Paddy McCourt was the difference between the teams today as Celtic came from behind for the second time in three days to beat Motherwell at Celtic Park, securing second spot in the league. Craig Higdon opened the scoring for Motherwell after 11 minutes with a header from a corner kick but Anthony Stokes levelled, also from a corner, two minutes later. Substitute Gary Hooper scored the winner late on.
Despite a sprightly first minute Celtic were on the back foot for most of the opening period and it was no surprise Motherwell opened the scoring. Nor was the manner in which they lost the goal a surprise. Tom Hately crossed from a short corner which Celtic slept at, failing to mark-up. The defence also pushed out in instalments, leaving Craig Higdon free six yards from goal to head home.
Celtic immediately pushed forward and Georgios Samaras flicked a Kris Commons header onto Stokes at the back post, who volleyed into the net.
A Commons free kick was blocked by Samaras, whose shot was saved. Thomas Rogne headed a Commons’ corner on target but the ball was blocked on the line. On the half hour mark Higdon drew a good save from Fraser Forster.
Four minutes into the second half Stokes should have given Celtic the lead when he latched onto a long ball from Daniel Majstorovic which evaded the defence but Darren Randolph closed the space. On 54 minutes the lively Stokes cut-back for Commons who took one touch too many and was robbed. Fraser Forster was called into action again soon thereafter when he blocked a Nicky Law effort.
Paddy McCourt replaced Samaras with 15 minutes to go and transformed the game. On 79 minutes he collected the ball inside his own half, drifted through a nervous looking Motherwell midfield until he reached the edge of the D before feeding Stokes on the left. Stokes made space before rifling the ball into the six yard box for Gary Hooper to score the winner.
Tim Clancy was shown a straight red card late on for kicking Gary Hooper. If referee Charlie Richmond had taken an earlier opportunity to control Lasley or Jennings, Gary Hooper, James Forrest and Beram Kayal would perhaps have finished the game with fewer injuries.
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HOOPS For my friends!!
Podium, yes.
any truth in the rumour SFA are hoping to be awarded the European franchise for the new Worldwide Rollerball League WRL?
Doubt we will ever see a more orchestrated attempt to kick a football team off the park.
Complete lack of protection for our players by match officials ..if you have not seen this game please do not attempt to criticise our players and management team until you have!
compare and contrast today’s game and the game(s) v Rennes
one game(s) was fitba
the other was WRL
Go for them now Celts you will never have more evidence to hand
HH
M
Well done Paddy Mccourt
Worried I must be coming down with something – I agreed with a lot of Burley’s comments today.
Just watched a re-run of the winner. Paddy is actually on the half-way line when he starts his mazy run. Wonderful stuff.
A victory for football.
Finally this team has got the fighting spirit.
Murderwell and Richmond were a disgrace.
A big three points from a performance of character and determination.
Well done bhoys
Disgraceful performance from Motherwell. Paddy definitely made the difference. Should have been on earlier.
Celtic should pull James Forrest and Kris Commons from the Scotland sqaud. Make the announcement on the official site within the next 30 mins. Everyone else free to join up.
HH
Dick Byrne
perhaps an indication of how bad the MIB was
Paul67
thought you were holding back..until the last line ..well said!
I thought we played at Fir Park today?
From the BBC.
Motherwell 1 – 2 Celtic
By Colin Moffat
Hooper knocked in the winning goal for Celtic at Fir Park
Celtic leapfrogged Motherwell into second place in the Scottish Premier League thanks to a late goal from substitute Gary Hooper at Fir Park.
Michael Higdon headed Mothewell into an 11th-minute lead but Anthony Stokes replied from close range soon after.
With 10 minutes remaining, Hooper finished off a fine move involving Paddy McCourt and Stokes.
Motherwell’s hopes of a comeback were dented when Tim Clancy was sent off for a foolish kick at Hooper.
The victory for Neil Lennon’s team edges them ahead of Motherwell on goal difference, 12 points behind leaders Rangers, although they have a game in hand on both rivals.
Having weathered an early storm from the Steelmen, Celtic dug in and ground out a crucial result to relieve some of the pressure on Lennon.
Motherwell made all of the running in the opening exchanges, winning a series of corners against an uncertain Celtic defence.
And from the fifth of those set-pieces, Celtic were caught napping, allowing Tom Hateley to work a short pass with Nicky Law before swinging in a cross for Higdon to glance home from close range.
However, Celtic replied immediately with Stokes equalising from their first corner.
Georgios Samaras rose impressively to nod a Kris Commons delivery towards the back post and up popped the unmarked Irish striker to volley into the net.
Following the flurry of goalmouth incidents, the flow of the match deteriorated, with play disrupted by several robust midfield challenges from the home side.
Celtic defender Thomas Rogne saw his header from corner blocked on the goal-line by Keith Lasley but there was no further threat to either goalkeeper in the first half
Higdon managed to connect with low cross from Jamie Murphy but the striker’s shot was tame, allowing Fraser Forster to gather comfortably.
The second half was four minutes old when Stokes raced on to a simple, long ball but ‘Well keeper Darren Randolph was out quickly to block the shot.
Stokes set up Commons moment later and the midfielder, making his first start since his ordering off at Hearts on 2 October, did well to skip by one challenge in the penalty area but his progress was halted by a Steve Jennings tackle.
Motherwell broke swiftly and a lofted pass from Lasley fell for Law, only for Forster to use his large frame to close down the former Rotherham midfielder.
On 65 minutes, Murphy broke into the Celtic penalty area from the left and did well to thread a pass into the six yard box but Forster was alert and got a glove on the ball to deny Higdon a shooting opportunity.
Soon after, Murphy once again found the ball at his feet close to the Celtic goal but was crowded out by a cluster of green and white shirts as he shaped to shoot.
The winning goal came on 80 minutes, with substitute McCourt waltzing his way from the halfway line to the edge of the penalty box before feeding Stokes on the left and the striker’s low cross was diverted home by Hooper.
Motherwell’s day got worse when Clancy was sent off for a petulant kick at Hooper and Celtic held on to their lead with ease.
Live text and stats
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Motherwell 1-2 Celtic FT
(HT 1-1)
Higdon 11 Stokes 14
Hooper 80
Motherwell
01 Randolph
03 Hammell
05 Craigan
22 Clancyred card
04 Law
06 Hateley
07 Humphrey (Daley 84)
08 Jenningsyellow card (Carswell
77)
14 Lasleyyellow card
09 Higdon
11 Murphy (Hutchinson 85)
Substitutes
31 Bradley, 15 Hutchinson, 20 Page, 17 Daley, 26 Carswell, 18 Forbes, 19 Smith
Celtic
01 Forster
05 Majstorovic
11 Cha Du-Ri
25 Rogne
02 Matthews
33 Kayal
67 Wanyama
09 Samaras (McCourt 77)
10 Stokesyellow card
15 Commons (Hooper 59)
49 Forrest (Dylan McGeouch 90)
Substitutes
24 Zaluska, 43 Chalmers, 44 Fraser, 20 McCourt, 42 McGregor, 46 Dylan McGeouch, 88 Hooper
Ref: Richmond
Att: 10,440
MOTHERWELL
CELTIC
Possession
Motherwell
46%
Celtic
54%
Attempts on target
Motherwell
3
Celtic
4
Attempts off target
Motherwell
1
Celtic
1
Corners
Motherwell
11
Celtic
2
Fouls
Motherwell
20
Celtic
8
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15510763.stm
murdo, burley and nevin just watched Paddy Mcourts fenian army!
….PFayr,
Indeed, although I wasn’t just talking about that side of the game.
GIRFUY, ya monkey, cheetin’, odious, verminous, half-life, inbred, freak show, putrid f*ck pigs.
Paddy McCourts……………..
Big baws midweek, even bigger baws today,
against the joint task-force of mibbery and thuggery.
Love you Celtic, we do………..
Just had to express that again.
How good does it feel.
Step up Celtic PLC, time to earn your moneys’,
with regard to mibbery. Accountability, where is it?
From Laura.
Battling Celts beat Motherwell
By: Laura Brannan on 06 Nov, 2011 14:10
6 November 2011
Scottish Premier League
Fir Park
MOTHERWELL 1
(Higdon 11)
CELTIC 2
(Stokes 14, Hooper 80)
SUBSTITUTE Gary Hooper came off the bench to score the winning goal and seal an important 2-1 victory for Celtic as they leapfrogged Motherwell back into second place.
The Hoops came from behind after an early Michael Higdon header had opened the scoring, but an equaliser from Anthony Stokes, followed by a well-worked team effort for the winner sealed the vital three points.
Motherwell were reduced to 10 men with seven minutes remaining, but the victory was already secured for Neil Lennon’s side who had done well to build on their midweek UEFA Europa League win against Rennes.
It was a lively start to such an important match for Celtic, but amid a heated atmosphere inside a packed Fir Park, it was the home side who took the lead.
Tom Hateley sent a cross into the box from the left wing and Higdon headed it beyond Fraser Forster and into the net on 11 minutes.
It was another early setback for the Hoops, but they didn’t let their heads drop and focused on finding an equaliser. And it came almost instantly.
Kris Commons, who had returned to the starting XI, along with Thomas Rogne, swung a corner in three minutes later. Georgios Samaras directed it down to Stokes’ feet and at the far post from six-yards out, the Irishman slammed a high right-footed effort past Darren Randolph.
The match continued to be played from end-to-end. Samaras came close for Celtic, with his shot taking a deflection and going just past the post, while Higdon had another good effort at the opposite end, only for it to be saved by Forster.
As the match progressed, Celtic enjoyed the majority of possession, but Motherwell defended well and wouldn’t let the midfield break them down. And the frustration continued for the Hoops as the half-time break approached, still unable to get the better of the home side.
Into the second-half, Stokes collected the ball inside the box on 49 minutes, but he was sandwiched between two defenders as he turned and struck the ball. Unable to get a clean swipe at it, the effort wasn’t threatening enough to cause problems for Randolph and he caught it with ease.
Nicky Law then had a chance at the opposite end, six minutes later. However, Forster came off his line to block it and then make the clearance.
Jamie Murphy then caused danger down the left flank but his ball into the penalty area was cleared by Victor Wanyama. From that break, substitute Hooper linked up well with Stokes, as Celtic continued to cause problems for the ‘Well backline, but it took another 10 minutes before they could open them up.
On 80 minutes, Paddy McCourt, who had replaced Samaras, weaved his way through the middle third, playing the ball through for Stokes. The Irishman raced to the by-line before sliding the ball through for Hooper, who knocked it into the net from a yard out, putting Celtic 2-1 ahead.
And Motherwell were then dealt another blow shortly after, when Tim Clancy was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident involving Hooper.
With the points in the bag, the manager then introduced Dylan McGeouch for his Hoops debut and the visitors played out stoppage time to secure the 2-1 victory.
MOTHERWELL (4-5-1): Randolph; Hately, Clancy, Craigan, Hammell; Humphrey (Daley 80), Lasley, Jennings (Carswell 73), Law, Murphy (Hutchinson 80); Higdon
Subs not used: Bradley, Forbes, Smith, Page
CELTIC (4-2-3-1): Forster; Cha, Majstorovic, Rogne, Matthews; Wanyama, Kayal; Forrest (McGeouch 89), Commons (Hooper 62), Samaras (McCourt 76); Stokes
Subs not used: Zaluska, Chalmers, Fraser, McGregor
Website man of the match: Anthony Stokes
http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=1727
That was for Eddy and Mark. Father and son who past away over the last few days. Got a podium for you Bhoys!!. Just another 24 to go Lhads. See what you can do abt thems injurys!!
YNWA!!! HaiL HaiL
Really liking the physicality that the pairing of Wanyama and Kayal gives us in central midfield.
Nobody rolls us over with those two patrolling in there.
I hate being 2nd… But better than3rd..
Keep it going Bhoys… Every game a win and let’s see what happens..
Paul67
Very leniant on the blatent cheating that went on today
Well done to every Celtic player today in the face of extreme intimidation.
Referee was a disgrace. More so than usual.
Excellent result up against some of the worst assaults I’ve ever seen on a football pitch with absolutely zero protection from a ref whose performance was reminiscent of collum and mccurry at their hunnish best/ worst. Massively proud of every single one of them.
Astonishing display from the ref. However radio Scotland
Managed to outdo the ref. Their naked anti Celtic bias is disgraceful.
They are absolutely sick and somehow even thought the ref had a good game.
Truly amazing. They do indeed live in fantasy land. What a bigoted shower they are.
HAIL HAIL ,THE CELTS ARE HERE
The last time I saw Richmond ref a Celtic game I thought he was OK. That is obviously why he was demoted. He has learned his lesson.
Watched the game on TV. I don’t have the official stats, but the amount of persisting fouling that was allowed by Motherwell without a booking was awful. Higdon had at least 7, probably more fouls and was not booked. The usual suspects as Paul has mentioned above, Jennings and Lasley were also allowed licence to foul at will until eventually being booked.
A dirty foul right at the end on Paddy McCourt by Craigan went unbooked as well. Great to get a result today and also the bonus of seeing Mark Hateley’s face at the end of the match. He was trying his best not to show his obvious disappointment at the result.
Dan
Fouls
Motherwell
20
Celtic
8
Says it all!
Gerry
From previous thread
bournesouprecipe says:
6 November, 2011 at 14:05
Good enough performance from Celtic despite little protection from the semi retired, referee, who noticeably decided after Celtic went in front, to try and cover his biased performance by finally punishing an overly physical Motherwell with a red.
I thought the exact same thing, ‘their ahead now’ pull out the red and cover up for the rest, absolute disgrace of a referee!
As many have said, the establishment and McCalls’s thugs can stick it up there jacksie!
gsu
charlie hand picked richmond has refereed 11 games this season ONE premier league game before today.
he wis chosen fur the same reason as euan norriss wis chosen in this fixture last season because he wid turn a blind eye tae motherwells fouling.
Here wis a guy who goes into the game knowing lasleys reputation but gives it a nelsons,jennings should have been booked for his first challenge and that wid have put down a marker.
richmond has been out in the cold today wis here charlie we’ll throw you a bone yae better make the most ae it.
GIRFUY charlie an whoever picked yae.
Chalmers sub??? Stevies grandson?? Or great maybe.
Great win today.
Worried About the constant long balls though. Although Sammi won far more of them than he lost.
Wanyama, Kayal, Matthews and Stokes excellent. Sammi and Dan not far behind.
Commons and Forrest kicked all over the park. In an ideal world they would never have been out there. Ledley and Brown for that kind of match.
Wat do you expect from a team managed by McCall. Awful barnet by the way.
ANNAOAN @ 14:21
.. Celtic should pull James Forrest and Kris Commons from the Scotland sqaud.
>> Make the announcement on the official site within the next 30 mins.
Celtic should publicly support TeamGB.
Paul67..
I think your letting the ref of very, very lightly.He had an absolute shocker today and im hoping we have escaped without injuries.
I noticed PL shaking his head at one strange decision.Well PL earn your bonus and tell the SFA we will not put up with a different set of rules being applied to us.
11 corners – no goals conceded from any of them. Zonal system working OK? (The Well goal counts as “open play”)
2 Corners for Celtic – 1 goal scored. Man Marking not quite working for Well?