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C'mon the Hoops!!
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apologies for the ongoing problems with the site.
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There's not much we ex-pats can do to aid the effort back home tonight bar wear our lucky pants (into which my Hoops are neatly tucked) and perform other mystical rituals.
So it's down to Gordon and the team and you ghuys.
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PS - C'MON THE HOOPS, C'MON THE CELTIC SUPPORTERS!
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mon the hoops - i'm away to the gemm
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Hi Paul. Is the blog broke or no?
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Hi Paul. Is the blog broke or no?
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Starryhope last night 22.48 said he would like to see a song for Aiden,i agree but his name doesnt help.
Some times simple wans work,heres ma suggestion,to the tune of Pierre.
Aiden therz only one Aiden
Eez wan ae us a Tim
Therz only one Aiden.
Repeat.
Lets hope he sets the night on fire.
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Hi Paul. Is the blog broke or no?
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Since it's no working I'll just say C'mon Celtic to all computers out there that may or may not pick up this up-load.
HHB
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Paul
Damn all wrong with the blog!
Didn't I just make the gold spot!
Don't try and take that away from me!!
1-o to the Celts (Big Jan)
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Are we working now?
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; Well its been building up inside of me
For oh I dont know how long
I dont know why
But I keep thinking
Somethings bound to go wrong
But she looks in my eyes
And makes me realize
And she says dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Everything will turn out alright
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
I guess I shouldve kept my mouth shut
When I started to brag about my car
But I cant back down now
I pushed the other guys too far
She makes me come alive
And makes me wanna drive
When she says dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Everything will turn out alright
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
She told me baby, when you race today
Just take along my love with you
And if you know how much I loved you
Baby nothing could go wrong with you
Oh what she does to me
When she makes love to me
And she says dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Everything will turn out alright
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Dont worry baby
Celtic 2 Benfica 1
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Wow, it's working fur the noo. Come on ye Celts
HHB
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Just about to clock out (o/t).
Watching the game in my local GAA club. May the force be with us !
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Tough game tonight. All the better for enjoying the win.
I'm with Bertie earlier- John Kennedy for the opening goal.
If Donati is called for, he'll do fine. If Scott has to go wide right or Hartley left, they'll cope. This is about guts and confidence now. Let's hope the crowd's got those qualities too.
Now what's the chances of getting a train to Bridgeton?
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Mon Celtic-
Lets get inty these Spaniards !
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Terry - don't gie up the day job. Stick to hounding Ned Flanders.
To all CQNers who can't make the game, have a big cyber huddle before kick-off.
I'm outa here. Mon the Hoops!
TTTT
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Same team as the weekend according to STV.
Get right intae them.
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Won't be able to tune in today but will catch up on the comments tonight.
Anyone who thinks we don't need a win today has no sense of reality. A 2-0 minimum is a must if we have any chance of getting into the next stage
Hail Hail and good luck to the bhoys
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please please let Aiden make some better decisions tonight. Lately, he's been getting into really good positions, but not delivering the final pass, or just running into a wall of defenders.
We really need him at his best tonight.
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Anyone out there?
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Aiden hopefully will give us a night that seems expected of so many of us......a Kenny Miller CP CL night, A Goal(or two) !!!
COME ON THE CEL-TIC !!!
4 - 1
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I feel if I don’t post anything teh Blog will still work. Maybe if I do it real slow I’ll get away with it.
However I must say COME ON THE HOOPS. There, I hope I didn’t break anything.
Goes tentatively away to post it off.
HHB
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Paul
Kojo says:
Collie, got it right.
We must go out and fight!
I mentioned sometime in the past, that Gordon, must endeavour to retain a full measure of consistency in his team selections.
Therefore, it follows that the team that played against Killie, should take the field,tonight.
My opinion.
It represents our best Eleven Players who are available at this time.
Donati has disappointed.
In fact, his recent insipid displays have confirmed the initial impression, I had of his worth.
I had detected, a lack of determination in his attitude to the game,during his first two or three games.
Being that as it may,I had given him the benefit of the doubt, as he was, after all, a new-comer to the SPL.
Now, my initial conviction has become solidified.
He just does not cut the condiment.
As the pup has publicised...
We need an overwhelming victory, tonight.
A flaccid, limp wristed, 1-0 win...is just not good enough!
A clear Three goals and up, should be our target.
We are looking forward to the game,and hope that the Bhoys are up for it.
Kojo.
...........................
Mabel.
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This is not going to de an easy night fur ma nerves. I feel it already.
HHB
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Would really love a good 2 goal win be it 2-nil or 5-3 !! Or even another 3 goal win !! Basically overturn the 1-nil deficit from over in Benfica's den.
Either way if we can get ahead in the head-to-head stakes with Benfica it would hopefully give us the edge for 3rd spot if plan A (to win the group) goes 'Pete Tong' !!
Jarosik to score 1 tonite and McDonald to get 2.
3-1 win is my prediction.
C'mon the Hoops !!
Hail Hail.
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It's often when we go out on such an important occasion we play controlled football. We do it the European way, or try to at least, and there's nothing wrong in that. But with an already shaky defence at our disposal, ( for Benfica's benefit ), we have the opportunity to see what our midfield can do, namely try to keep the ball away from our defence, by keeping the thing for as long as poss' in our possession. Passing and controlling is the key for tonight.
If Skoosh and Aiden should however decide to turn it on, we're going to roast Benfica the Celtic way.
HHB
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I'm happy now. It is the same team as Saturdays
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bhoy_malloy
you've been happy a lot lately....on the prozac?? lol
Reckon you'll be even happier later m8
Hail Hail
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Same team as Saturday.
Boruc
Caldwell
Kennedy
McManus
Jarosik
Brown
Hartley
McGeady
McDonald
JVOH
3-1 Celtic.
Hail Hail
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defence all over the place already mainly due to Naylor giving the ball away twice.
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Could call it open so far.
Chances galore for both sides.
Brown and Kennedy both missed sitters,Two good shots and saves from Brown and McDonald.
Two good saves from Artur,and another couple of chances for Benfica.
Celtic settled a bit after a ropey ten minutes.
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Aiden having a good un.
Getting two players at a time trying to kick him.
50-50 possession
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Still 0-0 with AC and Shakhtar
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first?
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you p off to away places and rely on CQN for news of a huge game and the IT goes AWOL.....
press plot...
TB
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kano - sorry to say you're it....
any opinions you have on the game would be well appreciated..
the BBC updates are just soul destroying.
TB
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One positive. They are as bad at the back as we are.
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Looks like there’s a good game of fitba’ on. Too bad we’ve not taken our chances so far.
C’mon Celtic do the bizz.
HHB
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Free kick to Benfica.
Caldwell lucky not to be booked.
Comes to nothing,well wide
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Wee bit scrappy for the last five minutes.
-
Rui Costa is the guy causing us problems.
Roaming wherever he likes and we aren't picking him up.
One good thing,he is 35,and he can surely only last an hour or so.
He is their main threat.
Five mins till half time.
Good time to get one.
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Big Jiri putting the boot in
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Jarosik is STILL a dumpling. Really.
Dreamer boy.
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Dangerous free kick to Benfica.
Comes to nothing.
Artur giving us a wee fright once or twice tonight again
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We'll get there. McGeady gives the ball to SB between 3 players the steps out wide expecting it back instead of helping the wee man. Unbelievable.
-
That will only make Mcgeady more confident. Happy Days.
-
Yessss.
Aiden scores
great shot from outside the area,cuts in and scores on his right
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Nobody posting tonight?
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YEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!
Shot on target by Aiden McGeady!! Deflection, our very own Frank Lampard!!!
Well done Aiden!
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Shaktar 0 - 0 AC at half time
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Shot took a slight deflection.
But well done Aiden.
Game went a bit flat for the ten minutes before the goal,
but it has been a good game.
Benfica had the opening chances,then Celtic had a few.
About even so far.
Apart from 1-0 of course.
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Ah we're back then, like Brigadoon appearing from the mists of the web.
HT 1-0 Great goal from Aiden on stroke of HT.
'GG more relaxed.
-
Watching a home champions league tie from the house for the first time ever due to the birth of my son, Michael, yesterday.
it really is torture not being there.
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Aiden made his time with that wee Ali shuffle(ok not quite Ali) but flipping brilliant. Made his own luck.
We are great at scoring first 15 mins 2nd half, or where last season.....lets go ma Bhoys...
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Everything'sGoneGreen
Congrats!! A Son!!! You can tell him all about it, all thing equal...
...but surely the wife could have looked after him now he's 'out' and let you go to the game. Women...really:)))))
All the best tae wee Michael and the missus, great team you got there.
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Thanks to the Holy Goalie we stand where we do now.
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We allowed them too much space at times going forward and they looked dangerous.
Cardozo was stopped twice by good saves from Artur.
We just need to tighten up a bit, stop giving them time and space in midfield.
We too made a couple of good chances. Skippy tested the 'keeper a couple of times.
Brown drew a good save and had an air shot in front of goal.
John Kennedy had agreat chance early on to settle us down but miscued his header.
YNWA ringing out to start 2nd half.
I'll settle for no more goals.
'GG
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End to end start of 2nd half.
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'gg
I'll settle for no more goals..
And any sort of nails left.
Thanks for the updates all - please keep 'em coming...
TB
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A goal, and from Aiden. Ya effen beauty. Go on ma Son, do it again you know you can. Hard going tonight, I'm having to make do with the Guardian live commentry atm. It's so bad the guy really needs a sound thrashing. Or 2 more goals from Tic to make him sick.
I shouldn't be so neg' but it's pretty difficult trying to enjoy the game with such downright stupid commentry. Hope the Blogs up and working soon.
HHB
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1-0 at half time, Aidenho scores on 44 minutes.
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Still something wrong with our shape. Scooty being fed the ball in midfield and everybody round him but no support for the lay offs...
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Celtic midfield sitting awful deep.
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Kano -
"five minutes to half time - good time to get one"....
Woof!!
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McDonald blocked in the area.
Free kick given to Benfice!!!
Like to see that one again.
Good play again from McDonald
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McGeady cross knocked down by JJ to Skippy in the box.
Referee having a good game up till now says McDonald used a hand.
10 mins gone
'GG
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Superb again from McDonald to win the ball for Aiden to get kicked again.
Benfica are terrified of Aiden.
Two on him every time.
Celtic putting on a bit more pressure.
Aiden away again on a run.
Fouled but nothing given.
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McGeady fouled in dangerous pos.
Hartley free kick knowcked away.
Scrappy play from Celtic defence.
McGeady run stopped on edge of box, but no foul.
'GG
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What a time for the blog to be broke !! Go on Aiden
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McGeady and Naylor combine well.
Graet cross into box goes a begging tho.
'GG
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Great play again from McDonald,getting free kick from nothing.
Big Jan is....
I don't know.
Can't remember the last time I heard his name mentioned
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love the sub for them no 17 - Zoro...
Is the BBC stat 45% Celtic 55% Benfica about right for posession?
TB
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Jarosik becoming more involved.
Kennedy getting close to a cross again.
Couldn't quite reach it.
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Naylor free kick just missed by 2 Celts.
'GG
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Young Argentinian on for Benfica.
Defender off.
Looks like they are going for it.
Cumon Celtic,don't start dropping back.
Put them on the back foot.
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Benfica have six in the box for a cross.
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Cardozo misses a sitter heads wide.
Need to get behind the couch.
Donati coming on.
'GG
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Just past the post.
Just past.
Donati and Killen coming on for Celtic.
Would say Jiri and Jan .
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'GG/Kano - dropping in every 22 secs or so for updates :) Keep them coming
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Clever play from Hartley,wins corner
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Hoofed clear
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Killen for JVOH.
Donati for JJ.
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We still seem to lack ideas in the middle, Donati coming on, more an Alpha male the JJ(yeah so am I)..Killen too....poor, normal centre from AM
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Yip,Jan and Jiri off.
Massimo and Chris on.
Big Chrus Kullen must have more impact than Jan.
Wouldn't be hard
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One Nil AC Milan
-
25 minutes
1500 seconds
3 billion light-years
to go
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Lee clears off line from a corner.
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Off the line from Lee Naylor at corner.
Benfica really throwing players forward here.
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We need 1 more. AC Milan helping us out in Donetsk
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Superb play from McDonald puts Brown through,shot saved headered the rebound over the bar.
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Don't ANYBODY ever critisise Lee Naylor again for the proper, devensive job he does....just saved us twice in a minute
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McDonald run puts in Brown
Keeper blocks and Brown misses header from rebound.
20 mins to go.
'GG
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Another shot from Brown,goes about fifteen yards wide.
Superb through ball from Brown just cleared
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Strange game, keep it tight Celtic.
Big Mick been a star
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If the Benfica right back was playing for us.
Half of the posters on here would be calling for him to be hung.
McGeady giving him a hellish night.
Once again,Aiden gets through and gets a shot away.
Good save from the keeper
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McGeady gets a shot away saved low by keeper.
'GG
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Celtic getting a bit more of a grip for the last five minutes
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2-0 AC Milan
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milan 2 up is good for celtic right?
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Dangerous free kick for Benfica,goes for corner
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15 mins to go.
I hope this games peters out with no fireworks from Benfica.
Caldwell conceded foul bout 30 yards out.
Headed away 4 a corner which is headed wide and I can breathe again.
2 subs coming in 4 Benfica.
'GG
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Very enjoyable game and delighted when the subs were made. Still all to play for.
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Corner headed behind for goal kick.
Two strikers coming on for Benfica.
They must have about four or five on now.
Shot from distance well past
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Travelbhoy - most definitely
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This is more like it. We seem to be up for this, another goal sounds deserved an’all.
C’mon Celtic keep the pressure on, we need to concentrate and try to keep the ball off them.
That AC Milan are a goal up makes really happy reading so far.
Come on Celtic
HHB
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Paul H playing a stormer
Aiden - tux, cane & tophat
Can't believe we are leaving Lee to mark Luisao
Massimo playing intelligently - Aiden tiring?
-
10 minutes and 5 fingernails left.
McGeady cross held by goalie.
Aiden is giving the Benfica defence a roasting.
'GG
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Paul you mentioned Aiden and his fitness.
His pace and stamina has been astounding tonight.
Absolutley amazing.
Once again,good cross from Aiden,taken by the keeper.
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Riordan for Aiden? The wee man sounds like he bus a gut or three.
-
only if he's knacked mind..
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Referee having a stormer.
Milan 2-0 up.
'GG tick tick bite bite.
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Man, I’m getting noivous. Wish we had another but feeling happy the way things are.
Would settle for the win atm.
Come on Celtic
HHB
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even McDonald sitting deep again.
Need to push up again,getting hemmed in again.
Have to say,Benfica look extremely tired.
-
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7-0 the Pool and 2-0 Rosenborg - glad we haven't been involved in a stunner tonight..
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Commetator says ' McGeady must be great on the dancefloor' nice one
-
Artur hasn't had to make a save this half.
5 minutes and counting
'GG
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Benfica down to 10 men for a high tackle on Brown.
'GG
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Over the ball tackle on Brown.
Stamp half way up the side of the shin.
Straight red for the Benfica player.
Brown seems okay,thank God
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For it's a grand old team ringing out.
'GG joining in.
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We need one more to do Benfica on the head to head......
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Dreadful over the top by Binya (who lashed at iden earlier) - straight red - Scott B lucky not to have a break - now struggling
-
Don;t know if he is okay.
Looks sore.
Brown has to go off
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Red card Bijna, terrible tackle on Scott Browns ankle...still walking, what a man.
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Scott B now off - c'mon Evander
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He's down. Delayed reaction. Unbelievable SB's ankle wasn't broken with the stomp.
Sno coming on...
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Big Evander on.
Cumon Celtic.
Shot from Sno,corner.
4 minutes added on
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Is it mo finished - canny take it no more
Hail Hail
HHB
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4 minutes extra..
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Another great turn and shot from Aiden.
Corner.
Celtic wasting time at the corner flag.
3rd corner down there.
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Killen gets a shot straight from Artur clearance,deflected to the keeper
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Is todays Celtic birthday? Well the best present Brother Walfid could have asked for was Aiden McGeady. CLASS CLASS CLASS.
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FT 1-0 - great entertainment - Aiden & Paul H the pick for me - great team effort - hope Scott B is OK
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Yeeesssss!!! All over!
Man of the Match, Aiden McGeady, Right behind him Captain Mick.
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I'm back.
I couldn't watch the last few minutes, knowing what happened in Lisbon.
1-0 and I have 1 nail left.
'GG
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Bhoy malloy
Happy Birthday Celtic!!!
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Game over.
1-0 and another home win.
Well done Celtic,great result.
Good game.
Aiden McGeady gave a performance I did not think he was capable of.
don't get me wrong,I rate him.
But tonight,he was simply astounding.
Superb display of wing play,the likes of which I haven't seen in a Celtic shirt for the best part of 30 years.
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I really enjoyed that game. Yes we are a joke at the back but that was a rollercoaster and it was a joy to watch Aidenho tonight.
PS Strachan, you played my team and picked my subs. Thanks.
I special word for Binya. What goes around come around and I hope you get yours.
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what a great result - just when it was needed Celtic and WGS went out and got it....
balls the size of New Year in Vienna.
What a rollercoaster.
Thanks to all for updates and opinions - I will always know where to go for pretty much the best analysis available.
TB
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Yaaaas. I'm glad it's over and congrats to the team, to WGS and to you Aiden. You've done us proud.
Well done Celtic.
Hail Hail
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AC Milan win
Game on....we need more in the middle v Shaktar. SB may well be in trouble to make it.
JJ is a puff, I will never change my mind on that one.
HAIL HAIL
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And they gave us James McGrory and Aiden McGeady...
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Congratulations Celtic.
Even bigger congratulations to Aiden McGeady who played his best game by far. Vastly improved pace and decision making ven when passing back to Naylor he did it quickly.
Well done!!
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MOTM
Aiden McGeady.
Closely followed by Artur especially in the first half, Hartley, McManus, Brown and McDonald who with a wee bit luck might have scored.
Everyone else did what was asked and needed of them.
Being a Celtic fan is not for those of a nervous disposition.
'GG
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Some score for Rosenborg
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Excellent. Another CL home win. Looking forward to seeing the re-run.
We're now in second place in the group on 6 points. We're one goal ahead of Shaktar although not sure that counts for anything if it is a tie on points. I think it reverts to the head to head. Still, Benfica will likely feel out of it now with 3 points from 4 games. A 3-0 win against Shaktar at home should see us through thanks to AC Milan doing the business tonight:)
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Liverpool 8-0 against Besiktas.
Unbelievable.
'GG
-
Fantastic, rode our luck at times but did well.
McGeady, sensational, man of the match. I've not been a huge fan of his (decision making in particular) but he's on fire just now. Hope he builds on it.
Brown on the telly, says he's ok. I'll take his word for it. Come on Broony.
I AM STRACHAN
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Scott Brown must have rubber legs, what a horror of a tackle, I'm sure I wasn't the only person who thought of Kennedy.
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Bhoys - thanks a lot for the updates - I need to get back to work now.
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kano, Rosenborg, wasn't half.
8-0 Liverpool!! Strange, strange team that.
We really need to get back to keeping the ball midfield v Shaktar, midfield tonight again dissapearing. Well done Mick, Nails, Artur tonight, kept us afloat.
Looking good for euro footie after xmas....was always MY target, uefa will be a disappointment but enough.
Now, please, Barca score 5 tomorrow!!!
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well done lads.. another great CL results.
Just watching the Milan-Shaktar game.. Shaktar looked very very good before Milan stepped up a gear.
Massive game on 28th.
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That'll be SB out the Scotland game(so what I hear the cry):((
I'm happy, in a way to, 3 weeks to get fit.
I find his role rather non-plussed, as tonight; no real support in midfield by playing our game so careful, deep. Lacks confidence, if you can say we have a midfield. Down to GS.
GS wont push his team forward, the possession game we had with Lenny has gone; Scotty worked his socks off 1st half, holding it up to run on but just didn't have the support.
Still a lot of work to be done to see us through.
Thank feek for the new McGeady, there's always a light.
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Great result. Great great performance from Aidan McGeady. Here's hoping we can get a result against Shaktar and then AC Milan. It looks like we'll have to.
As a distinctly nervous Celtic supporter, GG hit the nail on the head.
Any word on Broan. That was an awful challenge?
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Nervous 90+ mins for everyone I'm sure.....but 3 points in the bag.
I'm quick enough to get on Aiden's back so it's super smashing great to post that it's possibly his best overall contribution in a Celtic jersey. He was immense tonight.
Well chuffed for the lad, he's git the talent with the ball at his feet for sure...and so good to see the goal his play deserved. Brown was also class.
Well done to the hoops....everyone done their bit.
-
Any bets we end up with more CL punts than the huns??
-
Good to see most of the Celtic team stand up for Scott Brown after that tackle.
I still get angry thinking of John Kennedy being the victim and not one Scotland player did anything.
Some good performances tonight.
Jiri Jarosik I'm afraid diesn't have the heart for a high tempo game.
Nice on the ball but not keen on getting tackled.
Still think we will need 5 in midfield against Shaktar, they have a cutting edge that Benfice don't.
-
AIDEN MCGEADY
A DYNAMIC EDGE
I asked you to Geezit....
And you did. You da man this evening...
Very Proud of the work the bhoys put in....
ALL OF THEM!
Hope SB is OK.
I could not watch the second and third replay of that tackle.....
Roll On......
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Another excellent performance from Celtic and the Celtic Support.
If we beat Shaktar 3-0
We're through.
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Well done Aiden, well done Hartley, well done the whole team.
I think Jarosik played well and that Sno and in particular Donati also did fine when they came on.
Donati did more than fine. He played in the area in which Benfica were building trouble for us and snuffed it out.
Killen looked uncomfortable, but he knew what to do in the corner at the end.
I was a lone voice in our CSC yelling: "Keep the ball".
A second goal would have been great, but no complaints from me.
Get well soon Skoosh Broon.
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Just back from the game and read the CQN comments. Good insightful stuff from all on here. It confirmed the game I saw.
I was beginning to have doubts cos I ran in to an old acquaintance on the train back who told me Celtic were a poor team tonight and deserved to lose.
Well I really (language violation) enjoyed that match tonight and well done to Paul H, Aiden and Artur and a big shout even for the struggling guys, Sno, JVOH and Nylor who all kept going and contributed.
Can now relax and see if Barca fancy a crack at the new CL record win achieved by Liverpool tonight.
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I hope the Aiden McGeady detractors are enjoying their humble pie.
The bhoy is coming along nicely.
-
Aiden-post match interview
-
very well played all round, particular congratulations to aiden , who was outstanding....a very large pat on the back to gordon as well, who had one of his best nights since he arrived, tactics and substitutions were bang on the money
official stats
Celtic Team Statistics Benfica
1 Goals 0
1 1st Half Goals 0
7 Shots on Target 4
6 Shots off Target 7
2 Blocked Shots 4
7 Corners 7
11 Fouls 15
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Just back from the game great win against a team we had to beat.
Bring on shaktar a different game but we can win.
Have to say jarosik and JVOh can pack their bags any day soon and won't be missed
MCgeady, macdonald and hartley are our holy trinity.
Also boruc some fantatsic saves .
Now for a rest and bring it on against shaktar.
-
-
Unless I'm much mistaken, Shaktar midfielder Fernandinho, who has played all four games in full so far, contributing 14 shots and two assists, will be suspended against us at Celtic Park.
-
Superb performance tonight. The much maligned defence did pretty well against a fast and technically gifted side. Hartley was immense and only beaten for MOM by Aiden, who was awesome.
Also great to hear Brian Quinn given a rousing reception in his last match as Chairman. Thanks for everything Brian!
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Just in from game. Tremendous stuff all round- great win and a real tonic from Milan too.
Stars tonight- obviously Aiden was top dog. But I thought both Hartley and McDonald were superb. In fact, the longer the game went on the better we looked.
Benfica were not so great- very pretty but lacking in cutting edge. Anyone else think they lost a lot of fight when the rain really started pelting down?
Softies.
-
brilliant...McGeady was amazing.
how was skoosh brown still walking after that challnge??!!
Big Jan still looks tired...does he get rushed back to soon after his injuries?
Anyhoo..great result...the disappointment from last wednesday just melts away after tonight.
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Just back ,what a night,Aiden was fantastic,a great team effort.Lets enjoy it,no complaits or moans.
Who broke the blog?
Hail,Hail.
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Just back ,what a night,Aiden was fantastic,a great team effort.Lets enjoy it,no complaits or moans.
Who broke the blog?
Hail,Hail.
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Celtis first
Fernandinho
excellent news.
If we where so confidently assured tonight, how come I missed the usual CP home CL atmos during the game, No BS, tell me, anybody at the game, who KNEW we were gonna win before it was 10 men.
Maybe my standards are too high.
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been off line for a few days and just read paul's Dupont / McGeady, article.
All the work both have put in was on display tonight.
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Rui Costa, post match:
"With all the respect that I have for Celtic, I would say that the system we played tonight, the way we defended and the way we worked to get the ball forward, I'd have to say we were the better team throughout the game.
"This was the best we have played in the Champions' League.
"We created innumerable answers to score but we didn't manage it and that can cost you dear.
"For as long as it's mathematically possible to qualify, we'll keep trying.
"It's a pleasure to play in an atmosphere like tonight's. For a player like me, a good atmosphere always inspires."
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Camacho post match:
"It's difficult to win at this ground, as it is in all CL away games. It was a tricky atmosphere for us to play in, but I'd say our pressing game went well and I'd say we had the crowd worried on several occasions."
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I guess everyone is following this thread on the comment server?
Everytime I try to update the CQN blog I get less comments than when I started.
30+ minutes and Ch67 will be showing the game.
I'll be able to watch it calmly this time.
For anyone in the US of A, the Rangers game is being shown delayed on ESPN Classic tomorrow night. 5 PM EST.
So if you have a wicked sense of humour, an abacus to keep up with the score and want to retain the warm glow from tonight take it in. :-))
'GG off to relax for 30 minutes
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Aiden is unquestionably on fire right now. I think if nothing else, his form has ensured Nakamura has been ordered to rest that knee. I will look forward to seeing whether he gets in the team for the big games upon his return.
gweedorebhoy said that McDonald, Hartley and McGeady were a great trinity tonight, and I agree. If only circumstances were different, against Italy all three would line up for Scotland, as they are all eligible. =)
I think that says the lot though. All have Scottish blood in them, and all our best performers. Artur was immense as well, and I think it justifies my statement a couple of weeks ago, that Celtic rarely make a big money signing, that pays off. Our best buys are always at the lower end of the transfer fee section.
I think we have seven players who could be our first choice for years to come. The four aforementioned, and the other three are Scottish. Any guesses?
As for Aidens post-match interview, the one line that confirmed he has the confidence, and the desire to be one of the best...
"...to be the player I could be, and I know I can be..."
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Leo post match:
"It's an unfair result, bearing in mind how much we created. We worked hard, but with a lucky deflection, Celtic scored.
"After that, they stuck to defending and trying to play on the counter-attack.
"We're going to lift our heads up and do Benfica proud."
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Great game, we could've scored a few more.
Aiden was brillaint, wiht Paul Hartley only just behind him for man of the match.
Thought JFK looked the most solid of our defenders, covered well for team mates on either side.
Think we should be laying of JJ. Just had another brilliant European night at Celtic Park and he's done well since he's came back into the side. I didn't think he done much wrong tonight, kept possesion well for the most part.
Wasn't so long ago many people thought Paul Hartley wouldn't make the grade at Celtic yet look at his recent performances.
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GG
Can now relax with a win and enjoy the comedy show tomorrow night:))
Being a miserable so and so sometimes , even after a victory, I'm burling being steadily proved wrong in a few ways about Aiden McGeady. Rest of the season will prove his worth.....stood still for two years and become a glimpse of potential to win us the title recently.
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In the Rui Costa quote, he didn't say 'answers to score'.
He's clearly a very bright guy, unlike the translator, who is away to bed.
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Home from game waiting 4 highlights on the telly. I thought Benfica had a right good couple of chances in the first half but we managed to not concede and improved as the game went on.
Hartley and McGeady were good as was Artur and Scott McDonald. Big Jan is taking his time 2 find some form and Killen is SPL material in my view. Still these r only slight beefs. We got the victory, it was a good game 2 watch and the team now has a bit of time to come up with a cunning plan 2 beat Shakthar.
Hail Hail
notnervousnowcsc :)
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Can I just add my congratulations to Aideninho (and his family!).
Superb performance.
And the best is yet to come!!!!
JohnBhoy (:-0)
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Embdy see the highlights on STV after the news? They put up the Liverpool photos with the Celtic names (except Boruc?)
Also Aiden McGeady, best European performance by a Celt since Henrik, and I have been a critic of him until this season. Also good to see him so modest in the post match interview.
Prophetic words from Paul67 the day!
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I'm sure there will be a lot of proud people in the McGeady and Hartley households tonight, but let's not overlook the Clelland mob.
JFK had a stormer (as the Preacher Man would say)! It's been a long road back for him, but he was easily the best defender tonight.
Aiden? What to say, except that most of the usual dissenters around me were strangely quiet. In the first half, when we couldn't keep possession or make a decent pass, I found myself repeating "get the ball to Aiden".
He really came of age tonight, but I would have moved him to the right after JJ went off as he would have terrorised their LB.
H/T scoreline flattered us, but we had enough within us to get a 2-0 win in the second half. I'll leave it to the anoraks, but I hope that doesn't come back to haunt us.
The tackle on Skoosh was X-rated. I hope that he will be ok.
TTTTknackeredbuthappyCSC
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new article posted.
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That's the best individual display I've seen at CP since Jinky and if the "Scottish" "press" have any scruples Aiden will be player of the year but I wouldn't bet on it cause he's not allowed to win (sorry no jobs here)
Good Luck tomorrow Ed I hope ye's get humped!!
DavieL
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Having trouble loading the new article, Blogger is going down at 23:00 PST tonight (whenever that is) to try to sort some of the problems.
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One more goal from us and I was in the money! But hey! How can I complain? Another CL win and we're right back in the picture. I'll sleep well tonight dreaming of murdering Shaktar at CP. On another note..Billys best have been slaughtered in the danish press today. I'll post the article before tomorrows game if I get time.Great result(s) tonight..sleep well bhoys...hail hail..
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thats in 6 hr 20 mins paul. PST is 8 hours behind us.
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Just saw the highlights there after coming back from the game(how come they didn't show Aiden's shot in injury time?)hope UEFA throw the book at the Benfica player for that tackle!
P.S Big thanks to the ref for keeping the game flowing, when was the last time we had a champions league without a booking?
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insert 'game' after league! Doh!
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For the first time in my life I find myself watching NASCAR. One of the leaders is called Jimmy Johnstone! Guess who I'm shouting for???
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I thought tonight's 2nd half was better then the Lyon 2003 2nd half.
I know we contolled the game better in that game but the energy, talent, brains and bravery(VC to Scott Brown) tonight made me so proud.
Boruc - 2 brilliant saves, but 3 times made it clear to Kennedy to clear when f'ing about was crucial.
Caldwell - shocking passing 1st half, solid and aggressive 2nd.
Kennedy - ball watching in air but makes a decision (foul/clear) on the ground.
McManus - serious ball watching issues, needs to leave home and have move fights! poor tonight - wil be great next game so let's move on. Roy Aitken was the worst defender we had but best captain.
Naylor - dodgy decisions 1st 20 mins but pushed on and made the goal(let's debate!). Solid 2nd half.
Jarosik - passenger until later in game and diving ability useful. Discuss?
Brown - Useless touch, wrong decisions --- then , fookin brilliant, should have scored and did a brillian Davie Hay fo show his bollox then wasted some time ---- brilliant!!!!
Hartley - apart from scoring, immaculate. Best midfield perf in the top comp in my lifetime. No more to say.
McGeady - the kind of perf every fan of Celtic fan pre 90s has been waiting for. This was as exciting for me in the Derby Irish Centre as it was back at CP vs Sporting Lisbon '83 and Rapid '84.
JVOH
McDonald - what can I say? Clever is No 1, hard No 2, entertaining No3. That juggle looked like a potential Black Sunday hit but he didn't get the space. Love him like I loved Frank McGarvey(actually loved Frank's brother more who let us fart about in Maths while he played guitar, smoke and drank whisky in the store room)
Donati - did a good job which I think went mostly un-noticed when he came on which shows why it was a good sub by WGS.
Killen - thought he was gallus as hell, esp getting corners. Surely time for a run in team?
Sno - di OK due to 10 men, would have been caught during the real fight. Can't believe he thinks he has so long on ball and still loses it.
WGS - perfect. Great team, tactics, post match. You deserve the praise gordon.
I love being a Tim(with some beer inside!)
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I just made a massive post which died a death on either this site or my currently crap broadband.
Realy annoying but i'll try to remember waht i sai and re post,
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Aiden , take a bow. I thought he have a good game like many and it felt good to watch him ram some detractors words back down the throat for a change. Little bit of support goes a long way.
Coneybhoy ,
Sno was on 5 bloody minutes and did nothing wrong yet you find fault.
Very sad on your part.
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Third time lucky tonight, think my BB is degrading.
Anyway , copy of post from after game.
Brilliant result and more importantly best perf since Lyon 2003.
I actually think it was bettr(OK not as much control) but in terms of energy, the best 2nd half since the (whole game) Sporting Lisbon in '83 and Rapid Vienna '84.
Boruc
2 brilliant saves but crucially told Kennedy to get it clear when he was fannying about.
Caldwell
Terrible passing 1st half but solid 2nd
Kennedy
Beat so easy for Cardoza chance, bad reactions these days, not a first pick.(prefer Bobo – discuss?)
McManus
Ball watcher, should block his man before jumping. Needs to leave home and get in with the wrong crowd.
Naylor
Started well , made mistake and got usual stick but overlap for goal sorted him. Great 2nd half.
Hartley
Perfect game, bargain, Lennon with legs and a beard.
Jarosik
Poor start, lazy, slow – got a rocket at ½ time and put it about in a crap football way but got free kicks and territory.
Brown
Poor touch, decision making - then brilliant! Perfect Davie Hay(Atletico 74) reaction to a horror tackle then a feigned injury and smirk! Love it.
McGeady
What every pre ‘90s fan was waiting for. Confident, gallus, productive, hard, uncomplaining and with back up.
JVOH
McDonald
Hard working, nimble and most importantly – clever. Great game and is the best cheeky bar steward since Frank McGarvey(who has a cheekier brother who taught Maths while smoking and drinkin in his store room)
Donati
Did very well I thought , with no mistakes and nothing flash. Debate?
Killen – loved the corner flag skill – due a run?
Sno - got away with slow ponderous thought and sloth like decision making by 10 men. Not a regular player in the future , so did OK.
Ilovebeingme.csc
CB
