A late goal by Kilmarnock substitute Dieter van Tornhout was enough to overcome Celtic in the Scottish Communities League Cup Final at Hampden this afternoon. Celtic’s record in League Cup finals since 1970 has been dismal, they have reached 21 finals in that time, winning only seven, and have contrived to lose to rank outsiders, including Partick Thistle, Hibs, Dundee, Aberdeen and Raith Rovers, but few victors will have gone into the final with form as indifferent as Killie’s.
Neil Lennon changed the Celtic formula, brining Kelvin Wilson into central defence and pushing Victor Wanyama into midfield but they never managed to dictate play for a sustained period. Both teams had great chances, Kilmarnock keeper, Cammy Bell, won man of the match, while his opposite number, Fraser Forster, was Celtic’s best performer.
Gary Hooper had a miserable day but was most culpable after intercepting a risky pass by Mahamadou Sissoko across the Kilmarnock box but, unmarked, with the ball at his feet 18 yards from goal, he snatched at his shot and Bell saved.
Kilmarnock looked nervous early on but after Dean Sheils’ shot went narrowly past 20 minutes in they settled and looked the equal of the favourites.
Scott Brown crossed well from the right for Stokes to head from 13 yards but Bell was there to end the danger again. Brown then had a fine shot tipped over by Bell.
Paul Heffernan then brought the best out of Fraser Forster as the Celtic keeper kept his team level.
Sheils looked sure to put Kilmarnock ahead minutes after the break when he fought free inside the box but with the goal opening before him he seemed to panic and could not connect properly with his shot. Sissoko threatened again with a header. The warning signs were there for Celtic.
Neil Lennon realised his formation was not working and decided to hook Thomas Rogne, who was playing well, but the tactical switch allowed Ki to move into midfield while Wanyama dropped back. Ki immediately brought a degree of composure to Celtic’s play but Kilmarnock were no less threatening.
Gary Hooper was eventually subbed for Geogrios Samaras as Celtic again changed the recipe. Samaras played left and James Forrest was asked to play behind Anthony Stokes but the change didn’t have the desired effect.
With seven minutes of the game remaining Lee Johnson got behind the Celtic defence on the left to cross while van Tornout drove towards the back post where he headed into the net to give Kilmarnock the lead.
Celtic chased an equaliser and Bell made an excellent double save to deny Samaras and Kris Commons. Anthony Stokes had a last minute claim for a penalty denied and was booked for his efforts.
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Jude 2005,your last sentence in your reply could also apply to the
likes of Kevin kyle,John sutton or maybe even Kyle lafferty,
would you be happy with them in the hoops,
not looking for a fight just asking
gutted by today’s performance more than losing the game – I just thought the team really let themselves down….
Might have been nerves, expectation or possibly complacency.
I was surprised by formation but it is difficult to believe that the starting line up were not good enough to beat Kilmarnock.
Today confirmed my opinions on various players – Stokes must be preferred to Hooper. Hooper is great when he’s on song but when he’s not he can be very ineffectual.
Kelvin Wilson…what was all the song and dance about?
Scott Brown – played well in parts but not in my opinion the leader we need.
Ki – not for me.
Young James – poor game by the standards he has set.
Mulgrew on the other hand confirmed his POTY destiny.
Sammi travesty as I think he is the big game changer player we need for a final
Over all though too many players not at their average, let alone best.
Fortunately I am comforted by the fact that many of them if they remain in the Hoops will have ample opportunity apply the lesson learned to day over the next few years -I suspect a treble is waiting round the corner…..
I hope we can wrap up the league next weekend.
If we can, it will let us prepare for the cup and for next season.
Whilst we are on the verge of winning a probable double, there is still a lot of work to do for next year – we may need a goalkeeper , and we do need another CB and a plan B striker.
Winning the league early let’s us plan and sort our transfer strategy which is still hit and miss.
For every Wanyama, there is a Bangura and a Kelvin Wilson , whilst our Xmas signings have had absolutely no impact.
I have already made up my mind that Kelvin Wilson isn’t good enough, and we should dump him , plus Big Dan , bring in the Polish guy, plus one other.
Up front, we need a striker – someone with a bit of pace and aggression who can play with his back to goal , and attack the ball in the box.
With the league wrapped up early doors, it would to great to see us
– trial 3 at the back with a view to Europe
– test out Bangura (if fit) and Pavel
– give Izzy and Kris C the chance to play themselves back into form
– do some proper scouting to avoid the hit and miss
The movement, mobility and workrate of the players around Gary Hooper really showed him up today…..
aye right!
Like statues compared to the wee man….get a grip FFS!
T4
Really sad to hear about Liam Kelly’s father. How totally and utterly unfair life is when such a proud moment is marked by such tragedy.
Reminds me very much of Jock Stein’s passing. I only hope Liam will take comfort in the pride his father must have felt at witnessing his greatest success.
goodnight Bhoys!
Bad result… but better things to come.
Thoughts and prayers with Liam and his family tonight.
What a sad, sad end to their well-earned win today.
As always,
HH
x
Before I head off to bed…..
Willie Collum is a shockingly bad referee at best , at his worst he’s a despicable cheat.
I’m not 100% sure it was a penalty , but I know if Killie had been playing the Huns today , and that was Aluko in the same situation with the same time remaining , he’d have given it.
But no real surprise he never gave us it , as he appears to be very reluctant to EVER give us a free kick in ANY situation , at ANY time of the match.
jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/ on 18 March, 2012 at 23:08 said:
BCW
Hooper is one of the laziest players ive seen in a Celtic strip. Jon Daly is twice the player Hooper is. Big strong player can head a ball and puts in a shift.
==================
When Hooper is in the mood he will close down the opposition and chase the ball if he loses it. Unfortunately there are far too many ocassions when his attitude stinks.
I read an interview given by Messi a few months ago and he says he goes into every game as if it was his last. I wish some of our players had the same attitude.
Is Lenny on court duty again this week if he is why? Our manager is being drag into courts because of thugs who have attack him at his work and then tried to kill him and his family with bombs. They have also attacked him on the streets of our country numerous times. Shocking truley shocking!! AS for this trial why was he called to court.? He didnt know these two, doesnt know anything about bombs. So what could he add to the trial?. I think its an underhand masonic way to put pressure on our beloved manager. I feel another N P verdict is on the way!!
Stay strong Neil stay strong. YNWA!!!
Jude 2005, Jon Daly ? Not for me. Disappointed with Hooper, who if I’m honest blows hot and cold.
We’re not very good at the wee cup are we?My bhoy’s first final today,i feel more disappointed for him,i’ve seen it all before and no doubt will again.Told him he’ll be celebrating a title win soon so not to get too down.And who knows,we might win the Scottish Cup as well.
We got what we deserved today,too many players off form.But we accept it,congratulate Kilmarnock and move on.When you hear about the Kelly family’s loss it makes getting beat in a football match seem a tad insignificant.That’s a real tragedy,our team just played poorly that’s all.
My condolences to the Kelly family and friends at this time.
FOREVERANDEVER!!!
Re the penalty and Collum. Didn’t he do exactly the same against Hamilton ?
Gordybhoy
K L? Now you are being silly!!
Night all. God bless Neil Lennon he will take us to places we could only dream of!!
It was a penalty but to be honest – we should not be waiting till 93rd minute to get a penalty to keep us in a match like that against a team like Kilmarnock – who play decent football but should be put to the sword by a team like Celtic in a cup final.
Can’t fathom Sammi be introduced at such a late stage..
BABASONICOS71 on 18 March, 2012 at 23:27 said:
My kid’s first final was the Rangers defeat last year; his first win was the Scottish cup. Hope our Bhoys are happy in May.
Celtic’s change kit should be the Norwich change kit….lovely.
TJ
That’s 2 league cup finals the team has not turned up for.
We could have down with Celtic men like Johny Russell and James McCarthy. There was no traditional Celtic fighting spirit that you expect from Celtic in the cup.
The league is won , however I have serious doubts about the Scottish cup. Lenny cannot persist with that imposter Wilson and he needs to learn to motivate the players in the big games (ESP Ross county and Inverness exclusive cup finals).
He left experienced players like Samaras , Commons and Cha on the bench which is a big risk in a cup final ; the young guns of Matthews and Forrest never rose to the occasion. They were not the biggest offenders (Wilson, stokes, hooper and Ledley were anonymous).
I am still far from convinced Lenny is the man for Celtic as he is not learning from his mistakes. The Scottish cup is mandatory for this season to be a success ( league has been handed to us with the worst rangers manager in their history ).
In the summer I hope we sign some guys with fight and desire as this team has fallen short in too many crunch games.
CultsBhoy loves being 1st on 18 March, 2012 at 23:31 said:
Think about that for a moment ? It was a penalty, no doubt in my mind, and that sort of decision year-after-year is the difference.
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 18 March, 2012 at 23:32 said:
BABASONICOS71 on 18 March, 2012 at 23:27 said:
My kid’s first final was the Rangers defeat last year; his first win was the Scottish cup. Hope our Bhoys are happy in May.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They will be my good mhan.
The wee fhella was gutted today but he knows he’s one of the good guys.
FUTURETICMENcsc
Congratulations to Kilmarnock.
Is it possible that N.L. is keeping hs powder dry for THE match next Sunday,when the stronger and wilier players are needed?
No one expected Killie to play as they did today,and as I posted before,the result was a statstical probability after our unbeaten run.
You can’t win everything,and it’s a disappontment,but we are in a far better state than anyone expected a few months ago. Remain in light.
Jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/ on 18 March, 2012 at 23:22 said:
Is Lenny on court duty again this week if he is why?
I think its an underhand masonic way to put pressure on our beloved manager. I feel another N P verdict is on the way!!
——————
Couldn’t agree more. I also thought this was very strange.Must have been very intimidating for him. Would be good if Lenny (and the entire Celtic team) attended Mr. Kelly’s funeral (RIP).
BigCupWinner
I know…it was a penalty… but I feel we have enough to win against Kilmarnock in 90 mins.
Players should be looking at themselves first and foremost today?
before ah go to bed-just gotta say-that strip is the ugliest thing ah ever saw
Some you win, some you lose…some substitutions work and some don’t; and sometimes more than half your team play at their best.
Not forgetting the obligatory denied penalty. I thought it was a pen at the time and still think so after seeing the highlights; although, I reckon Stokes should’ve hit it earlier.
The wee man’s still getting used to the ups and downs of being a Celtic fan; there’s a big up on the way soon that he’s looking forward to and I’m sure we’ll enjoy that.
However, thoughts go to Liam Kelly and his family on what should have been a special day.
Hail Hail
verdantvic
re strip – I hate it – the wife thought it was ‘nice’. Only the hoops will do, for me!
RIP Mr Kelly. What a tragedy for that family on their son’s big day. Thoughts and prayers are with them.
I know I will be in the minority here, but I would take whatever we can get for wee Forrest. I honestly think we have another Aiden on our hands here, after some good play there seems to be no end result, either a bad cross ball or the arms go up when he loses the ball. We need players who are consistent, he has not kicked a ball in weeks and I also think there is something wrong regards Hooper. I noticed a few weeks ago when he scored that he didn’t really celebrate and since then hasn’t been himself. I would leave Hooper on the bench and give Sammi a run. Watched a rerun of the pen and it is defo a penalty.
Tragic news about Liam Kelly’s father.
As for the game, it just wasn’t our day and at least we lost to a team that plays football the proper way.
Disappointment is temporary but liquidation is permanent.
Perspective.
I heard Hooper was denied a move (not the one media reported) and he’s not been happy with the decision.
Sammi would be 1st name on my team sheet – because he’s our best player.
Lot’s of over the top critisism of Lennie and individual players today and the ‘should never wear a Celtic top again’ brigade are out in full force. This in my opinion of course is nonsense. The team as a whole did not perform well, the midfield, Broonie excepted were anonymous, the strike force seemed unco-ordinated and maybe over eager to kill the game. Kelvin Wilson, made one bad mistake for which we were punnished. The referee made a bad call but as someone stated we should not have to rely on an injury time penalty to win games. The manager with the benefit of hindsight would surely have made different substitutions.
My personal bete noir of the day was Big Vic. Thought he had an awful game. Couldn’t pass, control the ball or read a move but I for one will be happy to see him back in the hoops at an early oportunity.
Happy for Killie and the thoutroghly decent Kenny Sheils. We will have many more cup finals and as Celts we should take a defeat with the same good grace that we take a victory.
HH
SIALF
Should have had 2 penalties, Hooper barged in the back by Sissoko, who was doing that all game.
Well done to Kilmarnock and my heart goes out to Liam Kelly and his family.
Now on to my own team. I hope quite a few of our guys are really kicking themselves for the way they let themselves, the manager and us, down today.
Our form has been poor in the last few games but the attitude of some of them didn’t seem right today. Maybe there’s been too much treble talk.
Anyone in oran mor tonight?
On the Hooper Stokes question, I think Gary goes to bed at night wishing he was a passionate Irishman with natural ability.
Give Stokes a run without Hopper, he is our best striker.
CultsBhoy loves being 1st on 18 March, 2012 at 23:59 said:
“I heard Hooper was denied a move (not the one media reported) and he’s not been happy with the decision.”
What does that mean – you don’t think Hooper’s trying?
Steinreignedsupreme on 19 March, 2012 at 00:09 said:
Yup
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 19 March, 2012 at 00:12 said:
Hooper’s only scored four goals since the transfer window closed – clearly he’s giving nothing to the team, eh…
Hail Hail CQN.
Sigh, and feck.
Down, but not out. Never out. Never. Here’s why.
I am down tonight – I watched the game at home on TV, and it wasn’t the team I’d’ve picked (tactics on another post if I ever get there), but I felt we should’ve enough to win; but I was wary of the notion that it was there for Killie to win and us to lose – it was the climax of their season today.
I understand totally that supporters are depressed or angry. I’ve been there before. However, I kind of buy in to the managers cliche – let’s see how they respond to defeat. We shouldn’t have lost today, but we did. So, what happens next.
I started supporting Celtic when I was about 8. My Gaga (my ma’s da) wanted to know why I wore an Arsenal scarf (it was Dublin, 1979, and Arsenal had just won the FA Cup with Stapleton, Brady, and O’Leary; I realise now it was a rhetorical question). A Glasgow man, he told me a few stories and gave me two scarves (green/white bar; green/white/gold bar) so by sheer dint of number of scarves, I now supported Celtic. Of course, Gaga backed up his scarves with stories, programmes, tea-towels, a Kenny Dalglish autograph, and a photograph of him with Jock Stein.
I left Ireland to move to Scotland to see Celtic. For the course I chose, I could have gone to uni in London or Embra, so I chose Embra, because I knew I could go to Celtic games. And I went to a lot. And, in the early 90s, most of them were awful. We had optimism, but no hope. We wanted wins, but endured lots of defeats. Every false dawn yielded a very hideous day. Celts for Change, Save our Celts, the fox at the boycott game, arguments about Matt McGlone…and then Fergus. Feb 94, the game was over, the rebels had won, things were getting better.
8 months later.
The CocaCola Cup final. In November, that was how it was then – it only moved to March in about 2001. Raith Rovers did us on penos. By the time it went to pens, and Mike Galloway went up for his, we wanted it to be him that missed. It wasn’t. I was sat near the tunnel, and we cheered Paul McStay off as loudly as we could, then applauded the RR players off, then we left. (*)
Didn’t speak a word on the long walk back to the bus (game was at Ibrox so it was a bit of a trek down the street where the buses parked – can’t remember its name but we were twice the distance to the last chippy van). Probably smoked half a pack of fags. Sat on the bus, no drink, no smokes left, knowing it was wo hours before we’d be back in the IB for a drink, but not even imagining we’d want one by then, just thinking about bed and the prospect of uni the next day, and gloating non-huns. The bus filled up with disconsolate mumblers, and the mood sank even further…
(For the younger readers, this was late 1994, a year into Tommy Burns’s reign as manager; we hadn;t won a trophy since 1989; we were playing at Hampden; we came into the game without a win in about a month; Brian Laudrup had signed for the huns and was playing like a god. “Tarrant, you picked the wrong year to buy your first season ticket.”)
…the bus was full and the engine revved, although there was no prospect of us leaving our stance on that long narrow street any time soon. The driver turned on the radio only to be shouted down. In silence we awaited a move in the traffic so we could gtf outta Dodge. God, the atmosphere was quiet, weary, drained, bleak.
But something happened. Back in the back rows, where you thought you drank the most (you didn’t, because you were too busy singing and dancing), but you also thought you got the worst of the stench from the occasionally functioning toilets (you did), we looked at each other. We saw the familiar faces, from long bus trips home and away, from colossal sessions in the club’s pub; and rapidly skulled pints and halves in Carfin and in the Assocation and in shitey hostile bars in Kilmarnock and Falkirk ; and with whom we had triumphed and suffered events on the park and off; and celebrated bag-offs and marriages, mocked bag-offs and drunken “capers”; and collectively thought “NO! We are not sitting here in misery, it’s a result in a football game and there will be more games and more results and more marriages and bag-offs and drunken capers and at some point we will be celebrating trophies and leagues, and we will still be together as Celtic supporters.”
So we, because it was the sort of thing we did, tried to make up a song, and this was it:
“Just a minor setback, just a minor setback,
Tra la la la, tra la la la”
And we sang that in the back rows, and then in the back rows and the middle rows, and then in the front rows, where sit the older gents who’ve seen it all and prefer perhaps to consult the racing lines and nod sagely at each other – well, they didn’t sing, but after a day and a result like that, they smiled.
We drank long and hard in the IB that night – to forget; to convince yourself it hadn’t happened; whatever – one of my most memorable nights as a Tim.
6 months later we went to Hampden and won the Scottish Cup. I don’t remember the game, the bus home, or the night in the pub.
(*) We all went to Easter Road a couple of days later, and sang Paul McStay’s name throughout the game; some fans had letters spelling out his name. (We wouldn’t’ve done that for Mike Galloway.) It was a 1-1 draw.