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Kilmarmock 0-1 Celtic

Discussion in 'TalkCeltic News' started by Murphy7, Oct 24, 2005.

By Murphy7 on Oct 24, 2005 at 12:31 AM
  1. Murphy7

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    On a horrible and rainy day, Celtic defeated a battling Kilmarnock side at Rugby Park to keep up the pressure on Hearts at the top of the SPL. In a tight affair, a moment of individual brilliance by the ever-present Petrov sealed the three points and kept up Celtic's brilliant record against Kilmarnock in recent times.

    A scrappy opening saw both sides working hard to close each other down and little in the way of fluid passing. It was the home side who were the first to work an opening after 11 minutes when after a nice move, Steven Naismith's pass found Gary McDonald in a great position in the Celtic box. But the midfielder wanted a touch before shooting allowing the tireless Shaun Maloney who replaced Alan Thompson for the game the opportunity to nip in and to superbly disposses him 10 yards from goal.

    Celtic had started in a sluggish fashion but went ahead against the run of play on 24 minutes thanks to some inspired play by Petrov. Chris Sutton rolled his marker on the edge of the penalty area and laid the ball on for the Bulgarian captain, who broke between two static defenders before calmly lifting it over advancing keeper Graeme Smith.

    Celtic keeper Artur Boruc was in fine form as he was tested from a free-kick. It was a routine save for the Polish no.1 who did well to hold onto the ball on a slippy surface. He also did well to tip over a fierce strike from Kris Boyd as the first-half came to a close.

    Kilmarnock started strongly after the interval as they continued to cause the Celtic defence problems. Despite dominating the possession, Celtic were always a threat on the break and looked more likely to score. The big travelling Celtic support were left baffled as Sutton was denied what looked a clear penalty when he was stopped from turning by David Lilley's bear-hug. It was clear obstruction but referee Brines turned away strong appeals from both players and fans.

    Celtic caught Kilmarnock on the break but Beattie was desperately unlucky to not double the lead when he hit the post with a powerful header from a Shunsuke Nakamura cross. Smith in the Kilmarnock goal was motionless as the ball struck the foot of the post. He also struke a fierce shot just wide soon after. The young Scottish striker caused the Kilmarnock backline lots of problems on the day and he later burst through on goal but was denied by Smith's brave save at his feet.

    Kilmarnock almost snatched an equaliser on the hour when Boyd's rasping volley from an angle flew inches wide of the target. This was the closest Kilmarnock came to taking anything from the game as depite their dominance in the middle of the park they caused Boruc very few problems.

    The lively Beattie again came close as found some room on the edge of the penalty box but his fierce strike found the side-netting. This was his last action as he was then replaced by John Hartson. The inspirational Sutton later set Maloney up for a great shooting chance but the Celtic youngster got the ball caught under his feet and the chance was lost.

    Substitute Alan Thompson also caused Kilmarnock some problems after he came on and came close to extending Celtic's lead in the final minutes but his curling shot from 20 yards was just too high.

    The final whistle saw scenes of celebration from the Celtic players as they knew this was a big three points on their travels. Despite not playing well, the victory was all that mattered on a day which saw the gap at the top of the SPL closed to three points behind Hearts and regain a six point lead over Rangers.


    Kilmarnock: Smith, Fowler, Greer, Lilley, Hay, Johnston, Locke, McDonald (Wales 77), Invincibile, Boyd, Naismith (Nish 77), Nish (Dodds 82).
    Subs Not Used: Bell, Wright, Campbell, Flannigan.


    Celtic (4-4-2)

    Boruc

    Telfer Balde McManus Camara

    Nakamura(McGeady 90) Petrov Lennon Maloney(Thompson 82)

    Sutton Beattie(Hartson 71)

    Subs Not Used: Marshall, Virgo, Wallace, Pearson.


    Booked: Locke, Balde

    Att:10,544