MATCH REPORT: MAN U 3 CELTIC 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
I was not approaching to-nights game with any real hope but football is a funny game and the United crowd are no different from any other and if Celtic could just get to half time without conceding and the crowd becomes nervous who knows what might happen?
BORUC ….……....4 Had little chance with the first goal and held a difficult Rooney shot safely but he was certainly at fault for the second offside goal. I also thought that he got his angles wrong when Rooney scored the only real goal. He then spilled the ball and presented Rooney with a wonderful chance. Not a good night for Artur.
WILSON... …… 4 If I do not think he is good enough for Celtic in the SPL then he was going to have little chance to impress in Manchester. The weakness in his game was highlighted in the last few minutes when he did well to dispossess Rooney, had a clear field in front of him,but dallied on the ball and allowed Rooney to recover.
LOOVENS….…. 5 Considering that it was his European debut and up against the Champions he did o.k. but he is no better than O'Dea.
McMANUS…. …6 Had a big responsibility trying to hold the defence to-gether and did well in his own role.
NAYLOR …….….5 Started the game well but as soon as the pressure was put on the defence so his innate weaknesses shone through.
McGEADY …… 5 I know that he had that great game against Benfica? but what about all the others. The C.L. is the stage for great players but Aiden has never taken that particular opportunity. He will not have improved his value with that display!
ROBSON……. ……4 I've said before that I think C.L. football is a step too far for him and to-night only highlighted that.
CALDWELL…. ……7 MOM Was employed playing just in front of the defence and took to it very well. He made some passing mistakes when he was trying to impress but he was the only player who fought and went forward for the who;e 90mins. Was unlucky when he struck the ball so well only to see it tipped over the top.
BROWN…..…5 Yes, he fought but it was to little avail. He seemed more intent in showing how tough he was instead of a more constructive role.
NAKA ....5 Started to worry when he failed to keep his first corner in play. Like McGeady has he ever produced that top quality display in the C.L. (apart from free kicks of course)?
McDONALD...… 5 Felt for him as he was again up on his own and although he showed his usual lack of ability to hold and pass the ball on a few occassions he did work hard for the cause.
SUBS
SHERIDAN………….6 He's too young to know what his potential is but for the time he was on he showed perhaps the difference that having a JVOH or Samaras might have made.
MALONEY…………. 4 Didn't really notice him.
HARTLEY.…… 5 At least he managed to surge forward a few times.
REF…………. (5) Not a referee that we have been enamoured by in the past but it was not his fault that both his sidekicks failed miserably in his job.
THE GAME ……4 The only real flashes of brilliance came from United.
GOALS ………. 1. A goal that should never have been allowed but the defence did not look too assured when the ball came over.
2. A free kick foolishly conceded by Brown and not dealt with by Boruc .....but it was offside!
3. Started from a throw out by the goalkeeper and eventually Rooney finished it off with a shot from just outside the box.
COMMENTS ….. 1. After a really solid start we lost all composure and drive as the linesmen failed to do their job. The second half was as poor a performance as I've seen by Celtic in the Group Stages.
2. I felt for the supporters who had made the trip. they were subjected to a lot of taunts from the United supporters, e.g. "Are you Rangers in disguise?". They also had to sit/stand and watch as Man U played with us.
3. I have my worries about the return game and only hope that Villareal do the business in Denmark.
4. The game against Hibs is the important one and GS must ensure that he raises the teams spirits as they will be despondent and of course Riordan will be making his "I'll show them" return.
5. If nothing else happens, Celtic must start introducing Caddis to the team and find a replacement for Naylor.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
MATCH REPORT: ICT 1 CELTIC 2
PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
This game last year was a disaster! Two nil up after 30 mins and completely dominating the game until a last minute penalty in the first half, a perfectly good goal chalked off and a defence that just fell apart. Shocked to hear that Samaras was missing and that Loovens was in at right back. Just hope that the skill of McGeady, Maloney and Crosas makes the difference
BORUC ….……....7 Had a wonderful tip over that the ref didn't acknowledge, also made a vital save stopping a point blank save in the first half.
LOOVENS... …… 6 Was considering making him MOM until he was moved into central defence. He had played a very composed, sensible game at right back and then fired in a 'Caeser' type header for the second goal. Then he moved back to his favoured position and showed indecision, poor marking and bad timing. Radio Scotland had him as MOM!
CALDWELL….…. 6 A solid performance although a couple of indecisve attempts at heading spoiled it for him. Hope his injury doesn't rule him out of the Man U game.
McMANUS…. …7 Played a Captain's role being very solid if unspectacular.
NAYLOR …….….7 You'll never get a performance from Naylor that doesn't have you at some part of the game holding your head in your hands and to-day was no different but he put in a good performance and sent over a great low cross which led to the first goal.
McGEADY …… 6 Aiden hasn't been able to reproduce last years performance so far this season and to-day was the same. He tried very hard, put in a couple of good crosses but again I think he'll be frustrated at the end.
ROBSON……. ……7 He is not the most skillful midfielder but you can never ignore his commitment which was vital during the latter stages.
CROSAS…. ……6 I'm becoming a little bit worried that we might have another Donati in Crosas. A skillful player but also one who is finding it difficult to adjust to the hustle and bustle of the Scottish game. It looks as though his hamstring pull will mean that he is another player who will not face Utd on Tuesday.
BROWN…..…7 MOM After a week during which his lack of goals was being questioned he pops up with a vital opener. The longer the season goes on the more influential I feel he will become.
McDONALD...… 5 Was played up front on his own and it was a difficult role but he is not suited to a lone striker's role. Was rightly substituted.
MALONEY.…… 6 Like McGeady he tried hard but probably ended up frustrated.
SUBS
SHERIDAN………….6 Only 20yrs old and he was returning to the ground that he played a pivotal role in winning an exciting Cup game two years ago. He had a great chance to score after some clever footwork but the goalie saved well.
WILSON…………. 4 I'm sorry but at this moment he has lost the confidence and willingness to get 'stuck in".
HARTLEY.…… 5 Don't know if he touched the ball!
REF…………. (Brines) 4 How he could have given the foul by Black against McGeady and not recognise the blatant kick and yellow carded Black is beyond me but then it is Brines we are talking about.
THE GAME ……5 These trips to Inverness are always nervous occasions and to-day was no different.
GOALS ………. 1. Good play down the left wing saw Naylor send over a good cross which was met by Brown who wrong footed the goalkeeper.
2. A good cross by Robson was met by Loovens who powered the ball into the net.
3. A really slack piece of defending allowed ICT to score.
COMMENTS ….. 1. GS earned his money by changing things around at halftime and forcing the defenders to put up quicker long balls.
2. 3 points but at a cost in terms of injuries.
3. Have watched quite a few reserve games this season and my thoughts are:
Brown........Always capable of good saves but just isn't good enough to be the back-up.
O'Dea........ Head and shoulders above the rest and worry that he will realise his potential elsewhere.
Caddis....... Captain and a special player (could not believe he wasn't picked to-day)
McCourt........Now looking a lot fitter and showing some delightful touches and awareness. His first goal for Celtic was a beauty.
Hutchinson.....Have seen him score good goals and has a strong, physical presence but there is a certain lackadaisical approach which means that I wasn't too surprised to find that he was not included in the pool to-day.
MATCH REPORT: ICT 1 CELTIC 2
PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
This game last year was a disaster! Two nil up after 30 mins and completely dominating the game until a last minute penalty in the first half, a perfectly good goal chalked off and a defence that just fell apart. Shocked to hear that Samaras was missing and that Loovens was in at right back. Just hope that the skill of McGeady, Maloney and Crosas makes the difference
BORUC ….……....7 Had a wonderful tip over that the ref didn't acknowledge, also made a vital save stopping a point blank save in the first half.
LOOVENS... …… 6 Was considering making him MOM until he was moved into central defence. He had played a very composed, sensible game at right back and then fired in a 'Caeser' type header for the second goal. Then he moved back to his favoured position and showed indecision, poor marking and bad timing. Radio Scotland had him as MOM!
CALDWELL….…. 6 A solid performance although a couple of indecisve attempts at heading spoiled it for him. Hope his injury doesn't rule him out of the Man U game.
McMANUS…. …7 Played a Captain's role being very solid if unspectacular.
NAYLOR …….….7 You'll never get a performance from Naylor that doesn't have you at some part of the game holding your head in your hands and to-day was no different but he put in a good performance and sent over a great low cross which led to the first goal.
McGEADY …… 6 Aiden hasn't been able to reproduce last years performance so far this season and to-day was the same. He tried very hard, put in a couple of good crosses but again I think he'll be frustrated at the end.
ROBSON……. ……7 He is not the most skillful midfielder but you can never ignore his commitment which was vital during the latter stages.
CROSAS…. ……6 I'm becoming a little bit worried that we might have another Donati in Crosas. A skillful player but also one who is finding it difficult to adjust to the hustle and bustle of the Scottish game. It looks as though his hamstring pull will mean that he is another player who will not face Utd on Tuesday.
BROWN…..…7 MOM After a week during which his lack of goals was being questioned he pops up with a vital opener. The longer the season goes on the more influential I feel he will become.
McDONALD...… 5 Was played up front on his own and it was a difficult role but he is not suited to a lone striker's role. Was rightly substituted.
MALONEY.…… 6 Like McGeady he tried hard but probably ended up frustrated.
SUBS
SHERIDAN………….6 Only 20yrs old and he was returning to the ground that he played a pivotal role in winning an exciting Cup game two years ago. He had a great chance to score after some clever footwork but the goalie saved well.
WILSON…………. 4 I'm sorry but at this moment he has lost the confidence and willingness to get 'stuck in".
HARTLEY.…… 5 Don't know if he touched the ball!
REF…………. (Brines) 4 How he could have given the foul by Black against McGeady and not recognise the blatant kick and yellow carded Black is beyond me but then it is Brines we are talking about.
THE GAME ……5 These trips to Inverness are always nervous occasions and to-day was no different.
GOALS ………. 1. Good play down the left wing saw Naylor send over a good cross which was met by Brown who wrong footed the goalkeeper.
2. A good cross by Robson was met by Loovens who powered the ball into the net.
3. A really slack piece of defending allowed ICT to score.
COMMENTS ….. 1. GS earned his money by changing things around at halftime and forcing the defenders to put up quicker long balls.
2. 3 points but at a cost in terms of injuries.
3. Have watched quite a few reserve games this season and my thoughts are:
Brown........Always capable of good saves but just isn't good enough to be the back-up.
O'Dea........ Head and shoulders above the rest and worry that he will realise his potential elsewhere.
Caddis....... Captain and a special player (could not believe he wasn't picked to-day)
McCourt........Now looking a lot fitter and showing some delightful touches and awareness. His first goal for Celtic was a beauty.
Hutchinson.....Have seen him score good goals and has a strong, physical presence but there is a certain lackadaisical approach which means that I wasn't too surprised to find that he was not included in the pool to-day.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 4 Hamilton 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
Was looking forward to my first view of the young Hamilton stars, McCarthy and McArthur.
BORUC ….…….7 Had absolutely nothing to do until the old “Holy Goalie’ made his first appearance of the season making two magnificent saves from the penalty.
WILSON.... …… 6 Had no opposing player to mark for most of the game and therefore got forward a lot but once again he failed to supply one really decisive pass into the opposition penalty box.
CALDWELL….…. 7 Really enjoyed the opportunity to strut his stuff as he was under no real pressure. His passing was not as crisp and accurate as it should have been.
McMANUS…. …7 Another very steady performance spoiled a bit by two basic mistakes but nothing came from them.
ROBSON …….….7 Replaced Naylor and put in a performance which would have most of us prefer him to Naylor. Very strong in the air and sent over a few crosses but I wish he had sometimes supplied his winger with the ball.
McGEADY …… 6 Always made himself available for the ball and had some lovely touches, inc the cross to Naka for the first goal, also managed a goal himself. However, there were too many times when he either held on to the ball too long or made some poor misplaced passes.
NAKA……. ……7 MOM He was another who was always looking for the ball and enjoyed the amount of space he found. Took his goal very well and also had a hand in Samaras’s goal.
CROSAS…. ……6 The guy has class of that there is no doubt and to-day he exhibited a bit more bite in his play but he does tire after 60 mins.
BROWN…..……6 His non-stop engine was put to good use breaking down the scarce Accies build ups but his passing will have to improve before we start seeing a real return on the investment.
McDONALD...… 6 He’s always going to have a few bad first touches and to-day was no different, however the longer the game went on so did his touch improve. He had a hand in the second goal and took his goal very well after some really determined play inside the penalty box.
JVOH.... …5 Lasted 90 secs.
SUBS
SAMARAS…………. 6 Played almost the full game and had lots of time to 'strut his stuff'(maybe too much at times). I would like to see him sometimes fire in a shot instead of trying to pass the ball into the net.
O’DEA…………. 5 Played at left back and was steady enough.
MALONEY.…… 6 On in place of Samaras and showed some wonderful quick feet to set up McGeady’s goal.
REF…………. (Conroy) 6 Gave a very dubious penalty and allowed Hamilton to commit as many fouls as I have seen any team commit at C.P. Then he had the nerve to show his first yellow card at Caldwell.
THE GAME ……6 It was a change to be so relaxed at a game but the opposition were pretty poor.
GOALS ………. 1. A good cross by McGeady was met at the far post by Naka, who brought it under control and fired it into the net.
2. Nice pass by McDonald to Naka who teed it up for Samaras.
3. A really determined piece of play by McDonald enabled him to get the better of his two markers and slot the ball past the goalie.
4. Wonderfully quick feet on the bye-line by Maloney allowed him to set up McGeady.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Hamilton were the poorest team to turn up at C.P. this season.
2. The two Mac’s did nothing to show that they would improve our squad.
3. Where was the Green Brigade to-day? The stadium certainly missed their vocal support.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
Was looking forward to my first view of the young Hamilton stars, McCarthy and McArthur.
BORUC ….…….7 Had absolutely nothing to do until the old “Holy Goalie’ made his first appearance of the season making two magnificent saves from the penalty.
WILSON.... …… 6 Had no opposing player to mark for most of the game and therefore got forward a lot but once again he failed to supply one really decisive pass into the opposition penalty box.
CALDWELL….…. 7 Really enjoyed the opportunity to strut his stuff as he was under no real pressure. His passing was not as crisp and accurate as it should have been.
McMANUS…. …7 Another very steady performance spoiled a bit by two basic mistakes but nothing came from them.
ROBSON …….….7 Replaced Naylor and put in a performance which would have most of us prefer him to Naylor. Very strong in the air and sent over a few crosses but I wish he had sometimes supplied his winger with the ball.
McGEADY …… 6 Always made himself available for the ball and had some lovely touches, inc the cross to Naka for the first goal, also managed a goal himself. However, there were too many times when he either held on to the ball too long or made some poor misplaced passes.
NAKA……. ……7 MOM He was another who was always looking for the ball and enjoyed the amount of space he found. Took his goal very well and also had a hand in Samaras’s goal.
CROSAS…. ……6 The guy has class of that there is no doubt and to-day he exhibited a bit more bite in his play but he does tire after 60 mins.
BROWN…..……6 His non-stop engine was put to good use breaking down the scarce Accies build ups but his passing will have to improve before we start seeing a real return on the investment.
McDONALD...… 6 He’s always going to have a few bad first touches and to-day was no different, however the longer the game went on so did his touch improve. He had a hand in the second goal and took his goal very well after some really determined play inside the penalty box.
JVOH.... …5 Lasted 90 secs.
SUBS
SAMARAS…………. 6 Played almost the full game and had lots of time to 'strut his stuff'(maybe too much at times). I would like to see him sometimes fire in a shot instead of trying to pass the ball into the net.
O’DEA…………. 5 Played at left back and was steady enough.
MALONEY.…… 6 On in place of Samaras and showed some wonderful quick feet to set up McGeady’s goal.
REF…………. (Conroy) 6 Gave a very dubious penalty and allowed Hamilton to commit as many fouls as I have seen any team commit at C.P. Then he had the nerve to show his first yellow card at Caldwell.
THE GAME ……6 It was a change to be so relaxed at a game but the opposition were pretty poor.
GOALS ………. 1. A good cross by McGeady was met at the far post by Naka, who brought it under control and fired it into the net.
2. Nice pass by McDonald to Naka who teed it up for Samaras.
3. A really determined piece of play by McDonald enabled him to get the better of his two markers and slot the ball past the goalie.
4. Wonderfully quick feet on the bye-line by Maloney allowed him to set up McGeady.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Hamilton were the poorest team to turn up at C.P. this season.
2. The two Mac’s did nothing to show that they would improve our squad.
3. Where was the Green Brigade to-day? The stadium certainly missed their vocal support.
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