Motherwell 1-3 Celtic

Celtic took a major step towards lifting the SPL title following a crucial win at Fir Park. The victory now moves Celtic ten points clear of Hearts at the top of the SPL table, and retains a seventeen point advantage over Rangers who are currently in fourth place.

Strachan was forced to make major changes in defence due to the injury of Keane, the suspension of McManus and Balde's absence due to his invlovment in the African Cup of Nations. This saw a recall for Mo Camara, in an unfamiliar defence that included Stanislav Varga and Adam Virgo who partnered each other in centre defence for the first time. Telfer kept his place in the side despite the recent signing of Mark Wilson.

The two teams had served up an amazing 4-4 draw on the opening day of the season and with Celtic winning 5-0 in October at Celtic Park, everyone attending the game were expecting goals and excitement, and they would not be dissapointed. Motherwell started the game well and were unfortunate to not take the lead in the opening minutes. The Irish midfielder Richie Foran connected well with a Steven Hammell corner but Mo Camara was on the post and diverted the ball away from danger.

Celtic made the crucial breakthrough on 17 minutes when Stilian Petrov played through Zurawski, and the Poland International held off the challenge of William Kinniburgh to fire the ball into the corner of the net, despite 'keeper Graeme Smith getting a touch. It was a fantastic finish from a man beginning to establish himself again in the Celtic team following injury.

Shaun Maloney was inches away from extending the lead when his smart free-kick curled inches wide. Motherwell were working hard in midfied and were not giving Celtic any time on the ball. And the home side were to go in at half-time level, thanks to a sensational strike from Hamilton.

Brian Kerr delivered a fine diagonal cross to the edge of the penalty box and Hamilton met it superbly on the volley and sent the ball crashing into the top corner. It was a piece of individual brilliance and there was nothing that the Celtic defence could have done to prevent it.

The second half began in scrappy fashion, with neither side capable of getting into any rythmn. In an attempt to break the deadlock Strachan made a bold substitution by taking off Nakamura and bringing on McGeady. The Japanese star had being struggling with a virus and high temperatures all week and this had a major effect on his performance.

With 25 minutes to go, Zurawski was denied by a great block by Stephen Craigan after latching onto a neat cushioned header from Hartson. However the Celtic faithful didn't have long to wait for Celtic regain the lead, Six minutes infact. Aiden McGeady let fly with a shot from 20 yards and it took a huge deflection before ending up in the net. It was a crucial goal, no more than Celtic deserved.

Scott McDonald came close to an immediate equaliser when he threw himself at Foran cross, but his header from six yards went inches wide. This was a major let-off for Celtic as it was a bad miss from the Australian.

Celtic secured the three points when a stunning piece of skill from McGeady saw him skip past a couple of challenges to get to the bi-line. He shown great composure to look up and cut-back for Hartson to find the target with a fine low shot.

McGeady was in terrific form and after a fine piece of play, he fashioned a chance with more fancy footwork but his powerful shot cannoned off the crossbar. It was very unlucky from the Irishman but Celtic were already safe. The result see's Celtic have a stronger grip of the SPL title.


Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Corrigan, Craigan, Kinniburgh (McLean 84), Hammell, Kerr, McBride, McCormack, Foran, Scott McDonald, Hamilton.

Subs Not Used:Meldrum, Fagan, Maguire, Coakley, Reynolds, Darren Lee Smith.


Celtic: (4-4-2)

Boruc

Telfer Virgo Varga Camara

Nakamura(McGeady 62) Lennon Petrov Maloney

Zurawski(Pearson 74) Hartson.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Wilson, Wallace, Lawson, O'Dea.


Att: 11,503

Ref: C Richmond