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noelyf
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Celtic 2 - 1 Motherwell
Thompson (centre) was the two-goal hero for Celtic against Motherwell
Josh Thompson was the unlikely hero, scoring twice as Celtic came from behind to edge out Motherwell.
Early in the second half, Thompson failed to clear a Tom Hateley free kick and Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds fired home from close range.
Thompson quickly made amends for his error by levelling with a shot from Scott Brown's headed knockdown.
The teenage defender then powered in a header from Lee Naylor's corner to seal a hard-earned victory.
Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon recalled Mark Wilson, Niall McGinn and Diomansy Kamara as he sought a reaction to the shock Scottish Cup semi-final defeat from Ross County at the weekend.
And a sparsely attended Celtic Park watched their team respond well to going behind in what was an entertaining second half, although the victory owed much to two good saves from home keeper Lukasz Zaluska.
On 10 minutes, McGinn charged down a Steve Jennings clearance and scurried forward to deliver a powerful cross for Robbie Keane. The Irish striker was well placed in front of goal but the ball was slightly behind him and he could not make a clean connection with his head.
Motherwell were packing numbers behind the ball but managed to string a few nice passing sequences together and Jennings saw his drilled shot from 20 yards blocked by a stretching Darren O'Dea after some neat build-up play.
Celtic saw a lot of the ball in an open first half but seldom troubled goalkeeper Michael Fraser, who was deputising for the injured John Ruddy.
Instead it was Zaluska who was called into action just shy of the half hour mark.
The Polish international had to get down smartly to stop a strike from Jamie Murphy and skipper Brown slid in to make it impossible for Lukas Jutkiewicz to turn in the loose ball.
McGinn, making his first appearance since January, embarked on a positive surge through the middle of the park only to sail a shot high over the crossbar.
Jutkiewicz then found himself in room behind the home defence but Zaluska came haring out to make a good save with his outstretched foot.
With the interval looming, Keane dragged an angled first-time strike wide and Aiden McGeady did well to cut in from left flank but his curling shot was comfortably gathered by Fraser.
Four minutes after the restart Motherwell were in front when Thompson conceded a free kick and the same player could only divert the delivery from Hateley into the path of Reynolds, who stabbed his shot in from six yards.
The home fans had barely started to register their discontent when Celtic levelled and it was Thompson who atoned for his mistakes.
Brown got his head to a McGinn corner kick and the teenage centre-half swept a first-time effort through a ruck of bodies.
McGeady drove a 20-yard shot just too high after an enterprising run and Fraser did well to narrow the angle and block a stinging strike from Keane as Celtic suddenly burst into life.
The Motherwell keeper then flapped at a cross, allowing Kamara a sight of goal but substitute Steven Saunders did well to clear with his chest.
With 15 minutes remaining, Zaluska made a fine stop to keep out a close range header from John Sutton after the Motherwell forward had connected with a fantastic whipped cross from Jim O'Brien.
Thompson claimed his second goal soon after, towering highest in a congested penalty box to head home direct from Lee Naylor's corner.
Keane smacked a volley narrowly wide as he latched on to a headed flick from replacement Marc-Antoine Fortune before Zaluska made another important intervention, racing out to deny Murphy on the edge of the penalty box.
BBC Football
Josh Thompson was the unlikely hero, scoring twice as Celtic came from behind to edge out Motherwell.
Early in the second half, Thompson failed to clear a Tom Hateley free kick and Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds fired home from close range.
Thompson quickly made amends for his error by levelling with a shot from Scott Brown's headed knockdown.
The teenage defender then powered in a header from Lee Naylor's corner to seal a hard-earned victory.
Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon recalled Mark Wilson, Niall McGinn and Diomansy Kamara as he sought a reaction to the shock Scottish Cup semi-final defeat from Ross County at the weekend.
And a sparsely attended Celtic Park watched their team respond well to going behind in what was an entertaining second half, although the victory owed much to two good saves from home keeper Lukasz Zaluska.
On 10 minutes, McGinn charged down a Steve Jennings clearance and scurried forward to deliver a powerful cross for Robbie Keane. The Irish striker was well placed in front of goal but the ball was slightly behind him and he could not make a clean connection with his head.
Motherwell were packing numbers behind the ball but managed to string a few nice passing sequences together and Jennings saw his drilled shot from 20 yards blocked by a stretching Darren O'Dea after some neat build-up play.
Celtic saw a lot of the ball in an open first half but seldom troubled goalkeeper Michael Fraser, who was deputising for the injured John Ruddy.
Instead it was Zaluska who was called into action just shy of the half hour mark.
The Polish international had to get down smartly to stop a strike from Jamie Murphy and skipper Brown slid in to make it impossible for Lukas Jutkiewicz to turn in the loose ball.
McGinn, making his first appearance since January, embarked on a positive surge through the middle of the park only to sail a shot high over the crossbar.
Jutkiewicz then found himself in room behind the home defence but Zaluska came haring out to make a good save with his outstretched foot.
With the interval looming, Keane dragged an angled first-time strike wide and Aiden McGeady did well to cut in from left flank but his curling shot was comfortably gathered by Fraser.
Four minutes after the restart Motherwell were in front when Thompson conceded a free kick and the same player could only divert the delivery from Hateley into the path of Reynolds, who stabbed his shot in from six yards.
The home fans had barely started to register their discontent when Celtic levelled and it was Thompson who atoned for his mistakes.
Brown got his head to a McGinn corner kick and the teenage centre-half swept a first-time effort through a ruck of bodies.
McGeady drove a 20-yard shot just too high after an enterprising run and Fraser did well to narrow the angle and block a stinging strike from Keane as Celtic suddenly burst into life.
The Motherwell keeper then flapped at a cross, allowing Kamara a sight of goal but substitute Steven Saunders did well to clear with his chest.
With 15 minutes remaining, Zaluska made a fine stop to keep out a close range header from John Sutton after the Motherwell forward had connected with a fantastic whipped cross from Jim O'Brien.
Thompson claimed his second goal soon after, towering highest in a congested penalty box to head home direct from Lee Naylor's corner.
Keane smacked a volley narrowly wide as he latched on to a headed flick from replacement Marc-Antoine Fortune before Zaluska made another important intervention, racing out to deny Murphy on the edge of the penalty box.
BBC Football
noelyf
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Irish eyes are smiling at Celtic awards night
Newsroom Staff
THE annual Celtic Player of the Year Awards were held last weekend, and it proved to be a great night for the Irish.
Aiden McGeady won the Players’ Player of the Year, Paddy McCourt’s wonder striker against St Mirren back in September was voted Goal of the Season, and Robbie Keane picked up the Player of the Year Award as voted for by the supporters.
In fairness, the Irish captain admitted to being slightly embarrassed at having won and said he thought the award should have gone to McGeady.
The event in the Thistle Hotel was a gathering of players and supporters as the annual awards were given out after what has been a very difficult and disappointing season.
The Young Player of the Year Award, sponsored by Thomas Cook, was won by 19-year-old defender Josh Thompson, who has seized his first-team opportunity in impressive style.
The Top Goalscorer of the Year Award, sponsored by Ladbrokes, was shared by Robbie Keane and Georgios Samaras, both of whom have netted 13 goals this season, while there was also a special mention for Scott McDonald’s contribution prior to his departure for Middlesbrough.
The Carling Goal of the Season, as voted for by Celtic supporters, was won by Paddy McCourt.
[youtube]WSZVxSQNN88[/youtube]
The ‘Derry Pele’s’ mesmerising goal against St Mirren, when he beat five men before firing home was a clear and popular winner.
Aiden McGeady picked up the Players’ Player of the Year Award, sponsored by Avia Signs. And, again, he was a clear and popular winner amongst his team-mates.
The Player of the Year Award, sponsored by Cash For Gold, was won by Robbie Keane for his 13 goals since joining the club at the end of January.
And probably the most popular award of the night was the Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Scottish Leader, which went to John Kennedy, who received a standing ovation when he went up on stage to receive the award from his friend and former team-mate, Shaun Maloney.
celticfc.net
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I am not the greatest fan of Scottish football at all, but you only have to look at Lennon on the sideline to see what the result means to him, he is practically kicking every ball. he reminds me of a certain City manager...Mr. S. Pearce, who was of a similar nature to Lennon
noelyf
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http://www.celticfc.net/home.aspx
Celtic v AZ Alkmaar match postponed
Celtic v Az alkmaar match postponed
Newsroom Staff
CELTIC’S friendly match with AZ Alkmaar scheduled for this Wednesday, April 21, has been postponed due to the ongoing flight disruptions throughout Europe in the wake of the volcanic eruption in Iceland.
The club is hoping to re-arrange the fixture against the Dutch side for the near future. Further information will follow on the official Celtic website as soon as there is any update.
celticfc.net
Celtic v AZ Alkmaar match postponed
Celtic v Az alkmaar match postponed
Newsroom Staff
CELTIC’S friendly match with AZ Alkmaar scheduled for this Wednesday, April 21, has been postponed due to the ongoing flight disruptions throughout Europe in the wake of the volcanic eruption in Iceland.
The club is hoping to re-arrange the fixture against the Dutch side for the near future. Further information will follow on the official Celtic website as soon as there is any update.
celticfc.net
noelyf
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Celtic Ladies reach final
Celtic Ghirls reach league cup final
Joe Sullivan
CELTIC swept into the final of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup with a resounding 5-0 win over Aberdeen.
Celtic went into the match in confident mood, having beaten the Dons 14-0 in a league game, but the Hoops still had to guard against any complacency. And they did so impressively, producing a good performance to reach the first final of the season.
The Aberdeen side had made some changes in reaction to that crushing defeat blow and the outcome fell somewhere midway between both scores but it was the Hoops who were still celebrating at the end of the 90 minutes.
Suzanne Grant scored five herself in the previous meeting but she settled for a hat-trick this time around, although it was Christie Murray who got the ball rolling after 18 minutes when the Aberdeen keeper fumbled a high ball from Jo Love and Murray was on hand to fire home.
The Dons keeper misjudged another ball in the 32nd minute allowing Grant to contest an aerial battle with her marker before heading the ball home from 18 yards.
That was the way it stood at half-time but 10 minutes after the turnaround, Grant turned provider with some excellent work on the left before setting up Love who side-footed home at the back post
Celtic turned up the pressure in the 63rd minute when an excellent through ball by the highly-talented Maddie Fulton left Grant with a bit still to do, but her pace and power enabled her to get by the last defender and slot home from 12 yards for a fantastic goal after some equally amazing play.
Then, an excellent pass by captain Amy McDonald left Grant one-on-one with the keeper and again her power and pace took her away from the trailing defenders before rounding the keeper and calmly firing home her third of the evening.
The game was a typical tense and fiercely contested cup semi-final but Celtic were always in control although they found it difficult at times against a hard-working and well-organised Aberdeen team.
The pitch was very tight and fiery which made it difficult for Celtic to play their normal passing game. However, the quality and experience of the Hoops side proved to be too strong for Aberdeen.
Manager Robert Docherty said: “It was a well-deserved victory against a very determined Aberdeen side. We are all absolutely delighted to be in the final – and once again the players deserve all the credit.
“The game was fiercely contested and Aberdeen, to their credit, made it very difficult for us with their organisation, energy and enthusiasm. The surface and pitch also made it very difficult for us to play our normal passing game.
“I thought our passing at times was careless but to win 5-0 and reach the final is fantastic. I don't like singling out anyone but I thought Suzanne Grant was excellent in the second half - her pace and power and goals made the real difference. I also thought Julia Scott did well when she came on as a second half substitute.”
The other semi-final between Spartans and Inverness will be played tonight, Thursday, April 22.
*Celtic’s next league game is away to Inverness this Sunday, April 25.
Celtic Ghirls reach league cup final
Joe Sullivan
CELTIC swept into the final of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup with a resounding 5-0 win over Aberdeen.
Celtic went into the match in confident mood, having beaten the Dons 14-0 in a league game, but the Hoops still had to guard against any complacency. And they did so impressively, producing a good performance to reach the first final of the season.
The Aberdeen side had made some changes in reaction to that crushing defeat blow and the outcome fell somewhere midway between both scores but it was the Hoops who were still celebrating at the end of the 90 minutes.
Suzanne Grant scored five herself in the previous meeting but she settled for a hat-trick this time around, although it was Christie Murray who got the ball rolling after 18 minutes when the Aberdeen keeper fumbled a high ball from Jo Love and Murray was on hand to fire home.
The Dons keeper misjudged another ball in the 32nd minute allowing Grant to contest an aerial battle with her marker before heading the ball home from 18 yards.
That was the way it stood at half-time but 10 minutes after the turnaround, Grant turned provider with some excellent work on the left before setting up Love who side-footed home at the back post
Celtic turned up the pressure in the 63rd minute when an excellent through ball by the highly-talented Maddie Fulton left Grant with a bit still to do, but her pace and power enabled her to get by the last defender and slot home from 12 yards for a fantastic goal after some equally amazing play.
Then, an excellent pass by captain Amy McDonald left Grant one-on-one with the keeper and again her power and pace took her away from the trailing defenders before rounding the keeper and calmly firing home her third of the evening.
The game was a typical tense and fiercely contested cup semi-final but Celtic were always in control although they found it difficult at times against a hard-working and well-organised Aberdeen team.
The pitch was very tight and fiery which made it difficult for Celtic to play their normal passing game. However, the quality and experience of the Hoops side proved to be too strong for Aberdeen.
Manager Robert Docherty said: “It was a well-deserved victory against a very determined Aberdeen side. We are all absolutely delighted to be in the final – and once again the players deserve all the credit.
“The game was fiercely contested and Aberdeen, to their credit, made it very difficult for us with their organisation, energy and enthusiasm. The surface and pitch also made it very difficult for us to play our normal passing game.
“I thought our passing at times was careless but to win 5-0 and reach the final is fantastic. I don't like singling out anyone but I thought Suzanne Grant was excellent in the second half - her pace and power and goals made the real difference. I also thought Julia Scott did well when she came on as a second half substitute.”
The other semi-final between Spartans and Inverness will be played tonight, Thursday, April 22.
*Celtic’s next league game is away to Inverness this Sunday, April 25.
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noelyf
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Battling Celts triumph at Tannadice
Laura Brannan
CELTIC booked their place in the Champions League qualifiers with a 2-0 victory against Dundee United, who went down to 10 men following the sending off of Jennison Myrie-Williams.
Diomansy Kamara’s first-half strike looked to be enough to seal the three points but a late Robbie Keane penalty in stoppage time doubled Celtic’s lead, maintaining Neil Lennon’s one hundred per cent league record as interim manager.
Four changes were made to the side which defeated Hibernian last weekend with Glenn Loovens and Thomas Rogne returning from injury. Kamara also made a comeback while Andreas Hinkel kept his place at right back.
Josh Thompson and Niall McGinn missed out while Mark Wilson and Darren O’Dea dropped to the bench.
Celtic suffered an early scare when David Goodwillie’s attempt hit off the inside of Artur Boruc’s goal on three minutes, but Rogne cleared the ball to safety.
The home side almost opened the scoring again on 10 minutes, but Loovens, who was featuring for the first time since the start of February, did well to clear Garry Kenneth’s shot off the line and keep the scoreline level.
It was Celtic who broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when Kamara got the better of Darren Dods. The unmarked striker was given time to control the ball before slotting a sweet left-footed strike past Pernis.
Marc-Antoine Fortune came close to doubling Celtic’s lead almost instantly but his header went just past the keeper’s right-hand post.
Rogne, who hadn’t played since the match against Rangers two months ago, picked up a knock on 34 minutes and was replaced in the centre of defence by O’Dea.
Kamara almost added to his tally just before half time following good linkage play with Aiden McGeady down the left flank, but his effort shot just past the right post, and Celtic remained one goal ahead going into the break.
Celtic started the second half brightly and Keane had a good opportunity to increase the Hoops’ lead on 49 minutes. The Irishman picked up a Lee Naylor free kick in the middle of the box but his volley sent the ball high over the bar.
Goodwillie came close to equalising two minutes later after finding space inside the box, but the post came to the rescue again and Naylor cleared the loose ball to safety.
Loovens had to be replaced by Mark Wilson in the centre of defence just before the hour mark after picking up a knock.
A good run down the left flank by McGeady set up Kamara who found space in front of goal, but his powerful shot fired just over the top of the bar.
Dundee United were reduced to 10 men when substitute Myrie-Williams was shown a second yellow card for bringing Landry NGuemo down. The midfielder had only been on the pitch for 14 minutes when he was dismissed for persistent fouling.
Celtic won a late penalty after Pernis brought McGeady down two minutes into stoppage time. Robbie Keane stepped up to coolly convert his 14th goal of the season and wrap up all three points for the visitors.
noelyf
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Double delight for young Celts with Hampden win
Mark Henderson
CELTIC Under-19s crowned off a magnificent season by securing the league and cup double with a 2-0 victory over Rangers in the SFA Youth Cup Final at Hampden.
After a cagey opening period, two inspired substitutions turned the game in the young Hoops’ favour in the second-half.
Sean Fitzharris had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds when he opened the scoring in the 57th minute, with a wonderful strike into the top corner. Fillp Twardzik repeated the feat in the 69th minute, heading home James Keatings’ excellent free-kick.
It was a deserved victory for the youngsters and comes days after they won the league championship.
Cheered on by vocal Celtic support, the Hoops looked to take control of the match from the off. James Forrest, who had recently returned from injury, in particular looked in a menacing mood.
Twice in the opening seven minutes, he raced past Rangers right-back Scott Durie, but was unable to pick out a Hoops player in the box.
The Ibrox men replied with a shot from 30 yards from Ross McCabe which Danielle Giordano gathered confidently.
After 12 minutes, Greig Spence reached a long raking pass, but Grant Adam was out quickly to deny the in-form hitman from an acute angle.
There were little clear chances of note in the opening quarter, although Declan Gallagher climbed well from Keatings’ free-kick, but was unable to get enough purchase on his header.
Forrest looked a danger anytime he got the ball, particularly when cutting in from the left wing on to his favoured right foot. On 18 minutes, he found some space on the edge of the area, but pulled his shot into the side-netting.
The Hoops were dominating possession, with the Ibrox side looking to soak up the pressure and hit on the break.
Through this method they fashioned two efforts on goal. In the 22nd minute, Kyle Hutton disposed Keatings and fired wide from 25 yards, before Dylan McGeouch picked up a loose pass and drove forward towards the box, but Matty Hughes bravely threw himself in the way of his shot.
With half-time approaching, Celtic won a throw-in on the touchline. Declan Gallagher flicked the ball on inside the six yard box, but there was no-one following up to take advantage.
Then, two minutes before the break, Spence held the ball up well on the edge of the area and laid it off for Callum Bagshaw, but the midfielder’s powerful drive was blocked.
After the restart, the young Hoops move up a gear and created the best opening of the match so far. Spence got in behind the defence and drove the ball towards the near-post, forcing Adam into a diving save.
At the other end, Naismith found some space on the edge of the box, but his shot lacked power and was straight at Giordano.
On the 55th minute, the Italian stopper produced a magnificent reflex save to keep the scores level. Hutton pulled the ball back from the byline and Archie Campbell struck a fierce shot on target, but Giordano showed strong hands to push the ball away.
Celtic immediately countered. Keatings cut inside and his dipping shot deflected wide for a corner. At that moment, Frail and McIntyre replaced Darren McAuley with Sean Fitzharris. And, just seconds after his introduction, the forward put the youths in front with a magnificent strike.
There seemed little danger when Fitzharris picked the ball up on the left, but he drifted inside the box before smashing a piledriver into the top corner, sparking delirium among the raucous Hoops support.
There was a moment of controversy in the 66th minute when Jordon Lowdon dug out a cross on the byline, which appeared to be handled in the box by a Rangers defender. The linesman put up his flag, but referee Steven McLean awarded a goal-kick.
Celtic were forced into a change midway through the half when Spence was unable to continue, with Twardzik his replacement.
And it was the substitute who doubled the Hoops advantage, again, just seconds after entering the fray. Fitzharris did well to win a free-kick on the touchline. Keatings swung in a wicked delivery and the Czech youngster headed powerfully into the bottom corner.
With the two-goal cushion, confidence began to ripple through the side. After an impressive spell of possession, Richie Towell raced onto a pass in the box and skipped past several defenders, but Adam stooped low to make a decent stop.
After that, Celtic saw out the match comfortably. The only effort Rangers could muster was a weak shot from Kal Naismith which drifted wide.
The final whistle was the spark for memorable celebrations on the pitch among the players and coaching staff.
noelyf
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season ticket prices frozen for third year in a row
Newsroom Staff
CELTIC today announced that season ticket prices will be frozen for the third year in succession.
This is a thank-you for the tremendous support that fans have given and continue to give, week in and week out, while the Club also appreciates the commitment fans make in buying their season ticket, particularly in the current economic climate.
In response to supporter feedback, the Club has also introduced a new 10-month payment plan. (Typical 15.9% APR, variable).*
And Celtic’s fantastic season ticket prices for kids will also continue, with season tickets available for children from just £50 per season, which is just £2.63 per match.
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “The Club and our supporters have experienced a very difficult season. However, it is important that, on behalf of the Club, I thank all our fans for their continued commitment.
“Celtic’s illustrious history has had many highs and lows. We must now move on and we must go forward together as the united Celtic family which has been so formidable in the past.
“The disappointment of this season has only made everyone at the club even more determined to ensure that we get back to doing what Celtic does best – winning football matches and, ultimately, winning trophies.
“We are all Celtic supporters faithful through and through and I can assure you that the club will be doing all it can to once again bring you the success which your support deserves.
“We are pleased for the third successive year to be able to freeze our season book prices and bring in a payment plan in response to feedback from supporters.
“The fantastic kids prices we have introduced and which have been so popular will also continue and we hope again that our new generation of supporters will again join us at Celtic Park.”
Supporters can renew their books by paying in full online or by calling the booking line on 0871 226 1888** (Option 1, option 1).
Those interested in purchasing a new season ticket should contact enquiry line 0871 226 1888** (Option 1, option 2 or register their interest online).
noelyf
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Celtic defeat Rangers with a 2-1 derby victory
Celtic defeat Rangers with derby victory
Laura Brannan
CELTIC finished their final home match of the season with a 2-1 victory against ten man Rangers, extending Neil Lennon’s unbeaten league record to seven games.
First half goals from Lee Naylor and Marc-Antoine Fortune sealed the points before Lee McCulloch saw red on the 90th minute for a second yellow.
A Kenny Miller equaliser two minutes from the break wasn’t enough as Celtic fought back almost instantly with the winner on the cusp of half-time, in a match which saw both sides' goalkeepers subbed through injury.
Neil Lennon made five changes to the side who beat Motherwell 4-0 at the weekend, with Mark Wilson and Naylor returning to the defence. Landry NGuemo, Diomansy Kamara and Saturday’s late goal scorer, Robbie Keane, were also handed first team starts.
Rangers had to make a change four minutes after the start, with Neil Alexander coming on for the injured Allan McGregor and one of the first things the keeper had to do was pick the ball out of his own net.
Naylor opened the scoring on eight minutes when he drove a low free kick under the wall and Alexander stood motionless as he watched it hit the bottom right corner of the net.
Rangers had an opportunity to equalise three minutes later when Miller burst down the left flank and crossed the ball in for the onrushing Kyle Lafferty. But the Irishman couldn’t make proper contact with it and knocked it beyond Artur Boruc’s post.
Celtic enjoyed the majority of possession, creating most of the attempts in the first half and Aiden McGeady had a good chance to double the home side’s lead. But his ball across the face of goal, after a blistering run into the box, was intersected by Alexander low to the ground.
Rangers began to push Celtic deeper into their own half and their pressure paid off two minutes from half time when Miller jumped for a cross in front of goal, heading home the equaliser.
But Celtic replied almost instantly when Fortune slammed home a sweet header through the legs of Alexander. His 44th minute strike put Celtic back in the lead and the home side went into the break with the upper hand.
Celtic started the second half brightly but were dealt a blow nine minutes in when Boruc had to be replaced after failing to shake off the hand knock he picked up when Rangers scored the equaliser.
Scott Brown headed the ball over the bar on 71 minutes, missing a good chance to extend Celtic’s lead to three.
Substitute Georgios Samaras came close to scoring ten minutes later when he charged across the edge of the penalty box and unleashed a powerful shot, only to see it fly just over the bar.
Miller then came agonisingly close to grabbing a late equaliser when he picked up an O’Dea block and cracked the ball off the post from close range.
Aiden McGeady almost slammed home a similar goal to his weekend strike against Motherwell as he attempted to chip Alexander from the edge of the box, but his effort went just high over the bar.
Rangers were reduced to ten men in the 90th minute when McCulloch picked up a second booking for a late foul on McGeady, but it makes little difference as Celtic had already done enough to wrap up all three points.
Celtic defeat Rangers with derby victory
Laura Brannan
CELTIC finished their final home match of the season with a 2-1 victory against ten man Rangers, extending Neil Lennon’s unbeaten league record to seven games.
First half goals from Lee Naylor and Marc-Antoine Fortune sealed the points before Lee McCulloch saw red on the 90th minute for a second yellow.
A Kenny Miller equaliser two minutes from the break wasn’t enough as Celtic fought back almost instantly with the winner on the cusp of half-time, in a match which saw both sides' goalkeepers subbed through injury.
Neil Lennon made five changes to the side who beat Motherwell 4-0 at the weekend, with Mark Wilson and Naylor returning to the defence. Landry NGuemo, Diomansy Kamara and Saturday’s late goal scorer, Robbie Keane, were also handed first team starts.
Rangers had to make a change four minutes after the start, with Neil Alexander coming on for the injured Allan McGregor and one of the first things the keeper had to do was pick the ball out of his own net.
Naylor opened the scoring on eight minutes when he drove a low free kick under the wall and Alexander stood motionless as he watched it hit the bottom right corner of the net.
Rangers had an opportunity to equalise three minutes later when Miller burst down the left flank and crossed the ball in for the onrushing Kyle Lafferty. But the Irishman couldn’t make proper contact with it and knocked it beyond Artur Boruc’s post.
Celtic enjoyed the majority of possession, creating most of the attempts in the first half and Aiden McGeady had a good chance to double the home side’s lead. But his ball across the face of goal, after a blistering run into the box, was intersected by Alexander low to the ground.
Rangers began to push Celtic deeper into their own half and their pressure paid off two minutes from half time when Miller jumped for a cross in front of goal, heading home the equaliser.
But Celtic replied almost instantly when Fortune slammed home a sweet header through the legs of Alexander. His 44th minute strike put Celtic back in the lead and the home side went into the break with the upper hand.
Celtic started the second half brightly but were dealt a blow nine minutes in when Boruc had to be replaced after failing to shake off the hand knock he picked up when Rangers scored the equaliser.
Scott Brown headed the ball over the bar on 71 minutes, missing a good chance to extend Celtic’s lead to three.
Substitute Georgios Samaras came close to scoring ten minutes later when he charged across the edge of the penalty box and unleashed a powerful shot, only to see it fly just over the bar.
Miller then came agonisingly close to grabbing a late equaliser when he picked up an O’Dea block and cracked the ball off the post from close range.
Aiden McGeady almost slammed home a similar goal to his weekend strike against Motherwell as he attempted to chip Alexander from the edge of the box, but his effort went just high over the bar.
Rangers were reduced to ten men in the 90th minute when McCulloch picked up a second booking for a late foul on McGeady, but it makes little difference as Celtic had already done enough to wrap up all three points.
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