MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 3 RANGERS 2

PRE-MATCH COMMENT. It’s amazing the difference a 12.30 kick off on a Sunday makes to this game. Last week t you could sense the excitement as walked with the crowds but to-day it was a quieter atmosphere but still a positive one. Only disappointment was in Naylor being included, I would have preferred Wilson. Also had the feeling that McGeady would be the catalyst for victory as I just do not rate Broadfoot.

This was going to be the 379th competitive Celtic v Rangers match and G.S’s 13th Rangers game (hoping that’s not testing fate!).

BORUC ….…….6 A great one handed save in the first minute and then left rather helpless at Ranger’s two goals. After that though it was a pretty quiet day for the Pole. Wonder if anything will be said about his after full time T-shirt which had a picture of the Pope on his back!

HINKEL.... ….. 5 Had a torrid first half defensively and did little in an attacking sense apart from a great long ball which set up the first goal. Had a slightly better second 45 mins.

CALDWELL…. 8 Was outstanding in the last game and kept that performance going with another very influential display. He found Cousin difficult to cope with in the aerial battles but the longer the game went on the more dominant he became.

McMANUS…. …6 Had to go off with an injury in the second half but up until that point he was steady if not impressive. Once again did not display any signs of marshalling his teamates in his role as Captain.

NAYLOR …….….4 If you compared his positive contributions against the negative ones I’m afraid that the latter would be the longer of the two lists.

McGEADY …. …..6 I thought that he would have had a much greater influence on the game that he had but he did supply McDonald with a great pass that set up the second goal.

ROBSON. ……….7 Booked early on in the game but that did not prevent him from exerting a lot of influence the longer the game went on. He demanded the ball when the penalty was given, grabbing it from Samaras, and drilled it in for the winner.

HARTLEY ……… 6 Not as prominent as Robson but went about his business in an effective way.

NAKA…….. …….. 6 The first half passed him by except for a great free kick but he stuck to his task and was a vital player when it became important to show some composure after Celtic scored the 3rd goal.

McDONALD.. ….. 8 MOM For a player who had been going through a bad run of games he certainly picked the right one to rediscover his form! He never stopped trying and his composure when scoring the first goal was top class. His second goal might have benefited from a deflection but at least he had the confidence to go for it. It was his very sensible play which led to the penalty and he also unselfishly set up JVOH for a great chance. Now the 4th top scored in the history of the SPL.

JVOH…………6 Laid off the ball perfectly to set up McDonald for the first goal but spoiled his performance by failing to bring the ball under control after being set up by McDonald. He also displayed how awkward he is when being asked to control the ball with his feet.


SUBS

SAMARAS …….. 5 Replace JVOH and did not do as much with the ball as I had hoped.

O’DEA ……………5 Replaced McManus and fitted in very well. Wouldn’t mind him being given a run alongside Caldwell

BROWN ………….. 4 I thought he would have replaced Naka but it was Hartley who went off. Did not make any impression on the game.


REF…………. (Thompson) 5 An interesting performance. In the first half, every foul he awarded seemed to go Rangers way but in the second half it started to go Celtic’s way.

THE GAME ……8 Full of excitement, goals, sending offs and a terrific atmosphere.

GOALS ………. 1. A great long ball by Hinkel that was met perfectly by JVOH who flicked it into the path of McDonald. He steadied himself and rifled the ball past Alexander.
2. McGeady cut inside and waited until the time was right to release McDonald who swiveled and looped a ball over the goalie.
3. A very good ball from Naka released McDonald who showed strength and nous to be tumbled over by Broadfoot.
4. The Rangers goals were well delivered corners met well by Weir and Cousin but Celtic’s zonal marking was not too impressive.

COMMENTS ….. 1. The stadium looked great as the sun shone on the righteous and left some in the dark. The banners all added to the wonderful visual experience. The crowd stayed with the team and the team delighted the crowd.
2. G.S. was proved right by leaving Naka on for the last 10 mins as Naka used his skill to walk the clock down. His little shimmy at the end that resulted in the sending off was top drawer.
3. Celtic must ensure they see off Motherwell in next weeks ‘Cup Final’ I’m not sure that Rangers nerve will hold out.