Hartley is the hero as Celtic win again​

It is often said that the mark of champions is the ability to win when not at your best. On today's evidence, Celtic showed they are more than capable of notching up a fourth straight league title.

Winning ugly was the order of the day and the Celtic were once again made to wait until late in the day to seal the points - courtesy of a Paul Hartley strike.​

Goal hero Hartley saved the day​

The champions started slowly and bottom-of-the-table Accies had the better of the early exchanges, something which was reflected by the scoreline after 15 minutes.

Hamilton took the lead through a superb header from Richard Offiong. The striker got in between Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus to get on the end of a superb cross and raise the decibel levels inside New Douglas Park.

The travelling support were hoping that that this would spark their side into life - but that wasnt the case.
15 minutes went by before Strachan's men were awarded a somewhat fortuitous penalty. There was no denying it was a foul and a sending off for Martin Canning - but the infringement was outside the box.

The responsibility fell to Shunsuke Nakamura to pull his side level. After misses from the spot by Hartley, Maloney and Robson already this year you could have forgiven the little Japanese playmaker for being nervous.
Unfortunately for Hamilton, Celtic's dead ball expert showed his set-piece prowess once again to make it 1-1 after 39 minutes.​

Trademark set-piece goal​

Celtic's sluggish performance continued into the second half. Barry Robson replaced Mark Wilson at left-back, but his work rate and determination couldn't inspire his tired looking team-mates.

With Scott McDonald pulling out before kick-off due to illness, it seemed as though the growing injury list had finally taken its toll as Celtic failed to create an opening against the ten men.

It looked more and more like the game was heading for a draw, as Celtic looked to find a late goal - a trademark of Strachan's time at the helm.

True to form, the goal came with just 5 minutes remaining. Paul Hartley took it on his chest and after exchanging a neat one-two with Scott Brown, lashed the ball home for the win his side came for.


Strachan will be hoping his side make lighter work of St.Mirren next weekend.​