MATCH REPORT:  AALBORG  2  CELTIC  1

PRE-MATCH COMMENT: My earlier enthusiasm was dented slightly on my way to Celtic Park to watch the game, along with 300 other supporters, when I learned that under the new manger Aalborg had not lost a game at home. I was still confident though.

BORUC ….……....6 Was beaten by a deflected shot and an o.g. The only other save he had to make was when he tipped over a very good header. Got caught up with Loovens late in the second half but I really could not tell who was at fault.

HINKEL...... …….. 6 Not quite at the same level as the last few games but kept his side of the park fairly safe.

LOOVENS....…. .5 Not convinced that he has the quality or composure to be a regular pick for the 1st eleven, even at SPL level and do not see any real benefits to playing him rather than O'Dea.

McMANUS…. … 5 Unlucky that he was the player who caused the deflection for the first goal b ut he was the only defender who tried to close the Aalborg player down. The longer the game went on the more erratic his passing became. A great SPL player but maybe not of the quality necessary to hold and pass the ball accurately when in positions such as to-night.

WILSON.... …… 6 Although it was down his wing that most of the trouble came from it was not his tackling that let him down it was his enthusiasm to go forward so often that led to that flank being ungaurded too often. Sent over a beautiful cross for the goal.

CALDWELL.…. .6 Poor man! Having played a very solid game in midfield and linking the play very well for the first 70 mins he then is in the right place at the wrong time. There was nothing he could do about it. Had a great run and shot in the second half that really deserved a goal.

NAKA........ …… 5  Another C.L. game and another disappointing performance from a player with so much class. Sent over a sumptous cross which Samaras failed to connect with but then had the most horrendous of misses when clean through on goal. Thought his fitness level dropped after about 60 mins.

ROBSON..…. ……7 MOM Have never thought he possesses enough skill for C.L. games but to-night he allied his tremendous fighting spirit with bravery and skill when he scored with a great header. At the beginning of the game he was the one kbnocking Aalborg off their game.

BROWN…..….....7  He dominated midfield for most of the match and was always willing to help the forwards but he too tired as the game neared the end.

SAMARAS .........3  The disappointment of the night. It was not that he missed an easy chance within the first 5 mins it was that throughout his 60 mins on the park he showed no real desire.

McDONALD..... 7   Didn't score should have been awarded a penalty when clattered by their keeper. He caused all sorts of problems to their defence with his running and holding the ball up.

SUBS 

SHERIDAN………....3 Was given about 25mins to make his mark but everything he touched turned to nothing!

MALONEY........…… 5 Was brought on far too late.

REF…………...... () 7 I thought he allowed play to flow quite well but once again he put himself in the position of denying Celtic a clear cut penalty.

THE GAME ……6 It's been a long time since I've seen Celtic dominate an away C.L. game but my, oh my, how we showed our immaturity in failing to hold the ball, pass it and take the steam out of the game when we were one up or even at 1 - 1. 

GOALS ………. 1.Ironically the goal came from the ref giving a corner instead of a penalty. From the corner Celtic forced a shy and the ball made its way over to the other wing where Wilson controlled it, looked up and sent over a delightful cross for Robson to bullet the perfect header into the net.
2. A ball inside to the Brazilian who was unmarked and hit a good shot which would not have troubled Boruc too much if it had not richocet off McManus to loop over Arturs hand.

3. Wilson commits a crude foul out on the wing, the ball is sent into a crowed penalty box, Loovens swipes it clear only for it to hit Caldwell shin and cannon into the net.

COMMENTS ….. 1. Celtic were in control of that game and the reason we lost was not because of unlucky defending but because both samaras and Naka failed to take golded opportunities.

2. Another reason was the abscence of an 'auld heid' in the middle of the pitch to take the ball and just slow the whole game down.

3. Don't think that G.S. covered himself in glory on a couple of points. 

a) it was quite obvious that Samaras was not at the races and should have been pulled at half time.

b) why did he not put Hartley on as an additional holding midfielder when we went to 1 - 1?