Celtic 1-0 Rangers

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Joe Ledley scored the only goal of the game that saw Celtic leapfrog Rangers at the top of the SPL.  Celtic dominated throughout but it was a game full of controversial incidents.  Lee Wallace appeared to have opened the scoring for Rangers but Fraser Forster scooped the ball out of the net.  In the second half Gary Hooper was sent clean through by Georgios Samaras but was incorrectly flagged for offside.

Referee Willie Collum declined to show a red card to Lee McCulloch, David Healy and Kyle Lafferty despite plenty of provocation but Rangers never looked like forcing an equaliser once they went behind.

Celtic had the ball in the net early on when Rangers’ keeper, Allan McGregor spilled the first of two Gary Hooper shots he failed to keep hold off.  Georgios Samaras was on-hand to clip the ball over the keeper but was flagged for offside.  Despite Celtic enjoying the majority of possession Rangers had the best two chances of the first half.  Wallace’s header which Forster’s alertness kept from hitting the net and then Carlos Bocanegra had a gilt-edged chance from six yards out but made a clumsy connection with his knee and sent the ball over.

Sone Aluko caused Celtic some problems early on when playing wide right but with Celtic dominating central midfield Ally McCoist pulled Aluko into the middle, which didn’t prevent Beram Kayal and Victor Wanyama from controlling midfield but blunted Rangers attacking options.

The gales which blew through Glasgow today faded as the game wore on but they were still strong throughout the first half with Celtic playing into the wind.  On a couple of occasions Fraser Forster’s clearances didn’t reach the halfway line, in contrast to the second half, when his clearances repeatedly ran through to McGregor in the opposite goal.  As a result, half time was a welcome break for Celtic.

The second half was five minutes old when Charlie Mulgrew got his first opportunity to send in a wind-assisted in-swinging corner.  There is something curious about a 6’3” central defender taking corner kicks instead of trying to get on the end of them but Mulgrew’s delivery provided evidence as to why this is.

The corner was fast and direct but dipped five yards from goal at the far post.  Four players jumped for the ball but Joe Ledley picked the flight of the ball out of the blustery confusion.  All the ball needed was the faintest touch to send it bulleting high into the net.

Adam Matthews dominated the right side of the field.  His pace allowed him to recover to inhibit any attack down the Rangers left while his control and passing pegged Rangers back throughout.  Rangers played Nikica Jelavic on Thomas Rogne, who was hooked when the pair met at Hampden in March, but the 21-year-old Norwegian was never in trouble this evening.  Jelavic was a sorry looking shadow of a football player who is flattered by reported interest in him.

Beram Kayal was taken out of the game by Lee McCulloch, who was red carded on his last appearance against St Mirren, but with Kayal on the deck McCulloch hung a limp ankle in the air while writhing in pain.  It looked like a break for the Rangers player but he got up after referee Collum decided against showing a red card.

The league’s poorest player, David Healy, made a late cameo and should have been shown a straight red card for a dangerous lunge at James Forrest.  Fellow Irishman, Kyle Lafferty, was also lucky to escape a red when he took Adam Matthews out of the game as Rangers lost their discipline late on.

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702 Comments

  1. I am stayin up all night drinkin ma da’s wine cos they all are happy I didn’t get into a fight on the train back to Ayrshire!!!!

     

     

    I am 42 FFS. I did this all the time in the casual days

     

     

    Who remembers all the wee skinny guys with dungarees and step haircuts and never actually fighting?

     

     

    Unscrewing the lightbulbs was the gig bold deed I remember.

  2. philhoopylogue - Kano 1000 on

    Stroll along Glasgow Celtic stroll along to the top of the league where u belong,,,

  3. Just home after a 24 hour day. It was a very, very long and very, very cold.

     

     

    Winning made me and the young lad’s day though.

     

     

    Oiche mhaith

     

     

    Árd Macha

  4. Petec

     

     

    What about London bankers?

     

     

    Irish ones have no rep forever(I work in Dub).

     

     

    Hail hail

  5. Árd Macha says:

     

    29 December, 2011 at 04:01

     

     

    Hats off to your lhad and your good self.

     

    True Celtic supporters.

     

    Salute.

  6. Árd Macha says:

     

    29 December, 2011 at 04:01

     

     

    The Irish Celtic Fans are a GIFT from God.

     

     

    Hail Hail

     

     

    I would hope one day that their tickets are Free, a day very soon hopefully.

  7. BABASONICOS71 says:

     

    29 December, 2011 at 04:18

     

     

    Awesome track.

     

     

    There is so much feeling in that track.

     

     

    DJ BABA definitely challenging DJ BOBBYMURDOCH.

  8. Teuchter ár lá says:

     

    29 December, 2011 at 04:23

     

     

    What a DOB that Healy is…………….

     

    TAL

     

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

    This is a snippet from an earlier post of mine;

     

     

    “The introduction of Healy was a desperate and crass act from a limited,out-of-his-depth,unqualified football manager.”

     

     

    You hit the nail on the napper there mo chara.

  9. BABASONICOS71,

     

     

    I have hit the brick wall (not the Awesome Victor67) and I am shattered.

     

     

    HH m8

     

     

    Keep up the great links.

     

     

    nn

  10. BABASONICOS71 says:

     

    29 December, 2011 at 04:36

     

     

    Thanks for another link.

     

     

    Later today I will have a new set of headphones, going wireless logitech g930s, they are mean’t to be good multipurpose. These old 4+ year old Sennheisers have been struggling for the last 6 weeks, the wire is making and breaking and making less and less lately so spent some Christmas money on these new cans. Really looking forward to them.

     

     

    HH m8,

     

     

    nn and God Bless

  11. Awe_Naw,

     

     

    If you read back and notice this post please respond to this post/plea.

     

    Could you use your talent of amending songs by adding your own unique lyrical skills to the track ‘Sally Cinnamon’ to ridicule the rotund incumbent of the rANGERs manager’s seat.

     

    Not only to i have a loathing for the fat sneak but the Stone Roses are also my band of choice so to hear one of their tracks being used to belittle FPLG would be a pleasure of double delight.

     

    Please.

     

     

    FOREVERANDEVER!!!

  12. Morning has (almost) broken,i must get some shut eye.

     

    Last night was the stuff that make being a Celtic supporter special.Magic.

     

    It’s so sweet going to bed in the knowledge that when you wake all tims will be sprightly and basking in our bhoys rise and the huns demise.

     

    Long may it continue.

     

    Def,def,definitely calling it a night this TIMe.

     

    I’m such a happy bhoy.

     

    G’night/Good morn to each and every one of us.

     

    CHOONS

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSRrjcxjko0

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ9Z_FwolxE

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_OcR0fbf6g

     

     

    FOREVERANDEVER!!!

  13. ah

     

    ye’ve held the fort well BABASONICOS71

     

    great effort !!

     

     

    i had a look back at the match updates

     

     

    this bit was the best, haha…………..

     

     

    _______________

     

     

     

    betabhoy I am Neil Lennon says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:55

     

     

    JF close again this is better

     

    share

     

     

     

    RRC: Kano 1000 & Counting! says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:55

     

     

    Much better effort from wee James, Corner

     

    share

     

     

     

    oglach UFB says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:55

     

     

    Great shot JF McGregor turns it over

     

    share

     

     

     

    O.G.Rafferty says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:55

     

     

    great shot JF, tipped over

     

    share

     

     

     

    dirtymac says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:55

     

     

    Oooft, Forrest

     

    share

     

     

     

    ThisIsTheOne says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:55

     

     

    GOOOAAALLLLLLL Ledley

     

    share

     

     

     

    bankiebhoy1 says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

     

    share

     

     

     

    NatKnow says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Ledley!!!

     

    share

     

     

     

    oglach UFB says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss leadley

     

    share

     

     

     

    dirtymac says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Yaaassssssss

     

    share

     

     

     

    the_huddle says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    goooaaaaallll

     

    share

     

     

     

    RRC: Kano 1000 & Counting! says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Joe Ledley ya beauty

     

     

    1-0 celtic

     

    share

     

     

     

    Soz says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Yeeeeees

     

    share

     

     

     

    O.G.Rafferty says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Ledley!!!!!

     

    share

     

     

     

    wee totty scone says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Goal Ledley

     

    share

     

     

     

    betabhoy I am Neil Lennon says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    GOAL GOAL GOAL YA BEAUTY

     

    share

     

     

     

    Partizan says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

     

    share

     

     

     

    Big Packie’s Accent says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

     

    EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

     

    EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

     

    EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS

     

    SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

     

    share

     

     

     

    the_huddle says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    Elbows beaten for the ball :O)

     

    share

     

     

     

    BigChipsUK – This is just the beginning… says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    THAT ONE was over the line!

     

    share

     

     

     

    O.G.Rafferty says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    A header! From a corner! GET IN

     

    share

     

     

     

    Philbhoy – It’s just the beginning! says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:56

     

     

    C’mon Celts!!!!

     

    share

     

     

     

    oglach UFB says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:57

     

     

    Galsgows Green N White

     

    share

     

     

     

    petec says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:57

     

     

    ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HUN MEDIA

     

    share

     

     

     

    NatKnow says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:57

     

     

    BigChips –

     

     

    NOW! That’s What I Call Funny!

     

    share

     

     

     

    starry plough says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:57

     

     

    Joe the Dragon….

     

    share

     

     

     

    ThisIsTheOne says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:57

     

     

    We shall not be moved

     

    share

     

     

     

    oglach UFB says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:57

     

     

    or glasgow even

     

    share

     

     

     

    Headtheball says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:58

     

     

    But was it totally over the line? YOU BETCHA!!!!

     

    share

     

     

     

    O.G.Rafferty says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:58

     

     

    What a noise

     

    share

     

     

     

    bankiebhoy1 says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:58

     

     

    Keep Ball Celtic,

     

     

    repeat to fade.

     

    share

     

     

     

    O.G.Rafferty says:

     

    28 December, 2011 at 20:58

     

     

    Great header Joe. He buried that !

  14. Heading hame after 11 on sauce. Nice feeling 2 points in the lead

     

     

    Well done players and Neil and fans

     

     

    Peter lawell dont be smug we should be at least 10 points clear if it was not for ur policy of your personal bank account before points

  15. don’t forget to console Andy Gray later on today….

     

     

    @TSKeysandGray

     

     

    and tweet these too…

     

     

    @johncrossmirror @realromfordpele @sportsbreakfast

     

    talkdants: Me & @realromfordpele on @sportsbreakfast tomorrow from 6am reflecting on Old Firm clash tonight. Join us from 6am won’t you?

     

     

    ah’ll be in bed sleepin !!!

     

     

    1-0 !!

  16. SydneyTim,

     

     

    Top of the league.Forget about PL for at least a day and bask in our amazing league turnaround.I’ve been up since the back of 9 yesterday (21 HOURS) in the miserable,howling wind and rain of Port Glasgow and i’m still buzzing.

     

    Go easy mo chara,we shall not be moved.

     

     

    TopCorner,

     

     

    Keys and Gray bring on nausea in me.Smug,inane,transparent tw*ts.

     

    Anywho,top of the league.

     

    Come on you bhoys in green!

     

     

    Def,def,def,double definitely hitting the hay,almost out on my feet.But still ecstaTIC!

     

     

    FOREVERANDEVER!!!

  17. Baba. Yes. Magic. Walking Hame with curry. But never forget the #1 enemy

     

    Transfer window opens in 2 days. Let’s us be us and not gamble on them collapsing That’s what gave them 3 in a row and gave Peter l a massive salary during that

     

    Let’s learn from our lessons

  18. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    Morning,all.

     

     

    Just in after my second 12 hour shift in 32 hours,I mentioned earlier tonight that I ilstened to the game on FIVELIVE,Nevin included.

     

     

    A poster on RTC noticed the same as I did,in a discussion following the match.

     

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

    lurchingfrompillartopost says:

     

     

    28/12/2011 at 11:25 pm

     

     

     

    Pat Nevin on BBC 5 live repeatedly singled out Jelavic as a player who was attracting EPL interest and that rfc would have to sell if they got the right offer. Attention was drawn to a number of EPL managers attending tonight’s game. His co-commentator after the game even asked Pat for a price: 7 to 9 million pounds, thought Pat but only because of the January transfer window, otherwise £15m. He also suggested rfc couldn’t afford to buy anyone in January without selling, but Celtic could. He also made a curious slip when talking about ‘deducting points’ which he corrected to ‘dropping points’ regarding rfc’s fixtures. Was canny Pat having a sleekit laugh on behalf of his BBC paymasters? or doing a bit of nationwide touting on behalf of Jelavic? or just talking p*sh?

     

     

    I could hear the fnords

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

    Honestly,this wee nyaff is starting to get on my nipples.

     

     

    Anyway,off to bed to dream of sleep. Got another blinkin’ double-shift later. I’m sick of people being ill!

     

     

    GoodtobeatimCSC

  19. Kevin. Agree. And his personal bank account has increased due to that

     

    Fact is if we had signed a few more players and we had won 3 in row

     

    Peter L bank balance would be less

     

    We have failed to build upon victories in last 4 years

     

    And suffered the consequences

     

    I fear we will have another zero transfer window, gambling once again on

     

    Their Demise, a policy that had given them the last 3 titles

     

     

    No more heads in sand CSC

  20. SydneyTim says:

     

    29 December, 2011 at 07:12

     

    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

     

    I know this might sound a bit out of tune but, I feel that ‘our’ club will not be right until…..DD,PL etc are gone and, Celtic FC is owned by Celtic fans!

     

     

    To sound further out of tune, I think, radically speaking that the best thing that could happen is(heaven-forbid) for, the huns to win 4 iar ?

     

     

    I dread the build-up to the transfer window and, the inevitable let-down!

     

     

    Hears hoping for more NL miracles.