Partick Thistle v Celtic
Wednesday 11th February 2015
Firhill Stadium
Kick off: 19:45


New Bhoys send Celts 3 points clear
​

It's exciting times for Celtic fans around the globe, as manager Ronny Deila begins a new era. Deila brought in his own players at the end of the January transfer window, and two of them scored on their debut, as a rampant Celtic strolled past Partick Thistle in a 3-0 victory.


New Bhoy, Gary Mackay Steven got off to an explosive start to his Celtic career, after opening the scoring in just 38 seconds. The highland born winger who joined Celtic at the beginning of the month, latched on to a Nir Bitton pass inside the 6 yard box with a brave lunge, and slotted the ball past goalkeeper, Scott Fox.

​

Mackay Steven gets quickfire debut goal

Ronny Deila's men continued to steamroll the Partick Thistle defence, as Celtic's other debutant - Stuart Armstrong, looked to join his mate on the scoresheet. However the 22 year old saw his shot from 20 yards fizz past the post.

The chances just kept coming, and on 9 minutes in form Stefan Johansen forced a great save from Scott Fox. The Norwegian got on the end of Scott Brown's pass, and smashed the ball with his left foot across goal. But the Thistle goalkeeper managed to keep the goal deficit at just one.

On 16 minutes Stephen O'Donnell failed to trouble Craig Gordon as he dragged his shot from 20 yards well wide of the post.

Celtic continued their great link up play, as Gary Mackay Steven linked up with Stuart Armstrong and Adam Matthews. The full back found Nir Bitton in space 25 yards out. But the Israeli snatched at it, and the shot flew well past the post and out for a Partick Thistle goal kick.

On the half hour mark Celtic doubled their lead, and it was another debut goal. This time from Stuart Armstrong. Mackay Steven linked up well with Armstrong on the edge of the box, who unselfishly played John Guidetti in. But the striker hesitated and failed to get his shot away. However he managed to find Armstrong again, and the Inverness born midfielder managed to put the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0 Celtic.

Armstong joins Mackay-Steven with a debut goal
​

Celtic continued to dominate the second half, and Gary Mackay showed off his skill to his new supporters, as he went past the Partick Thistle right back with a beautiful shift of direction, however the winger couldn't find Guidetti in the box, and Celtic went into the interval with a much deserved 2-0 lead.

Celtic looked to imitate their early first half goal in the second half, but Johansen shot well wide after the ball bounced up on the poor pitch.

In the 52nd minute Partick looked to try and trouble the Celtic defense as Stevenson and O'Donnell linked up outside the box, however Stevenson's shot was blocked by full back Emilio Izaguirre, as the Thistle fans screamed for handball.

Celtic continued to control the game, and put the game beyond Partick Thistle's reach, as Stefan Johansen showed his relentless energy to go beyond John Guidetti and composed himself to fire the ball past the Partick Goalkeeper to put Ronny Deila's Bhoys a very comfortable 3-0 up.

​

Only 2 minutes later the Norwegian midfielder found striker, John Guidetti with a superb lobbed pass. But the Swede was unlucky as he saw his spectacular volley fly just over the crossbar.

That spelled the end of the night for Stefan Johansen, who arguably put in another man of the match performance for the bhoys, as he made way for youngster Liam Henderson.

John Guidetti continued to play well up front, but a couple of controversial offside decisions denied the striker goalscoring opportunities, and it looked to be another goalless frustrating night for the on loan Man City star.

On 71 minutes Darnell Fisher replaced Adam Matthews and on 81 minutes debutant and goalscorer - Gary Mackay-Steven made way for young Callum McGregor.

Partick Thistle had their best chance of the game in the 91st minute as a thunderbolt strike forced a great save from Craig Gordon, and none of the Thistle strikers could follow it up.

Celtic have now gone 710 minutes without conceding a goal, and Ronny Deila's men go three points clear at the top of the league.

Celtic's next match will be away to St Johnstone on Saturday 14th February.