What a game of football! That was 120 minutes of exhilarating action from two teams who wanted to win. Celtic had by far the better of the exchange, but credit to Newco, who for the majority of the second half and with 10 men, took the game to the champions. The headline facts show Newco survived until extra time despite their disadvantage, brought about by the most reckless challenge you will see all season, but Celtic were far better all over the field.
Johnny Kenny led the line. His strength and link-up play was set the tone for Celtic to dominate the first half. Scoring with a header direct from a corner kick is not easy (stats prove as much). His defender was touch-tight, Johnny was four yards beyond the near post, yet rose and directed the ball high into the net. Let’s remember, he turned 22 this summer; his career is all in front of him.
The only surprise when Auston Trusty was named Man of the Match was that the award did not go to Liam Scales. Scales won everything in the air and executed a lunging tackle inside the box which is one for the ages. Trusty’s award doubtlessly came as a result of him breaking the lines with the ball – something Celtic have badly missed out of defence in recent seasons. The player had previously been discouraged from doing this, but was freed by his young Irish manager.
We all knew that one goal was probably not going to be enough for large parts of the second half before Newco’s penalty (a tad harsh, I thought). It took this incident to shake Celtic into action, as they ended the regulation 90 minutes by peppering the Newco goal. James Forrest’s introduction to the action had much to do with this.
Extra-time stared as the 90 minutes ended, with Celtic surging forward. Jack Butland came to the rescue of Newco throughout the game, but three minutes into the added period, he was deceived by Callum McGregor’s thunderous strike from 25 yards. The shot was still rising when it hit the net.
By this stage Newco were on the ropes and had no reply. You and I will talk tomorrow about Callum Osmand. The 19-year-old, making his second professional appearance (of the week and of his career), was an absolute handful. Like Kenny earlier in the game, he was able to win and control forward passes, and test his defender. The third goal came from an excellent Kieran Tierney delivery, with Callum timing his run and turning the ball into the net.
Thelo Aasgaard’s red card was for one of the highest and out of control challenges you are likely to see in the game. Anthony Ralston’s shorts were ripped at the groin and his upper thigh bore visible abrasions. Auston Trusty and Newco’s Derek Cornelius were both given the benefit of the doubt by referee Nick Walsh. Newco have shouted lots about the former, without reference to the latter. Losing is tough, I suppose.
As I walked down Aitkenhead Road after the game, I wondered what could have been, had we played Trusty last weekend, or either Kenny or Osmand in the Champions League qualifiers (both were unused subs for the first leg but did not even make the bench for the second). What could have been……
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The team celebrated the goals big style…even Daizen…but where was Reo at the third? Is he sulking?
Tom McLaughlin
Great to see the likes of PJD getting it so wrong.
Ignorant self serving parasites. Who despite their protestations do not want what is best for Celtic.
Stebhoy
The boards biggest concern will ( and arguably should) be not missing out on the CL Qualification next year – hard enough but harder still if we don’t win the league.
Waiting until the summer , especially if we manage to get to the Scottish Cup Final and with a World Cup due , might mean a new manager only appointed then will have no proper time to assess the squad, get deals done and bed players in.
Much as the MON/SM thing is working now I don’t see it lasting beyond Xmas.
I know that the wearing of the poppy has become, for some a way to show support British Military exploits Not sure its a British Legion construct. Think it may be an American idea inspired by the Canadian poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. I think the idea of the poppy has grown to be a show of respect for those who have died in war. The insular Idea of the poppy as a symbol of British Imperialism belittles the ‘last full measure of devotion’ given by all soldiers in all wars everywhere. The wearing of a poppy need not be a political act. Surely it can be a show of respect for the dead and perhaps a show of disdain for armed conflict everywhere.
so when someone donates cash to the poppy appeal, who is that cash for these days?
the vast majority of WWII veterans are dead now, so your money will be going to support veterans who destroyed iraq, syria, libya etc killing countless hundreds of thousands of civilians
fair enough if thats what people want their cash used for.
Weebobbycollins on 3rd November 2025 4:49 pm
The captain’s goal right up there with Nakamura’s and wee Shaun’s against the uglies…
……and Paul McStays
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cogE0fXn7w0
and Paul Lamberts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE7aFI2sCwY
TLWIO @ 12:32
Very good point.
With you on that one.
Quad @ 2:09pm …
“to get that wee bit of mongrel in us”
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Smart turn of phrase, Quad.
With you on that.
Doesn’t have to be aesthetic all the way.
If anyone thinks it does?
Perhaps Swan Lake is more your thing.
Must admit, i loved Maloney’s the most.
Tobago Street on 3rd November 2025 5:13 pm
I know that the wearing of the poppy has become, for some a way to show support British Military exploits Not sure its a British Legion construct.
———–
sorry bud, but I think you are quiet wrong on the historical origins of “the poppy appeal”.
and equally of what symbolically it has become.
at Hampden yesterday, I parked just outside the main south stand car park. Traditionally in what would be Celtic supporters area. A group of 5 meanies came out a car, covered up their colours, but every jacket worn had that prmoninent rangers and poppy badge attached. They were mid 30s, I doubt any are old enough to have grandas that fought in the world wars. They were menacing enough, had that malevolance about them.
Same for the paras regalia, now flown on flags and scarves, why so prominent now ?
We aint even past celbrating the burining of catholics day, could they keep their rememberance for another week ?
anyways
Watching yesterdays match was like stepping out of a time capsule with general O’Neill resplendent in his new issue Adidas uniform shouting and waving arms to his troops with second in command Shaun Maloney exchanging tactical words of wisdom.
You could not take your eyes off probably the best derby game in many years. This thriller had everything and most importantly a terrific return to the big time by Martiin O’Neil with a Celtic victiory.. Johnny Kenny has scored some great goals for Shamrock Rovers in Europe and none better than his great strike yesterday and could have had another, his all round play looks good for the future.. Agree my MTM was Liam Scales and young Osmond impressed. Trusty ruined a great display with that moment of madness. Once again James Forrest proved his worth from the bench with some wonderful skills.
MON reaction at 3-1 when Jamesie won the ball and we would have had a 3 v 1 was brilliant, it’s the passion we have been missing for a while
If MON gets to the cup final on December 14,it takes us into Knutsen/ Bellamy territory, if we are interested in them
” Tobago Street on 3rd November 2025 12:49 pm
Because the poppy is a universal symbol, not British.”
Certainly not a `universal` symbol and the other countries were it is worn are mainly Commonwealth countries simply following the British tradition.
Also, do ANY of the `other countries` have a situation where EVERY Newscaster on their BBC equivalent wears the poppy?
Quite simply, it has nothing to do with `Freedom` .
`where`
When did this poppy wearing and minutes silence at football games begin? Don’t think it takes place at other football stadia in Europe…..almost forgot,it takes place in Irish grounds, or Northern Ireland premier venues as it’s referred to,but then,the governing body of NIP come from a traditional unionist background.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
The two Joe’s from earlier..Joe Thomson & Joe Haverty.
From what I recall – living on the doorstep of erskine haspital, where my wife granda was a landsman before the war, and signed up while employed there.
In flanders field, by a canadian was done when he saw the bomber up battlefields strew with blood red poppies in 1915 I think,
The americans adopted this as a symbol of rememberance for those who did not come back.
This spread to England inspired by a French woman, via the British legions, the first production were sold ONLY on the 11th November 1921 I think, very few popiies made it to Scotland, I dont know about Ireland, but I recall in McCallums books huge crowds at the Dublin memorials after the war, but before partition.
Some years later Scotland opened its own edinburgh based Poppy factory for ex-soldiers. Maybe bby Lady Haig.
Researching my family tree, I had several grandas and grand uncles who fough in all sorts of conflicts on far flung shore, poor Irish, conscripted Port shiyyard workers, and my English lineage all inthe royal navy because of Whitehaven Cumbria. Have recently found his own Great Granda served under Nelson.
So a very mixed ancestry, but I wonder what they would think of it now.
Last I am saying on it. between flags up poles all around main streets, the hijack of the poppies and black-shirts hiding in plain sight at the football, Scotland is getting worse.
Premier Sport 1 the match replay is on.
THE LONG WAIT IS OVER on 3RD NOVEMBER 2025 5:11 PM
Stebhoy
The boards biggest concern will ( and arguably should) be not missing out on the CL Qualification next year – hard enough but harder still if we don’t win the league.
Waiting until the summer , especially if we manage to get to the Scottish Cup Final and with a World Cup due , might mean a new manager only appointed then will have no proper time to assess the squad, get deals done and bed players in.
Much as the MON/SM thing is working now I don’t see it lasting beyond Xmas.
……………………..
100% correct. It’s brilliant what Martin and Shaun are doing and I would give them until the turn of the year. I would then do everything in my power to get Kjettil Knutsen in (actually I’d get him in as soon as his contract expires) then let him manage the team from after the League Cup Final. We need to make the change for all the reasons you listed above,
Sadly due to Martin’s age he can only realistically be a short term appointment.
Tom
ACSOM was that today.
Good evening all from the Brazen Head. It’s a hard life. 👍
Ach … against my better judgement I’m going to jump into this poppy poppycock.
“In Flanders Fields” was written by a guy who … applying the dreaded modern historical revisionism …
was likely suffering from a combination of grief, blood lust and PTSD.
I can think of no other reason why a doctor should hold such views as McCrae expresses in his, IMHO, despicable third verse.
That same verse that Harry Windsor just loved to trot out every November before he was ejected from the Establishment.
As for the poppy appeal?
Formerly known (for over 80 years) as The Earl Haig Fund.
Douglas Haig wasn’t a stupid man but he was anachronistic in his outlook and intellectually inflexible (this was well documented at the time).
In the 1912 War Manoeuvres, Grierson wiped the floor with him.
Old Douglas’ entrenched approach successfully planted thousands of our ancestors, most of whom were not regular soldiers from the BEF, but conscripted by an establishment which saw us as subjects to be used as they saw fit.
I will NEVER disrespect a minute’s silence during the Remembrance time of year.
To do so is, IMHO, an insult to tens of thousands of ordinary, working class men who died needlessly.
Equally though, for the reasons outlined above, I will NEVER wear a red poppy.
If I may, I’ll sign off this lengthy post with the last lines of the beautiful but horrifying Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen.
(Note how he capitalises “Lie” … presenting it as a proper noun owned by the establishment)
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori
TOSB
“Sadly due to Martin’s age he can only realistically be a short term appointment.”
Agreed but I wonder if some kind of Director of Football role might work , even if , again , short term to bed a new guy in.
I’d like us to be signing someone we want and are able to keep long term , and having someone like MON on board might be valuable.
BRRB
Heading for 6:15 Mass …will keep you in mind John.
Back to Basics – Glass Half Full
cap doffed,
very informative and personal.
Stivs
Walked around Celtic Park on Saturday didn’t take photos. I watched summer maintenance at the the stadium but have not a clue what to photograph. Going again this week, let me know Higgy.
bigrailroadblues on 3rd November 2025 6:11 pm
TAKE PICTURES OF ANYTHING, NEW BANNERS GOING UP I BELIVE,
Joe 6.08
That’s a lovely thought for me and M.💚
Wearing a Poppy. What does it mean?
It doesn’t mean supporting veteran of two world war, end of WW2 was 80 yeas ago. It means supporting later veterans of later wars and Police actions in Irag, Syria, Afghganistan,,countless other minor colonial wars and of course Six counties. Much less impressive.
Fuck supporting a guy who didn’t fight the fascists but who terrorised and shot my cousins in Belfast and Derry. Plus why support Poppy Fascism which forces people on Sky and BBC to wear a Poppy whether the want to or not.
Stivs
I’ll probably take photos of fooking turnstiles and windows. 😂😂
SARACHI is my man of the match. Took the ball in difficult defensive situations, linked the play , ran with power and intent and tackled with tenacity. GregTaylor with. pace and defensive physicality. Brilliant performance!
No sooner is Martin O’Neill back in through the door when CQNrs want him out.
What next a bring back Brendan campaign?
MartinO’NeillForeverCSC
EXACTLY RIGHT! What manager on the planet would have got the team playing with the power, purpose and technical know how – only Mon with the help of Maloney and staff. The players respect them and can play with freedom and expression. Why risk changing that mid season!
bigrailroadblues on 3rd November 2025 6:19 pm
Stivs
I’ll probably take photos of fooking turnstiles and windows. 😂😂
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A WEE TIP, THE BANNERS WILL BE GREEN ND HAVE BIG PICTURES OF FORMER LEGENDS
Celtic supporters and Legends honoured in striking new stadium makeover
Club News
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/october/31/celtic-supporters-and-legends-honoured-in-striking-new-stadium-makeover/
https://images.webapi.gc.celticfc.com/fit-in/1400×1400/609fe790-b670-11f0-8576-4503aa58bd4d.jpg
Tom McLaughlin 3:54
He did not slag off either player. He said that that they were only there by default because the club did not buy strikers in the transfer window. That’s the truth isn’t it. In fact he praised both their contributions, although he did say he would have been in favour of Kenny being sold to Bolton during the summer.
Stivs
I had gathered that. 😂
why did it take so long, what an easy fix, cosmetic, but beautiful. now say how much it cost
https://icdn.thecelticstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-210.jpeg.webp
https://icdn.thecelticstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Stadium-Banners_Gallery_5.jpeg.webp
https://icdn.thecelticstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Stadium-Banners_Gallery_3.jpeg.webp
the Stein quote has me reflecting a wee bit on Brendan, DD and several others.