2012-02-22: Celtic 2-0 Dunfermline, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2011 – 2012 | 2011-2012 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic go 20pts clear albeit one more game played.
• We can go 23pts ahead before the Huns even play on Sunday!
• Charlie Mulgrew scores a beezer of a long range shot!
• Huns in freefall as administration bites. It's ice cream and jelly.
• Huns claiming our European cup is now invalid as we changed our name from led to PLC. Don't worry we know it makes no sense.
• Stories that Hun players registered with a third party not main company. If it breaks rules then penalties will be severe.
• 110 days and we have a swing of 35 points. That's every 3.14 days we gained a point. Easy as Pi!

Review

(Arsene Parselie of KDS)
A night where we were under no pressure whatsoever.

Now that the league is won(!), there was no real tension in the ground at all, and even the "party" songs were muted slightly.

It smacked of the easy league wins of the Larsson years when we just knew we would win even though the opposition tried their damndest to have two banks of 5 at all times in their half.

We were a bit one dimensional at times, trying to play in and around Dunfermline's area, and this meant there were no real clear cut chances of any note in the first half. The one time we changed the pattern was where Hooper was put through and the keeper got it out for the corner.

After Mulgrew's howitzer the crowd eased off a little and we went into library mode for the most part.

The defence had such an easy time that they switched off at the two Dunfermline corners to the back post which resulted in decent on target headers.
Forster never touched the ball with his hands until about 20 mins in.

Ki ran the show, ably assisted by the other midfielders, and Hooper although he missed one close in, had a decent game as he linked up play well, and chased down and won a couple off their defenders and put in a great cross for Forrest's goal.

Stokes was back to his frustrating worst. Always tries the fancy through ball even though a simpler pass would be more constructive, the Sebo miss and the one where he cracked up at someone (Ki?) for not leaving it for him, followed up by him giving up the chase to turn round, to glare at his team mate.
The thing that annoys me most about him is that he has the ability but his attitude is to fling his hands up in a petulant strop if something is not to his liking instead of facing the ball and chasing it.
He wasn't offside too much though, which was nice.

Samaras was back to his comedic best. I've not fallen for the mood change that sees him being lauded as a different player. He is exactly the same.
Frustrating, annoying, head down, won't pass at the right time. Then just to be contrary he''ll ldo something astounding.
Most of the time though the astounding is followed by a sclaff or him falling on his arse, like the one near the end. All of our section were pishing ourselves at that one. I just don't think he's got the brain to be anything other than a law unto himself.
We know he has qualities which if he showed more consistently would seem him playing elsewhere. I just don't think he's reliable enough.

Overall, an easy, unexciting stroll against a team struggling to avoid a humping and this could be what it's like in future seasons for most games if we are 20 odd points ahead by Christmas and the huns aren't around to laugh at or challenge.

If we get what we wish for it might get boring.

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Celtic v Dunfermline

Possession

72 v 28

Articles

Celtic's Charlie Mulgrew and James Forrest too much for Dunfermline

Scottish Premier League 2011-12
Celtic 2

Mulgrew 32,
Forrest 75

Dunfermline 0

Ewan Murray at Celtic Park
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 22 February 2012 21.52 GMT

Celtic's lead in the Scottish Premier League is such that not even complacency represents a danger to them. They are in the midst of the longest title-winning party in history.

That margin over Rangers, whose troubles are an apparently continued cause for celebration among the Celtic support, now stands at 20 points. Lennon's team have equalled the 13-game winning streak in all competitions last achieved by Martin O'Neill's Celtic side of 2003-4.

"I couldn't ask for any more from the players. I am very proud of them," said the manager Neil Lennon. "I have told them not to spoil this run, not to let it get away. Something like this might only happen once in your career."

Dunfermline Athletic have more negative matters to concern themselves with. They arrived in Glasgow as the favourites for relegation and left boosted only by the fact their nearest rivals, Hibernian, lost by the odd goal in seven at Motherwell.

"Celtic were the better side," conceded their manager Jim McIntyre. "I'm not going to say on the balance of chances made that we deserved something from the game, because we didn't."

The size of Celtic's squad renders rotation a perfectly reasonable concept, their championship advantage aside. Lennon duly freshened his team up here. Yet Dunfermline could have handed Celtic an early shock. Only poor control from Liam Buchanan meant the forward did not, as should have been the case, hand his team-mate Kyle Hutton a glorious opportunity to open the scoring.

Celtic's response was immediate. Gary Hooper latched on to an Anthony Stokes pass but the forward was denied, when clean through on goal, by an excellent save from Chris Smith.

Their opening goal arrived in more spectacular circumstances. Charlie Mulgrew has not only proved a defensive revelation for Lennon this season, he has chipped in with important goals. Few of them have been routine: a fierce 30-yard shot which flew past Smith was the latest of them. Kris Commons passed up two chances to double that lead before the break.

Stokes and Hooper seemed to use the start of the second half to conduct a competition as to who could miss the most glaring opportunity. The former screwed wide from six yards, with his strike partner blazing wildly over the bar from a similar range. Scott Brown was more accurate, but Smith smartly saved the Celtic captain's effort after 66 minutes.

Hooper at least atoned for his earlier profligacy by setting up Celtic's second goal. The forward sent over a cross from the right flank which eluded everyone except the substitute James Forrest at the back post. The young winger could not miss, and he did not.

BBC

Celtic moved 20 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a confident display of power that leaves Dunfermline rooted to the bottom.

Charlie Mulgrew celebrated his first Scotland call-up with a spectacular drive from 30 yards after 32 minutes.

Pars goalkeeper Chris Smith might have done better with that but pulled off a series of saves to prevent a rout.

But James Forrest forced the ball home from a Gary Hooper cross after 75 minutes to secure Celtic's win.

It was Celtic's 13th in a row in all competitions, equalling a feat achieved by Martin O'Neill's side in 2004, and 19 in domestic games.

Dunfermline's only consolation was news from Fir Park of Hibernian's 4-3 defeat by Motherwell that leaves the Pars tied with the Leith outfit on points but behind on goal difference and having played a game more.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon showed the strength of his squad by giving starts to Cha Du-ri, Emilio Izaguirre, Ki Sung-yueng and Kris Commons in place of Forrest, Adam Matthews, Victor Wanyama and Thomas Rogne.

Dunfermline boss Jim McIntyre adopted a defensive formation, with Andy Dowie, Paul Burns, Ryan Thomson and Liam Buchanan coming in for Martin Hardie, Gary Mason, Jordan McMillan and the injured Andy Kirk.

Ki tested Smith with a drive from distance that the goalkeeper saved and he also touched a Hooper shot round the post.

It was one-way traffic and Smith made another decent save, this time from Anthony Stokes' drive before Commons fired over the bar.

Celtic were spraying the ball about the pitch confidently and at speed and a Hooper header was gathered by Smith.

Mulgrew, named in Craig Levein's squad for next week's friendly in Slovenia, made the breakthrough when he had a go from 30 yards and the powerful drive deceived Smith.

The goalkeeper prevented a second with a block after Hooper set up Commons 12 yards out before parrying to safety the latter's effort from outside the box.

Despite the pressure, Dunfermline could have levelled when defender Alex Keddie headed straight at goalkeeper Fraser Forster from Joe Cardle's corner.
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Pars boss McIntyre rearranged his defence at the break, with Austin McCann replacing the injured Kevin Rutkiewicz.

Stokes missed a gilt-edged chance when found by Izaguirre's cross to the back post, but the striker was left with head in hands after knocking his effort wide.

Buchanan squandered a chance at the other end before Smith was the Dunfermline hero again, blocking from Joe Ledley, with Hooper skying the rebound.

Smith produced yet another finger-tip save to deny Scott Brown, but Celtic gave themselves the breathing space they were looking for when Forrest finished off Hooper's cross.

Commons fired over then forced another parry from Smith, who also beat away a Hooper effort, as Dunfermline managed to prevent a heavier defeat.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +1:35

The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
90:00 +0:56

Effort on goal by Kris Commons from just inside the area clears the bar.
89:49

Sung-Yeung Ki decides to take a short corner.
88:15

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Sung-Yeung Ki from the left by-line, clearance made by Alex Keddie.
86:53

Effort from 18 yards by Gary Hooper. Save made by Fraser Forster.
85:07

The offside flag is raised against Georgios Samaras. Indirect free kick taken by Chris Smith.
83:55

Patrick Boyle takes a shot. Save by Fraser Forster.
83:04

Centre by James Forrest.
82:14

Shot by Kris Commons from 18 yards. Save by Chris Smith.
82:45

Charlie Mulgrew takes a shot. Austin McCann gets a block in.
82:29

Short corner taken by Georgios Samaras from the right by-line.
82:14

Kris Commons takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Chris Smith makes a save.
81:58

Short corner worked by Georgios Samaras.
81:00

Martin Hardie challenges Charlie Mulgrew unfairly and gives away a free kick. Charlie Mulgrew takes the free kick.
80:24

A cross is delivered by James Forrest, Kris Commons takes a shot from just outside the penalty area which clears the crossbar.
78:44

The ball is swung over by Du-Ri Cha, clearance by David Graham.
78:28

Free kick awarded for a foul by Martin Hardie on Kelvin Wilson. Kris Commons takes the free kick.
77:58

Georgios Samaras takes a short corner.
76:51 Substitution

Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Pawel Brozek coming on for Scott Brown.
74:22

Gary Hooper provided the assist for the goal.
74:22 Goal scored

Goal – James Forrest – Celtic 2 – 0 Dunf'mline James Forrest finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Celtic 2-0 Dunfermline.
72:32

Corner taken left-footed by Kris Commons, Paul Burns makes a clearance.
72:01

Gary Hooper challenges Chris Smith unfairly and gives away a free kick. Chris Smith takes the direct free kick.
71:27

Corner taken left-footed by Kris Commons, clearance made by Ryan Thomson.
71:21

The ball is sent over by Scott Brown, Austin McCann makes a clearance.
70:56

Short corner taken by Sung-Yeung Ki.
70:49

Centre by Joe Ledley, Alex Keddie manages to make a clearance.
67:26

Charlie Mulgrew takes the inswinging corner, Paul Willis makes a clearance.
66:10

Inswinging corner taken by Sung-Yeung Ki, clearance by Alex Keddie.
66:10 Substitution

Substitution Martin Hardie joins the action as a substitute, replacing Liam Buchanan.
66:10 Substitution

Substitution Georgios Samaras comes on in place of Anthony Stokes.
66:10 Substitution

Substitution James Forrest on for Emilio Izaguirre.
65:43

The ball is delivered by Joe Ledley, Scott Brown takes a shot. Save by Chris Smith.
63:25

Paul Willis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kris Commons. Anthony Stokes has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
62:07

Kris Commons produces a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target.
59:11

Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Paul Willis, Ryan Thomson takes a shot. Emilio Izaguirre gets a block in.
59:11 Substitution

Substitution Joe Cardle goes off and Paul Willis comes on.
59:11

Corner taken right-footed by Ryan Thomson, Ryan Thomson takes a shot. Blocked by Emilio Izaguirre.
59:11 Substitution

Substitution Paul Willis is brought on as a substitute for Joe Cardle.
57:10

Unfair challenge on Kelvin Wilson by Ryan Thomson results in a free kick.
57:18

Joe Ledley takes the free kick.
57:18 Booking

Booking Ryan Thomson is booked.
57:10

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kelvin Wilson by Ryan Thomson.
56:29

Shot from close in by Gary Hooper misses to the left of the target.
56:17

Effort from 12 yards by Joe Ledley. Save by Chris Smith.
56:12

Du-Ri Cha produces a cross, Patrick Boyle manages to make a clearance.
55:39

Gary Hooper takes a shot. Save made by Chris Smith.
54:56

Joe Ledley takes a shot. Save by Chris Smith.
54:51

A cross is delivered by Du-Ri Cha.
53:34

Gary Hooper produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty area which goes wide of the left-hand post.
52:05

Emilio Izaguirre produces a cross.
51:45

Du-Ri Cha produces a cross, clearance made by Patrick Boyle.
50:18

The referee penalises Gary Hooper for handball. Kyle Hutton takes the free kick.
49:37

The ball is sent over by Sung-Yeung Ki, Header by Joe Ledley from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the target.
48:48

The ball is crossed by Emilio Izaguirre, Anthony Stokes produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty area which goes wide of the right-hand post.
48:28

Emilio Izaguirre delivers the ball, Andy Dowie manages to make a clearance.
47:16

Kris Commons sends in a cross, save by Chris Smith.
46:20

Anthony Stokes sends in a cross, clearance by Andy Dowie.
45:31

Foul by Austin McCann on Gary Hooper, free kick awarded. Kris Commons takes the free kick.
45:01

The second half has started.
45:01 Substitution

Substitution Austin McCann comes on in place of Kevin Rutkiewicz.
45:00 +0:03

The whistle is blown to end the first half.
44:04

The ball is sent over by Anthony Stokes, Kevin Rutkiewicz makes a clearance.
43:08

Effort on goal by Emilio Izaguirre from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.
42:40

The ball is sent over by Du-Ri Cha, clearance by Patrick Boyle.
41:53

A cross is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Joe Ledley goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
39:49

Unfair challenge on Kyle Hutton by Scott Brown results in a free kick. Andy Dowie restarts play with the free kick.
38:53

Corner taken right-footed by Joe Cardle from the left by-line, Alex Keddie takes a shot. Save by Fraser Forster.
38:30

Kris Commons takes a shot. Save made by Chris Smith.
37:17

David Graham fouled by Emilio Izaguirre, the ref awards a free kick. Chris Smith takes the direct free kick.
37:01

Corner taken by Kris Commons played to the near post, clearance made by David Graham.
36:44

Kris Commons takes a shot. Save made by Chris Smith.
36:32

Joe Cardle sends in a cross, clearance by Sung-Yeung Ki.
35:22

Drilled right-footed shot by Kris Commons. Chris Smith makes a save.
35:05

The ball is sent over by Anthony Stokes.
34:23

Free kick awarded for a foul by Emilio Izaguirre on David Graham. Free kick taken by Andy Dowie.
33:34

Ryan Thomson concedes a free kick for a foul on Joe Ledley. Free kick taken by Joe Ledley.
31:58

Sung-Yeung Ki provided the assist for the goal.
31:58 Goal scored

Goal – Charlie Mulgrew – Celtic 1 – 0 Dunf'mline Goal scored by Charlie Mulgrew to to the top left corner of the goal. Celtic 1-0 Dunfermline.
31:24

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre, Patrick Boyle manages to make a clearance.
29:51

Du-Ri Cha sends in a cross, clearance by Joe Cardle.
29:19

The ball is delivered by Kris Commons, Gary Hooper takes a shot. Save made by Andy Dowie.
28:01

Kris Commons crosses the ball, clearance by Alex Keddie.
26:56

Scott Brown gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Patrick Boyle. Direct free kick taken by Chris Smith.
22:44

Effort on goal by Kris Commons from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar.
22:35

Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Save by Chris Smith.
21:04

The ball is swung over by Du-Ri Cha.
20:35

The ball is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre.
19:24

Sung-Yeung Ki takes a inswinging corner.
19:07

Short corner taken by Kris Commons.
18:43

Gary Hooper takes a shot. Save made by Chris Smith.
17:44

Corner taken right-footed by Joe Cardle, clearance by Joe Ledley.
16:55

Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Sung-Yeung Ki, Alex Keddie makes a clearance. Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Sung-Yeung Ki.
15:42

The offside flag is raised against Gary Hooper. Chris Smith restarts play with the free kick.
14:29

Centre by Emilio Izaguirre.
13:45

Liam Buchanan challenges Emilio Izaguirre unfairly and gives away a free kick. Emilio Izaguirre restarts play with the free kick.
13:16

Du-Ri Cha delivers the ball, comfortable save by Chris Smith.
12:22

Centre by Kris Commons, Kevin Rutkiewicz manages to make a clearance.
11:05

Centre by Anthony Stokes.
8:16

Du-Ri Cha crosses the ball, Kevin Rutkiewicz makes a clearance.
7:38

Shot by Sung-Yeung Ki from 35 yards. Save by Chris Smith.
6:21

Corner from the right by-line taken by Kris Commons, Patrick Boyle manages to make a clearance.
6:17

The ball is sent over by Du-Ri Cha, Patrick Boyle manages to make a clearance.
5:26

The referee blows for offside against Anthony Stokes. Indirect free kick taken by Chris Smith.
4:42

Du-Ri Cha produces a cross.
3:55

Liam Buchanan is caught offside. Charlie Mulgrew takes the indirect free kick.
0:00

The ref blows the whistle to start the match.