances were scarce but Newcastle almost grabbed the opener in 17 minutes. Charles N’Zogbia’s wicked delivery found Chopra and, with Marshall beaten, Dion Dublin had to strain every sinew in his right leg to clear the danger.

Moments later at the other end, Celtic’s English striker was unlucky with an audacious effort from 30 yards, which took a deflection as it crept over Shay Given’s bar.

Stephen McManus, who had earlier diverted an N’Zogbia strike narrowly past Marshall’s right-hand post, was next to try his luck for the Hoops, but his header from Alan Thompson’s set-piece looped onto the roof of the net.

Shearer had promised a number of surprises for his match and one of those arrived in the shape of former Magpies favourite Gary Speed. The Welshman had only been on the pitch for a few seconds when he was presented with a glorious chance, but his lack of sharpness showed as a lobbed a weak effort into Marshall’s hands.

Newcastle’s teenage winger N’Zogbia impressed for Glenn Roeder’s side and his swerving 30-yard drive look destined for the top corner until Marshall stuck out a hand and somehow tipped the shot over the bar as the first period drew to a close.

After the usual raft of half-time substitutions on occasions like this, Celtic has the first chance of the second period. Maloney’s angled drive was deflected for a corner and Varga flashed a downwards header past the post.

The performance of Charlie Mulgrew at left-back will have been a major plus point for Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and the youngster almost conjured up a sensational opener in the 54th minute. After Petrov had been fouled 30 yards out, Mulgrew stepped up to curl a free-kick round the wall and only a fine fingertip save from Steve Harper denied him.

But Newcastle were clearly determined to take the scalp of the Scottish Champions and Marshall pulled off a stunning reflex stop to thwart Matthew Pattison in the 60th minute.

With Artur Boruc in fine form throughout this title-winning season, Marshall has had to endure a frustrating campaign. But the big goalkeeper looked confident throughout and can be satisfied with his performance.

However, Marshall could do nothing about Luque’s opener. Peter Ramage cut inside on Newcastle’s right-hand side and floated over an inch-perfect cross for the Spaniard, who smashed a volley into the roof of the net.

While Shearer is undoubtedly King in the eyes of Newcastle fans, Les Ferdinand is another man afforded hero status in these parts and his introduction almost blew the roof of St James’ Park.

In their heyday during the 1990s, Shearer and ‘Sir Les’ were a fearsome combination and, in typical fashion, Ferdinand’s first touch was a towering header towards goal.

By Strachan’s own admission, Paul Lawson has been unfortunate not to feature more for the first team this term and it was his vision that led to the equaliser in 78 minutes.

Lawson’s raking crossfield pass found the feet of Maloney, who was pole-axed as he was about to shoot. As expected, Scotland’s Player of the Year struck the spot-kick into the top corner.

Four minutes later, the Celts were ahead. A series of passes created space for Mark Wilson on the right and his cross was guided into the bottom corner from 12 yards by Hartson.

Despite having played three games in five games, Celtic finished on the ascendancy and Pearson almost added a third after a lung-busting run.

However, there was no way Shearer’s illustrious career was going to finish with a defeat and a fitting fairytale finish ensued. After Ferdinand’s low cross had been diverted into the net by Lawson for the equaliser, Adam Virgo was penalised for a penalty-box barge on Chopra in the final minute.

It was left to Shearer, the Premiership’s all-time top goalscorer, to complete his career by doing what he does best and firing the spot-kick into the net.

TV duo Ant and Dec rounded of proceedings with a host of presentations as an emotional Shearer thanked the crowd for their support over the last 10 years. As a lifelong Newcastle fan, he has, by his own admission, “lived the dream”.

NEWCASTLE UNITED XI (4-4-2) Given (Harper 45); Carr (Ramage 45), Bramble (Elliott 45), Boumsong, Babayaro (Taylor 45); Watson (Faye 31, Lee 66) Clark (Speed 34), Emre (Luque), N’Zogbia (Pattison); Shearer (Chopra 1), Ameobi (Ferdinand 70).
CELTIC (4-4-2) Marshall; Wilson (Virgo 86), Varga, McManus, Mulgrew (Camara 75); Maloney (Quinn 79), Lennon (Lawson 45), Petrov (Wallace 68), Thompson (Pearson 45); Dublin (Hartson 45), Zurawski (Telfer 45)
Subs: Boruc

Manchester United v Celtic

Tuesday 09th 2006

Just under 70 thousand turn up for the main man

IT WAS a fitting tribute to one of the modern game’s greatest talents, celebrated by the 65,691 supporters who undoubtedly appreciated him most.

The attendance at Roy Keane’s testimonial match on Tuesday May 8 set a new Old Trafford record and the constant noise and support that rang out from both the Manchester United and Celtic supporters created an unforgettable atmosphere.

An official figure of 25,000 Celtic supporters made up that number, the Hoops almost covered Manchester city centre throughout the day and it is sometimes events such as these that show the true passion and size of the football club.

The match in itself was a largely forgettable contest, ending in a 1-0 win for the home side. It did however serve up a number of thrills in the first half and the testimonial man was himself to play a match-winning role.

Keane started the game in Celtic colours, walking out to a guard of honour comprising of his current and former team mates, both of whom were to set a surprising pace in the first 45 minutes.

It is worth bearing in mind that both sides had finished their respective league campaigns just over 48 hours earlier, although there was little sign of tiredness in the legs of Luis Saha as he took advantage of a slack pass by Stilian Petrov, jinked past Stan Varga into the box and fired his shot straight at Artur Boruc.

This trend continued with Ryan Giggs squandering a chance and then teenage striker Giuseppe Rossi forcing a good save from Celtic’s Polish stopper, all in the opening ten minutes.

Boruc’s compatriot Maciej Zurawski had fired in Celtic’s only real attempt from distance until the 16th minute, when Shaun Maloney curled in a free-kick from the left that was batted away at full-stretch by Tim Howard.

Three minutes later Roy Keane, to the delight of all four stands, fired in a long-range effort that sailed over the crossbar and by this stage Celtic had found their rhythm and were creating opportunities of their own.

The next came in the 26th minute, with Keane threading through a ball for Zurawski, that was perhaps just a yard too quick for the striker and he was denied by the onrushing Howard.

As half-time approached play eventually began to lull and in the remaining ten minutes the home side enjoyed the two best chances. First Boruc spilled a Giggs shot in front of goal and then a beautifully disguised pass from Ronaldo putting through Richardson who slipped, but still found Giggs at the back post who fired wide from an acute angle.

Given the energy that was expended in the first half, both managers made a number of changes during the interval, the most prominent of which was the swapping sides of Roy Keane.

The Celtic midfielder emerged to another roar from both the home and away supporters, this time sporting the familiar red of United and his influence was almost immediate as he put through Cristiano Ronaldo for what was the goal of the game.

It was a beautifully weighted pass through the middle from Keane, almost identical to the one played in the first half to put through Zurawski, only Ronaldo got to the ball and stroked it past Boruc from 15 yards.

In the lead-up to the goal Ronaldo had enjoyed another chance, with his close-range volley well-saved by Boruc and later he was denied what appeared to be denied a fair shout for a penalty, after colliding with Mark Wilson.

At the opposite end, with 24 minutes remaining in the game, Dion Dublin came close to levelling the score against his former club, but saw his header from an Alan Thompson cross touched on to the crossbar by Edwin van der Sar.

Dublin enjoyed another opportunity after Stephen Pearson had shown great determination to break beyond Gary Neville and cut his pass back from the byline to the big striker’s feet. But the 36 year-old leaned back and sclaffed his shot well wide of target and so ended Celtic’s last real chance of the game.

Dublin did however make amends in the final minute of the match, popping up on the Celtic goal line with 40 seconds to spare to clear a goalbound Gary Neville shot, after the defender had been teed-up by Keane.

The score after 90 minutes stood at 1-0 to United and afterwards, as the chant of ‘there’s only one Keano’ rang out around the stadium, the man of the evening thanked the supporters for a night that he said he would remember for the rest of his life.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Roy Keane

MAN UTD (4-4-2) Howard (Van der Sar 46); Brown (Lee 74), Vidic, Ferdinand (Keane 46), Evra (Neville 46); Ronaldo (O’Shea 85), Giggs, Pique (Silvestre 46), Richardson (Campbell 74); Rossi (Solksjaer 46), Saha (Scholes 46).
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer (Mulgrew 74), Varga, McManus, Wilson; Petrov (Quinn 84), Keane (Pearson 46), Lennon, Maloney (Thompson 46); Zurawski, Hartson (Dublin 46).
Subs: Marshall, Camara, Virgo, Wallace, Lawson.

Aberdeen v Celtic

Sunday 07th May 2006

Two goal lead thrown away

CELTIC’S final match of the Scottish Premier League season ended in stalemate at Pittodrie, with the players throwing away a two-goal lead en route to a 2-2 draw.

John Hartson and Shaun Maloney gave Celtic that lead, but this was later cancelled out by John Stewart’s late double for the Dons.

Having strolled their way through their past five matches since clinching the 2005/06 SPL title, Celtic travelled to Pittodrie with the finishing line in sight and determined to sign-off this double-winning campaign with a victory.

Gordon Strachan also used this final match to introduce several young players to the first team squad, handing defender Darren O’Dea, striker Rocco Quinn and in-form Under-19 team striker, Paul McGowan places on the bench.

But it was an old hand that opened the scoring for Celtic in this match, with striker John Hartson grabbing his 20th goal of the season with just five minutes played.
It was a sweeping move up the park which presented the visiting team with the opportunity, with the ball played in to the feet of Aiden McGeady on the left-hand edge of the penalty box.

With bodies around him the young winger did well to spin on the ball, look up and lift in a powerful curling shot from some 27 yards out which beat Ryan Esson and rattled back off the underside of the bar.

The loose ball broke in front of goal, sitting up perfectly for Hartson who nodded it in over the line for the early opener.

In the wake of this early goal neither side succeeded in seizing the initiative, although Celtic enjoyed the majority of possession.

The best chances of this lacklustre half were to fall however for Aberdeen and a Richard Foster ball in from the right dropped inches beyond the toe of Crawford and then minutes later, Darren Mackie spun into space on the edge of the box and fired in a shot that went over the bar.

In the 33rd minute midfielder Barry Nicholson then dropped in a free kick from near the halfway line which almost found the run of Andrew Considine at the back post and a clever ball in behind the Celtic back-four four minutes from half-time allowed Stevie Crawford to bring out an excellent diving save from David Marshall.

In the immediate wake of this opportunity Stephen Pearson was denied in front of goal by an outstanding sliding challenge from Kyle MacAulay, but the half ended with Celtic a goal ahead.

Aberdeen again enjoyed two decent chances immediately after the restart with a header by Crawford punched over the bar by Marshall in 55 minutes and a shot from Gary Dempsey, which looked to be goalbound, deflected away from goal by the back of Richie Byrne.

But it was immediately after this chance that Celtic grabbed their second of the afternoon, with Shaun Maloney latching on to a Stephen McManus clearance from his own six-yard box.

The ball was sent long, up the left flank, into the path of Maloney, whose first touch left the covering defender trailing in his wake and took him through on goal.

The 23-year-old was still some 25 yards out when he looked up and prepared to shoot, and his low drive left Esson without a prayer and doubled Celtic’s lead.

With half an hour remaining and little, but pride, for either side to play for, some may have expected that the life would be drained from this match, much as it was in the midweek meeting with Kilmarnock.

But it was to Aberdeen and in particular, substitute John Stewart’s credit that they hauled themselves back into the match and succeeded in drawing level.

The teenager’s first goal came through a defensive error by Celtic and he did well to beat the offside trap and race through on goal to beat Marshall in the 79th minute.
And after this opener all it took was three minutes before Stewart grabbed the Dons' second, this time turning a Darren Mackie cross over the line from six yards out.

In the wake of the goal, Gordon Strachan introduced the more experienced Adam Virgo and Mark Wilson in attempt to steady the ship.

This move succeeded in that Aberdeen were now largely contained and Stephen Pearson did enjoy two chances, first sending a tame shot at Esson after being put through by Stan Varga and then arriving a second too late to take advantage of some brave play and a cut-back by Virgo.

Paul Telfer also saw a late effort deflected away from goal off the side of Shaun Maloney, but the score was destined to remain at 2-2.

After an early conclusion to the league title race in the April 5 game against Hearts, this 2005/2006 ‘ended’ as a contest over a month ago and the games since have hardly been thrilling.

But after this final match the Celtic players will now have a chance to enjoy their season’s successes and look forward to the next league campaign.

ABERDEEN (4-4-2): Esson; Griffin (Stewart 46), McNaughton, Considine, Byrne; Foster, Nicholson, Dempsey (Donald 74), MacAulay; Crawford (Maguire 66), Mackie.
Subs: Langfield, Skinner, Thomas.
CELTIC (4-4-2): Marshall; Telfer, Varga, McManus, Camara; McGeady (Wilson 76), Lawson, Pearson, Thompson; Hartson (Virgo 76), Maloney.
Subs: Boruc, Dublin, Quinn, O’Dea, McGowan.

Celtic v Kilmarnock

Wednesday 03rd 2006

Final SPL home win for Champions

THE SCOTTISH champions bowed out with a win in their final home match of the season, with Maciej Zurawski and Stan Varga’s strikes sealing the victory over Kilmarnock.

The Pole’s 55th minute opener was followed by Varga’s header in 63 minutes as Celtic bid a fitting farewell to the home support in this penultimate game of the 2005/06 campaign.

In truth, this match smacked of an end of season affair, with Celtic playing at a canter and Kilmarnock failing to genuinely test a team who had slipped up with a 3-0 defeat in their last league fixture.

But with Gordon Strachan making six changes to the team who were beaten at Tynecastle, they looked a far fresher and busier outfit and the visitors’ best chances fell in the opening minutes.

But it was one such attack, in where Alan Johnstone failed to spot the run of Steven Naismith, that allowed Celtic to push forward in their first counter attack with Alan Thompson clipping the ball over the defence and into the path of Stilian Petrov.

The stand-in striker’s first touch took him into the box and allowed him to power in a shot that was well saved at close-range by Alan Combe and he succeeded in maintaining the pressure, latching on to the loose ball and back-heeling it into the path of Thompson whose shot was deflected away from goal.

This early chances were followed by a sublime piece of skill by McGeady on the edge of the box, who toyed with his man-markers before lifting the ball in between them for Maciej Zurawski, whose run was matched by covering defender, Frazer Wright.

After this 14th minute opening, several Celtic players came within inches of finding the Polish frontman and in the early stages the team certainly appeared to be benefiting from the movement and zest that new inclusions Stephen Pearson, Aiden McGeady and Stilian Petrov brought to the table.

McGeady in particular appeared to have returned to the starting XI determined to make an impact in these final matches and another jinking, determined cameo that took him into the box on the half hour mark brought the crowd to their feet in appreciation.

As the half wore on the pace understandably faded and in what was perhaps the best chance of the half, Stan Varga came tantalisingly close to getting his head on a clever ball into the box by Roy Keane some seven yards out.

This chance was followed by an opportunity for Naismith, but the teenager failed to test Marshall with his tame header and when the half-time whistle sounded, the score was all square.

Celtic had however had enjoyed the majority of possession, forcing the more positive play and after the restart this pattern of play continued, yet without any clear attempts on goal.

Then, in the 55th minute, Celtic sprang into life with one slick passing move which carved a gaping hole in a static Kilmarnock defence and allowed Maciej Zurawski to grab the opener.

The attack was simple in its execution, with Stilian Petrov laying the ball off to Roy Keane in the midfield and the stand-in Celtic captain, pushing his pass out wide to Mark Wilson on the right.

The full-back took the ball on the run, driving it across the box to the feet of Zurawski, presenting the 20-goal striker with the simplest of finishes.

From this opener Celtic built-up momentum and eight minutes later had doubled their lead through Stan Varga.

The big Slovak may have failed to reach Keane’s cross in the first half, but he could not fail to convert this opportunity, which was presented to him on a plate by Ross Wallace.

Wallace used all of his skills as a natural winger to turn and torment full-back Lindsay Wilson, before lifting the most inviting of crosses to the back post for Varga to head home and this strike put the game beyond the visitors.

There may have still been over 25 minutes to play in this match, but Kilmarnock had failed to test David Marshall throughout the match, while Celtic appeared to be able canter along, occasionally stepping up the pace when needed.

One such burst saw Zurawski come close to finding a Pearson run into the box and the busy midfielder later saw a second shot, with four minutes remaining, again deflected away from goal.

A better chance fell perfectly for substitute Dion Dublin after another great ball from Mark Wilson, but the big striker, who alongside Roy Keane has now reached the required number of games for a league winner’s medal, could only force a great stop from Combe.

The victory was a fitting finish to a season which has seen great changes at every level throughout the club, but one which has been married with genuine success.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Roy Keane

CELTIC (4-4-2) Marshall; Wilson, Varga, McManus, Wallace (Virgo 87); McGeady (Maloney 64), Keane, Pearson, Thompson; Petrov, Zurawski (Dublin 84).
Subs: Boruc, Telfer, Lennon, Camara.
KILMARNOCK (4-4-2) Combe; Wilson (Locke 68), Greer, Wright, Leven; Invincible, Johnstone, Fowler, Naismith; Nish, Wales (Di Giacomo 64).
Subs: Smith, McDonald, Murray, Campbell, Bell.

Hearts v Celtic

Sunday 30th April 2006

2nd place team hammer the champs

WITH this season’s battle for the title already over, Celtic lost the final skirmish between Scotland’s leading championship contenders, falling 3-0 to Hearts at Tynecastle.

A Stephen McManus own goal, a strike from Paul Hartley and a third from Roman Bednar handed Hearts the win and edged the Edinburgh side a step closer to Champions League qualification.

Celtic actually had an early opportunity to take the lead in this match when a free-kick, dropped deep to the back post from the left by Shunsuke Nakamura, was headed back into the danger area by Stan Varga and cut in to the feet of Stephen McManus by Dion Dublin.

The big centre half scored twice against Hearts in that vital New Year victory for Celtic in Edinburgh and he looked a cert to convert from some seven yards out with space and perhaps more time than he realised.

But his shot on the turn produced an outstanding save from Craig Gordon and minutes later McManus was unfortunate in putting the ball past his own goalkeeper at the opposite end of the park.

The 23 year-old jumped in an attempt to clear a Paul Hartley free kick from the left, but could only lift the ball up and over Artur Boruc and into the back of his own net to hand Hearts the early lead.

This surprise opener was followed by an even more shocking second goal for Hearts after Stan Varga gave away a free kick on the edge of the area.

It was a controversial strike to say the least, with Paul Hartley having been given the nod by referee Alan Freeland to take the set piece early and while the Celtic players readied themselves, the Hearts midfielder lifted his shot up and over the pack and past the stunned Artur Boruc.

The home crowd were now behind their team and every Hearts break was met by a roar of anticipation and in the 14th minute Rudi Skacel jinked into the box, beyond Roy Keane and Paul Telfer and powered in a shot that rattled back off the post.

More chances followed for Hearts, with Boruc coming out early to deny Skacel after the Czech had been put through by his compatriot Roman Bednar. Meanwhile, despite the efforts Mark Wilson on the left, Celtic’s only other chance in the half fell for Roy Keane some three yards out.

But the ball arrived too quickly for the Irishman and he could only send a tame shot straight at Craig Gordon and another fair chance went begging for Celtic.

As the half drew to a close, Jankauskas had another opportunity at the near post after a cross from Skacel on the left and after the restart the home side succeeded in maintaining their impressive work rate, harrying and hassling the newly-crowned champions at every turn.

But it was actually Celtic who enjoyed the first clear opportunity in the 49th minute, when Maciej Zurawski robbed Ibrahim Tall of possession, broke through on goal and forced another outstanding save from Gordon.

But Hearts’ response was immediate and McManus did well to slide-in and rob Jankauskas after a Skacel pass had again put him through on goal.

Then followed a rather bizarre incident with referee Freeland booking Neil Lennon for reacting to a late challenge by Skacel before calling back play to give the home team a free-kick on the edge of the Celtic area after initially waving play on.

In the ensuing remonstrations with Skacel Stephen McManus was booked and the decision seemed to give Celtic some added motivation as they pushed forward.

But then a sudden break by Hearts and a close call by the linesman allowed Roman Bednar to grab the third.

Stan Varga was drawn to the ball as Celtic backtracked under a Hearts counter-attack, with Paul Telfer having pushed forward in support. Bednar broke in from the space on the right and with the linesman’s flag staying down, the Hearts striker kept his composure and placed a clinical finish beyond Boruc.

With the home side’s three goal lead now secure, Hearts finally took their foot off the gas and aside from two quick breaks with just minutes remaining in the game, they were understandably content to keep possession.

Celtic for their part had failed to test Craig Gordon after his early save in the half and had only fired in two fair attempts from substitutes Stilian Petrov and John Hartson.

But with three minutes remaining Petrov brought out another outstanding save from Craig Gordon, who had performed excellently on the occasions he had been called upon.

With the league trophy already in the cabinet and just two games remaining after a long and tiring campaign, Celtic were well beaten by a side still highly motivated in their pursuit of Champions League football.

And as the players left the field amid celebrations from the Hearts fans, some in the Celtic end cheered in defiance. Perhaps in the knowledge that although this skirmish had been lost, the real 'battle' between these title contenders had already been won in Glasgow back on April 5.

HEARTS (4-4-2) Gordon; Neilson, Tall (Berra 80), Pressley, Fyssas; Cesnauskis (Barasa 83), Aguiar, Hartley, Skacel; Jankauskas, Bednar (Pospisil 75).
Subs: Banks, Wallace, Brellier, Driver.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Varga, McManus, Wilson; Nakamura, Keane, Lennon (Petrov 68), Maloney; Dublin (Hartson 73), Zurawski (Pearson 69).
Subs: Marshall, Thomson, McGeady, Wallace.

Celtic v Rangers

Sunday 23rd April 2006

No scoring in final Old Firm game

WITH THE season all but over, some had hoped that this final Old Firm meeting of would light up the remaining few weeks of the league campaign, but rather than thrill and inspire as a spectacle, this damp squib of a derby fizzled out on Sunday at Celtic Park.

Celtic’s title-clinching victory over Hearts a fortnight ago meant that the home side had little other than pride to play for in this match, but with Rangers still chasing a place in the Champions League many hoped that there would still be some drama remaining in this most unpredictable of seasons.

But over the course of the 90 minutes this derby meeting ultimately disappointed, with both sides failing to break the deadlock.

The game actually got off to a busy start with Rangers forcing the early chances, that was until a 15th minute shout for a penalty after a tackle by Thomas Buffel on Shaun Maloney.

The Belgian winger had been robbed of possession by the little attacker on the edge of the box and slid in from the back in an attempt to retrieve the situation, but in fairness he looked to have taken the ball with his instinctive challenge.

After this chance John Hartson headed over a Paul Telfer cross and then Alan Hutton gave away the ball on the half way line with a slack pass back which was intercepted by Maloney, who then jinked and dribbled his way around the defence, holding as he awaited reinforcements, before being hacked down in front of goal by Gavin Rae.

The Scot has himself scored some outstanding goals in this fixture in the past, most notably in November last year and this curling, dipping effort some 27 yards out inspired an excellent stop by Waterreus at his right hand post.

Rangers succeeded in clearing the danger momentarily but minutes later, in the 20th minute, Maloney played a beautiful pass in behind the defence for Maciej Zurawski, who’s first time shot was again well saved by Waterreus.

On Rangers’ part, the visitors had largely been lifting balls up for the physical front-pairing of Kris Boyd and Dado Prso, although these attempts had been negated by Stephen McManus and Stan Varga.

Boyd did succeed in putting the ball in the back of the net in 40 minutes, but was clearly offside with the whistle having sounded long before the former Kilmarnock striker hit the ball.

And when half-time eventually arrived many were left with the impression that Celtic had still to get out of first gear, having allowed Rangers the majority of possession yet having created the best chances.

Then, within two minutes of the restart, Chris Burke missed the kind of opportunity that every player dreams of in a derby fixture.

The little winger was found by Prso’s cut-back on the very edge of the six yard box, in the middle of the goal and completely unmarked.

But as he raced in to tap home he somehow lifted his shot over the crossbar and high into the Lisbon Lions stand.

Moments later Artur Boruc got his fingertips to a Prso header, touching the ball onto his right-hand post and having been roused from their first half slumber, Rangers were now playing with purpose and getting some joy down each of Celtic’s flanks.

But after these early chances, play eventually settled and with an hour on the clock Gordon Strachan introduced Shunsuke Nakamura for Roy Keane as he sought to add a more creative influence in the midfield.

The decision almost reaped immediate rewards when the Japanese midfielder switching a ball to Wilson who set-up Maloney, who’s long-range shot was then saved at the near post by Waterreus.

A spell followed in which Celtic again enjoyed the majority of possession, but the sense of purpose eventually seemed to fade and the match looked destined to be a no-score draw as the game entered the final ten minutes.

In this remaining period the best chances were again Celtic’s, but they were only half chances and rather than include any late flourish, this match died out with a whimper.

With a Champions League place to play for, the onus was perhaps on Rangers to go out and attack in this game, but the match failed to live up to it’s reputation as a spectacle and will largely be remembered as a non-event at the end of a successful Celtic season.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Shaun Maloney

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Varga, McManus, Wilson; Petrov, Keane (Nakamura 61), Lennon, Maloney (McGeady 81); Hartson (Dublin 85), Zurawski.
Subs: Marshall, Thompson, Pearson, Wallace.
RANGERS (4-4-2) Waterreus; Hutton, Kyrgiakos, Rodrigues, Smith; Burke (Ashikodi 90), G Rae, Hemdani, Buffel; Prso, Boyd (Novo 71).
Subs: Klos, Andrews, A Rae, Malcolm.

Celtic v Hibernian

Sunday 16th April 2006

Trophy to be presented day for the Hoops

CELTIC finally got their hands on the 2005/06 Scottish Premier League trophy after a day of fitting celebrations at Celtic Park.

The result in this league meeting with Hibs may not have been perfect, with Maciej Zurawski’s 76th minute goal earning the draw with the Edinburgh side, but nothing could take the shine from a day in which comedian and lifelong Celtic supporter, Billy Connolly, presented the trophy to captain Neil Lennon and manager Gordon Strachan.

After difficult beginnings this was the day that the Celtic manager had dreamed of and as he saluted the fans he paid tribute to them for their support throughout the campaign and also to the club staff and players who had backed them.

With the title already sealed with the recent victory over Hearts, the match was almost secondary to the celebrations.

But with last weekend’s sparkling show against Kilmarnock fresh in the mind, it was no surprise that Celtic got off to a quick start, with the fit-again Maciej Zurawski twice breaking through in the opening five minutes to cause problems in the Hibs defence.

His second run allowed the Polish striker to lift over a cross from the left which was tantalisingly close for John Hartson and then in 14 minutes, the Welshman this time succeeded in testing Zbigniew Malkowski with a low drive.

Throughout this opening 15 minute period Celtic were in control of the game, maintaining possession and Roy Keane and Stan Petrov were breaking up the little possession that Hibs did enjoy.

Yet despite this possession the Celtic team and supporters are well aware of the threat that this young Hibs side pose, particularly on the counter attack and one breakaway, which saw Derek Riordan stab a chip narrowly past the post, served as a timely reminder in 18 minutes.

In the immediate wake of this chance Celtic tightened up and returned to their gameplan, but without creating too many clear-cut openings and then suddenly and on the counter, Hibs took the lead.

From a Celtic perspective this was a poor goal to lose at home, sparked from a simple chip over the back four from Stephen Glass which caused complete confusion in the defence.

Stan Varga was well beaten by the initial ball and as the Celtic players watched it drop, both Artur Boruc and Paul Telfer stood rooted to the spot.

The Pole perhaps should have been the first to react, with the ball at least four yards inside his area, but he instead looked to Telfer and while they dallied, Steven Fletcher sprinted through unchallenged to power a low shot into the bottom corner.

In the immediate wake of this 35th minute strike, John Hartson could have levelled after Gary Caldwell failed to deal with a Zurawski cross, but the Hibs’ captain’s defensive partner, Chris Hogg, sprinted in to spare his blushes.

The half eventually petered out with neither side succeeding in creating any clear-cut chances and it was perhaps with this in mind that Gordon Strachan made one change at half-time, bringing on Shaun Maloney for Stilian Petrov.

The Bulgarian midfielder had seemed to tire in the latter stages of the first half and the substitution almost reaped instant rewards when his replacement stabbed a shot inches wide of target.

Maloney certainly brought some flair and urgency to Celtic’s midfield play and Shunsuke Nakamura, who had moved to the right of the midfield, followed this shot with a chip into the box which was close to being turned over the line and then John Hartson broke through on goal, only to be denied by Malkowski.

The Polish goalkeeper was in fine form throughout this match and the one ball into the box that he did miss, from a 58th minute Nakamura corner, was almost nodded in at the back post by Hartson.

The chances kept coming for Celtic and Mark Wilson was next to break into the box at pace after getting beyond Steven Whittaker.

The full-back, who was outstanding throughout the game, then cut his pass in to the feet of Nakamura who, despite being tightly marked, turned and forced Malkowski to parry at his near post.

Then, after this sustained pressure, Celtic finally levelled through Zurawski in the 76th minute.

The Pole’s looping header at the back post was perfectly executed, leaving his compatriot Malkowski with no chance from seven yards, but in truth, this goal was all about Paul Telfer’s looping cross from the right, which fell perfectly for the striker and seemed to hang in the air as it bypassed the Hibs defence.

This strike gave Celtic fresh impetus, but they could well have been behind again within less than a minute, after substitute Abdessalam Benjelloun was left in space inside the box.

The striker sent a weak header straight at Boruc and in the remaining minutes Dion Dublin hammered in a shot from the edge of the box that was well saved by the keeper.

More chances followed for Celtic, including one for Zurawski, who again brought out the best in Malkowski with a header and another that he did convert, only to see the linesman raise his flag for offside.

Victory may have been denied from Celtic in this meeting with Hibs, but over the course of the campaign they have proved themselves to be worthy winners and Scottish champions.

And to a man, the crowd rose to hail them for their efforts.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Mark Wilson

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Varga, McManus, Wilson; Petrov (Maloney 46), Lennon, Keane (Pearson 81), Nakamura; Zurawski, Hartson (Dublin 65).
Subs: Marshall, Thompson, Wallace, McGeady
HIBERNIAN (4-4-2) Malkowski; Whittaker, Caldwell, Hogg, Murphy; Shields, Konde (Sproule 46), Thomson (Shiels 70), Glass; Fletcher, Riordan (Benjelloun 62).
Subs: Brown, Murray, Konte, Dalglish

Coventry City v Celtic

Tuesday 11th April 2006

Richard Shaw testimonial match

Defeat for the champs in Coventry

HAVING romped home in this season’s SPL title race, Celtic slipped up in Coventry, falling to a 3-1 defeat in Richard Shaw’s testimonial at the Ricoh Arena.

It was a virtually full-strength Celtic that ran out for this evening’s game and aside from a particularly youthful substitute’s bench, the starting XI was unchanged from Sunday’s outstanding 4-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

This recent performance, coupled with last week’s championship victory, put the travelling support of 10,000 in fine form and as chants of ‘Championees’ rang out an impromptu conga line made it’s way along the stand.

The Coventry supporters for their part were also in good voice, saluting Shaw, a clear Ricoh Arena favourite and also handing out some good-natured stick to former Sky Blues’ favourites, Paul Telfer, Dion Dublin and John Hartson.

City’s new venue, with its corners closed around the stand, certainly helped to contain the volume and heighten the atmosphere and within two minutes the home fans had something to cheer about after veteran, Dennis Wise, opened the scoring.

The goal came from a set piece which caught David Marshall cold and while the Celtic keeper was occupied arranging his wall, Wise cheekily curled the ball round the loose line of Celtic defenders and into the bottom corner.

However, within three minutes Shunsuke Nakamura gave the travelling Celtic support something to cheer about, matching Wise’s impudent opener with a curling shot of his own which zipped through a cluster of Coventry shirts and into Martin Fulop’s bottom corner.

The scores were now level and those who perhaps attended this testimonial with low expectations had already enjoyed two outstanding goals and would perhaps have been surprised by the pace of the play.

A number of chances followed in this half, primarily for Celtic who were enjoying the majority of possession and Nakamura twice came close before Stan Petrov was denied by Martin Fulop at close-range.

Left back Mark Wilson looked a cert to push the ricochet over the line as he raced through on goal, until testimonial man Shaw slid in with a perfectly timed challenge and throughout this opening period the Coventry defence performed well under pressure.

However, as half-time edged closer, the pace had started to dip in this game and it was no surprise when both managers made a number of changes during the interval.

Gordon Strachan introduced Stephen Pearson and Dion Dublin for Shunsuke Nakamura and Stan Varga, while his opposite number Mickey Adams took the wholesale approach, making no fewer than eight substitutions.

As the half got going it was Coventry who looked to have benefited the most from the fresh legs and they attacked this game with renewed vigour.

The warning signs were there for Celtic but they were not heeded and soon the home team took the lead through substitute Stuart Thornton.

The striker was put through by a pass straight down the middle and Marshall was quick out to meet him, diving at his feet at the edge of the area. But the ball took a wicked bounce off the Celtic number 22 and broke again for the striker, who pulled it back, beyond the fingertips of the scrambling Marshall and fired in a shot which was deflected over the goal line.

Andy Morrell came close to adding another for Coventry ten minutes later, stabbing his shot narrowly past the post and in the wake of this chance Strachan introduced two of the young players who have performed well for the reserves this season, attackers Nicky Riley and Rocco Quinn.

Mickey Adams followed this with a change of his own, with young midfielder Liam Davis entering the fray and it was the Coventry substitute who put this game beyond Celtic.

It was again a simple ball through the heart of the defence that caused the problems and Davis was quick to latch on to it, slotting it home beyond David Marshall.

Celtic had just over ten minutes to pull something back and Stephen Pearson had a half-chance, with Clayton Ince parrying his close-range effort, but despite some late pressure it was Coventry who came closest, with Davis putting through Morrell with a beautiful ball from the left, only for Marshall to bravely parry.

The final whistle sounded with the score at 3-1 and while Celtic may not have had the best of days in Coventry, the 10,000 travelling support certainly made an impression, contributing to a record City testimonial crowd of over 25,000.

COVENTRY (4-4-2) Fulop (Ince 46); Whing (Duffy 46), Page (Williams 46), Shaw (Heath 60), Hall (Giddings 46); McSheffrey (Impey 46), Doyle (Davis 71), Wise (Hutchison 46), Hughes (Lynch 82); Adebola (Thornton 46), John (Morrell 46).

CELTIC (4-4-2) Marshall; Telfer, Varga (Dublin 46), McManus, Wilson; Nakamura (Pearson 46), Lennon (Wallace 78), Petrov (Lawson 66), Maloney (Camara 59); McGeady (Quinn 72), Hartson (Riley 72).
Subs: Skinner, Ferry.

Kilmarnock v Celtic

Sunday 09th April 2006

Champions in a canter at Rugby Park

CELTIC produced an outstanding performance away against Kilmarnock to romp home to victory in their first match since clinching the league title.

An outstanding first half set-piece from Shunsuke Nakamura and second half strikes from John Hartson, the Japanese midfielder and substitute, Dion Dublin, decided a contest which was largely dominated by a Celtic side who at times looked to be playing in cruise control.

If the closing games in this season are an opportunity for the Celtic players to entertain and enjoy their football, Shunsuke Nakamura raised the curtain on this show at Rugby Park with an outstanding free-kick in eight minutes.

The Japanese midfielder had been crudely chopped down some 27 yards from goal by two trailing Kilmarnock defenders, having left them for dead with a beautiful piece of close control.

Nakamura himself stepped up to take the set piece and curled it with pace and precision, up over the Kilmarnock wall, past Alan Combe and into the keeper’s top left hand corner.

Celtic’s next shot on goal, a close-range effort from Aiden McGeady followed a good build-up down the right, involving right-back Paul Telfer and minutes later McGeady had again jinked into the box, only to slip as he prepared to shoot.

The young Irish international was making his first start after a spell out through injury and partnered John Hartson up front, with Maciej Zurawski having been rested by Gordon Strachan.

Some expected greater changes in the starting XI in this match against Kilmarnock, but the Celtic manager only opted for three, with the injured Bobo Balde dropping out for former first team regular Stan Varga and Zurawski’s compatriot Artur Boruc replaced in goal by David Marshall.

The Scot enjoyed a fairly leisurely start to the match, with the home side limited to three snatched and speculative efforts on the Celtic goal and as half-time approached Kilmarnock looked increasingly frustrated.

Jim Jeffries’s men simply could not get the ball off Celtic and the inventive play of Nakamura, Stan Petrov, Shaun Maloney and the deep-lying, stand-in striker McGeady, was creating a host of problems.

Celtic came close to doubling their lead with five minutes remaining in the half, with Hartson getting his head to a Nakamura corner, only to see the ball deflected away from goal by a covering defender.

Then, with a minute to play, the largely quiet Kilmarnock support were raised to their feet in anger after Steven Naismith had a goal disallowed for offside.

The ‘goal’, which came from a quickly taken free-kick, had followed a half-chance for Kilmarnock seconds earlier and perhaps spurred on by these late opportunities the home team go out the blocks quickly after the restart, with Steven Naismith firing in an early shot on goal from distance.

However it was Naismith’s next attempt on goal, with 15 minutes played in the half, that caused greater concern in the Celtic ranks and almost handed the home team the equaliser.

The chance was presented by David Marshall, who rushed out of his goal in an attempt to volley away a long-ball and when the goalkeeper swiped at fresh air, Naismith stabbed the ball goalward and saw it shepherded past the empty net by the covering Stephen McManus.

Then, in a quick and incisive counter, Celtic doubled their lead through John Hartson.

The second goal came as a result of some good interplay around the Kilmarnock box, again involving Nakamura and McGeady and it was the Japanese midfielder who prodded the ball through for Maloney.

The little attacker cut the ball across goal from the byline, beating Combe with the pass and John Hartson was on hand to walk the ball over the line, unchallenged at the back post.

This goal may have killed-off some sides, but Kilmarnock, having hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks that has secured their place in the top six, pushed back at the champions and soon Marshall was making amends for his earlier error with a brave stop at the feet of Wales.

The former Hearts man had pulled the trigger some seven yards out and the Scotland international was quick to rush out and block the shot.

Wales’ momentum carried him at full flight, straight into the right hand post and the Kilmarnock players played on as he lay wrapped around the woodwork, with Invincible stabbing a hopeful chip inches wide of the top corner.

A match that had been dominated in the first half by Celtic had now come to life and the two Celtic ends, which were close to capacity in this disappointing crowd of 10,978, rose in support of their team.

Substitute Stephen Pearson enjoyed the next chance, slipping at the crucial moment after his run had carried him through on goal and then, with just eight minutes left on the clock, Nakamura ended this match as a contest grabbing a late-contender for goal of the season.

This goal was all about the build-up, started by some excellent persistent play from Mark Wilson on the left and then sparked by a beautifully disguised ball in to the feet of Dion Dublin by Shaun Maloney.

The substitute then played the ball off to Shunsuke Nakamura, who skipped past his man inside the box and stroked the ball home from six yards.

Then, just one minute later, Dion Dublin put the icing on the cake with his second goal in Celtic colours, hammering the ball past the beleaguered Combe from inside the box.

There was time left in the match for Colin Nish to grab a late consolation for Kilmarnock after breaking through on goal and slotting the ball past Marshall, but with many of the home support having already made for the exits the celebrations, though defiant, were somewhat muted.

As the seconds ticked away the songs rang out for manager Gordon Strachan and also for coach Tommy Burns and the Celtic supporters were clearly revelling in an outstanding performance from the champions.

Some expected that with the league tied up in record-breaking fashion that these last few games would be lacking in drive and passion, but those who witnessed this excellent showing will be looking forward to the league run-in and will be filled with hope for the coming season.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Shunsuke Nakamura

KILMARNOCK (4-4-2) Combe; Wilson, Hay, Ford, Wright; Fowler, Johnston, Invincible, Naismith; Nish, Wales (Di Giacomo 69).
Subs: Smith, Greer, McDonald, Locke, Campbell, Bell.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Marshall, Telfer, Varga, McManus, Wilson; Nakamura, Lennon (Lawson 85), Petrov (Pearson 65), McGeady; Hartson (Dublin 73), Maloney.
Subs: McGovern, Camara, Thompson, Wallace.

Celtic v Hearts

Wednesday 05th April 2006

Celtic Champions for season 2005-2006

Well done Gordon Strachan and the Hoops for the title we deserved

A SOLITARY strike from birthday Bhoy John Hartson wrapped up the 2005/2006 SPL title for Celtic against Hearts.

The Welsh striker, who celebrated his 31st birthday today, scored the only goal of the match to seal the first league win under Gordon Strachan, in what is the new manager’s first season at the club.

That the title was clinched against Hearts, the side who have been Celtic’s primary challengers throughout this race, will make the victory all the more sweeter for supporters after what has been a season of great changes at the club.

But it was one of the old guard, John Hartson, who breathed life into this match with his long-range opener in just four minutes.

It was a simple ball up the park from the back that sparked Celtic’s opening gambit, with Maciej Zurawski nodding the ball down for his strike partner.

The Pole immediately pulled away in anticipation of the return ball, but Hartson instead looked up and rifled in his shot first-time, catching Hearts goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, completely off-guard.

The Scotland number one scrambled back across his line to try and get a hand to the ball, but it looped-up over his outstretched arm and into the back of the net.

The goal sparked frantic scenes in the crowd, but in the following minutes the match never really settled, with Celtic failing to put together the kind of flowing, attacking play that Gordon Strachan envisages for his team.

Hearts for their part simply failed to get to grips with the game in any way whatsoever and it was not until the 13th minute, when Roman Bednar swivelled in the box and fired off a shot on the turn, that they enjoyed their first chance of the game.

Throughout this patchy first period, Neil Lennon played the captain’s role for Celtic, blocking a shot from Deividas Cesnauskis on the edge of the box and chasing and harrying every ball.

But few clear chances were created by either side before the interval, as the game settled in to the kind of cagey encounter that many anticipated it would be.

Yet despite the lack of chances, the second half kicked off in a similarly dramatic fashion to the first, with Hearts’ midfielder Paul Hartley lifting a free kick into the box which was knocked down by Jankauskas and turned over the line by Andy Webster.

But soon Hartley and his team mates’ celebrations were unceremoniously ended by the linesman, who had quickly raised his flag for offside.

This disallowed goal, coming after four minutes, was a wake-up call for Celtic and in the ensuing play, Mark Wilson and Shaun Maloney combined on the left to win a corner which was well-met by Bobo Balde.

Minutes later Maloney then put through Zurawski, who was wrongly adjudged to be offside, but soon Hearts began to settle and throughout this half they enjoyed the greater number of chances.

Bednar had two attempts on goal and substitute Rudi Skacel stabbed in his own shot that was saved by Boruc, but gradually, with the clock ticking down, the frustration began to show with Hartley booked for dissent and Hearts’ manager Valdas Ivanauskas sent to the stand after some choice words with the fourth official.

Celtic substitute Aiden McGeady enjoyed a shot on goal after a mazy dribble into the box and Petrov then flashed a shot wide of target in the final four minutes.

The players did have to muster their strength for four minutes of time added on at the end and Dion Dublin did well to dive in and block a late shot at goal.

As the seconds ticked away every supporter in the crowd was on their feet and when the final whistle sounded, it was greeted by a roar of joy and relief from the home crowd.

Tonight’s victory sets a new SPL record for Celtic, with the championship sealed with six games to play and having watched his side grow and blossom out of earlier tribulations this season, Gordon Strachan will be proud of the way in which his young players responded tonight.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Neil Lennon

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Balde, McManus, Wilson; Nakamura (Pearson 57), Petrov, Lennon, Maloney (McGeady 82); Hartson (Dublin 70), Zurawski.
Subs: Marshall, Thompson, Varga, Wallace.
HEARTS (4-4-2) Gordon; Neilson, Webster, Berra, Fyssas; Mikoliunas (Skacel 61), Brellier (Elliot 85), Hartley, Cesnauskis; Bednar, Jankauskas (Pospisil 54).
Subs: Banks, Tall, Aguilar, Petras.

Livingston v Celtic

Sunday 26th March 2006

Hoops require just 1 more win to lift SPL title

CELTIC edged one step closer to clinching this season’s Scottish Premierleague title, with a 2-0 win over Livingston at Almondvale.

An opportunistic Maciej Zurawski strike just a minute after half time and a penalty kick from Shaun Maloney just six minutes later were enough to seal the win in what was a hard fought game in West Lothian.

Despite being officially recognised as the poorest side in the history of the SPL, with last week’s 11th consecutive defeat setting a new Premierleague record, Livingston have given the top clubs a few scares throughout this season and emerged the unlucky 3-2 losers from their last home game against Hearts.

If ever Celtic needed a reminder of the dangers that this wounded Livvy side could pose it should have come in the opening minutes when Stephen McManus was forced to head a dangerous ball by Wesley Hoolahan inches over the crossbar.

Five minutes later Maciej Zurawski actually succeeded in hitting the Livingston bar after rising above the defence to meet a Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick that had been won by Shaun Maloney.

However moments later the Pole’s compatriot, Artur Boruc, had to save with his feet after Richard Brittain broke through on goal and then, sweeping immediately up the park on the counter Zurawski curled a ball across goal that was swept away by David McNamee from the feet of the incoming Dion Dublin.

It was an end-to-end, flying start to the match that left the Celtic supporters and players in no doubt that they were certainly facing a tough game from the league’s bottom club.

And in 15 minutes Stephen McManus only fanned the flames in this closely competed contest when he thundered into a challenge on Allan Walker which incensed the Livingston players.

McManus was rightly booked for the tackle and minutes later Bobo Balde was perhaps lucky to escape a caution when he brought down Walker as he broke through on goal. In the ensuing period of play the Livingston midfielder was then himself booked by referee Kenny Clark for lunging rashly into the challenge on Neil Lennon.

The game looked to be on the verge of boiling over, but no sooner had tempers risen than they again died down and in 27 minutes Maciej Zurawski came close to poking the ball home after Maloney and Nakamura combined to carve open the Livingston defence.

However it seemed only a matter of time before the pace eventually lulled there was only one real genuine attempt on goal left in the first half, with Allan Walker’s long range drive well saved by Boruc in the 44th minute.

During half-time Gordon Strachan made one change with Ross Wallace replacing Paul Telfer and switching flanks with Mark Wilson and this change reaped instant rewards when the little Dundonian hooked across the ball that led to Celtic’s goal.

Wallace’s pass from the left was helped on by a Nakamura touch that put Zurawski in space in front of goal and the Pole stabbed home his 18th goal of the season.

The goal seemed to give Celtic the confidence and edge that they had been lacking in the first half and six minutes later Maloney added a second from the penalty spot.

Kenny Clarke’s decision to award the spot kick was perhaps a harsh one, with Dave MacKay penalised for a tug on shirt of Dion Dublin inside the box. Former Motherwell defender Greg Strong was booked for his protests as the Livingston players complained, but Maloney held his nerve to send goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie the wrong way and power the ball into the net.

A series of substitutions followed, with former Celt Colin Healy a notable introduction for the home team and Mark Wilson was swapped for Stan Varga, with the full-back appearing to be labouring with a hamstring problem.

In the midst of the changes Boruc had to look lively to touch a goalbound cross from Derek Adams over his bar and McKenzie again thwarted Zurawski after the striker had been put through by a beautifully weighted ball by Neil Lennon.

Play ebbed from end to end as both sides pushed forward without creating too many chances.

Livvy’s on-loan Hibs striker, Sam Morrow, succeeded in testing Boruc with a set piece late on and Stan Petrov somehow managed to screw his shot wide of an empty goal after a bizarre mix-up in the home defence allowed Zurawski to set him up.

But come the final whistle neither side had succeeded in finding the net and the score remained at 2-0. A win for Celtic next Wednesday night (April 5) against second-placed Hearts will now be enough to clinch the season’s championship.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Neil Lennon

LIVINGSTON (4-4-2) McKenzie; McNamee (Healy 56), MacKay, Strong, Dorado; Brittain, Adams (Dorrans 61), Hoolahan, Tierney; Walker, Morrow.
Subs: Roy, Snodgrass, Hislop, Miller, Whelan.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer (Wallace 46), Balde, McManus, Wilson (Varga 64); Nakamura, Petrov, Lennon, Maloney; Dublin (Hartson 80), Zurawski.
Subs: Marshall, Thompson, Lawson, Pearson.

Celtic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Wednesday 22nd March 2006

Shaun Maloney magic inspires Hoops to win

CELTIC continued their seemingly inexorable march toward the Scottish Premierleague title with a 2-1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Celtic Park tonight.

With the match standing as the first home fixture since the death of Jimmy Johnstone, the evening was a celebration of the former Celtic winger’s life, with his European Cup-winning team-mates and his wife Agnes taking to the park before the match.

But in truth, during a dull and cagey 90 minutes there was little else for the home support to celebrate, except for another goal from centre-half Stephen McManus, a spectacular set piece from Shaun Maloney and of course, the club’s 24th win of the season.

It took Celtic just ten seconds to test visiting goalkeeper Mark Brown with the first attack of this match coming, somewhat fittingly, down the right wing.

With the strains of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ still resonating around the stands after the one minute’s applause in Johnstone’s honour, it was Shunsuke Nakamura who jinked into space in the box.

But the Japanese midfielder fired straight at Brown and a fairytale start to this match was not to be as Maciej Zurawski and then Neil Lennon, who has grown in confidence since his collector’s item against Dunfermline, followed this up with their own miscued efforts.

Nakamura actually squandered what was the best chance of the half in 21 minutes and the opportunity to convert an outstanding passing move by Celtic.

Shaun Maloney kick-started the attack when he feigned the pass before dinking a beautiful ball over the top of the ICT back four on to the shoulder of Zurawski. The Pole showed control and composure as he waited on the run of Nakamura before sliding the pass into his path. But with just Brown to beat, the Japanese midfielder cannoned his shot off the keeper and watched the ball bounce harmlessly wide.

A half-chance, put over the bar by Graham Bayne in the opening moments of the game and a trio of speculative set pieces were the sum total of Caley’s attacking efforts and Gordon Strachan’s main worry in this half was undoubtedly Stilian Petrov’s enforced withdrawal through injury.

However the Bulgarian’s replacement in midfield, Stephen Pearson, alleviated any short term concerns that the Celtic manager may have had with his direct and confident running and within five minutes of his introduction he was at the heart of a move which won a corner and allowed Celtic to take the lead.

It was Pearson’s effort which had forced Caley into conceding the corner on the left and when Nakamura swung the ball in it was, as has so often been the case this season, defender Stephen McManus who rose up to nod home his eighth goal of the season.

Having gone into the interval a goal behind, Inverness attacked with renewed confidence in the second half, showing just why they have only recorded one loss away from home this season (with that other defeat coming at Celtic Park on September 24 last year).

Striker Bayne tested Boruc with Caley’s first real attempt on goal and there were murmurings of discontent among the crowd of 57,851 as the visitors pressed forward on the counter.

Sensing that some of the verve had gone from Celtic’s attack, Strachan replaced John Hartson, who was tonight making his return from injury, with Dion Dublin - the scorer of Celtic’s third goal in the League Cup Final.

A misplaced pass by Dublin actually allowed Caley another opportunity, which Bayne again powered wide of goal, but moments later the big striker was stepping aside to allow Maloney to run at goal and win a free kick from Darren Dods on the edge of the area.

The little attacker stepped up to take the kick himself and in a shot reminiscent of his own spectacular cup final effort, expertly curled the ball over the wall and into the back of the net.

The goal was in truth one of the few genuinely entertaining moments in this match, although in the final ten minutes there were several comic moments which warmed and chilled in equal measure.

First Dublin stabbed in a close range effort that rebounded back off the post and in the dying seconds Lennon was almost put through on goal by Nakamura.

Even the Caley fans got a consolation strike to warm them on the road back to Inverness, when Richard Hart’s low drive from 30 yards somehow squirmed under Artur Boruc and over the line.

But the victory was secured with the final whistle and with the painful lessons of last season still resonating, few will complain about a professional 2-1 victory that leaves Celtic with just two wins needed to clinch Scottish football’s ultimate prize.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Neil Lennon

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Balde, McManus, Wilson; Nakamura, Lennon, Petrov (Pearson 29), Maloney; Hartson (Dublin 67), Zurawski (Thompson 81).
Subs: Marshall, Varga, Wallace, Lawson.
ICT (4-4-2) Brown; McCaffrey, Dods, Munro, Hastings; Morgan, Black (Wilson 70), Duncan, Hart; Bayne, Wyness.
Subs: Fraser, Golabek, Keogh, Fox, Parratt, McAllister.

Celtic v Dunfermline

Sunday 19th March 2006

CIS Cup Final

Hoops uplift CIS Cup in honour of wee Jinky

Jimmy Johnstone was honoured on the Hampden turf this afternoon, ultimately in some style, as Celtic adhered firmly to the pre-match script by returning the League Cup to Jinky’s spiritual home.

Goals from Maciej Zurawski, Shaun Maloney and Dion Dublin saw Celtic stroll to the first silverware of Gordon Strachan’s reign and, with each of these strikes and the very lifting of the trophy greeted by chants of ‘Jimmy Johnstone on the wing,’ it truly was an afternoon to remember.

A minute’s applause – universally and enthusiastically observed – certainly set a fitting tone and, with the Celtic support continuing to sing the praises of their late hero, Strachan’s side immediately set about giving the faithful something to cheer rather than merely applaud.

First to threaten was Zurawski - a sound-looking bet in the first goalscorer stakes – who, in just eight minutes, rose under pressure at the near post to head against the face of the crossbar from an inswinging Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick.

Much was expected of Nakamura and Maloney, Celtic’s two