Celtic-Hibs Party: Defence Optional

By: Matt | October 26th, 2008

Two of the most entertaining sides in the SPL got together in Celtic and Hibs yesterday and they did not fail to entertain. Celtic were able to keep revenge minded Derek Riordan quiet and power there way to a 4-2 victory over the Capital City side. It was the power of twos, as Celtic opened up the game with two goals, one by Captain Stephen McManus and the other by young Cillian Sheridan. Stephen Fletcher was able to level Hibs though with a goal just before halftime and one soon after the break. It would remained tied until there was about a quarter of an hour remaining when big Dutchman Glenn Loovens headed Celtic back into the lead and Scott Brown added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute. The game also saw Paddy McCourt’s first Celtic first team action, as he was subbed on in the 87th minute for Scott McDonald. In about 8 minutes, McCourt had some bright spots, playing some nice passes, earning some corners, and nearly scoring.

This game marked the continued resurgence of Scott Brown, as for the second game in a row, he seemed to be one of the best players on the pitch. Against his old team, Brown seemed to be relaxed and not looking to get stuck into every player with his tackling, which often leads to unnecessary bookings. He made some good passing and took a good chance to net the last goal.

Injuries to strikers also forced young Cillian Sheridan into the line u, but the former Gaelic footballer fought the urge to pick the ball up and seemed very calm for being so young and playing at Celtic Park. On his goal, he confidently took the ball easily past the Hibs keeper and fired into the net.

A win like this shows some depth for Celtic in the SPL. Before picking up all the injuries, Celtic was on a roll in the SPL, winning some games comfortably and with style. Despite injuries to four members of the first team squad, Celtic continued to play well in the SPL and put two impressive victories in a row. This game was especially tricky given the situation with Derek Riordan, Hibs being a very offensive minded club, and the possible let down after Tuesday’s disappointment in Manchester, but Celtic were able to avoid all that and pick up the three points.