Rangers 0-1 Celtic

Celtic extended their lead over Rangers to a massive 21 points with a well deserved victory at Ibrox on Sunday. In McLeish's last Old Firm derby, his dismal record against Celtic continued, now having won only 4 of the last 21 league matches between the sides. With Hearts losing at home to Aberdeen the day before and Hibs drawing, Celtic now have a 13 point lead at the top of the SPL and barring a disaster, the Championship trophy will be heading back to Paradise in May.

McLeish made four changes for the clash to try and change his club's fortunes, including some changes which raised a few eyebrows. Despite not scoring in their prevous two matches, he decided to drop Boyd and Lovenkrands who are by far there most prolific goalscorers this season and instead start with Novo who has now scored in eleven games and Prso upfront. Strachan also made a bold decision by dropping Nakamura and starting with Lennon, Keane and Petrov im midfield. This decision was the key to Celtic's win.

Celtic settled into their rhythm much quicker than their opponents, who looked understandably nervous given their dreadful recent form. And on the 12th minute, Celtic got the goal their early pressure deserved. Horrific defending by Marvin Andrews and Sotirios Kyrgiakos as they got in each other's way as they challenged John Hartson for a high ball lead to the opening. Bob Malcolm's desperate challenge prevented Stilian Petrov getting a shot in, but the ball fell to the inform Zurawski who struck it sweetly past Waterreus into the corner of the net.

Celtic enjoyed near total dominance of possession in the opening quarter, but Rangers finally started to get a hold of the ball, with Chris Burke providing the impetus. And Rangers should have equalised against the run of the play when Thomas Buffel beat first Paul Telfer and then Bobo Balde only to then try unsuccessfully to play in Nacho Novo when a shot on goal looked the wiser option. This was purely down to the excellent goalkeeping of Boruc who made himself big and forced Buffel to choose the wrong option.

However come the end of the season, Rangers might still be picking up awards as Kyrgiakos acting performance was worthy of a BAFTA. After the erratic defender scythed down Hartson, he dramatically dived as the Welshman berated him for the challenge. Quite shockingly however, referee Mike McCurry settled for a word in the ear of both players when the Greek defender clearly deserved a yellow card. Considering the linesmans position, this decision was baffling. This was a major slice of luck for Rangers as Kyrgiakos went on to pick up a later booking and therefore would have sent off if justice had been done.

Rangers were afforded plenty of possession at the beginning of the second half as Celtic were happy to sit back and defend their lead. However Celtic's midfield were performing well, especially Roy Keane who was exceptional throughout the game meaning Ferguson and Malcolm were passengers and were not able to have any real impact on the game. This caused a lack of penetration by Rangers therefore Celtic were rarely stretched.

Kyrgiakos almost redeemed himself after Roy Keane was booked for a foul on Dado Prso, but his header from the resultant free kick flew just wide. A lack of communication again between Kyrgiakos and Andrews spourned the chance as they appeared to get in each others way.

Celtic were comfortably seeing out time however Rangers could easily have got an undeserved equaliser late on. The Celtic defence were slow in getting out allowing Prso a magnificent chance to level the game. However a lack of composure allowed Boruc to intercept his cutback with his colleagues in great positions to score. However as the full time whistle blew, it was clear that the best side had won. Great credit must be given to Keane and Zurawski who were both outstanding on the day. Celtic defended brilliantly from the front and the win was rarely in question. Celtic will look to step closer to the Championship when they play Dunfermline next Sunday at East End Park


Rangers: Waterreus, Hutton, Andrews, Kyrgiakos (Rodriguez 66), Smith, Burke, Malcolm, Ferguson, Buffel (Kris Boyd 72), Novo (Lovenkrands 61), Prso.

Subs Not Used: Klos, Hemdani, Murray, Namouchi.


Celtic (4-4-2):

Boruc

Telfer Balde McManus Wilson

Petrov Keane Lennon Maloney(Pearson 89)

Zurawski Hartson(Dublin 74)

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Thompson, Nakamura, Wallace, McGlinchey.


MOTM: Roy Keane

Attendance: 49,788

Referee:M McCurry