2013-02-24: Celtic 5-0 Dundee, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2012 – 2013 | 2012-13 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic stay on top of the league, no surprise but it's a long way down to the next side especially with Motherwell getting hammered day before in their match.
• 21pts ahead in league now, and four wins away from league title win!
• McGeouch plays and gives a great performance, and scores with a great header.
• Crowd very sparse today. Very disappointing and likely true attendance was one of the lowest crowds for a Celtic league match since 90s.
• Off field news mainly surrounds treatment of fans by police authorities. Green Brigade stepping up action handing out leaflets explaining their position. At moment, not easy for club but they are taking it seriously.
• Celtic confirm interest for Ambrose from Liverpool, who just got knocked out of the Uefa Cup.
• Ex-Celt Paul Elliott who has tirelessly worked for anti-racism groups (and recently became the first black footballer to receive a CBE) had to resign from England's FA. He sadly texted an offensive term following a dispute (business related) with another black footballer (Richard Rufus). He'd uncharacteristically described him using the offensive "n" word. Disappointing but we know it's not representative of his general manner.
• Newco Rangers in the deep after strong loud sectarian & bigoted singing at Newco v Berwick Rangers match. ESPN apologised during game for the audible bigotted singing, and Newco management had to come out to defend themselves & distance themselves (sic!).

Review

(Columbo of KDS forum)
Mince first half – much better second and some quality goals.

No excuse for the poor start – it is vital for us to be entertaining at home with attendances on the slide.

Ledley was excellent , Stokes and Dylan excellent in the second half.

Not a fan of the automatic red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity but that one at the end on Miku for surely one.

Stayed till the final whistle , by the time we got back to the car there was hardly any traffic – sad to see so many empty seats.

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Stats

Match Stats
Celtic Dundee

Possession
39% 61%
90mins

Shots
22 7

On target
9 2

Corners
3 6

Fouls
15 10

Articles

Celtic 5-0 Dundee: Helping hand from Rab Douglas

By STEPHEN HALLIDAY
Published on Monday 25 February 2013 00:46

WITH an unwitting helping hand from an old boy, Celtic stretched 21 points clear at the top of the SPL and left turmoil-stricken Dundee hopelessly adrift at the bottom.

SCORERS: Celtic – Ledley (13, 73), Forrest (pen 49), McGeouch (57), Hooper (83)

Referee: K Clancy

Attendance: 39,959

In what was most likely his final appearance at Celtic Park, 40-year-old Robert Douglas was sadly culpable for the 13th-minute goal which gave his former club a 1-0 half-time advantage.

It undermined an otherwise enterprising first-half display from Dundee, watched from the directors’ box by new interim manager John Brown, and they were further undone by another of their most experienced players after the break.

Just four minutes after appearing as a substitute, Matt Lockwood conceded a penalty kick and was sent off to pave the way for a second-half romp by Neil Lennon’s men.

The finishing line is now in clear sight for Celtic who require a maximum of just 13 points from their remaining 10 league fixtures to retain their crown.

But before Douglas committed the error which handed Celtic the lead, the home side were fortunate not to be punished for a mistake by their own goalkeeper at the other end.

Since returning from his recent neck injury, Fraser Forster has yet to recapture the exceptional form which illuminated the first half of his team’s season. The big Englishman looked far from convincing in the fifth minute here when his error seemed to have given Dundee a shock advantage.

Gary Harkins, the most eye-catching player on view for the visitors in the first half, whipped over a free-kick from the left which Forster could only fumble into the net at his near post. But the celebrations of the Dundee players were cut short by assistant referee Michael Banks’ flag, the official spotting that John Baird had edged narrowly offside as he made a run towards the post where Forster blundered.

There was no such reprieve for Dundee when Douglas was fully punished for his poor handling eight minutes later. Celtic created space smartly down the left through an exchange of passes between Emilio Izaguirre and Anthony Stokes, but Douglas should have dealt comfortably with the Honduran full-back’s cross.

Instead, he spilled the ball into the path of Joe Ledley who gratefully tapped in his fifth goal of the season from around six yards out.

Celtic, showing five changes to the starting line-up which drew at St Johnstone in midweek, looked to build on the breakthrough and exert the dominance expected of them against opponents 45 points behind them at kick-off. They almost grabbed a rapid second goal, but James Forrest scuffed his close-range shot from Gary Hooper’s cross and Douglas was able to block it.

But Dundee remained ambitious and competitive for the rest of the first half, threatening to equalise on more than one occasion. Declan Gallagher wastefully headed wide from Jim McAllister’s corner, while Harkins was desperately frustrated to see a deflected shot off Efe Ambrose superbly touched over by Forster, before heading against the crossbar from the resulting corner.

With Gary Hooper uncharacteristically wayward in front of goal, passing up a couple of premium opportunities, Celtic had to settle for their 1-0 lead at the break. But Lockwood’s fateful introduction to proceedings at the start of the second half, as a replacement for Brian Easton, wiped out any prospect of Dundee staging a recovery.

The veteran English defender blatantly fouled Hooper just as the striker was about to latch onto a Forrest cross inside the six-yard box. It was a simple decision for referee Kevin Clancy who awarded the penalty kick and showed a straight red card to Lockwood for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

With first-choice spot-kick taker Kris Commons not on duty, Forrest grabbed the ball and calmly sent Douglas the wrong way to make it 2-0. It was effectively game over and just a question of how successful the remaining 10 Dundee players could be in terms of damage limitation.

It soon resembled a glorified training exercise for Celtic as they knocked the ball around neatly in pursuit of gaps in Dundee’s enforced rearguard action. Anthony Stokes was linking play up cleverly for the home side and he created their third goal in the 57th minute. His cross from the left picked out Dylan McGeouch at the far post and the 20-year-old intelligently headed the ball back across goal and beyond Douglas’ right hand into corner of the net.

Stokes, whose own search for what would have been a deserved goal was denied by a fine Douglas save, was the provider again when Celtic made it 4-0. The Irishman cut the ball back into the path of Ledley who drove home a firm left foot shot via the underside of the crossbar from eight yards.

Ledley, captain once more in the absence of Scott Brown, completed a fine individual display by setting up Celtic’s fifth in the 83rd minute. The Welshman’s superb lofted pass found Hooper, who rediscovered his deadly touch by ramming home his 24th goal of the season from close range.

Celtic: Forster, Ambrose (Wanyama 42), Rogne, Wilson, Izaguirre (Rogic 65), McGeouch, Kayal, Ledley, Forrest (Miku 71), Stokes, Hooper. Subs: Zaluska, Samaras, Lassad, McCourt.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Gallagher, Easton (Lockwood 46); Riley (Morgan 78), Davidson, McAllister, Conroy; J.Baird, Harkins (McBride 69). Subs: A.Baird, Nish, Milne, Grassi.

BBC
By Martin Conaghan BBC Scotland

Joe Ledley netted twice as Celtic ran out comfortable winners at home to Dundee in the Scottish Premier League.

The Welsh midfielder capitalised on a Rab Douglas fumble after Dundee had an early strike ruled offside.

Matt Lockwood was dismissed at the start of the second half for a foul on Gary Hooper, with James Forrest converting from the penalty spot.

Dylan McGeoch nodded in the third, then Ledley made it four with a close-range strike and Hooper fired in the fifth.

Dundee's new interim manager John Brown watched from the stand and may have been harbouring thoughts of a great escape from relegation after a promising first-half display.

But the league's bottom side were completely overwhelmed following Lockwood's dismissal.

And the margin of Celtic's victory could have been greater as they extended their advantage to 21 points at the top of the table.

With just six minutes played, Dundee had the ball in the net after Gary Harkins curled in a free-kick from wide on the left that evaded keeper Fraser Forster, but referee Kevin Clancy ruled Iain Davidson's flick-on offside.

Celtic recovered quickly from the early scare to take a 13th-minute lead when Emilio Izaguirre delivered a tempting ball that Douglas fumbled and Ledley shot had the easiest of finishes.

Dundee's Declan Gallagher could have done better with a header from a corner, then Brian Easton almost cashed in on a defensive blunder by Efe Ambrose, but the Nigeria defender recovered to clear.

Hooper warmed the hands of Douglas with a blistering 25-yard effort on 30 minutes as the hosts cranked up the pressure, then Izaguirre was kept out by the former Celtic keeper with another goal-bound drive.

With 10 minutes remaining of the first half, Forster was at full-stretch to tip over a lofted Harkins shot, then the former Killie man headed against the crossbar from a corner as Dundee endured a luckless spell.

Immediately following the restart, Anthony Stokes had the ball in the back of the Dundee net, but the referee ruled the Irishman had used too much force when barging an opponent aside.

Less than a minute later, Lockwood was dismissed for a tug on Hooper as the striker was sliding in to get on the end of a low Forrest cross.

Forrest stepped up to convert the spot-kick and hand Celtic a two-goal cushion.

The hosts extended their lead in the 58th minute when Stokes flighted a great ball towards the back post and McGeoch steered a strong header past Douglas.

Stokes then linked up with Hooper inside the Dundee penalty area but Douglas managed to keep out the close-range effort.

Dundee suffered a further blow when Ledley crashed in the fourth of the day after Stokes powered into the penalty area and cut back for the skipper to thunder home.

The visitors' misery continued into the closing stages of the match when Ledley clipped a ball for Hooper to control on his chest and shoot past Douglas.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +3:28 Full time

Full Time The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.
90:00 +3:00

Gary Hooper takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the crossbar.
90:00 +2:15

Anthony Stokes produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick.
90:00 +2:15 Booking

Booking Gary Irvine is given a yellow card.
90:00 +2:01

Free kick awarded for a foul by Gary Irvine on Nicolas Fedor Miku.
90:00 +1:03

Unfair challenge on John Baird by Victor Wanyama results in a free kick. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from John Baird, Fraser Forster makes a save.
90:00 +0:24

Gary Hooper has an effort at goal from close in which goes wide left of the goal.
89:40

David Morgan concedes a free kick for a foul on Joe Ledley. Free kick taken by Anthony Stokes.
88:07

The offside flag is raised against Anthony Stokes. Indirect free kick taken by Kyle Benedictus.
87:30

Nicolas Fedor Miku takes a shot. Save made by Rab Douglas.
85:59

The ball is delivered by Anthony Stokes.
84:59

Joe Ledley produces a cross, Kevin McBride manages to make a clearance.
82:43

The assist for the goal came from Joe Ledley.
82:43 Goal scored

Goal – Gary Hooper – Celtic 5 – 0 Dundee A goal is scored by Gary Hooper from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Celtic 5-0 Dundee.
82:06

The offside flag is raised against Anthony Stokes. David Morgan takes the direct free kick.
81:32

Foul by Beram Kayal on James McAlister, free kick awarded. Rab Douglas takes the free kick.
79:37

The ball is swung over by Tom Rogic, clearance made by Kevin McBride.
79:03

John Baird concedes a free kick for a foul on Thomas Rogne. Nicolas Fedor Miku takes the direct free kick.
77:30 Substitution

Substitution Nicky Riley leaves the field to be replaced by David Morgan.
73:39

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Baird by Victor Wanyama. Kevin McBride takes the direct free kick.
72:33

The assist for the goal came from Anthony Stokes.
72:33 Goal scored

Goal – Joe Ledley – Celtic 4 – 0 Dundee A goal is scored by Joe Ledley from inside the area to the top right corner of the goal. Celtic 4-0 Dundee.
71:38

Iain Davidson fouled by Tom Rogic, the ref awards a free kick. Kevin McBride takes the direct free kick.
71:12

Dylan McGeouch delivers the ball, Gary Irvine manages to make a clearance.
69:47 Substitution

Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Nicolas Fedor Miku coming on for James Forrest.
69:02

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kelvin Wilson by Gary Irvine. Free kick taken by Thomas Rogne.
68:46

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nicky Riley by Joe Ledley. Kevin McBride takes the free kick.
67:06 Substitution

Substitution Kevin McBride comes on in place of Gary Harkins.
67:06

Corner from right by-line taken by Ryan Conroy.
66:29

Gary Hooper takes a shot. Save by Rab Douglas.
64:39 Substitution

Substitution Emilio Izaguirre leaves the field to be replaced by Tom Rogic.
62:45

Free kick awarded for a foul by Joe Ledley on Nicky Riley. Free kick taken by Gary Irvine.
61:10

Gary Irvine gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Anthony Stokes. Kelvin Wilson restarts play with the free kick.
60:27

Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Save by Rab Douglas. Anthony Stokes takes a shot from inside the six-yard box clearing the crossbar.
58:58

Shot from just outside the box by Victor Wanyama goes over the bar.
58:12

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Dylan McGeouch from the right by-line, clearance by Declan Gallagher.
56:53

The assist for the goal came from Anthony Stokes.
56:53 Goal scored

Goal – Dylan McGeouch – Celtic 3 – 0 Dundee Dylan McGeouch grabs a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Celtic 3-0 Dundee.
55:20

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kelvin Wilson by John Baird. Kelvin Wilson restarts play with the free kick.
53:59

Victor Wanyama takes a shot. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Emilio Izaguirre from the right by-line.
48:18 Dismissal

Dismissal The referee sends off Matthew Lockwood for professional foul.
48:03

Unfair challenge on Gary Hooper by Matthew Lockwood results in a Penalty.
52:21

Centre by Kelvin Wilson, blocked by Ryan Conroy.
51:37

Anthony Stokes produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide left of the target.
49:10 Goal scored

Goal – James Forrest – Celtic 2 – 0 Dundee James Forrest scores a placed penalty. Celtic 2-0 Dundee.
48:18 Dismissal

Dismissal Matthew Lockwood is sent off.
48:03

Matthew Lockwood challenges Gary Hooper unfairly and gives away a Penalty.
47:17

Anthony Stokes concedes a free kick for a foul on Kyle Benedictus. Rab Douglas takes the direct free kick.
46:23

Dylan McGeouch delivers the ball, Kyle Benedictus manages to make a clearance.
45:15

The assistant referee flags for offside against Gary Harkins. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
45:01

The second half begins.
45:01 Substitution

Substitution Matthew Lockwood joins the action as a substitute, replacing Brian Easton.
45:00 +0:07 Half time

Half Time The half-time whistle blows.
44:23

The ball is delivered by Gary Hooper, Brian Easton makes a clearance.
43:17

Gary Harkins gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Thomas Rogne. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
42:31

Ryan Conroy produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick, clearance made by Kelvin Wilson.
42:31 Booking

Booking Booking for Thomas Rogne for unsporting behaviour.
42:14

Thomas Rogne concedes a free kick for a foul on Nicky Riley.
41:18 Substitution

Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Victor Wanyama coming on for Efe Ambrose.
41:09

Anthony Stokes produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the goal.
39:25

Free kick awarded for a foul by Joe Ledley on John Baird. Gary Harkins fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick.
38:30

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre, Rab Douglas makes a save.
37:22

The ball is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance by Gary Irvine. James Forrest takes a shot. Emilio Izaguirre takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, Gary Harkins manages to make a clearance.
34:45

The ball is sent over by Nicky Riley, Gary Harkins takes a shot. Save by Fraser Forster. Inswinging corner taken by Ryan Conroy, Header from just outside the box by Gary Harkins goes over the bar.
33:38

Free kick awarded for a foul by Anthony Stokes on Gary Irvine. Kyle Benedictus restarts play with the free kick.
32:37

The ball is swung over by Efe Ambrose, Declan Gallagher makes a clearance.
32:10

Dylan McGeouch crosses the ball, clearance by Rab Douglas.
31:18

Effort from inside the six-yard box by Gary Hooper goes wide left of the target.
30:41

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Beram Kayal by John Baird. Direct free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.
30:23

Centre by Anthony Stokes.
29:22

Emilio Izaguirre takes a shot. Rab Douglas makes a save.
28:58

The ball is sent over by Joe Ledley, Brian Easton manages to make a clearance.
27:50

Shot by Gary Hooper from just outside the area goes over the net. Gary Hooper has an effort at goal. Save made by Rab Douglas.
26:18

Effort on goal by Emilio Izaguirre from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
25:24

Nicky Riley produces a cross, Brian Easton has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.
24:53

Inswinging corner taken by James McAlister, clearance by Thomas Rogne.
23:09

A cross is delivered by Brian Easton, clearance made by Thomas Rogne. Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by James McAlister.
22:31

Iain Davidson fouled by Joe Ledley, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Nicky Riley.
22:13

Nicky Riley sends in a cross.
18:53

John Baird has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the target.
18:15

The ball is swung over by Brian Easton, Kelvin Wilson manages to make a clearance. Dylan McGeouch challenges Ryan Conroy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Iain Davidson takes the free kick.
16:26

Corner taken by Ryan Conroy, clearance by Efe Ambrose.
15:55

A cross is delivered by Gary Hooper.
14:45

The assistant referee signals for offside against Declan Gallagher. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.
14:15

Foul by Kelvin Wilson on John Baird, free kick awarded. Ryan Conroy takes the free kick.
13:23

Centre by Brian Easton, Efe Ambrose manages to make a clearance.
12:31 Goal scored

Goal – Joe Ledley – Celtic 1 – 0 Dundee Joe Ledley grabs a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Celtic 1-0 Dundee.
12:12

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre, save by Rab Douglas.
10:28

Emilio Izaguirre crosses the ball.
9:28

Free kick awarded for a foul by Iain Davidson on Beram Kayal. Thomas Rogne takes the direct free kick.
8:58

The ball is sent over by Iain Davidson, save by Fraser Forster.
8:34

Corner from the right by-line taken by Ryan Conroy, clearance by Kelvin Wilson.
7:04

Efe Ambrose produces a cross, clearance by Iain Davidson.
4:28

John Baird fouled by Thomas Rogne, the ref awards a free kick. Gary Harkins takes the free kick. The referee blows for offside against Iain Davidson. Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
3:57

The ball is crossed by Anthony Stokes, Rab Douglas makes a save.
3:26

The assistant referee flags for offside against Anthony Stokes. Indirect free kick taken by Kyle Benedictus.
2:42

Effort from inside the area by Efe Ambrose misses to the right of the goal. The ball is sent over by Anthony Stokes.
1:52

Joe Ledley concedes a free kick for a foul on Nicky Riley. Gary Irvine takes the free kick.
0:00

The ref blows the whistle to start the match.

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