Perhaps I’ll write more…

By: Matt | April 16th, 2008

Naka says “Fuck you, Huns!” If my previous post was not enough for you to get the gist of the game, I suppose I’ll write more. Perhaps you were occupied during the game. Or if you were like me, you had a class at 3pm where a paper was due. Never fear for me, the internet and laptop computers were invented for just such an occasion. When Nakamura scored the first goal, I pumped my fist and my Anthropology teacher asked me if I had a question. I sheepishly said “No, just stretching.” Tragedy struck right after half time, my shite Tangent computer’s (Fuck you very much, University of Dayton for making all students buy these pieces of shit) battery died after a mere 50 minutes. I squirmed through the remaining 25 minutes of class. No notes were taken. I sprinted out of the Science Center and towards my apartment

Nakamura’s goal came after a string of corners for Celtic, but none found home and Rangers cleared. Celtic retained possesion, Naka got a hold of the ball and ran right down the middle a fired a shot from about 25 yards out that was a fucking beauty. Celtic Park erupted and Celtic held the lead until the halftime whistle. The first hald, the Bhoys dominated with the help of another phenomenal game from the likes of Barry Robson and Paul Hartley. Celtic had a couple chances, many on corners and must have went into the locker rooms with loads of confidence

Around the 50 minute is when I lost power and was stranded in India(where we are studying in Anthropology). When I plugged in ole’ Betty (my computer’s name, obviously), I was horrified to find out that Rangers scored on a Nacho Novo goal (who was named player of the match by the Beeb, better wait until the match is over before announcing those type of things fellas). I also missed SPL Player of the Year, Carlos Cueller, Maradona-ed a Nakamura shot that was heading for the net. Cueller was given a straight red and sent off and Scott McDonald stepped up to take the penalty. Easy goal right? Only problem was Skippy took a terrible penalty and McGregor saved it. 1-1 still to that point. It was tense times at Celtic Park after that, as Rangers fans were sure that McGregor had put Celtic’s title hopes to bed with that save, and it looked that way as time wore on. McGregor, however, hurt his ankle on the penalty save and had to be replaced by Rangers back up keeper Neil Alexander. Time ticked past 90 minutes and it was announced that 5 minutes of extra time would be added on. In about the 2nd minute of extra time, Gary Caldwell played an atrocious ball to no one in particular that rolled over the back line and out to touch. I chastised Caldwell loudly and thought that could be the end. But Caldwell, who I have criticized fairly regularly, made amens. In the 4th minute of extra time Caldwell played an amazing long ball to Scott McDonald who’s first touch header pass to Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was also spectacular. JVOH headed the ball past Alexander and Celtic Park erupted yet again. The final whistle soon sounded and Celtic had won 2-1.

Perhaps the biggest story of the match was after the final whistle sounded when a scrum with Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus broke out against Weir, Novo, and Ferguson. Reports are that Caldwell, along with Weir and Novo all received Red Cards. Rumors are also out that McManus got a yellow as well. This is big stuff. This means that Weir will miss the next game against Celtic as even if he appeals, he is over his discipline amount (same situation as Scott Brown). There are rumors also that Aiden McGeady and Nacho Novo might have gotten booked, but there is no confirmation yet.

With Weir definitely out and McGregor injured, these could be the breaks that Celtic needs. Injuries, Red Cards, backlog of fixtures. If you put these things together they could equal dropped points. Celtic will certainly be riding a wave of momentum after this game and hopefully can win out. Like Naka said, “Every game is a Cup Final!”

Credit to the Green Brigade for some great displays tonight, including this wee gem:
Scotland's Shame