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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Bolton offered 500k for Kenny. They might be wishing they had doubled the offer to meet the Board’s valuation of him.
regarding Scales and Kenny,
i seen a lot of ugly comments about both players not being “celtic class”
i have thought thoug, liam is really good defender, in backs to wall periods, his passing a bit short but still he has improved.
kenny, still only 22, but plenty of movement and clever positions yesterday, took the goal well.
the desmond local knowledge with the rovers is paying off,
i jest off course,
but i did think of WITS yesterday actually, as going to be a hppy dubliner.
a daft pile on over the last year has been celtic brendan not being able to beat “the rangers”
i in turn really do subscribe to the “meanigless games” pivot.
we were not up for the leage games and the result didnt affect anything
interesting that thems blogs are now on the same track, “the rangers” cant win meaningful games versus any celtic.
that 3 games in a row now they havnt won, any mention anywhere ?
When I grew up the poppy was something people would or would not wear. No one questioned that. The poppy was a mark of respect for those who died in ww1 qnd 2. It was a somber event refecting the passing of those who died.
Now the poppy has been hijacked by politicians who send young men and women to their deaths to serve the elite political classes. To be critical of the politics is to be critical of those who serve, not for survival but for a pay packet. The state has created a useful taboo around criticism.
I cant take seriously the poppy when its on the front of a bus, van, or truck, full size men dress up as poppies etc. It is crass and classless and an afront to those who have died. You have folk getting upset at others who dont observe a 2 minutes silence when their out shopping etc ffs.
Based on histroy, we learn nothing, we roll onto the next conflict, the next war, the next killing field. What is the point of the poppy if it is not used to inform today’s decisions to prevent unnecessary death and tragedy. I am sick of seeing poor folk being exploited and killed in the name of a country and under a flag when truth be told that country could not care less about you.
I think we should go for Knutsen and appoint Usain Bolt as the sprint coach so that we can have Knutsen Bolts.
Putting coat on as I type.
Wee Bobby Collins at 5.06 pm
Reo wasn’t sulking when we scored, but very cleverly for both extra time goals he stood in the centre spot to prevent a quick restart by the opponent.
GGH
Ffs 🙄
so like it or lump it, i do personally believe var gets much more right than wrong, but this is brilliant –
no mention of our disallowed goal, or the other sending off they should have had.
they should apply for a league that doesnt use var.
————-
The Rangers Fans Advisory Board.
Sunday’s incident is the latest in a line of perplexing, head-scratching decisions awarded against Rangers, particularly in Old Firm matches, since the introduction of VAR three years ago.
The SFA conceded there were 26 incorrect decisions made by VAR last season. Rangers were on the receiving end of five, more than any other Scottish club.
Clashcitybhoy on 3rd November 2025 8:13 pm
Wee Bobby Collins at 5.06 pm
Reo wasn’t sulking when we scored, but very cleverly for both extra time goals he stood in the centre spot to prevent a quick restart by the opponent.
————
seen that as well.
Any response from Brendan to the character assassination by DD yet?…
Can the snipers,like wee sweety wifes,please shut the fek up about BR.Your sounding ridiculous.He has left the building,dead to us now.Martin and Sean now deserving our backing.
Oh,and the Honda,” Joke” has now been running longer than the Kilmarnock penalty saga,soon to be eclipsed by Butlands brain damage scandal.Enough.
In the words of a terrible manager.” The caravan has moved on”.
.
TURKEYBHOY
Love(d) Brendan for everything he done for us…invincibles, trophies, Europe etc…but I did expect a response to DDs diatribe…..I asked the question genuinely just in case he had responded and I hadn’t heard…..if he hasn’t…..you have to wonder how much DD said was true…
When all is said and done I still like Brendan and hope he can move on AND be successful wherever he ends up….I’ll be supporting him and his team wherever it is…he’ll still go down in history as one of our best ever managers…
Turkeybhoy 8.19
Who gives a flying fook about them. Calm doon to a riot old chap. 👍😁
Evening all.
GGHS
I’m accused of poor jokes, your worse, I’m letting Big Jimmy know😉
👀👀👀
BRRB,
I was calm.Cool,and collected
😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😇
I’ll say nothing……..
TURKEYBHOY on 28TH OCTOBER 2025 9:54 PM
FFS,,Laxalt,
Never heard you so animated before.We will see how chirpy you are shortly.Martin is a football Dinosaur.Game has moved on.Only there as a shield for the Board.
Maloney.Abject failure as a manager.
Low bar set here.
TURKEYBHOY on 29TH OCTOBER 2025 3:55 PM
Fekin spare me this hero worshipping of MON.He is a stand in.Helping out.Some giving it”Oh,I wonder what formation Martin will use” and other such crap.Yes he was great for us,in a different era..Maloney will have more input.MON,is there as a shield for the Board.Another” Oh look,a Squirrel” moment for the easy distracted.Reading some of the posts,plenty of them on here.Led by Paul 67.
TURKEYBHOY on 3RD NOVEMBER 2025 8:19 PM
Can the snipers,like wee sweety wifes,please shut the fek up about BR.Your sounding ridiculous.He has left the building,dead to us now.Martin and Sean now deserving our backing.
BelmontBrian
GGH has stepped over the line. He’s worse than you or Big Jimmy. And that takes some doing.
BRRB
I concur
MON can’t be kept on.The Cup Final,his send off.A new manager HAS to be brought.Look at the squad,evaluate, see what changes he needs,for the January window.
Only then will DD throw him a” Deefy”.
Only joking.
Off to listen to some tunes.
I’ll dip in now and again.
You never know when the trolls put their head above the parapet.
I see you
👀👀😉😉
Be nice if Brendan and JK land the wolves job…and managed to keep them up…
10-1 for a Sunderland win now….it’s possible…
BRRB
BB and Big Jimmy’s jokes have set a very low bar to get underneath but I am confident I can continue to do it.
Lhads were saying that the Hun appealed Kemal Roofe s drop kick to the head on the opposition goalkeeper, needless to say it got kicked out.
HunHypocrites
GGH
Please don’t, I’m trying to celebrate beating the hun. 😁
The Blogger,
Very good.Should I be worried though?Seem like a bit of a Stalker.An unhealthy interest.
At least your consistent.20 years on here,and I have never posted anything that has met your approval.
Martin is a Dinosaur in the football world.
The Board,under pressure brought Martin in as a shield.”He gets beat they won’t be too hard on him”
Seam Maloney.Failed manager.Assistant manager at Belgium when they had their greatest ever team.Won nothing.
Yes,I was having a go at the Ass kissers,full of the joys of Spring that BR left,as if 13 out of 15 trophies was shit.
I loved MON as a manager for us,but if my ideas about why he was brought in,don’t correspond with yours,fine.I won’t be stalking your posts though.That’s just fekin weird shit.
TURKEYBHOY
Are you in reasonable distance of any of the top league teams over there?…..do you manage to get to any games?….atmosphere always looks tremendous…
Clashcitybhoy on 3rd November 2025 8:13 pm
Wee Bobby Collins at 5.06 pm
“Reo wasn’t sulking when we scored, but very cleverly for both extra time goals he stood in the centre spot to prevent a quick restart by the opponent.”
I was only asking the question…your explanation is very welcome. Can’t be easy for him, he is so used to being first choice…
31003
Which would be in keeping with the narrative of some on here….
That while Brendan threw the players under the bus….
Dermot threw Brendan to the Wolves
No?
CELTIC MAC
Very good sir👏👏
Never liked Xaka much when he was with Arsno….Sunderlands top player now…very influential…
….then Xaka has a fresh air swipe at the ball…
Just for the record, got an email from the Celtic Ticket Office earlier today confirming that although digital tickets may become the default option (and the booking page will change) there will still be the option of print @ home tickets, and also physical hard copy tickets will still be available for general sale. I had pointed out that in the Celtic Survey 60% of respondents opposed to an all digital system. Seems to have been taken on board even though changes are taking place. Would recommend registering with the Ticket Office and getting an account/reference booking number.Straight forward procedure.
Saw some comments earlier about it being a shame young Osmand is not in the EL squad. Apparently we can add him now as CCV can be removed from it due to long term injury.
From jobo
*SENTINEL CELTS PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025-26*
*RESULTS FROM GAME #18 CELTIC 3 TRIGGERS BROOM FC 1 (a.e.t.) (KENNY, McGREGOR, OSMAND)*
Good evening, friends.
been chasing my tail all day and only started to give any thought to the Inbox about an hour and a half ago. So I’m afraid that there’s no well thought out match report despite me scribbling away yesterday with thoughts of including …
Sevco’s defence was all over the place;
A quick free kick leading to a Frodo own goal that was chopped off for offside;
Another brilliantly delivered header from County Sligo’s Jonny K, with celebrations directed at the ugly hordes!;
Aasgard’s high raking coot into the haw maws of Toni;
During the remainder of the 90 minutes it never looked like 11 v 10;
Scales’ last ditch sliding block postponing the equaliser for a further 5 minutes;
The award of a penalty despite nae goolies Toni actually making himself SMALLER as he fell to the ground;
Martin O’Neill’s tracksuit change;
The double nutmeg from Wee Jamsie followed by a perfect through pass to Osmand who should have netted the winner;
Calmac’s 25 yard screamer 3 minutes into the first half of extra time;
Osmand getting on to Tierney’s effort 3 minutes into the second half of extra time;
Trusty suffering cramp, Celtic deliberately put the ball out for a shy, but The Zombies don’t give Celtic the ball back from the throw in.
An enthralling game that really did have just about everything. Much more enjoyable on my 2nd watching yesterday evening!
We have now played 18 games, and have won 9, drawn 6 and lost 3. We have scored 30 goals and conceded 14.
As for the voting numbers, it’s been another fantastic turnout for this one and thanks to the 102 voting this time around. Every voter above the 100 mark (up to a maximum of 115) generates an extra 20p on top of the £3 pledge. So for this game that’ll generate another £3.40 for the C.H.A.S pot. And the cumulative donation for the first 18 games is £34.40
The total votes cast for each player are as follows, with my own nominations asterisked.
Schmeichel: 22
Ralston*: 6
Trusty: 81
Scales: 32
Saracchi: 13
McGregor*: 70
Engels: 15
Nygren: 0
Maeda: 1
Kenny: 41
Tounekti: 0
Forrest: 4
Osmand: 20
Hatate: 0
Tierney: 1
Balikwisha: 0
Unused substitutes: McCowan, Murray, Sinisalo, Yang
And so, the *POINTS* earned by each player for this match are as follows –
25 points: Trusty
22 points: McGregor
19 points: Kenny
16 points: Scales
14 points: Schmeichel
12 points: Osmand
11 points: Engels
10 points: Saracchi
9 points: Ralston
8 points: Forrest
7 points: Maeda and Tierney
4 points: Balikwisha, Hatate, Nygren and Tounekti
1 point: McCowan, Murray, Sinisalo and Yang
And the *_cumulative points_* achieved after 16 games played are now –
309: Scales
229: McGregor
198: Tierney
197: Nygren
185: Tounekti
173: Engels
171: Forrest
158: Carter-Vickers
152: Hatate
139: Iheanacho
131: Saracchi
129: Donovan
127: Maeda
118: Schmeichel
117: McCowan
96: Kenny
95: Ralston
78: Yang
69: Murray
64: Trusty
60: Johnston
54: Balikwisha
48: Bernardo
47: Yamada
32: Sinisalo
22: Inamura
19: Idah and Osmand
2: Doohan and Simpson-Pusey
0: All the other players who’ve not yet made a matchday squad!
It’s back into Europe (without Osmand) for our next game on Thursday. We head to Denmark to face Europa League leaders FC Midtjyland who have won their opening 3 games. A very tough ask for Martin to keep this unbeaten run going. Kick off is at 5.45pm.
Hail Hail!