Within the first minute at Ibrox yesterday, Newco sent a long ball forward that tempted Liam Scales into a challenge he missed. Seconds later the ball ended in the net, only for the assistant to correctly flag offside. It looked like a portent of doom to come, however, Liam was undeterred. He threw himself at every ball into the Celtic final third, clearing danger throughout. He earned his Man of the Match award.
Gus Lagerbielke was dispossessed when the foot of Dessers clipped his ankle. The striker advanced into the Celtic box before squaring for Roofe to shoot past Joe Hart into the net. Even after the first replay, I didn’t see the foul, but it was there. TV viewers were later treated to bizarre weeping by some on Sky and the BBC highlights programme, where it was explained that while the rules say it was a foul, we just don’t agree with the rules!
This is what being conditioned to getting refereeing decisions your own way looks like. It is also why Scotland, more than any other country, needs Video Assistant Referees.
Response to this incident determined the outcome of the game. Our 23-year-old Swedish central defender, on his third outing for the club and still looking for a win, could have been discouraged from holding onto the ball or being open for a pass, but that didn’t happen. Just as Liam immediately got over this first minute missed header, Gus continued to show, pull opponents towards him and play short passes into space.
Can we agree that Callum McGregor had his best 45 minutes in years? Much of the credit for Liam and Gus’s fortitude came from the captain making the right angles. The greatest thing about possession-based football is that it looks easy. There is always a simple pass on. Callum made sure this was the case yesterday.
35-years-ago (yes, really), Paul McStay ranged a pass deep into the Rangers half for Chris Morris to run onto. He squared for Frank McAvennie to score a memorable goal in the Centenary Season. Just when I was extolling the virtues of Callum’s play, he recreated this move.
The ball took two defenders out of play – then waited for Liel Abada to cross. What would McAvennie do? Score, of course, but Kyogo, realising he was at the near post with a keeper ready to block, tried a deft flick to the back post, where he hoped to find Daizen Maeda. You are not going to remember Callum’s pass 35 years from now, which is a pity, because is was no less deserving than the Maestro’s.
Celtic were now in full control and with the home crowd audibly restless, Kyogo got free again. This time his second touch let him down and the shot was eventually smothered. Surely, they could not continue to allow the Japanese striker such freedom without consequence?
For all the great play, when the moment came, it was quite simple. In the final minute of added time before the break, Joe Hart cleared a goal kick into the Newco half – you don’t want to mess around at the back so close to the break. Connor Goldson stepped forward from marking Kyogo to head the ball back where it came from.
This is where it gets interesting. Matt O’Riley, not known for his heading ability, fired his neck muscles to send the ball back, over Goldson and into space for Kyogo to exploit. Perhaps wary of his second touch after the chance a few minutes earlier, he waited until the ball sat up, then (as they might say in Japan these days), gave it laldy! It was a strike worthy of winning such a game.
Celtic emerged from the break with a lead to defend and set about doing just that. Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston tucked in, O’Riley and David Turnbull sat deeper. This allowed Newco plenty of the ball, but no space in which to use it to any effect.
Their best chance came when Lammers rounded Hart but as we waited for the net to bulge, he mis-controlled and the ball rolled out of play. They’re not very good, these new Newco-ers.
Johnston, with only an hour of play under his belt this season going into the game, doubled that time before being replaced by Anthony Ralston. Then, on 75 minutes, Greg Taylor pulled up. Celtic were forced to play for 15 minutes, plus 8 in added time, with a back four of Ralston, Lagerbielke Scales and Bernabei.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, Nat Phillips and Stephen Welsh would all have played, if fit. It was the most ridiculously under-strength Celtic defence I have ever seen, yet they glided through the game. Ralston and Alexandro Bernabei had the better of their clearly troubled opponents.
Michael Beale will rue leaving Cantwell and Raskin out of the team, at least, that’s how I remember it. I am sure his mind wandered to the break-value of his contract, in the hours since. When Brendan Rodgers was interviewed before kick-off, I thought I sensed hesitation – I was wrong. His record against Newco is better than any manager in games between Celtic and either of the Rangerses. He is a talent and yesterday he shook Ibrox to its red brick core. It was a sight to make your heart sing for a title so wonderous!
My friends in Celtic, enjoy your week. We’ve still to speak about the transfer window – expect both barrels.
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Superbru Update- Week 4
Apologies for the late update but I was too pished to bother yesterday. All of you who voted for a Celtic win, either with some bizarre justified optimism, blind faith or a moral impediment to be seen backing the Ibrox mob, were rewarded handsomely with points as well as pints. Those of us who took a hard headed approach and forecast a draw or loss, fell further behind in the points race and………..
we’re delighted this is so.
So the week 4 Round score produced one clear winner and 6 sharing second place (a level the blue hordes can only dream of).
1st- Hot Smoked- 7.5 pts
2nd= BC Milan, The Token Tim, fess 19, Belmont Brian63 (steward’s enquiry needed there), Billy Bhoy, Paddy’s Maw and Greenpinata.- all on 6 pts.
Now, as for the bottom rung, we had 2 posters (Melvin Udall and wee BGFC) who did not get any picks in this week but the computer has calculated that they won 2 points, and finished ahead of 22 others who had actually forecast a result in 6 separate matches. Six of those managed to get all 6 forecasts completely wrong and scored 0 points. Michael Fish has a better forecast record than them, but Michael Beale doesn’t. Our non-prognosticating 6 this week, all of whom predicted a variety of draw at Ibrox are:-
Bhoy from the Village, snapper 1969, BMCUWP, Ayrshire Tim, Big Jimmy and mckenna_88.
The computer has awarded this week’s wooden spoon to Mr. 88, who predicted 2:2 but I’d have given it to Big Jimmy who predicted a repeat of the old 3:3 game from October 2002. You might remember Big Rab gifting them 2 long range goals from an Arteta shot and one from Artur Numan that he spilled into the path of Mr. Bean to give them a 3:2 lead, eclipsing a control and swivel shot from Henrik and a thumping header for the same man, only for us to get a late equaliser from Big Sutty- with a wee push on one of their defenders to give him space to lash it home. Wonderful game to bring back to memory.
In the overall Leaderboard, after 4 rounds, we have a clear top 3
1st- Pannysbhoy- 28 pts
2nd- Scaniel (The Donkey King)- 26.5
3rd- Hot Smoked- 25.5
Showing as much promise as Micky Beale’s front 3 of giant haddies are:-
Disco Desk & wee BGFC- 4.5 pts
Friesdorfer- 8.5 pts
Partizan & Cosy Corner Bhoy- 11 pts
All are holding off the challenge of the ever reliable- The Lurkin Tim who has amassed 12.
No more Superbru until 16th September when Micky Beale’s side face Rangers reserves (aka St. Johnstone) with a 12.30 kick off.
I love to see that scum squirm, and hurt.
Makes my day.
Oh, by the way, great to be a Tim
KINGlUbO
Hot Smoked 4:37
Cheers for your reply.
No, not very often.
I have, of course, like all other supporters, been a captive witness to all it does and says at Celtic Park.
It is a divisive grouping within the main body of the support. It sets out to be just that. It is its raison d’ètre.
I don’t like most of the stunts it gets up to, but I live with it. I don’t like the fact that it has cost the club hundreds of thousands of Euros in fines from UEFA, when the vast majority of us look only to contribute and enhance.
Any small faction (a few hundred) that attempts to set itself up as the moral conscience of the club and the support in such an overt way should expect to be challenged . It’s the conceit and entitlement that makes me cringe at times. Given the casting vote, it would not have let Brendan back near the managers chair.
It is facilitated and tolerated because it makes a lot of noise – so too do empty barrels! HH
Hopefully the rumour of £46 a ticket for CL games is wrong
Still celebrating……the fun never stops.
See the long punt to our left back area from kick off every game from every team in Scotland? Genuine wee club behaviour. Every time.
Just watching the highlights! We could have scored 4 or 5 yesterday. Great chances.
Laughing at the Huns who thought the ref gave the goal after he pointed for a free kick having checked the screen. Never noticed that yesterday. Another wee moment of joy to savour!!
Have they not suffered enough? (Courtesy WITS )😂
NAW!!!!
As a resident of the east coast I really do enjoy a trip to Glasgow with my fairer half when the internationals are on, I will be overindulging in two of my favourite pastimes, whisky and Greek food. The pot still and Halloumi are thankfully a short stroll from each other, and after yesterday’s fine result this coming weekend will be enjoyed all the more
🍿
https://rangersradio.mixlr.com/events/2696977
Holm totally emptied TikTok with the last tackle ifvthe game. Controlled, hard tackle. Delicious
Robert
Aye, I reckon Holm is a player.
Seen a mention of the Ryder Cup
Congratulations to Bob MacIntyre on being an automatic choice, first Scot in the team since our very own Stephen Gallacher. Bob won on the Cup course last year so that can’t hurt. Be a big ask though, when you think of the Americans who are not in their team, Cam Young, Keegan Bradley et al.
That said we have some terrific players this time out.
Rose Reilly is a wonderful appointment.
Heartfelt welcome Rose.
Welcome hame Rose.HH
Me and Brian M discussing yesterday’s game in the Laurieston.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rmMDdknRpkLdUjxV6
Great news about Rose Reilly.
I have to be honest and say I can’t bring myself to get excited about women’s football, even Celtic Ladies (who were playing in that abominable black strip yesterday). Still, having Scotland’s one and only world cup winner serving as an ambassador of the Club has to be welcomed. I think I heard somewhere she had wanted to play for us, when she was growing up.
Notthebus
Oh hasn’t played a competitive game in months. He is thrown on in a high octane occasion as t a critical time but not much of the game to go. I didn’t expect much from him in terms of actual creativity but I did expect him to work his socks off and close them down. He didn’t seem to do this which was disappointing to this non expert.
Parkheadcumsalfod
Look at matty mcgee1s clip on page 4 at 6:56.HH
Notthebus
NB I am actually a big fan of his and his potential. He netted me a big bit of cash with his hat trick in 20 mins or so last game of season at CP.
Ajeti to a Turkish mob,500k
Couldn’t believe them booing their manager for making a substitution, in all my time supporting Celtic I have never heard the crowd boo one of our managers for making a substitution, I might not have liked if but would never ever think of booing him !
JackieMac 6.29
My son remembered that exact incident during the match. He doesn’t watch Sevco so must have been from sportscene highlights. I hope ryan118 or someone else can montage the panels comments on both and compare and contrast. Would be extra funny if McCann was on both shows.
This is why I still think VAR can work in the long run for consistency as Grade 1 refs will have such incidents shared for review so its harder to call similar incidents in different ways.
QB
Still celebrating……you can never have enough good times.
Found it impossible to access site last couple of days with Ads etc. My screen kept filling with adds constantly missed all the craic.
Anyhow if anyone told me we would be playing last 20 minutes plus 7 minutes injury time with a backline of Ralston, Gustaf, Scales & Bernabei , think I would have had a heart attack.
Credit to Brendan & The Bhoys they were magic, one of the most enjoyable wins in years.
You Can’t always get what ye want .
Callums pass wullnae be forgotten
Furuhashi wanted to make it wan of the Greatest ever Celtic goals.
He made up for it. :)
An Incredible result.
Thank You Celtic.
Liam Scales against the hun.
https://quickshare.samsungcloud.com/gOY1hXr6gJqe
*SENTINEL CELTS PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023-24*
*RESULTS FROM GAME #5 – SEVCO 0 CELTIC 1 (KYOGO)*
Good evening, friends.
I had been looking forward to this one for a few weeks wondering if the performance would be at the level that we have come to expect. The fans were nervous but excited and ultimately elated. But anyway, enough about Sunday’s Gilbert O’Sullivan gig let’s now return to events that took place 8 hours earlier.
Following the St Johnstone draw and the final days of the transfer window most of us were far from confident for our trip to Ibrox. And at 10.45am when the team lines came out a lot of folk, myself included were rather underwhelmed that 10 of last week’s 11 kept their starting place asking ourselves where’s Iwata…Phillips…etc.
The game was barely 30 seconds old when Sevco launched their first of a million hoofs up the park and for a brief moment it looked as though we were already a goal down. But no doubt about that offside decision. In the 28th minute when the ball went into our net for a 2nd time it looked to me on first viewing that we had shot ourselves in the foot. But it turned out that one of Big Gus’s foot had been trod on and, some would say bravely, the referee overturned his original decision and the game remained nil nil.
We then took a leaf out of our opponent’s solitary repetitive tactic when Joe Hart sent a goal kick long into their defensive area. Their clearance was expertly intercepted by the head of Matt O’Riley who directed it into space for Kyogo to hammer home. Personally, I think the wee man might have thought he was in an offside position and struck the ball early before the linesman had the time to raise his flag. But after an eerie 20 second silence our players gradually realised that the goal was good and we had our deserved lead. Imagine scoring the winning goal during the time that was added on for the VAR cancelling out their 28th minute ‘goal’?
The second half had some more good chances for both teams in equal measure, but I honestly felt pretty relaxed throughout. A draw wouldn’t have been a bad result for Celtic. But to win at their ‘fortress’ with our clearly depleted team has really caused no end of anguish amongst the blue half of our city. We played the last 16 minutes plus the 7 minutes of stoppage time with a back 4 of Ralston, Lagarbielke, Scales and Bernabei but none of them refused to yield. And Sevco now have 2 long weeks to stew on that.
We have now played 5 games, winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 1 with 8 goals scored and 4 conceded.
A huge thank you to the 80 who voted this week. The total votes cast for each player are as follows, with my own nominations asterisked.
Hart*: 36
Johnston: 3
Lagerbielke:2
Scales: 57
Taylor: 0
McGregor*: 72
O’Riley*: 32
Turnbull: 0
Abada: 0
Kyogo: 19
Maeda: 19
Ralston: 0
Holm: 0
Yang: 0
Bernabei: 0
Oh: 0
And so, the players receiving POINTS for the game against Triggers Broom FC are –
McGregor – 5 points
Scales – 4 points
Hart – 3 points
O’Riley – 2 points
Kyogo and Maeda – 1 point
The overall positions after 5 games played are –
13 points – Kyogo
12 points – O’Riley
9 points – Nawrocki
7 points – Yang
6 points – Hart and Lagerbielke
5 points – McGregor
4 points – Johnston, Scales and Turnbull
3 points – Maeda
2 points – Carter-Vickers and Ralston
0 points – Abada, Bernabei, Forrest, Hatate, Holm, Johnston, Maeda, Oh, Starfelt, Taylor
The international break is now upon us with the possibility that Scotland could just about seal our place for Euro 2024. Celtic return to action on Saturday 16th September with a 3pm home game against Dundee.
Hail Hail!
That was a truly Dynamite performance by the Timalloys.
Loads of work to be done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABzR3iQmakk
I better go home. The small doll gives me a lot of leeway. More than I deserve. And you are an absolute shower. 😉
A hun on the bears den had an escape goat moment when he described one of our defenders as a
bombshell.
Now if he was talking about Sevco he would have meant barbie herself as he is a blond bombshell.
Innit, as Bealzebub would say!!!
HH
Phil
BRRB,
Small Doll had me laughing.
The Great Lady is your Rock.
GLENDALYSTONSILS re: getting older and those old days
That’s the generation to have been in. To have seen that and then pop on top what the younger ones have only ever lived through. Best of both worlds.
———————-
Cheers SFTB
I keep just dodging the wooden spoon each week. It’s coming.
——————
CLOUD9
I think your CLOUD9 years might have been the EBT years.
————–
ROBERTTRESSELL re: Holm emptying TikTack
Did he ever!!
CORKCELT re: ads and pop-ups
There have been a few new ones that are going full screen for me on phone and work computer. MacBook at home is always solid but definitely a change in last few days.
Welcome to Celtic Glasgow – Rose Reilly
Hail Hail
HOT SMOKED on 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023 4:37 PM
CLOUD9
Have you ever spoken with any of the Green Brigade?
Hot Smoked 4:37
Cheers for your reply.
No, not very often.
AT- thats a no then
I have, of course, like all other supporters, been a captive witness to all it does and says at Celtic Park.
AT-like the 125 display vs Barcelona
-shoulders of giants display with Maley & Stein
-Others that represent Celtic and our irish roots
It is a divisive grouping within the main body of the support. It sets out to be just that. It is its raison d’ètre.
AT- divisive- how? Do they appear on blogs after beating the cheating hun seeking attention- nope
The main body of the Celtic support- na they are to busy rejoicing in the cheating hun getting gubbed.Here,your not that unionist George(live from his lavvy)Galloway,this is the same sort of us and them kack he pukes among our own,drivel
I don’t like most of the stunts it gets up to, but I live with it. I don’t like the fact that it has cost the club hundreds of thousands of Euros in fines from UEFA, when the vast majority of us look only to contribute and enhance.
AT- stunts like celebrations of our irish origins?
Stunts like stadium tifo like the ones mentioned above
Stunts like getting attention seeking new monikers kudos,old hat fella,cliched and hunlike especially after the weekends result
Stunts like figures lost over the years which would be covered by Ajetis package deal- must do better
Stunts like more them and us kack within our own support
Any small faction (a few hundred) that attempts to set itself up as the moral conscience of the club and the support in such an overt way should expect to be challenged . It’s the conceit and entitlement that makes me cringe at times. Given the casting vote, it would not have let Brendan back near the managers chair.
AT chase yourself,
setting up as the moral conscience of Celtic,wrong
Celtics moral conscience has always been fans,it always will be,resurgent since Fergus rebuilt our club and into a different stratosphere with the Celtic foundation from the days of Micheal kelly et al when the club was giving £31(thirty one) as charitable donations-shame on them
AT-You give Celtic fans called the green brigade to much kudos,they have no more no less say on Celtic professional appointments than me or hot smoked.even our moderator on here was howling about Brendans appointment before it was finalised,a lot of Celtic fans thought similar,you give the grouping kudos by noting what they said,they are allowed to change yet divisive new posters/or old poster with change of monikers remember as they put on a poster what nigh on every Celtic fan thought when BR went 1st time round
AT-interesting you can guess numbers,out of 60,000 fans,more divisive Gallowaysian like kack
It is facilitated and tolerated because it makes a lot of noise – so too do empty barrels!HH
AT-It does a wee bit more than that,they are Celtic fans first and foremost and as has been proven before poor behaviour can lead to the return key for the standing section being pushed,they would be gone,believe me that is a truth.
AT-Anyway no answer to the long held traditional cqn question of Are you a hun?
Come to the corner and meet your fellow Celts
Hot smoked is a good Celt :-)
HH
Proposals forwarded by UK government for Bus travel to football matches in Scotland
Imposition on Civil Liberties,what do you think?
https://twitter.com/derekwatson89/status/1698792654841004163?s=19
HH
The death of storytelling
While writers are constrained by identity politics, ChatGPT threatens to reduce their creativity to machine babble.
https://archive.ph/20230824221504/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/24/opinion/identity-politics-chatgpt-fiction-storytelling-harper-weatherby/
Hopefully the PayWall buster works above.
For the spooked amongst us we know when we read ChatGPT that eventually……..