Celtic » Match Reports

Match Report : Celtic 3 – 0 Kilmarnock

Cham — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:51:37 +0000

Scottish Premier League
Celtic 3 – 0 Kilmarnock

I’d like to say this was another day at the office, a good Celtic win, overpowering a struggling Kilmarnock side. And perhaps the struggling Killie part is true with only one (1) shot on target, three (3) corner opportunities, a load of fouls and two bookings. Celtic controlled the ball and with it, the game, rattling off a number of qualities shots and a number of those going in the back of the net. Aiden McGeady (an absolute cracker!) and Georgio Samaras netted in the first half and Niall McGinn in the second.

Aiden McGeady, 13′

Niall McGinn, 78′

I’m not sure what a day at the office looks like for the Bhoys at home, but this match is certainly encouraging: how a team can shake off a string of disappointments in Europe and in a cup, come back and put down a team tied for third worst in the Premier League.

This home win and this type of home win was exactly what Celtic need. The Hoops will still be top of the table, regardless of Rangers away at Tannadice. Celtic managed clear chances, like Wednesday’s League Cup loss against Hearts, but actualized for three. And clean sheet is never a bad, but it also helps Zaluska’s confidence. Finally, it gives the gaffer a chance to realize that his tactics do work when the team puts in a solid effort.

Match Report : Celtic 0 – 1 Hearts

Cham — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:05:43 +0000

I perceive two things in Scotland of the most fearful omen: ignorance of theological truth, and a readiness to pride themselves in and boast of it.

Edward Irving, a 17th cent. Scottish Clergyman, educated in Edinburgh… [oof]

Co-operative Insurance Cup, Quarter-Finals
Celtic 0 – 1 Heart of Midlothian

Well, the day I return to The Offside and Celtic lay an egg in the League Cup Quarters – to Hearts no less, and right after Rangers went through comfortably over Dundee 1-3. Omens…

Celtic lost on a penalty. An early in the second half penalty. A dreadfully-taken, scuffed-by-Michael-Stewart penalty, which stand-in Pole-keeper Lukasz Zaluska leap-frogged, just days after he blabbed to the papers about how excited and how ready he is to stand between the sticks in place of Celtic #1 Pole-keeper Artur Boruc. Oh, and Stephen McManus was sent off late for a daft challenge. Omens…

UPDATE: Video of the penalty can be found, courtesy of 101greatgoals.com

Of course, the knives are already sharp for first-year Celtic boss Tony Mowbray. In the last four home matches in all competitions he’s overseen, there have been: 1) a goal-less loss at home to Hearts in the League Cup; 2) a goal-less loss at home to Hamburg in the Europa League Cup; 3) a goal-less draw at home to Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League; and 4) a one-one draw to Rapid Vienna in the Europa League Cup. Our last home win — you guessed it : defeating Hearts 2-1 in the League back in September. Omens…

Here’s the gaffer’s interview with Sky Sports:

Are the omens bad with this one? No, I’m sorry, but they are not all completely bad. Celtic are still top of the table, a point ahead of Rangers, three ahead of Hibs. And this Saturday Celtic face Kilmarnock, whom they beat 3-1, 3-nil, 2-1 in the League, and 3-1 in the League Cup last year. We defy augury. There’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, ‘Tis not to come. If it be not to come, it will be now. If it be not now, yet it will come. The readiness is all. Or something like that.

Too bad Celtic play Killie at home this weekend.

Celtic 2 St. Mirren 0

Matt — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:20:32 +0000

The legend of Paddy McCourt continued to grow today, as Celtic continued St. Mirren’s winless streak at their new Love Street ground. McCourt’s glorious run in the 28th minute resulted in Celtic’s first goal and left numerous St. Mirren defenders nursing their broken ego. It was McCourt’s second goal after a long run in as many games, and it was enough to give Celtic the three points. St. Mirren were held without much effort in the first half by a defense that featured Stephen McManus and Glenn Loovens, with Gary Caldwell noticeably missing from the starting XI. The second half saw St. Mirren create more chances, including one that saw St. Mirren’s Mehmet alone on goal and then beating Artur Boruc, but Glenn Loovens was on the goal line and cleared the ball from danger. The Buddies would rue missing this chance, because minutes later in the 78th minute Shaun Maloney gave Celtic their second goal of the day when he curled a shot into the net to secure the victory. With Aberdeen going to Ibrox and getting a draw, the win for Celtic gave a four point lead in the SPL before traveling to Ibrox next weekend. Join me after the jump for some thoughts and highlights of the game.

-Gary Caldwell was on the bench. Celtic gets their first clean sheet of the season. Is this a coincidence? I am not sure, but I am thinking no. Sure, in their previous two games St. Mirren had not scored at Love Street and had not won ever at their new ground. However, St. Mirren didn’t have any chances the first half. The second half was not as good for the defense, but the Buddies were still held scoreless.

-Paddy McCourt. What can else can be said. Another game, another brilliant run resulting in a goal. St. Mirren’s defense seemed to not want any part of McCourt on the run as he dodged past every defender that came his way. With these two wonder-goals, has Paddy McCourt earned himself a start against Rangers at Ibrox?

-It was good to see Shaun Maloney score a goal. He has been struggling most of the season so far, and to be fair, did not do much today except for the goal. However, a goal is often times what players like Maloney need. Something to get their confidence up and hopefully that goal was just that.

Video of Goals:
McCourt

Maloney

Celtic 2 Hearts 1: Mary Jane, Sex, and Football

Matt — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:01:26 +0000

What do the three things in the title have in common? It is what people from Holland do the best. Sometimes, they do all three at the same time, as it appeared when Glenn Loovens headed in an injury time winner yesterday against Hearts to put Celtic to the top of the SPL. You didn’t see Loovens with a big dooby of Amsterdam’s finest in his left hand, a fine Dutch woman in his right hand, and using his head to put the ball into the net after Aiden McGeady’s initial header sent the ball his way? Look harder, friend. Look harder. Of course, it looked like Celtic were going to be in for another week of controversy after Hearts opened the scoring just five minutes into the match when Suso struck one from 18 yards. Celtic finally equalized in the 56th minute with a Chris Killen header, who was starting for an injured Georgios Samaras. Killen missed a great chance to give Celtic the lead in the 71st minute when he miss hit the ball in front of a wide open net after Scott McDonald made a decent run but his shot was saved. Celtic also seemed to have a stonewall penalty denied when substitute Niall McGinn was taken down in the box, but surprise surprise Dougie McDonald waved play on. It would not matter though, as a corner in the final moments sent the ball to Aiden McGeady who’s square header met the head of Glenn Loovens and put Celtic to the top of the league. Thoughts and highlights after the jump:

-The first half of the game was bad for Celtic. 2nd half of the Hapoel Tel Aviv game bad. The team looked uninterested and like they thought they could just roll over Hearts. Now the Hearts goal was a good strike and there wasn’t much the defense could do, but the rest of the half there were way too many Hearts players getting past the defense and getting chances.
-The second half was better for the offense of Celtic. Celtic had three or four chances bang off the cross bar or post and dominated most of the play the second half. Of course, they also had a stonewall penalty denied, but what else is new. The goal was definitely deserved.
-After getting it all wrong Thursday, I thought Tony Mowbray’s team selection and subs were much better. Although a monkey could have put Gary Caldwell where he belongs in the backline and out of the midfield. Chris Killen’s selection was also forced, but I liked seeing two strikers out there instead of Scott McDonald by himself.
-Aiden McGeady was easily the man of the match for me. Was leaps and bounds better than everyone else on the field. Was getting no help from the referee, despite being knocked all over the field by every Hearts player, yet continued to move forward and was responsible for most of the Celtic attacks yesterday.

A video from a fan at the end where Celtic and Loovens got the late goal:

Celtic 1 Dundee United 1

Matt — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:35:32 +0000

Celtic could not take advantage of Rangers also getting a draw against Motherwell Saturday, as they draw Dundee United 1-1. United got on the scoreboard first early in the first half. Celtic equalized in the 17th minute with a Scott McDonald header. Those were all the goals the match had in it, or rather the referees would allow, with a seemingly good Georgios Samaras header disallowed halfway through the second half and a clear penalty chance denied when Dundee United clearly handled the ball in the box as the game drew to a close. Let’s quickly go through some talking points.
-Two goal scoring opportunities denied to Celtic by the Men In Black yesterday. The hand ball was a bang-bang play, so perhaps the ref just missed it, but the offsides call on Georgios Samaras was one of the worst calls I’ve seen. Georgios Samaras was so onside, it was funny. His right leg was, literally, behind the defender. Not only did the referee crew blow these calls, their calls were inconsistent and odd. It was clear Dundee United’s plan was to be physical with Celtic, something that was helped when the Man In Black refused to call a foul consistently. While I’m not saying there is a conspiracy, the officiating crew get my award for goat of the game and should be back calling pub league Sunday matches next week.

-With that being said, the referee did not blow the match for Celtic. Celtic seemed to be content with taking the ball into the final third and making one too many passes to allow Dundee United to take the ball. Shaun Maloney particularly represented that with me yesterday. His free kicks were awful and Maloney seemed to just not have a clue what to do with the ball.
-Tony Mowbray got the substitutions wrong on Saturday. Georgios Samaras was brought on for Landry N’Guemo and played out wide on the left? Uh….what? Samaras certainly doesn’t have the touch for that job. Paul Caddis was brought in for Marc Crosas. I’m sure Caddis was as surprised as all of us when his name was called. Finally, Koki Mizuno came in for Niall McGinn and was largely ineffective. Yes, the squad was light because of injuries and suspensions, but better choices could have been made.
-For a dose of optimism, Niall McGinn put in a good shift for his first start with Celtic. He looked to be a very creative and capable player most of the game on the wing, in the place of the suspended Aiden McGeady, and was one of the better players in the Hoops. Artur Boruc also saved the point for Celtic with some huge saves on Dundee United.

Ghirls Team Squeaks by Kilmarnock

Matt — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:18:57 +0000

After putting a six spot over Boroughmuir last Wednesday, the Celtic Ghirls team were just barely able to get past a talented Kilmarnock Women’s team, struggling to score goals in their match. The Ghirls only got TWENTY ONE goals against the Killie Ladies, while holding Killie scoreless. Wait, that sounds like the opposite of what I wrote. 21 goals seems like a lot. Oh, that’s because it is. Yes, Celtic put the hurt on Killie. The hurt bad. Feeling that six goals just was not enough last week, the Ghirls set out to send a message to the rest of the league. It took them only 49 seconds to get off the mark when Rebecca Dempster went on a great run and crossed for Rebecca Bisland to slot away at the back post. Tracy Burns, Amy McDonald and goalkeeper Kim Ramsay also played a part in the football beatdown after being signed from Kilmarnock. Suzanna Grant and Paulinne Hammill lead the team, each netting 5 goals a piece. Jo Love (*spits*) apparently has not found somewhere less “mhanky” to play, getting four goals for the team she hates. Leanna Crichton also netted four goals for the Ghirls, with three other players getting on the score sheet once as well. Congrats to the Ghirls team, who’s scored 27 goals in the last two matches.

Celtic 1 Hibs 0: Just Enough, but the Past Remains

Matt — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:57:48 +0000

Celtic’s first half goal was enough to carry the Bhoys to victory, despite Aiden McGeady being sent off in the second half and Celtic having to finish the match with 10 men. Neither side could put a goal in for the first 40 minutes, despite chances by each side. The match was a physical, exciting one that finally got a goal in the 41st minute when Georgios Samaras, starting because Marc Antoine Fortune was kept out due to injury, got his head on a cross from Andreas Hinkel and put it home. Artur Boruc was at his best again today, making some great saves to keep Hibs off the scoreboard, playing well in a place that he has typically had trouble in. Boruc would have to work even harder after the 63rd minute when Aiden McGeady was sent off for his second yellow card for what ref Dougie McDonald called simulation (more on this later). Boruc made a spectacular save on a good 25 yard Hibs strike and then denied former Celt Derek Riordan on a point blank shot from a corner to save the three points. From there on out, Celtic held Hibs and were able to get to victory. Make the jump to hear my thoughts on the match.

-Aiden McGeady should have never been issued that second yellow. There was contact, the ref was out of position and in no way could make the correct call on that play. Hell, Hibs manager John “Yogi” Hughes even said that McGeady should not have been sent off. If the whole Eduardo situation had not occurred, this sending off would not have occurred either.
-Artur Boruc is back. Sorry Lukasz Zaluska, we didn’t mean to take you from your starting job at Dundee United. Artur was flaky last year, we needed cover. Cover that Mark Brown did not provide. However, the Holy Goalie is back. After having some really bad games at Easter Road, even before last season’s debacle, but today was his official welcome back party. So, welcome back Artur.
-After those talking points, the team was not their sharpest today. The defense did alright, but were saved too many times by Artur. The attack wasn’t the greatest, with Shaun Maloney struggling for the first time in the season. Though I thought Willo Flood, Paul Caddis, and Chris Killen did well filling in when injury and poor refereeing decisions changed the game plan for Celtic.

~~When I find some highlights~~ Found a video of Boruc’s saves but I’ll look for full highlights and I’ll put them up here. Until then, check out an interview I did for the Lost Bhoys podcast. I talk about life as a North American Celtic supporter and some of the work I do at the Na Dead Raibead forum. Check it out!

20,000 Quid a Week?

Matt — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:02:35 +0000

Really Gary Caldwell? Really? Peter Lawwell hopefully had Heid’s agent on speed dial after today’s game, which saw Caldwell responsible for both St. Johnstone goals today. Despite seeing Gary Caldwell circa early 2008, Celtic cruised to a 5-2 victory over the newly promoted Saints of St. Johnstone. Marc Antoine Fortune opened up the goals in the game and got his first Celtic goal in the 21st minute when Shaun Maloney set him up 16 yards away from goal and he fired it home. Maloney got his own goal seven minutes later, but no one in the park expected the smallest man on the pitch to put a header home from Andreas Hinkel. Celtic looked to put the finishing move on the Saints, but the Caldwell gaffe put the Saints back in it before the half. Early into the second half, Maloney and Fortune got another goal each and put the game out of reach in the span of two minutes, with Maloney scoring in the 53rd minute and Fortune getting his 2nd career Celtic goal in the 54th. Scott McDonald added a fifth goal for Celtic in the 74th minute, which would be more than enough for Celtic, though the Saints got a consolation goal two minutes later. Make the jump for some post match thoughts and highlights.

-And the ball bounces nicely for Peter Lawwell, the PLC and Co. in the Gary Caldwell contract negotiations. While the Arsenal own goal cannot be blamed on Caldwell, he had another howler that game. Now against St. Johnstone, he was directly responsible for both goals (though Darren O’Dea could have stopped the 2nd as well). I’d like to see O’Dea and Glenn Loovens starting on Tuesday in London, maybe it’ll register in the big Heeeiiid of Caldwell’s.
-Shaun Maloney had another great game today. Maloney was one of the bright spots against Arsenal and had two goals and an assist today. Is that Harry Redknapp on line 1 for Scott Brown? You don’t say…
-After lambasting him for his performance against Arsenal, I thought Andreas Hinkel was good today. He had the assist on Maloney’s goal and did well defending today. Although, I am realistic and understand that it’s St. Johnstone and not Arsenal this occurred. However, after considering it for awhile, if it was up to me, I would have a rather high price for Hinkel in the EPL continue to come calling for him. While I rate Paul Caddis highly, cover for the right back spot is something to be valued and it is something that we have currently.
-It was good to see Marc Antoine Fortune finally get some goals. He struck the first goal very well. After previously struggling when finishing with Celtic, it was a bit reassuring to see Fortune finally get it right today. Hopefully it continues. With Landry N’Guemo and Danny Fox playing well so far, the signings of Tony Mowbray have been a success so far.

Highlights thanks to Eighteen88.com via The Huddleboard!

Celtic Highlights by Eighteen88 – Watch Rate and Share Celtic Videos

Lady Luck Kicks One Right in the Baws

Matt — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:10:47 +0000

Celtic did there best to keep the firepower of Arsenal under control, but William Gallas’ lucky arse and Gary Caldwell’s too long stud put a near impossible task for Celtic. Celtic seemed to be able to keep Cesc Fabregas, Andrei Arshavin and company from getting one past Celtic, but it was still not to be for the Bhoys. While the Gunners held a majority of the possession in the first half, Celtic were able to create some counter opportunities, yet neither squad was able to net a goal in the first 43 minutes. A Cesc Fabregas free kick bounced off William Gallas, who seemed to be trying to avoid the kick, and past a helpless Artur Boruc. In the second half, Arsenal had more room with Celtic trying to push for a goal, but a Arsenal cross bounced off Gary Caldwell’s boot and into the net for Arsenal’s 2nd goal and a near impossible task for Celtic to move on in the Champions League. After starting with a new line-up of Georgios Samaras instead of Marc Antoine Fortune and Scott McDonald, the usual striking pair was inserted in the 2nd half to try and get one back, but it was not to be. Join me after the jump for my thoughts.

-So far, everything Tony Mowbray has done has turned gold with Celtic. However, this will mark the first disagreement and hindsight dispute I will make. From the kickoff, I did not like the move to a 4-5-1, with Samaras alone. It seemed to contain Arsenal, but Celtic needed to do more than contain the Gunners in this fixture. They needed to get a result, which a 0-0 draw would not have been, yet Celtic did not even get that, with Lady Luck sending two low blows our way. Why mess around with something when it was working?
-Gary Caldwell had a howler of a game. The goal was not his fault, as he had to play the ball. However, he was playing terrible long pass after terrible long pass and gave the ball away at will.
-Danny Fox’s weakness is the defending aspect of playing fullback? Could have fooled me! Another week of solid defending, while his final ball still needs work. He seemed to make some great runs with the ball though, so hopefully the final ball improves.
-Andreas Hinkel for 4 million quid? Where do I sign? Hinkel was another player who seemed to be giving the ball away for sport and his defending has never been the best. Might it be time for the Paul Caddis era?
-Aiden McGeady and Shaun Maloney showed that they are EPL quality last night. They were able to dance around the Arsenal defenders and put a lot of balls into the box. One must wonder what would have more targets in the box besides Samaras.

St. Johnstone this weekend, hopefully all the goals that weren’t used on Tuesday are busted out at Celtic Park this weekend. As always, Keep the Faith!

Celtic 3-Aberdeen 1

Matt — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:32:31 +0000

Tony Mowbray and Celtic started the SPL campaign off with some flair today, going up to Aberdeen and winning 3-1. Celtic were on the attack from the beginning of the match, creating numerous chances that kept Aberdeen on the back foot. The Green and White wolves were certainly circling the Sheep and Aiden McGeady finally got Celtic on the scoreboard with a, quite frankly, Scott McDonald-like goal. Marc Antoine Fortune created a chance close to the goal that was deflected, but it found the diving foot of Aiden McGeady and it was in the back of the net. Celtic continued to seem to be playing down hill for the first half and McGeady got his second goal in the 42 minute after a good pass from Marc Antoine Fortune and a great strike from the top of the 18 yard box. Scott McDonald added a third for Celtic just two minutes later, capitalizing on a poor clearance by the Sheep defense. The Bhoys went into the locker room on cruise control. Unfortunately, they came out on cruise control as well and seemingly took the 2nd half off. Aberdeen were able to get one back with a nice strike by Sone Aluko, but it was not enough and Celtic coasted to the 3-1 victory. After the jump, check out my thoughts and some highlights.

-Marc Antoine Fortune will score about 10 goals this season, maybe less. He will get some pelters from fans about this total, but make no mistake, he is a key cog in the Celtic attack. He wins long balls, uses his strength to allow more attackers to get forward and can string a pass. His finishing is not the greatest, but he still plays a huge role in Tony Mowbray’s plans.
-Andreas Hinkel was wonderful coming forward, overlapping McGeady and others. This really put Aberdeen on the back foot. However, he had a howler of a defensive game. He actually TRIED TO CLEAR THE BALL ACROSS THE GOAL! Hopefully it was just a bad game. With loud rumors that Hull are interested in him, he might be worth a punt. However, that is not true if it’s only for the reported 1.5 million quid that the media is reporting.
-Aiden McGeady was easily the man of the match. The Dons were pissing themselves with every run he made in the first half. I’ve never seen defender backpedal so quickly when an opposing player came at them. McGeady finally showed some prowess finishing as well. He was able to get his foot on a deflection and his second goal was a great strike. Very promising start.
-Shaun Maloney also had a good game getting forward and creating chances for Celtic. Which is why it was worrying when Maloney had to leave the game late in the contest with an injury. It seemed to be a knee injury, though Maloney was seen walking under his own power. Hopefully it is not serious, but I would not bee surprised if Scott Brown got the start in Maloney’s place, with Marc Antoine Fortune getting a bit more wide.
-Ok, so after one game it might be premature to say this, but Massimo Donati for SPL Comeback of the Year. Donati was great as both a holding midfielder and a Center Half again today. It is amazing what a combination of not running your gums to the press and a new manager will do for a player.
-Another solid match for Danny Fox. Hinkel was the focus of most of the Celtic attacks, in terms of the fullbacks, but Fox did well in defense, especially since his knock when signing was his tackling ability.

Aberdeen 1 – 3 Celtic
(HT 0 – 3)
Aberdeen: Aluko 61
Celtic: McGeady 29, McGeady 42, McDonald 44
Highlights now found! Keep the Faith!