MATCH REPORT: RANGERS 1 CELTIC 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Found a nice bar in Alcudia with only a couple of Celtic supporters as company and sat down with growing confidence that we would not lose and most likely win the game. Pleased Samaras and Hartley were both starting.
BORUC ….…….7...MOM Had no real chance with the goal and displayed a consistency of performance that was not replicated throughout the team.
HINKEL.... ….. 6 After his usual shaky start he came into the game and delivered one pile driver which nearly changed the result. Why he did not recieve more of the ball in the second half is beyond me.
CALDWELL….. 5 He defended well apart from his lack of involvement at the goal but his main failing was when he repeatedly ignored Hinkel in the second half to send in high balls to a Rangers defence who just ate them up for breakfast.
McMANUS…. …6 Was left isolated at the goal but the main disappointment was that he proved the doubters right by his inability to produce a Captains performance when it was most needed.
NAYLOR…….….4 Back to the 'old' Naylor. Failed to remain composed, failed to re-act to Thompson's run, failed to overlap enough with McGeady and failed to deliver a high enough % of passes that found their teamates.
McGEADY …. …..5 Thought he was going to be the key to victory when he was going past Broadfoot for fun in the first half but he disappeared out of the game in the second (partly due to poor service).
HARTLEY ……………….6 He was steady and did what was asked of him. Should be a regular for the rest of the season.
BROWN ………….4 He made 3 good runs into the box and was definitely impeded at the first, lost control for the second one and hit the post from a very tight angle but why can he not score and why did he fail to dominate the midfield?
NAKA…….. …….. 5 He put as much effort into the game as a player of his slight stature could and showed a few delightful touches but what real impact did he have?
SAMARAS ….....6 If only Celtic had played more balls to his feet! He showed composure and ability but he rec'd too little support.
JVOH ……… 5 He also is another striker who does not do his best work when being asked to collect high punted balls but he also failed to cause any real problems for the Rangers defence.
SUBS
McDONALD………………3 Came on too late to have any real affect (think he only touched the ball about 4 times!).
ROBSON..…………. 3 Ditto
REF…………. (Dougal)5 During the first half we all said how well he had refereed the game (we didn't think from his position that he was able to see Brown being impeded, although the linesman certainly should have!)However, when you really examine his performance you would be excused if you did not wonder how subtle his second half decisions were:
1. Thompson should have been sent off.
2. McDonald should have been awarded a freekick deep into injury time
3. How could he possibly award only 3 mins extra time when the injury took up about 3 mins?
THE GAME ……6
GOAL ………. 1. Those who are unfortunate to sit beside me at Celtic Park have long had their ears assailed by my constant carping about how poor Celtic have been, for many years, in either taking throw-ins or defending them and it was that simple inability that led to the build up from which resulted in the goal.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Did Celtic deserve to win the game..... "No" Did Celtic deserve to get a draw...... "possibly Yes". Did Celtic show enough craft to break down a defensive opponent....."No". Did Celtic keep up the good performance which allowed them to dominate the first half when they ran down the tunnel one goal down..."No". Did the manager do enough to change tactics and formation in the second half......decidedly "No".
2. I would have been very upset if MON had been sacked but I was not upset to see him resign. I share the same view re. G.S. It is not that he has failed to achieve as much as I would have expected, it is rather that he promised to deliver a style of football which was more in the traditional Celtic way, i.e. fast flowing, attacking, interpassing, on the ground football. He hasn't and I do not think he ever will.
3. I do not think the League is over but I do know that Rangers can only give it away!
3. Why did it take so long for the G.S. to recognise that he was playing a defensive minded team and an even more one after they scored to wait so long before taking a defender off and an attacker on?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 0 ABERDEEN 1
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Just arrived in Mallorca looking forward to some sun, rest and results.Disappointed to learn Hartley failed a fitness test.
BORUC ….…….6 Had no chance for the goal and pulled off a great block when Aberdeen attacked for the first time late in the second half.
HINKEL.... ….. 7...MOM Another good steady game.
CALDWELL….. 7 Strolled through the game
McMANUS…. …6 Suicidal back pass nearly gifted a goal. As far as leadership goes, he just doesn´t have it at this stage of his career.
NAYLOR…….….7 his best two games for Celtic this season have failed to produce a win.
McGEADY …. …..5 I mentioned the sticky patch he was enetering against Dundee U and unfortnately he is still stuck in it!
DONATI ……………….4 I thought after 15mins that this was a game he was going to prove all the doubters wrong, unfortunately he proved them right! He brings no drive to the team and fades out just when you need the bottle to come through.
BROWN ………….4 Our biggest disappointment when you consider the money laid out.
NAKA…….. …….. 4 He made some good passes but he was ineffective.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 Had the best chance of the night and steered it past the post. Time for a well earned rest.
JVOH ……… 5 He too had chances but failed to put any on target.
SUBS
SAMARAS………………5 Had very few opportunities but did have the best attempt on goal.
RIORDAN…………. 4 Wasn´t on long enough to influence the game.
REF…………. (McDonald)7 Had no bearing on the outcome of the game.
THE GAME ……5 A ten man defensive Aberdeen and a 10 man Celtic team bereft of ideas.
GOAL ………. 1. An isolated corner is eventually cleared by JVOH but the ball goes to an Aberdeen player who just lobs it back and hey presto, we lose a goal!
COMMENTS ….. 1. The situation is now serious. After having watched Rangers in their last two games struggle against football playing teams I thought Celtic have the beating of them. We only have the league left to compete in and I doubt if we will. Rangers can only gift the Championship to us now.
2. Celtic must have had possession in the high 60´s but yet again they fail to show that they have any real idea in how to break defensive teams down. Is that the players fault or the Managers?
3. Why did it take so long for the G.S. to recognise that he was playing a defensive minded team and an even more one after they scored to wait so long before taking a defender off and an attacker on?
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Just arrived in Mallorca looking forward to some sun, rest and results.Disappointed to learn Hartley failed a fitness test.
BORUC ….…….6 Had no chance for the goal and pulled off a great block when Aberdeen attacked for the first time late in the second half.
HINKEL.... ….. 7...MOM Another good steady game.
CALDWELL….. 7 Strolled through the game
McMANUS…. …6 Suicidal back pass nearly gifted a goal. As far as leadership goes, he just doesn´t have it at this stage of his career.
NAYLOR…….….7 his best two games for Celtic this season have failed to produce a win.
McGEADY …. …..5 I mentioned the sticky patch he was enetering against Dundee U and unfortnately he is still stuck in it!
DONATI ……………….4 I thought after 15mins that this was a game he was going to prove all the doubters wrong, unfortunately he proved them right! He brings no drive to the team and fades out just when you need the bottle to come through.
BROWN ………….4 Our biggest disappointment when you consider the money laid out.
NAKA…….. …….. 4 He made some good passes but he was ineffective.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 Had the best chance of the night and steered it past the post. Time for a well earned rest.
JVOH ……… 5 He too had chances but failed to put any on target.
SUBS
SAMARAS………………5 Had very few opportunities but did have the best attempt on goal.
RIORDAN…………. 4 Wasn´t on long enough to influence the game.
REF…………. (McDonald)7 Had no bearing on the outcome of the game.
THE GAME ……5 A ten man defensive Aberdeen and a 10 man Celtic team bereft of ideas.
GOAL ………. 1. An isolated corner is eventually cleared by JVOH but the ball goes to an Aberdeen player who just lobs it back and hey presto, we lose a goal!
COMMENTS ….. 1. The situation is now serious. After having watched Rangers in their last two games struggle against football playing teams I thought Celtic have the beating of them. We only have the league left to compete in and I doubt if we will. Rangers can only gift the Championship to us now.
2. Celtic must have had possession in the high 60´s but yet again they fail to show that they have any real idea in how to break defensive teams down. Is that the players fault or the Managers?
3. Why did it take so long for the G.S. to recognise that he was playing a defensive minded team and an even more one after they scored to wait so long before taking a defender off and an attacker on?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 0 DUNDEE U 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Was pleased to find that Samaras was being given a start and that Sno had held on to his place
BORUC ….…….6 Had nothing to do.
HINKEL.... ….. 7 It was a game made for him, in that he could concentrate on his attacking strengths. He showed some lovely control when on the ball and some of his attacking runs were very impressive.
CALDWELL….. 7 Was not intimidated by De Vries and won most of the aerial challenges.
McMANUS…. …7 Rock steady.
NAYLOR…….….8 MOM Had his best game this season and prevented O’Brien from making any impact on his return to C.P. He tackled well but more importantly he passed well.
McGEADY …. …..5 Entering a sticky patch. He had the beating of the full back, who was playing his first game, but allowed him to regain his confidence and as a result McGeady became anxious and wasted quite a few good opportunities.
SNO ……………….5 He didn’t play badly but neither did he seize the opportunity of stamping his mark on mid-field.
BROWN ………….5 For all his effort he produces very few incisive moves/passes. Why does he insist on hitting his passes with so much power?
NAKA…….. …….. 5 Some nice touches but, if he is not going to become involved in the physical aspect, he will have to influence games more by using his natural ability to greater effect.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 The real weakness in the team. His composure in front of goal has started to desert him and his ineffectiveness in his link play is proving costly.
SAMARAS ……… 5 Although his chances were few and far between I was surprised that GS decided to sub him instead of McDonald.
SUBS
JVOH………………4 What a miss he had when he was given the ideal opportunity to power a header into the net, instead he ballooned it over the bar!
ROBSON…………. 5 Replaced Sno but I had hoped for more of an impact against his old club.
REF…………. (McCurry)6 Of course there were a few instances where he infuriated the crowd by either ignoring or allowing things to happen but he was not to blame for us dropping the points.
THE GAME ……7 I like the way Levein sets out his teams. He goes for a big back four who are well disciplined, a skillful midfield and a big striker. Celtic must have had 70% possession but just could not break down the defence.
GOALS ……….
COMMENTS ….. 1. A big blow to our title hopes but we only have ourselves to blame.
2. I believe our midfield is the greatest weakness. I got home in time to watch Lampard score 4 goals and I wondered why we have not got a midfielder who can get into the box, show some composure and put the ball in the net. The best display I've seen this season was when Brown and Hartley dominated Aberdeen.
3. The difference in attitude and real support between the home support and the away support is disturbing. The away ‘support’ whilst the home has too many vocal critics.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Was pleased to find that Samaras was being given a start and that Sno had held on to his place
BORUC ….…….6 Had nothing to do.
HINKEL.... ….. 7 It was a game made for him, in that he could concentrate on his attacking strengths. He showed some lovely control when on the ball and some of his attacking runs were very impressive.
CALDWELL….. 7 Was not intimidated by De Vries and won most of the aerial challenges.
McMANUS…. …7 Rock steady.
NAYLOR…….….8 MOM Had his best game this season and prevented O’Brien from making any impact on his return to C.P. He tackled well but more importantly he passed well.
McGEADY …. …..5 Entering a sticky patch. He had the beating of the full back, who was playing his first game, but allowed him to regain his confidence and as a result McGeady became anxious and wasted quite a few good opportunities.
SNO ……………….5 He didn’t play badly but neither did he seize the opportunity of stamping his mark on mid-field.
BROWN ………….5 For all his effort he produces very few incisive moves/passes. Why does he insist on hitting his passes with so much power?
NAKA…….. …….. 5 Some nice touches but, if he is not going to become involved in the physical aspect, he will have to influence games more by using his natural ability to greater effect.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 The real weakness in the team. His composure in front of goal has started to desert him and his ineffectiveness in his link play is proving costly.
SAMARAS ……… 5 Although his chances were few and far between I was surprised that GS decided to sub him instead of McDonald.
SUBS
JVOH………………4 What a miss he had when he was given the ideal opportunity to power a header into the net, instead he ballooned it over the bar!
ROBSON…………. 5 Replaced Sno but I had hoped for more of an impact against his old club.
REF…………. (McCurry)6 Of course there were a few instances where he infuriated the crowd by either ignoring or allowing things to happen but he was not to blame for us dropping the points.
THE GAME ……7 I like the way Levein sets out his teams. He goes for a big back four who are well disciplined, a skillful midfield and a big striker. Celtic must have had 70% possession but just could not break down the defence.
GOALS ……….
COMMENTS ….. 1. A big blow to our title hopes but we only have ourselves to blame.
2. I believe our midfield is the greatest weakness. I got home in time to watch Lampard score 4 goals and I wondered why we have not got a midfielder who can get into the box, show some composure and put the ball in the net. The best display I've seen this season was when Brown and Hartley dominated Aberdeen.
3. The difference in attitude and real support between the home support and the away support is disturbing. The away ‘support’ whilst the home has too many vocal critics.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
MATCH REPORT: ABERDEEN 1 CELTIC 1
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Wasn’t disappointed to hear that Naylor had taken ill but disappointed that Wilson was not his replacement.
BORUC ….…….8 MOM The two saves at the end to stop Celtic from going 2 behind were crucial and maybe his ‘wee’ run up the park for the final free-kick had a part to play in the equaliser?
HINKEL.... ….. 7 Just as happened a few weeks ago at Pittodrie, Hinkel was indecisive weak in the air but he came on to a great game, surprisingly most of it defensively. Cleared a shot off the line in the second half.
CALDWELL….. 6 Although it is difficult to remember him making any mistakes he must share in the culpability of the middle of the defence being so jittery in the second half.
McMANUS…. …6 Made a ‘Caldwell’ like pass in the second half which required a wonderful save from Artur. He also shared in the nervous end to the game.
O’DEA…….….….6 His lack of pace means that he’ll never be a modern day back but he did show his footballing ability with some lovely touches.
McGEADY …. …..6 Not the same guy who lit up Pittodrie on the previous visit. He was unable to kill the ball with his first touch and rarely got by the full back.
SNO ……………….6 Thought he did well. He used his body strength and showed his composure in passing (only once did he get caught dozing which is a big improvement). Was amazed he was subbed.
HARTLEY …….. . 7 Was so unlucky not to equalise when he hit the post with a 25yd shot and overall had a good game.
NAKA…….. …….. 5 Did not influence the game as much as a player of his ability should. Had a good opportunity to score but goalie made a good save.
McDONALD.. ….. 5 Tried hard but to little effect. Thought it was the right decision to sub him.
JVOH…………….. 7 Had a great header come off the post and another one saved. Should have connected when faced with an open goal in the second half and when McGeady set him up with a great chance with his head but he scored with almost the last kick of the game.
SUBS
SAMARAS…..6 Showed how classy a player he is by sending a slide rule pass to set up JVOH for the equaliser.
DONATI…… 5 Could not believe that GS thought bring on Donati for Sno would improve Celtic’s play. Donati lost the ball with his first touch and Celtic lost a goal! However it was the same guy who picked out Samaras for the equaliser.
REF…………. 8 Had an excellent game and liked his chat with Artur which produced a few smiles.
THE GAME ……8 A windy day, a poor pitch but a very good cup tie
GOALS ………. 1st Aberdeen moved the ball very well and split the Celtic defence.
2nd With less than a minute to go Celtic are awarded a free kick which Naka flights into a crowded penalty area (Boruc is in there too), it’s nodded away, Hartley manages to win the aerial challenge and the ball eventually finds it way to Caldwell who slices a kick which McManus manages to toe poke back to Donati, who passes to Samaras who then glides it across for JVOH to slide it home. What a relief!
COMMENTS ….. 1. Comparing it to the previous game we certainly missed Brown but overall I thought that Celtic were always in command apart from the first 10 mins and the last 15 mins. I kept on saying “this is the Man U game against Portsmouth as Celtic hit the post 4 times and missed a couple of good chances but we fight longer than United.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Wasn’t disappointed to hear that Naylor had taken ill but disappointed that Wilson was not his replacement.
BORUC ….…….8 MOM The two saves at the end to stop Celtic from going 2 behind were crucial and maybe his ‘wee’ run up the park for the final free-kick had a part to play in the equaliser?
HINKEL.... ….. 7 Just as happened a few weeks ago at Pittodrie, Hinkel was indecisive weak in the air but he came on to a great game, surprisingly most of it defensively. Cleared a shot off the line in the second half.
CALDWELL….. 6 Although it is difficult to remember him making any mistakes he must share in the culpability of the middle of the defence being so jittery in the second half.
McMANUS…. …6 Made a ‘Caldwell’ like pass in the second half which required a wonderful save from Artur. He also shared in the nervous end to the game.
O’DEA…….….….6 His lack of pace means that he’ll never be a modern day back but he did show his footballing ability with some lovely touches.
McGEADY …. …..6 Not the same guy who lit up Pittodrie on the previous visit. He was unable to kill the ball with his first touch and rarely got by the full back.
SNO ……………….6 Thought he did well. He used his body strength and showed his composure in passing (only once did he get caught dozing which is a big improvement). Was amazed he was subbed.
HARTLEY …….. . 7 Was so unlucky not to equalise when he hit the post with a 25yd shot and overall had a good game.
NAKA…….. …….. 5 Did not influence the game as much as a player of his ability should. Had a good opportunity to score but goalie made a good save.
McDONALD.. ….. 5 Tried hard but to little effect. Thought it was the right decision to sub him.
JVOH…………….. 7 Had a great header come off the post and another one saved. Should have connected when faced with an open goal in the second half and when McGeady set him up with a great chance with his head but he scored with almost the last kick of the game.
SUBS
SAMARAS…..6 Showed how classy a player he is by sending a slide rule pass to set up JVOH for the equaliser.
DONATI…… 5 Could not believe that GS thought bring on Donati for Sno would improve Celtic’s play. Donati lost the ball with his first touch and Celtic lost a goal! However it was the same guy who picked out Samaras for the equaliser.
REF…………. 8 Had an excellent game and liked his chat with Artur which produced a few smiles.
THE GAME ……8 A windy day, a poor pitch but a very good cup tie
GOALS ………. 1st Aberdeen moved the ball very well and split the Celtic defence.
2nd With less than a minute to go Celtic are awarded a free kick which Naka flights into a crowded penalty area (Boruc is in there too), it’s nodded away, Hartley manages to win the aerial challenge and the ball eventually finds it way to Caldwell who slices a kick which McManus manages to toe poke back to Donati, who passes to Samaras who then glides it across for JVOH to slide it home. What a relief!
COMMENTS ….. 1. Comparing it to the previous game we certainly missed Brown but overall I thought that Celtic were always in command apart from the first 10 mins and the last 15 mins. I kept on saying “this is the Man U game against Portsmouth as Celtic hit the post 4 times and missed a couple of good chances but we fight longer than United.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
MATCH REPORT: BARCA 1 CELTIC 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Sat down to watch the game in a state of complete relaxation. Did not want Celtic to be hammered but neither did I think they had a hope progressing, no bad thing when you know that winning the league is all that matters this season. Understood why GS went for the starting eleven but did not expect JVOH to contribute much as he just cannot hold a ball up.
BORUC ….…….7 MOM I agree with D. Provan rather than C.Nicholas with regard to Boruc being culpable in losing the goal. Provan said “no blame could be attached to Boruc”. Artur went on to make about 5 very good saves.
WILSON.... ….. 6 Thought he did well in his first start for months. Stuck to his man as much as you could hope for and I think he’ll play an important part in the run in to retaining the Championship.
CALDWELL….. 7 Can’t remember him making a passing mistake and he stuck manfully to the very difficult task of trying to contain a wonderful array of talent.
McMANUS…. …6 He, like Caldwell, could only rely on his ability to break down attacks with last minute tackles/blocks. Our Captain should spent a lot of training time learning how to pass a ball of more than 5 yds.
NAYLOR….….….6 His usual first half form continued in this game with too many misplaced passes but he did have a great intervention tackle to prevent a certain goal.
McGEADY …. …..6 Was up against one of the best full backs in the world in Zambrotta and found it difficult to make any impact. Think he will be disappointed with his contribution.
BROWN ………….4 Was so disappointed in his lack of any real skill and he was one who found it almost impossible to hold the ball or make a pass. He did improve when he was moved back to his natural position.
DONATI …….. . 3 I think this unacceptable display by the Italian might be the final nail in his coffin in terms of starting in any of remaining big games. He was like a wee lost bhoy and it was no surprise that he did not re-appear for the second half.
NAKA…….. …… 4 Was played in the midfield but failed to make any impact apart from a great shot late in the game.
HARTLEY.. ….. 7 Didn’t notice him much but that is not a criticism. He worked away trying to cope with an amazing attacking team but he ended up with the best passing success rate of any in the team.
JVOH 5 Hindsight proved that it is not a position he can play. Rec’d very little of the ball
SUBS ………….1. SNO…..6 Made a difference right away by imposing himself physically and showing a willingness to hold onto the ball. Would like to think that GS will now give him a run.
SAMARAS…… 6 He too made a difference with his natural confidence and ability.
McDONALD ….5 Came on with 15 mins left and did have a decent shot which was on target.
REF…………. 8 Didn’t have too many difficult decisions to make but he highlighted the difference in class with our own referees.
THE GAME ……6 As a Celtic supporter it was an awful experience watching the first half but pride was restored with the second half performance. As a football supporter it was just great to watch the ability of everyone who wore a Barca shirt.
GOALS ………. 1st It was a fast, interchanging series of passes which led to Ronaldhino making a superb dummy pass to release Sylvino who sent over a cross which Xavier was first to respond to.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Once again Celtic make a disastrous start to a game (Porto & Copenhagen spring to mind) conceding a goal in the first few minutes.
2. I feel that the gamble of GS in playing a system that the players were not used to backfired and Celtic’s improvement when they reverted to their usual system.
3. One of the major differences in the approach to this game was the most surprising. It was the Barca players who did the closing down, it was the Barca players who hunted in packs, it was the Barca players who covered the most ground. One would have thought that these would have been areas in which a Scottish team would have brought to the game.
4. The most disappointing aspect of the game was the inability of all of the Celtic players (apart from Hartley) to make a telling pass, even when they were not being closed down.
5. One positive aspect of the visit to Barcelona was that the good name of Glasgow was restored by the behaviour of our fans.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Sat down to watch the game in a state of complete relaxation. Did not want Celtic to be hammered but neither did I think they had a hope progressing, no bad thing when you know that winning the league is all that matters this season. Understood why GS went for the starting eleven but did not expect JVOH to contribute much as he just cannot hold a ball up.
BORUC ….…….7 MOM I agree with D. Provan rather than C.Nicholas with regard to Boruc being culpable in losing the goal. Provan said “no blame could be attached to Boruc”. Artur went on to make about 5 very good saves.
WILSON.... ….. 6 Thought he did well in his first start for months. Stuck to his man as much as you could hope for and I think he’ll play an important part in the run in to retaining the Championship.
CALDWELL….. 7 Can’t remember him making a passing mistake and he stuck manfully to the very difficult task of trying to contain a wonderful array of talent.
McMANUS…. …6 He, like Caldwell, could only rely on his ability to break down attacks with last minute tackles/blocks. Our Captain should spent a lot of training time learning how to pass a ball of more than 5 yds.
NAYLOR….….….6 His usual first half form continued in this game with too many misplaced passes but he did have a great intervention tackle to prevent a certain goal.
McGEADY …. …..6 Was up against one of the best full backs in the world in Zambrotta and found it difficult to make any impact. Think he will be disappointed with his contribution.
BROWN ………….4 Was so disappointed in his lack of any real skill and he was one who found it almost impossible to hold the ball or make a pass. He did improve when he was moved back to his natural position.
DONATI …….. . 3 I think this unacceptable display by the Italian might be the final nail in his coffin in terms of starting in any of remaining big games. He was like a wee lost bhoy and it was no surprise that he did not re-appear for the second half.
NAKA…….. …… 4 Was played in the midfield but failed to make any impact apart from a great shot late in the game.
HARTLEY.. ….. 7 Didn’t notice him much but that is not a criticism. He worked away trying to cope with an amazing attacking team but he ended up with the best passing success rate of any in the team.
JVOH 5 Hindsight proved that it is not a position he can play. Rec’d very little of the ball
SUBS ………….1. SNO…..6 Made a difference right away by imposing himself physically and showing a willingness to hold onto the ball. Would like to think that GS will now give him a run.
SAMARAS…… 6 He too made a difference with his natural confidence and ability.
McDONALD ….5 Came on with 15 mins left and did have a decent shot which was on target.
REF…………. 8 Didn’t have too many difficult decisions to make but he highlighted the difference in class with our own referees.
THE GAME ……6 As a Celtic supporter it was an awful experience watching the first half but pride was restored with the second half performance. As a football supporter it was just great to watch the ability of everyone who wore a Barca shirt.
GOALS ………. 1st It was a fast, interchanging series of passes which led to Ronaldhino making a superb dummy pass to release Sylvino who sent over a cross which Xavier was first to respond to.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Once again Celtic make a disastrous start to a game (Porto & Copenhagen spring to mind) conceding a goal in the first few minutes.
2. I feel that the gamble of GS in playing a system that the players were not used to backfired and Celtic’s improvement when they reverted to their usual system.
3. One of the major differences in the approach to this game was the most surprising. It was the Barca players who did the closing down, it was the Barca players who hunted in packs, it was the Barca players who covered the most ground. One would have thought that these would have been areas in which a Scottish team would have brought to the game.
4. The most disappointing aspect of the game was the inability of all of the Celtic players (apart from Hartley) to make a telling pass, even when they were not being closed down.
5. One positive aspect of the visit to Barcelona was that the good name of Glasgow was restored by the behaviour of our fans.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
MATCH REPORT: HIBS 0 CELTIC 1
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. A rather nervous drive through for the game in the knowledge that the other half of Glasgow would be reckoning that this game would be the best chance, outside of their own game, for Celtic to drop some points.
Was happy to see that JVOH would be back to lead the line (never thought I’d say that a few months ago!)
BORUC ….…….6 Pulled off a very important save in the first half when he came off his line and blocked a goal bound shot. Rec’d a yellow card for waving to the Hibs fans at the end of the game.
HINKEL... ….. 5 Didn’t get forward as much as I would have liked in the first 45mins but did come on to a more attacking game in the second.
CALDWELL….. 6 A steady enough game apart from a couple of shaky moments at the start of the game.
McMANUS…. …7 A difficult day as a result of the strong winds but Mick stood very firm in the center and made sure that the ball was cleared quickly out of the danger area.
NAYLOR….….….6 Brought his drought to an end with a very, very important goal.
McGEADY …. …..6 The Hibs full back was on top of Aiden to such an extent that he was told to switch wings. Gave the ball away a couple of times in the first half that nearly resulted in goals. However he never let his head go down and it climaxed in him sending over another wonderful cross for the second goal.
BROWN..…….. 7 MOM An important game for him, an opportunity to return to his old club and show why Celtic paid 4.5m for him. Well, he took a couple of important steps along that road. From the first moment he was determined not to come off second best in any tackle and he was also determined not allow the Hibs midfield time to settle on the ball.
DONATI …….. . 5 Whilst he sprayed some lovely passes around he did not follow Brown’s example.
NAKA…….. …… 6 The wonderful piece of vision and ball control which he created to start the movement for the second goal just highlighted the importance he is to the team.
McDONALD ….. 5 Found it difficult to have any real impact on the game.
JVOH 6 What a difference a couple of months have made to him. He fight for the ball, works for the team and lasts 90 mins.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS…… 6 Replaced McDonald. I played golf on Monday with a Man City fan who made the comment “He’s a great guy to come off the bench”. To-day Samaras did not disprove that theory. He took his goal so well.
..................2 HARTLEY....5 Replaced Donati
REF…………. 5 Brines made his usual nos of odd decisions and failed to protect McGeady.
THE GAME ……8 For the first 45 mins it was like an old cup tie with Hibs putting more effort in than Celtic but the half time talk worked wonders and Celtic took command by playing football.
GOALS ………. 1st I was sitting high up in the South Stand and had a great view of Naylor picking up the ball inside the Hibs half and start storming down the park. Myself and everyone around was screaming “give to McGeady!” but he just kept going, got a lucky ricochet, and sent a searing shot into the net, right in front of me.
2nd Mc Geady once again turned on the magic and supplied a great cross to allow Samaras head a great goal.
COMMENTS ….. 1 This was display similar to the Aberdeen game in which Celtic stood up and were counted. This is the type of display that will be needed against Rangers with Robson/Hartley/ Sno replacing Donati.
2. Another guy who played golf on the Monday does a lot of business with the football players in Scotland and said that Kevin McDonald from Dundee will be a Celtic player next January. He offered me 100/1 on it being fact.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. A rather nervous drive through for the game in the knowledge that the other half of Glasgow would be reckoning that this game would be the best chance, outside of their own game, for Celtic to drop some points.
Was happy to see that JVOH would be back to lead the line (never thought I’d say that a few months ago!)
BORUC ….…….6 Pulled off a very important save in the first half when he came off his line and blocked a goal bound shot. Rec’d a yellow card for waving to the Hibs fans at the end of the game.
HINKEL... ….. 5 Didn’t get forward as much as I would have liked in the first 45mins but did come on to a more attacking game in the second.
CALDWELL….. 6 A steady enough game apart from a couple of shaky moments at the start of the game.
McMANUS…. …7 A difficult day as a result of the strong winds but Mick stood very firm in the center and made sure that the ball was cleared quickly out of the danger area.
NAYLOR….….….6 Brought his drought to an end with a very, very important goal.
McGEADY …. …..6 The Hibs full back was on top of Aiden to such an extent that he was told to switch wings. Gave the ball away a couple of times in the first half that nearly resulted in goals. However he never let his head go down and it climaxed in him sending over another wonderful cross for the second goal.
BROWN..…….. 7 MOM An important game for him, an opportunity to return to his old club and show why Celtic paid 4.5m for him. Well, he took a couple of important steps along that road. From the first moment he was determined not to come off second best in any tackle and he was also determined not allow the Hibs midfield time to settle on the ball.
DONATI …….. . 5 Whilst he sprayed some lovely passes around he did not follow Brown’s example.
NAKA…….. …… 6 The wonderful piece of vision and ball control which he created to start the movement for the second goal just highlighted the importance he is to the team.
McDONALD ….. 5 Found it difficult to have any real impact on the game.
JVOH 6 What a difference a couple of months have made to him. He fight for the ball, works for the team and lasts 90 mins.
SUBS ………….1. SAMARAS…… 6 Replaced McDonald. I played golf on Monday with a Man City fan who made the comment “He’s a great guy to come off the bench”. To-day Samaras did not disprove that theory. He took his goal so well.
..................2 HARTLEY....5 Replaced Donati
REF…………. 5 Brines made his usual nos of odd decisions and failed to protect McGeady.
THE GAME ……8 For the first 45 mins it was like an old cup tie with Hibs putting more effort in than Celtic but the half time talk worked wonders and Celtic took command by playing football.
GOALS ………. 1st I was sitting high up in the South Stand and had a great view of Naylor picking up the ball inside the Hibs half and start storming down the park. Myself and everyone around was screaming “give to McGeady!” but he just kept going, got a lucky ricochet, and sent a searing shot into the net, right in front of me.
2nd Mc Geady once again turned on the magic and supplied a great cross to allow Samaras head a great goal.
COMMENTS ….. 1 This was display similar to the Aberdeen game in which Celtic stood up and were counted. This is the type of display that will be needed against Rangers with Robson/Hartley/ Sno replacing Donati.
2. Another guy who played golf on the Monday does a lot of business with the football players in Scotland and said that Kevin McDonald from Dundee will be a Celtic player next January. He offered me 100/1 on it being fact.
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