Celtic 3-Gretna 0: Better, I guess.

By: Matt | March 23rd, 2008

Samaras loves Subway! Nothing seems to cure all ails like a “trip” to Gretna. Celtic have been struggling for the last few weeks, but nothing that Celtic is going through could match what fans and members of Gretna have been facing. A chairman in the hospital, players not getting payed, and a “home park hours away from your actual home park means some inconvienence to be sure. However, that was all trumped when Gretna declared administration. There were worries about Gretna folding, being docked 10 points for their financial troubles (as if they have points to spare anyways), and playerspossibly refusing to play (with reports of them not getting played, who can blame them). It seemed that Gretna might have to give their sponsor, Subways, spokesman Jared a call to play. However the game went on, albiet at a different site than their “home park” of Fir Park.

The game kicked off and Gretna seemed motivated and it did not seem to have the perils they were facing on the mind, but they couldn’t keep the Bhoys off the attack. Aiden McGeady fired a rocket that forced Gretna keeper Greg Fleming to make a great save. The Bhoys would finally find pay dirt after a two game goal less streak, when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink won a header from a long goal kick that found the feet of Scott McDonald and he put it away in true Skippy fashion. It was very re-assuring to see Skippy score, as it was very much in his style. He has a nose for goal, and going into next Saturday, we will need him.

Perhaps the highlight of the match came at the 33rd minute, when Gretna had a throw. A charitable Celtic fan, feeling pitty for Gretna and their recent plights felt pitty and offered the Gretna player a few pounds, which got a chuckle out of everyone including the Gretna player. I have an image of it, but it is a GIF. I will try and post it as it is hilarious but I am technoloigcally challenged and can’t promise anything. Gretna Charity

Every Celtic fan’s favorite subject, the back line was back on shaky ground. Gretna had a few chances, firing a shot inches from the post. Old Man of the Mountain Gary Caldwell had a shaky clearance and header that were certainly butt puckering for Celtic supporters, but the Celtic defense bent but did not break.

The offense was not done for the day as seemingly the Aiden McGeady we are all use to sent a near perfect cross to the big frame of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink who headed it home. Aidendihno put another beauty of a cross to super Greek sub Georgios Samaras feet and he hammered it off the cross bar in. 3-0 was the score of the day, and going into the Rangers match next Saturday there were some good signs. However, Scott Brown picked up another yellow and will be serving a three match ban starting next Saturday. It was nice to see Aiden back to being Aiden. With Rangers probably packing in the back next weekend, Aiden will be key to get behind that Rangers defense and serve up some good crosses. With all of the probable striker starters scoring, hopefully they will be keeping on the goal scoring track. The defense had a clean sheet, but it wasn’t a performance to right home about. I think the strikers will be up for the game, so I think the key will be limiting mistakes in the back and the midfield play. While they’ll be looking for a goal, I can’t imagine Rangers are going to go all out on the attack and will probably play conservatively.

Honestly, I like our chances next Saturday. Even without the “Old Firm” bollocks, I don’t think anyone needs to be reminded of how important the game is in the standings. Needless to say, it is a must win. I hate to quote those stupid Nike commercials, but I really think “Our better is better than their better”. We shall see though.

Check back in the week to see some of my thoughts on the “Old Firm” and everything that goes with it.