MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 RANGERS 1

PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Amazing the difference from my last visit to Celtic Park, then I left depressed and disgusted and now I was walking with the thousands back to C.P. and there was a real feeling of unity and determination.
Was delighted to learn that, for the first time this season in the SPL, GS had sent out the same team as the previous game.

BORUC ….…….6 Had nothing to do, such was the paucity of Rangers as an attacking force, except I wonder could he have done better at Rangers goal?

HINKEL.... ….. 6 These experiences will make Hinkel a better all round player. He showed again that he is very comfortable on the ball, I would just like him to develop a tougher approach to his defensive side.

CALDWELL….. 8 He showed, by his willingness to receive so much of the ball and his persistent driving forward, that he is the natural choice for captaincy. The fact that he was involved in both goals just cemented his overall performance.

McMANUS…. …7 He coped well with Darcheville and defended resolutely but his biggest failing is that he has lost any confidence in terms of passing the ball or appearing calm whilst on the ball. He should ask to be relieved of the Captains role and get back to just developing his overall game.

NAYLOR…….….5 Although he can produce a good long pass and he can make very good interceptions there is always a part of his game which can result in big problems for Celtic. I was not unhappy that he did not re-appear after the break.

McGEADY …. …..6 Gave the Rangers defence a lot of problems but will be unhappy with his final ball.

HARTLEY ……….7 Defensively he was superb and did not allow Rangers to dominate the midfield at any time but some of his distribution was poor.

ROBSON ………….8 His first tackle (which probably warranted a yellow card) was an early marker put down that Celtic would not be pushed around. I, like many, was astounded that he was substituted as he had played an integral part in the victory.

NAKA…….. …….. 8 MOM Said before the game that if Naka returned to last years form Celtic would win and so it proved. His decision to shoot from 30yds was one that he had been reluctant to take during the season and he would also have made it a double if Cuellar had not used his hand to prevent another great goal. Delighted to learn that he will be offered a years extension.

McDONALD.. ….. 4 It is not his poorly taken penalty that has resulted in this low mark, it is much more influenced by his inability to cause the Rangers defence any problems all night.

JVOH………………7 He did amazingly well in the first half winning so many aerial balls and although he missed two very good chances he became a hero when he scored his first derby goal in the last minute.


SUBS

WILSON …………… 6 I though he brought a more attacking option when he appeared for the second half and although he perhaps could have done more to prevent the goal I do hope he fills that position for the rest of the season.

SAMARAS ……… 6 We may never have the opportunity to discover if he is worthy of a contract as I do not think he will be given the opportunity to start too many games but he does have a natural ability and good awareness.


REF…………. (Clarke) 8 Before the game I read a comment about him being a Celtic fan and season ticket holder but he had decided that when he started his refereeing career he would put that first but, as this is his last season and, that as this game would be his last derby match, we might see a more even handed performance and so it proved. He could have yellow carded Robson and he could have red carded JVOH and he could have added only 3 mins additional time but he didn’t!

THE GAME ……8 Thought it was one of the better Rangers games, full of talking points, a sending off, a missed penalty, a last minute winner and a brawl at the finish. The most important aspect was that the team who wanted to play attacking football won.

GOALS ………. 1. Caldwell supplied Naka who was 30 yds out and hit a sweet, powerful, spinning ball which gave McGregor no chance.
2. How many of the crowd groaned when Caldwell, once again, sent over a cross into the penalty box and then looked on in disbelief as McDonald managed to win the aerial challenge and direct the ball to JVOH who headed the ball into the net?
3. Their goal was a well stuck shot but I do think Artur could have got a hand to it.


COMMENTS ….. 1. What an important victory! Rangers will be without Cuellar, Thompson and perhaps McGregor for the return match a week on Saturday. They also have to play Fiorentina on the Thursday before that. Tiredness must play a part and another victory for Celtic will put so much pressure on them.

2. The decision to take Robson off would have brought so much pressure on GS to resign if JVOH had not scored when he did.