MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 ICT 1
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Although I rate McManus, I was disappointed that he was fit to play as I was hoping to see O’Dea have a full run out.
BORUC ….…….6 Had virtually nothing to do except pick the ball out of the net.
HINKEL... ….. 6 I like his natural confidence when he’s on the ball and he is very comfortable going fwd but he has some work to do on the defensive positional part of his game.
CALDWELL….. 7 No big mistakes so a sound, unspectacular game.
McMANUS…. …7 Displayed a great piece of skill out on the left wing to bamboozle the ICT player then unfortunately decided to pass the ball to Brown!
NAYLOR….….….5 He can bring a ball down very well, he can send over a very good cross but in between all of this is a player who insists on giving the ball away in very dangerous areas. Should really be ‘rested’ and Wilson be given his chance when he returns, hopefully from America, with the all clear.
McGEADY …. …..7 I always enjoy the tussles he has with Ross Toakley and to-day was no different. Found it difficult at times to get past his marker but never gave up and produced another absolute piece of skill to create the second goal. Certainly came out on top in the head to head.
BROWN..…….. 4 These are the games that he should be stamping his authority but he was pretty ineffective and failed to show why Celtic paid 4.5m for him. His awful mistake led to a complete change in how the game was progressing. I can never fault his commitment but he is soon going to have to add decisive passing and scoring of goals to his repertoire.
DONATI …….. . 6 There is no question that he is a very confident, skillful player when he is on the ball and some of his crossfield passing is a delight to watch but I feel he plays to close to the back four and would be more effective initiating attacks from further up the park.
NAKA…….. …… 5 He sent over a wonderful free-kick to set up the first goal but he also displayed too many sloppy passes.
McDONALD ….. 7 He did what he is paid to do, i.e. score goals. He is a natural poacher.
SAMARAS ……7 MOM I think it is going to take a little bit of time for the supporters to fully appreciate the whole range of skills this guy has. He has lovely quick feet, he has a great burst of speed, he wins a lot of aerial balls, he has an eye for goal and he showed that he can use his head to score as well. But he has the tendency to drift out of the game a la St Mirren although to-night he had his slump in the latter part of the first half and came back very strongly in to-nights game.
SUBS ………….1. KILLEN…… 3 I just do not see anything in his many appearances that indicate he has anything to offer Celtic.
REF…………. 5 Started so well and I thought he was a welcome addition to the Grade 1 refs but the longer the game went on the less impressed I became. How could he not award a penalty for that foul on Brown.
THE GAME ……7 For the first 70 mins I was really enjoying the open play and fast interchanging passing coming from Celtic. Unfortunately, after the Brown gaffe it all changed.
GOALS ………. 1st A delightful free kick by Naka allowed McDonald to sneak in and put the ball in the net from close range.
2nd A classic goal! McGeady gets the ball out on the left, he has two ment o beat which he does but then he goes back to beat them again which he does and send over a wonderful cross which was very well met by Samaras..
ICT goal: 1st An awful mistake by Brown caused the goal and then panic..
COMMENTS ….. 1. In a week in which two ex-Celtic players, Beattie and Millar, are told they can go out on loan, it was pleasing to read that Laursen had achieved a very good move to Copenhagen.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 BARCA 3
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Walking up to Celtic Park I thought how lucky I am. Here I was about to give the team I support my full backing and yet I was also going to have the opportunity of watching a world class team strut their stuff. It is the 7th time Barca have played Celtic and the games have never disappointed.
BORUC ….…….8 MON Had no chance with any of the goals and prevented a handful of others.
CADDIS... ….. 6 What an experience for this young player! Asked to mark Ronaldhino and, although his inexperience was evident, he did not let the team down.
CALDWELL….. 6 Until his awful mistake that led to the second goal I thought he was having a very good game. He and McManus had stood firm against waves upon waves of attack. However, he has now added to his previous C.L. and SPL blunders and GS will have to try another combination.
McMANUS…. ….8 Apart from being unlucky with his attempted clearance that led to the 3rd goal, he was a rock in the centre of defence.
NAYLOR….….….5 He produced his usual first 45 mins performance before settling down in the second half but even then he gave Messi too much room. His Jeckyl and Hyde bit in the first half sums up his type of game. First he attempts a suicide pass in his own penalty box that nearly leads to a goal, then he produces a wonderful pass to allow JVOH to score and then he loses Messi by lack of anticipation to concede a goal. I really feel that Celtic must find an alternative left back.
McGEADY …. …..7 Helped create the two goals but never received enough good ball due to the brilliance of Barca’s play.
HARTLEY..…….. 5 He tried hard but he was in a midfield that was just swamped and he was left floundering.
ROBSON …….. . 6 He too was out of his depth in a midfield that never came to grips with the opposition. He made one run into the box and scored with a very good goal.
NAKA…….. …… 3 I’ve come to expect him being forced out of away games but this was the first time Naka failed to produce anything near his what he is capable of at home. Should have been subbed.
McDONALD ….. 7 He didn’t score but he sure gave everything he had for the cause.
JVOH ………… .. 7 It is amazing how many balls in the air he won, how much effort he put in and he took his goal so well. He’s the only player to score against Barca with a header this season.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 6 Replaced JVOH and caused some problems but he came on at a time that Barca had assumed almost total command.
2. WILSON……….5 I think that everyone was surprised to see him make his comeback in a game of this stature but after he found his feet he came onto a game. Maybe he will be given a chance at left back.
3. DONATI……..4 Unfortunately for Donati his performance highlighted why he did not get a starting slot.
REF…………. 5 Was immediately worried when I saw this orange clad, suntanned Swede make an appearance. He was no homer!
THE GAME ……8 The game was a pleasure to be at for several aspects. Celtic showed that if you attack you can score goals. Barca showed that if you spend big money you can buy the best and as a result there was some wonderful football produced. The Barca player who impressed me the most was the languid midfielder Toure.
GOALS ………. 1st McGeady got the better of Puyol, fed McDonald who fought until he gave the ball back to McGeady who fed Naylor who fired in a great cross which was met majestically by JVOH.
2nd McGeady comes inside and chips a great ball to the attacking Robson, who then produces a great looping header.
Barca’s goals: 1st A very good goal by Messi but you could tell by Naylor’s reaction that he felt he should have done better.
2nd A superb curling shot by Henri after an awful mistake by Caldwell.
3rd An unlucky ricochet allowed Messi to sell Caldwell a dummy and beat Boruc.
COMMENTS ….. 1. The team that deserved to win, won but Celtic should not be disappointed with their performance they were just out passed for most of the game.
2. GS showed a lot of courage in sending out the team he did and the experience will prove to be invaluable for some of the new players.
3. GS should have subbed Naka early in the second half.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Walking up to Celtic Park I thought how lucky I am. Here I was about to give the team I support my full backing and yet I was also going to have the opportunity of watching a world class team strut their stuff. It is the 7th time Barca have played Celtic and the games have never disappointed.
BORUC ….…….8 MON Had no chance with any of the goals and prevented a handful of others.
CADDIS... ….. 6 What an experience for this young player! Asked to mark Ronaldhino and, although his inexperience was evident, he did not let the team down.
CALDWELL….. 6 Until his awful mistake that led to the second goal I thought he was having a very good game. He and McManus had stood firm against waves upon waves of attack. However, he has now added to his previous C.L. and SPL blunders and GS will have to try another combination.
McMANUS…. ….8 Apart from being unlucky with his attempted clearance that led to the 3rd goal, he was a rock in the centre of defence.
NAYLOR….….….5 He produced his usual first 45 mins performance before settling down in the second half but even then he gave Messi too much room. His Jeckyl and Hyde bit in the first half sums up his type of game. First he attempts a suicide pass in his own penalty box that nearly leads to a goal, then he produces a wonderful pass to allow JVOH to score and then he loses Messi by lack of anticipation to concede a goal. I really feel that Celtic must find an alternative left back.
McGEADY …. …..7 Helped create the two goals but never received enough good ball due to the brilliance of Barca’s play.
HARTLEY..…….. 5 He tried hard but he was in a midfield that was just swamped and he was left floundering.
ROBSON …….. . 6 He too was out of his depth in a midfield that never came to grips with the opposition. He made one run into the box and scored with a very good goal.
NAKA…….. …… 3 I’ve come to expect him being forced out of away games but this was the first time Naka failed to produce anything near his what he is capable of at home. Should have been subbed.
McDONALD ….. 7 He didn’t score but he sure gave everything he had for the cause.
JVOH ………… .. 7 It is amazing how many balls in the air he won, how much effort he put in and he took his goal so well. He’s the only player to score against Barca with a header this season.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 6 Replaced JVOH and caused some problems but he came on at a time that Barca had assumed almost total command.
2. WILSON……….5 I think that everyone was surprised to see him make his comeback in a game of this stature but after he found his feet he came onto a game. Maybe he will be given a chance at left back.
3. DONATI……..4 Unfortunately for Donati his performance highlighted why he did not get a starting slot.
REF…………. 5 Was immediately worried when I saw this orange clad, suntanned Swede make an appearance. He was no homer!
THE GAME ……8 The game was a pleasure to be at for several aspects. Celtic showed that if you attack you can score goals. Barca showed that if you spend big money you can buy the best and as a result there was some wonderful football produced. The Barca player who impressed me the most was the languid midfielder Toure.
GOALS ………. 1st McGeady got the better of Puyol, fed McDonald who fought until he gave the ball back to McGeady who fed Naylor who fired in a great cross which was met majestically by JVOH.
2nd McGeady comes inside and chips a great ball to the attacking Robson, who then produces a great looping header.
Barca’s goals: 1st A very good goal by Messi but you could tell by Naylor’s reaction that he felt he should have done better.
2nd A superb curling shot by Henri after an awful mistake by Caldwell.
3rd An unlucky ricochet allowed Messi to sell Caldwell a dummy and beat Boruc.
COMMENTS ….. 1. The team that deserved to win, won but Celtic should not be disappointed with their performance they were just out passed for most of the game.
2. GS showed a lot of courage in sending out the team he did and the experience will prove to be invaluable for some of the new players.
3. GS should have subbed Naka early in the second half.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 3 HEARTS 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. It was good to walking up to Celtic Park as part of a Celtic support who had started, once again, to believe that Celtic will be Champions once again.
Interesting to see that Donati had been preferred to Hartley.
BORUC ….…….6 Did nothing wrong throughout the game apart from his unacceptable behaviour when, after he made a poor clearance which resulted in a good chance for Hearts to score, he rounded on Captain McManus, waving his arms and pushing him. Luckily Hinkel intervened, as Big Mick was having none of it.
HINKEL... ….. 6 As an attacker Celtic have discovered a very good player who capped off his display with a good goal. As a defender Celtic have work to do in ensuring his positional awareness is honed.
CALDWELL….. 7 A very solid game.
McMANUS…. ….7 A good, sound performance, the highlight being a very important header over the bar to prevent a certain goal. He did kiss and make up with Artur.
NAYLOR….….….6 Fortunately Naylor gets better as games progress. Was weak in the first half, slipping, bad passes, being nutmegged, etc. but when playing in front of GS he always steps up a gear.
McGEADY …. …..8 MOM. Was tightly marked throughout but never gave up. His perseverance led to the 1st goal and a delightful pass to Hinkel led to the 3rd goal.
DONATI..…….. 7 He doesn’t close opponents down as Hartley does but he has a self belief when he is on the ball and you can recognise the footballing brain with some of the things he attempts.
BROWN …….. . 8 I don’t think that goal scoring is going to be his forte this season but breaking down opponents moves and denying them space are certainly two of the many benefits he brings to the team.
NAKA…….. …… 7 Another 90 mins and more than a few glimpses of his consummate skill.
McDONALD ….. 7 Kept his goal scoring hot streak going by putting another simple opportunity away.
JVOH ………… .. 7 Won so many balls in the air (an aspect of his play which had been sorely missing before) and took his goal very well.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 7 This time he replaced JVOH and he lit up Celtic Park with delightful footwork, a bit of aggression and a fantastic effort which it the post. The Greek is going to become a fans favourite.
2. ROBSON……….6 Took Donati’s place in midfield and showed that no-one will walk over him.
3. HUTCHINSON……..5 Only had 5 mins but he’s a powerful lad who made some very good runs. The great thing about him is that he has knocked Killen off the bench!
REF…………. (McDonald) 7 You can’t expect McDonald not to make mistakes and he did but he allowed the game to flow and he did not red card Boruc which a certain minister of the cloth may well have been tempted to do!
THE GAME ……8 Hearts were no pushovers (if they play like this against Rangers they will cause problems) and helped create a good, fast, skillful game.
GOALS ………. 1st McGeady takes the ball down the left side with two defenders in close attendance however a burst of pace gave him just enough room to send over a semi cross which JVOH met bravely to steer into the far corner.
2nd Simple goal. A Naka corner, a McDonald header, an important goal.
3rd The goal starts off with Samarass showing some lovely skill and about twenty passes later Hinkel accepts McGeady’s flick and blasts the ball into the net from a tight angle.
COMMENTS ….. 1. The important job for the week was done, i.e. 3pts. The Barca game will be exciting and Celtic have a chance but it is not as important as Celtic continuing undefeated this year.
2. Hinkel and Brown are out for the Barca game and I’ll go along with whatever team GS sends out.
3. The atmosphere in the stadium was much better, long may it continue.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. It was good to walking up to Celtic Park as part of a Celtic support who had started, once again, to believe that Celtic will be Champions once again.
Interesting to see that Donati had been preferred to Hartley.
BORUC ….…….6 Did nothing wrong throughout the game apart from his unacceptable behaviour when, after he made a poor clearance which resulted in a good chance for Hearts to score, he rounded on Captain McManus, waving his arms and pushing him. Luckily Hinkel intervened, as Big Mick was having none of it.
HINKEL... ….. 6 As an attacker Celtic have discovered a very good player who capped off his display with a good goal. As a defender Celtic have work to do in ensuring his positional awareness is honed.
CALDWELL….. 7 A very solid game.
McMANUS…. ….7 A good, sound performance, the highlight being a very important header over the bar to prevent a certain goal. He did kiss and make up with Artur.
NAYLOR….….….6 Fortunately Naylor gets better as games progress. Was weak in the first half, slipping, bad passes, being nutmegged, etc. but when playing in front of GS he always steps up a gear.
McGEADY …. …..8 MOM. Was tightly marked throughout but never gave up. His perseverance led to the 1st goal and a delightful pass to Hinkel led to the 3rd goal.
DONATI..…….. 7 He doesn’t close opponents down as Hartley does but he has a self belief when he is on the ball and you can recognise the footballing brain with some of the things he attempts.
BROWN …….. . 8 I don’t think that goal scoring is going to be his forte this season but breaking down opponents moves and denying them space are certainly two of the many benefits he brings to the team.
NAKA…….. …… 7 Another 90 mins and more than a few glimpses of his consummate skill.
McDONALD ….. 7 Kept his goal scoring hot streak going by putting another simple opportunity away.
JVOH ………… .. 7 Won so many balls in the air (an aspect of his play which had been sorely missing before) and took his goal very well.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 7 This time he replaced JVOH and he lit up Celtic Park with delightful footwork, a bit of aggression and a fantastic effort which it the post. The Greek is going to become a fans favourite.
2. ROBSON……….6 Took Donati’s place in midfield and showed that no-one will walk over him.
3. HUTCHINSON……..5 Only had 5 mins but he’s a powerful lad who made some very good runs. The great thing about him is that he has knocked Killen off the bench!
REF…………. (McDonald) 7 You can’t expect McDonald not to make mistakes and he did but he allowed the game to flow and he did not red card Boruc which a certain minister of the cloth may well have been tempted to do!
THE GAME ……8 Hearts were no pushovers (if they play like this against Rangers they will cause problems) and helped create a good, fast, skillful game.
GOALS ………. 1st McGeady takes the ball down the left side with two defenders in close attendance however a burst of pace gave him just enough room to send over a semi cross which JVOH met bravely to steer into the far corner.
2nd Simple goal. A Naka corner, a McDonald header, an important goal.
3rd The goal starts off with Samarass showing some lovely skill and about twenty passes later Hinkel accepts McGeady’s flick and blasts the ball into the net from a tight angle.
COMMENTS ….. 1. The important job for the week was done, i.e. 3pts. The Barca game will be exciting and Celtic have a chance but it is not as important as Celtic continuing undefeated this year.
2. Hinkel and Brown are out for the Barca game and I’ll go along with whatever team GS sends out.
3. The atmosphere in the stadium was much better, long may it continue.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
MATCH REPORT:ABERDEEN 1 CELTIC 5
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Traveled up by coach from St Andrews and was amazed to see so many Celtic fans without a ticket. What an effect the new signings and last week’s performance has had. It was also the first time this season that I wasn’t too interested as to which team was selected as any of the main permutations would have been exciting.
No Riordan or Donati on the bench!
BORUC ….…….5 Started off the game hitting two bad clearances and then missed with an attempt to fist the ball away. Had no chance with the goal.
HINKEL... ….. 5 Welcome to away games in Scotland! Lost his man on two occasions within the first 15 mins and struggled to make the forward runs which I think are part of his natural game.
CALDWELL….. 7 Apart from the earlier confusion he had with Hinkel, he settled into a very sound game.
McMANUS…. ….6 Found Millar a difficult opponent in the air but he gave a battling performance.
NAYLOR….….….6 Hit his usual amount of poor passes but every now and then he would produce an incisive pass/cross.
McGEADY …. …..9 MOM. Made the first goal, scored the second goal and capped it all of with the most sublime bit of footwork to set up the fourth goal. Just great to watch.
HARTLEY..…….. 8 Played in a forward, holding role and made sure that the Aberdeen midfield never got a minute to settle. He and Brown gave as strong and dominating midfield performance as I have seen this season.
BROWN …….. . 7 His industry and commitment was extraordinary. He tackled like a man possessed and covered every blade of grass for the cause. Still feel that we have not seen the finished article yet.
NAKA…….. …… 7 Was in the right place to score the important opening goal and his coolness and skill on the ball is wonderful to watch.
McDONALD ….. 7 Could easily have got his hat-trick but even 2 goals is catapulting this guy into the Henrik/Joe McBride category.
JVOH ………… .. 7 We should have signed Samaras earlier as the difference it has made (along with getting a run without being injured) to the big man is amazing. His effort and team effort have doubled in the last few weeks.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 7 Came on as McDonald’s replacement to a great reception and did not disappoint. The Greek has a composure on the ball, allied to a very good footballing brain.
2. ROBSON……….7 I know that Craig scored with his first touch when he came on as a sub way back in 1977? But I doubt if he scored within the minute of coming on. What a free kick! He will prove to be a very good buy.
3. KILLEN……..3 Sorry, but the guy is a dumpling!
REF…………. (Thomson) 5 At half time I was thinking “what a good game he’s having. He’s allowing a few good meaty tackles and the game is sparkling”. He obviously rec’d a ‘phone call at half-time pointing out that this Championship could well be decided by goal difference and proceeded to turn down the most blatant of penalties after JVOH had been hauled down and to cap it all he booked Aiden for his first foul.!
THE GAME ……8 A step up in performance from the Killie game meant that as a Celtic fan you just loved it. It wasn’t as though Celtic had all their own way as Aberdeen should have scored twice in the first 20 mins. One other brilliant aspect was the fact that we stood for the whole game…………..just like the good old days.
GOALS ………. 1st Caldwell won an important interception, fed McDonald who managed to retain control before feeding McGeady. Aiden skipped down the wing, sent over a cross that deceived the Aberdeen defence and there was Naka to slide the ball home.
2nd Aiden is now on the right wing and makes one of his trademark cut insides, leaving McNamara in his wake, and then fires the ball home into the bottom left hand corner.
3rd McDonald bursts into the box, is awarded the penalty and scores.
4th. What a great movement for a great goal. Naylor picks up the ball just outside the box and releases Aiden to go storming down the wing and just as he is being closed out in the opponents box he does a wonderful cut back shimmy and then using his ‘lob wedge’, puts over the most delightful lob which hits McDonald on the head for his second goal.
5th Robson comes on to a good reception and before he gets to touch the ball a free kick is awarded which he takes and fires a rocket into the left hand, bottom corner. What an introduction for a new Bhoy.
Aberdeen’s goal was another mix-up in Celtic’s box.
COMMENTS ….. 1. The ball has started to roll and it may well prove unstoppable.
2. Anyone, who like me, was at Ibrox and felt embarrassed by our teams capitulation will have witnessed a team performance to-day which, if repeated, will ensure that Celtic will not be bossed around again by Rangers.
3. If any of the ‘mineshafters’ are looking for an escape route to the ‘happy clappers’ house, they should get along to an away match and join in the non-stop support of the team. Just great.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Traveled up by coach from St Andrews and was amazed to see so many Celtic fans without a ticket. What an effect the new signings and last week’s performance has had. It was also the first time this season that I wasn’t too interested as to which team was selected as any of the main permutations would have been exciting.
No Riordan or Donati on the bench!
BORUC ….…….5 Started off the game hitting two bad clearances and then missed with an attempt to fist the ball away. Had no chance with the goal.
HINKEL... ….. 5 Welcome to away games in Scotland! Lost his man on two occasions within the first 15 mins and struggled to make the forward runs which I think are part of his natural game.
CALDWELL….. 7 Apart from the earlier confusion he had with Hinkel, he settled into a very sound game.
McMANUS…. ….6 Found Millar a difficult opponent in the air but he gave a battling performance.
NAYLOR….….….6 Hit his usual amount of poor passes but every now and then he would produce an incisive pass/cross.
McGEADY …. …..9 MOM. Made the first goal, scored the second goal and capped it all of with the most sublime bit of footwork to set up the fourth goal. Just great to watch.
HARTLEY..…….. 8 Played in a forward, holding role and made sure that the Aberdeen midfield never got a minute to settle. He and Brown gave as strong and dominating midfield performance as I have seen this season.
BROWN …….. . 7 His industry and commitment was extraordinary. He tackled like a man possessed and covered every blade of grass for the cause. Still feel that we have not seen the finished article yet.
NAKA…….. …… 7 Was in the right place to score the important opening goal and his coolness and skill on the ball is wonderful to watch.
McDONALD ….. 7 Could easily have got his hat-trick but even 2 goals is catapulting this guy into the Henrik/Joe McBride category.
JVOH ………… .. 7 We should have signed Samaras earlier as the difference it has made (along with getting a run without being injured) to the big man is amazing. His effort and team effort have doubled in the last few weeks.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 7 Came on as McDonald’s replacement to a great reception and did not disappoint. The Greek has a composure on the ball, allied to a very good footballing brain.
2. ROBSON……….7 I know that Craig scored with his first touch when he came on as a sub way back in 1977? But I doubt if he scored within the minute of coming on. What a free kick! He will prove to be a very good buy.
3. KILLEN……..3 Sorry, but the guy is a dumpling!
REF…………. (Thomson) 5 At half time I was thinking “what a good game he’s having. He’s allowing a few good meaty tackles and the game is sparkling”. He obviously rec’d a ‘phone call at half-time pointing out that this Championship could well be decided by goal difference and proceeded to turn down the most blatant of penalties after JVOH had been hauled down and to cap it all he booked Aiden for his first foul.!
THE GAME ……8 A step up in performance from the Killie game meant that as a Celtic fan you just loved it. It wasn’t as though Celtic had all their own way as Aberdeen should have scored twice in the first 20 mins. One other brilliant aspect was the fact that we stood for the whole game…………..just like the good old days.
GOALS ………. 1st Caldwell won an important interception, fed McDonald who managed to retain control before feeding McGeady. Aiden skipped down the wing, sent over a cross that deceived the Aberdeen defence and there was Naka to slide the ball home.
2nd Aiden is now on the right wing and makes one of his trademark cut insides, leaving McNamara in his wake, and then fires the ball home into the bottom left hand corner.
3rd McDonald bursts into the box, is awarded the penalty and scores.
4th. What a great movement for a great goal. Naylor picks up the ball just outside the box and releases Aiden to go storming down the wing and just as he is being closed out in the opponents box he does a wonderful cut back shimmy and then using his ‘lob wedge’, puts over the most delightful lob which hits McDonald on the head for his second goal.
5th Robson comes on to a good reception and before he gets to touch the ball a free kick is awarded which he takes and fires a rocket into the left hand, bottom corner. What an introduction for a new Bhoy.
Aberdeen’s goal was another mix-up in Celtic’s box.
COMMENTS ….. 1. The ball has started to roll and it may well prove unstoppable.
2. Anyone, who like me, was at Ibrox and felt embarrassed by our teams capitulation will have witnessed a team performance to-day which, if repeated, will ensure that Celtic will not be bossed around again by Rangers.
3. If any of the ‘mineshafters’ are looking for an escape route to the ‘happy clappers’ house, they should get along to an away match and join in the non-stop support of the team. Just great.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
MATCH REPORT: KILMARNOCK 1 CELTIC 5
PRE-MATCH COMMENT It’s amazing what difference a week makes! Last week I went to Falkirk not expecting to see much football but praying for 3 points and this weekend I travel to Kilmarnock full of excitement and expectation.
BORUC ….…….7 Had little to do but everything that he did do had the stamp of a real proffessional.
CADDIS... ….. 7 Felt so pleased with this young man’s debut starting performance. He himself had suffered the jinx of the right back position and yet he stepped right in and showed nothing but speed, confidence and ability. Pity Hinkel has been signed :>)
CALDWELL….. 7 Scored a good goal and had another sound performance.
McMANUS…. ….7 Solid, solid and solid.
NAYLOR….….….5 Did o.k. but with rest of the team improving he will have to start upping his performances.
McGEADY …. …..7. Started off making six misplaced passes but one of the biggest improvement in his game this season has been his ability to put his head down and still try and play football.
DONATI..…. ….. 6 I can see the influence that GS is having on him and his role is now of a holding midfielder allowing Brown to move forward. Don’t know how the signing of Robson will impact on him.
BROWN …….. . 6 Gave his usual 100% but I still want to see more quality from this 4.5m signing.
NAKA…….. …… 6 The effect of getting games under his belt is beginning to show. This was a much more influential performance helped by the good condition of the pitch.
McDONALD ….. 7 Scored 2 goals and was unlucky not to have at least one more. A goal scoring machine who spends most of a game going around moaning if his teamates do not put him to score more with the perfect pass.
JVOH ………… 8 MOM Maybe it was the fact that it was not raining, maybe it was the arrival of Samaras or maybe he’s in love! But this was his best performance of the season. He linked well with the other players and scored a real quality goal. Even though I think he played well I am a little bit surprised that he has been selected for the Dutch squad in place of Kuyt of Liverpool.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 7 Replaced McDonald and showed us all that this guy is bringing pace, skill and an eye for goal to the team. The only downside is the colour of his footwear…….they will have to go!
For an idea of how important he may well be in the Championship fight have a look at this
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KJNYfGNqTRE
2. SNO …..…6 Was actually applauded onto the pitch when he replaced Brown. Another one who might suffer with Robson’s arrival but I do notice a more mature performance from this (only) 20 year old midfielder.
3. O’DEA……..5 Replaced McManus.
REF…………. (Brines) 6 Booked 4 Celtic players but that apart was fine.
THE GAME ……7 It wasn’t that Killie were so poor it was that Celtic was so good. Congratulations to Killie for looking after their pitch.
GOALS ………. 1st This is how goals should be scored. Good link-up play end with Naka slipping a short pass to Caddis who hammered a low cross into the near post where Skippy put it away.
2nd A firm header by Caldwell.
3rd A good run and precise pass by McGeady to JVOH who took the ball down and fired in an unstoppable shot.
4th Set up by JVOH McDonald fired the ball into the net.
5th The goal we had all hoped would arrive. Samaras picked up the ball wide on the right, stepped inside with a good burst of speed and from the edge of the area fired the ball into the far corner.
Killie’s goal should have been defended better by the 3 defenders in the box.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Celtic produced one of their best performances of the season with none of the new signings. Celtic have spent well during the transfer window and Rangers have sold well. I believe the Championship will be decided by those events.
2. One worrying aspect of the game was the almost non-existent home support. If there were 2000 at the game that was the most and it was a Cup game with all to play for. Don’t know how that club will survive?
PRE-MATCH COMMENT It’s amazing what difference a week makes! Last week I went to Falkirk not expecting to see much football but praying for 3 points and this weekend I travel to Kilmarnock full of excitement and expectation.
BORUC ….…….7 Had little to do but everything that he did do had the stamp of a real proffessional.
CADDIS... ….. 7 Felt so pleased with this young man’s debut starting performance. He himself had suffered the jinx of the right back position and yet he stepped right in and showed nothing but speed, confidence and ability. Pity Hinkel has been signed :>)
CALDWELL….. 7 Scored a good goal and had another sound performance.
McMANUS…. ….7 Solid, solid and solid.
NAYLOR….….….5 Did o.k. but with rest of the team improving he will have to start upping his performances.
McGEADY …. …..7. Started off making six misplaced passes but one of the biggest improvement in his game this season has been his ability to put his head down and still try and play football.
DONATI..…. ….. 6 I can see the influence that GS is having on him and his role is now of a holding midfielder allowing Brown to move forward. Don’t know how the signing of Robson will impact on him.
BROWN …….. . 6 Gave his usual 100% but I still want to see more quality from this 4.5m signing.
NAKA…….. …… 6 The effect of getting games under his belt is beginning to show. This was a much more influential performance helped by the good condition of the pitch.
McDONALD ….. 7 Scored 2 goals and was unlucky not to have at least one more. A goal scoring machine who spends most of a game going around moaning if his teamates do not put him to score more with the perfect pass.
JVOH ………… 8 MOM Maybe it was the fact that it was not raining, maybe it was the arrival of Samaras or maybe he’s in love! But this was his best performance of the season. He linked well with the other players and scored a real quality goal. Even though I think he played well I am a little bit surprised that he has been selected for the Dutch squad in place of Kuyt of Liverpool.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS …… 7 Replaced McDonald and showed us all that this guy is bringing pace, skill and an eye for goal to the team. The only downside is the colour of his footwear…….they will have to go!
For an idea of how important he may well be in the Championship fight have a look at this
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KJNYfGNqTRE
2. SNO …..…6 Was actually applauded onto the pitch when he replaced Brown. Another one who might suffer with Robson’s arrival but I do notice a more mature performance from this (only) 20 year old midfielder.
3. O’DEA……..5 Replaced McManus.
REF…………. (Brines) 6 Booked 4 Celtic players but that apart was fine.
THE GAME ……7 It wasn’t that Killie were so poor it was that Celtic was so good. Congratulations to Killie for looking after their pitch.
GOALS ………. 1st This is how goals should be scored. Good link-up play end with Naka slipping a short pass to Caddis who hammered a low cross into the near post where Skippy put it away.
2nd A firm header by Caldwell.
3rd A good run and precise pass by McGeady to JVOH who took the ball down and fired in an unstoppable shot.
4th Set up by JVOH McDonald fired the ball into the net.
5th The goal we had all hoped would arrive. Samaras picked up the ball wide on the right, stepped inside with a good burst of speed and from the edge of the area fired the ball into the far corner.
Killie’s goal should have been defended better by the 3 defenders in the box.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Celtic produced one of their best performances of the season with none of the new signings. Celtic have spent well during the transfer window and Rangers have sold well. I believe the Championship will be decided by those events.
2. One worrying aspect of the game was the almost non-existent home support. If there were 2000 at the game that was the most and it was a Cup game with all to play for. Don’t know how that club will survive?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)