MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 4 ST MIRREN 0

PRE_MATCH COMMENT

Looking forward to seeing an attacking team come to Paradise and also the chance to watch Riordan start a game (couldn’t believe that he wasn’t picked). Pleased that one of the young reserves was being given a chance.


BROWN ….…….6 A much more solid performance and one in which he held onto any shots that were on target apart from one in which he produced a very good save.

CALDWELL ….. 6 Kept his mistakes down to a minimum and supplied McDonald with some very good passes down the wing..

PRESSLEY…….. 6 Had a hard time in the air against Falkirk’s center fwd but coped well on the ground. Had to be subbed due to a groin strain.

McMANUS…. ….6 Steady but the defence was a bit shaky on occasions.

CONROY….….….7 The young man will be pleased with his first ever start. He was confident on the ball, wasn’t shy in going forward and used his left foot to good advantage. He was up against Falkirk’s best player and was never going to win the physical battle but he stuck to the task and will learn a lot from the experience.

HARTLEY…. …..6. Was played in a more attacking midfield role and did o.k. but I was looking for more domination from him in that area.

DONATI..…. ….. 5 There were times when you could see his class and natural abilities shine through but there were other times when he would exasperate and frustrate. I can see his quality but I think he’s playing in the wrong league.

BROWN …….. . 6 He could be so much more effective and dangerous if he would only use his undoubted skills to a more positive effect. Was pleased to see him subbed solely for the reason that he walking a tightrope with the ref.

McGEADY…. ….9 MOM His first ever senior hat-trick and another effervescent performance made a great night for those of us who have stood by him even when he was frustrating the life out of us! He is now developing into a top European player and the greatest thing that Peter Lawell could do for Celtic is to get him to sign a new and extended contract now. He is going to leave Celtic and go on to even greater things but I like to see him in the Hoops for a few more years.

JVOH ………… 5 He won quite a few balls in the air and should have scored except that the defender kept it out with his arm but I’m afraid if you analyse how many times he used the ball to set up or link another flowing move you would be very disappointed.

McDONALD ……6 Full of vitality, scored a goal and set up McGeady for the last goal but he has to start learning how to hold on to the ball and use it better in linking up play.

SUBS ………….

1. SNO ………… 5 Showed again that he has lots of good qualities. He just needs to react a liitle bit faster.
2. O’DEA….. ……. 5 Replaced Pressley and showed that centre back is his best position.
3. KILLEN ……… 3 It’s amazing that he is a double of JVOH in so far that he is unable to run fast, unable to hold onto the ball and unable to score goals.




REF…………. (McDonald) 4 Tuned down a perfectly good penalty and was inconsistent.

THE GAME ……7 Credit to Falkirk for attempting to play a fast passing, open game. It made them dangerous and also allowed us the space to show off our skills.

GOALS ………. 1st A good darting run by McDonald into the penalty box and he coolly converted the penalty
2nd A good passing move which left McGeady enough time to place the ball past the goalkeeper and in off the post.
3rd A typical ‘cutting inside’ run by McGeady which took him past several players and saw him shoot the ball through a crowded penalty area.
4th A great pass by McDonald set up Aiden for his hat-trick which he coolly took.


COMMENTS ….. 1. It is unfortunate that to-night GS showed his human frailties for all the world to see! How he could not have started with Riordan was inexplicable but how he could have kept him on the bench was downright small mindedness.

2. It was quite nice sitting in a half empty stadium surrounded by the really committed supporter and not having to listen to the constant carping, criticising of the so-called supporter.