CELTIC’S lead at the Premiership pinnacle was cut from five to two points after Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team’s narrow 2-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park this afternoon.
The Ibrox club struggled in a drab first-half before Malik Tillman got the breakthrough goal in the 53rd minute – just moments after Kevin van Veen blew a superb opportunity to give the home side the advantage.
The Dutch striker had a clear sight of goal, but allowed Allan McGregor the chance to block his effort and the visitors leapt into the lead shortly afterwards.
SINNER…Kevin van Veen watches Allan McGregor block his shot.
WINNER…Kevin van Veen can only watch as John Lundstram’s header takes a nick off him on its way past Liam Kelly for the points-clincher.
Paul McGinn was slack with a pass out of defence that went straight to Tillman. Amazingly, he was allowed to run 40 yards past four Well players without a challenge and he tucked the ball behind Liam Kelly.
The Govan club netted a second when a header from John Lundstram from a left-wing Borna Barisic corner-kick took a nick off the boot of the unfortunate Van Veen and spun away from the helpless keeper.
A blunder by veteran McGregor invited Well back into the contest when he completely misjudged a 30-yard free-kick from Stuart McKinstry that floated over his head into the net.
Van Bronckhorst’s men held on for the three points from a fairly dismal confrontation.
Ange Postecoglou will take the holders to the same venue on Wednesday night for their Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final.
On this evidence, it would be impossible envisaging a stumble by the Hoops.
