MATCH REPORT: KILMARNOCK 1 CELTIC 3
PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
It's strange how I always feel nervous about a trip to Rugby Park and yet our recent record does not bear that out (last lost in 2001 but have failed to keep a clean sheet for 5 games).
BORUC ….…….7 Thought he was more like his 'old' self. Dominated the area in terms of dealing with crosses, handled the few shots on target and launched early attacks from hand.
WILSON.... …… 6 Pleased to see him preferred to Hinkle and he gave a solid all round display.
CALDWELL….…. 8 Was a tower of strength making some great interceptions and using the ball well. Was rightly sent off but the incident only served to highlight his total commitment.
McMANUS…. …6 A display of sound, if not spectacular, defending.
NAYLOR …….….7 Another good performance makes me hopeful that we may see him return to the form of his debut year. plus he actually used his long throw ins to good effect........I've waited a long time to see that used.
NAKA……. …7 I don't think I've seen him put in so much good defensive work whilst he was still able to show flashes of brilliance such as the wonderful one touch long pass to release Samaras. Had a higher than normal number of poor passes.
CROSAS…. …6 He is still finding his feet and getting used to the close marking of then Scottish game but he has a composure and ability about him that bodes very well for the future.
BROWN. ………… 7 When he learns to hit his passes with 50% less power he will start to become very influential. He was happier playing in a role that allowed him to go forward knowing that Crosas was covering him.
MALONEY…….. … 6 Missed a penalty that he had engineered very well and then redeemed himself with a great curling shot.
SAMARAS.... ….. 9 MON It's not often that a player gets three consecutive MOM but he has thoroughly deserved all three. He is playing with a great amount of freedom to-gether with a devastating burst of pace and control. Could easily have scored a hat-trick.
JVOH……………6 Was not a visible performer but he led the line well.
SUBS
HARTLEY …… 5 The game was won by the time he came on.
McGEADY……5 Showed a bit more determination and caused problems.
LOOVENS …… 5 Was only on or a few minutes.
REF…………. 8 Amazingly the Rev Mike has been given one of the highest marks but he awarded 3 penalties ( 2 of which were correct), booked several players correctly and avoided any controversy. Maybe he's been parking his car on the Damascus Road??
THE GAME ……8 Another M/well type performance with great attacking football by Celtic.
GOALS ………. 1. A move that started with Naylor running into a defender, the ball breaking to Maloney who sent it inside where Brown decided to ignore all advice and sent a correctly weighted pass to JVOH who managed to force a richocet which found Maloney on the edge of the area and a lovely curling shot found the target.
2. A move that started with Wilson and Naka down at our corner flag ended up with a surging run from Samaras from just inside our half saw him power past the defender, cut inside to the area and coolly place his shot into the far corner. Goal of The Season contender.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Several good decisions by GS meant a team wanting to play attacking football.
2. Livingston are next up on Tuesday and it's a good opportunity to change the team around but I would definitely have Crosas in.
3. A worrying trend re football attendances is well highlighted by Celtic fans http://www.talkceltic.net/
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