2013-02-27: Motherwell 2-1 Celtic, SPL

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Trivia

• Celtic 19pts ahead in league.
• Celtic slip back in pursuit for the title, and possibly a record gap title win. It's like when we were tripping up repeatedly earlier in season. Competitive for the rest at this point with few points between second and ninth.
• Neil Lennon makes a half-masked plea for fans to renew their season tickets, concerned by some attendances.
• News that ESPN tv selling their sports rights to BT Sport, that includes some SPL rights.
• The Rangers Newco drew the previous night v Stirling Albion (failing to beat them so far).
• The judgement on the Oldco Rangers for stripping of titles etc is expected tomorrow from Lord Nimmo.

Review

(magical martino of KDS)
Samaras was slow to get started but came out in the second half and was excellent, both holding up and in his movement.

Wanyama is fast becoming a liability.

Forrest was gashuntil we scored

Commons was gash

Kayal and Rogic get pass marks

Matthews and izzy had good games but weren't spectacular

To be honest Motherwell wanted it more and that's a shame, a crying shame. Infact it's in excusable, Lennon drops his star performer from the weekend thats a joke.

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Mwell Celtic

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42% 58%
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Articles

Motherwell 2 – 1 Celtic: Well stun league leaders

The Scotsman

By STEPHEN HALLIDAY
Published on Wednesday 27 February 2013 23:18

TWO years to the day since their last win against Celtic, Motherwell ended a run of eight successive defeats to Neil Lennon’s men last night.

Scorers: Motherwell – Humphrey (31) Higdon (73); Celtic – Samaras (63)

Referee: I Brines

Attendance: 8,641

Unlike in 2011, this result will not prove costly to Celtic in the final analysis of a championship race which remains a formality. But they will now have to wait a little longer than anticipated to cross the finishing line this season.

Michael Higdon’s 19th goal of the campaign earned Motherwell a precious win in the congested battle for runners-up spot, Georgios Samaras having cancelled out Chris Humphrey’s opener.

While Celtic laid siege to the home side’s goal in the closing stages, Motherwell merited their success after a performance full of resilience, defensive diligence and no little ambition.

James McFadden, after two substitute appearances since his return to the club last week, was named in the Motherwell starting line-up for the first time by Stuart McCall.

Not since 7 January last year, when he played for Everton in an FA Cup tie against non-league Tamworth, had the Scotland international been on the pitch in a competitive fixture at kick-off time.

Deployed in a wide left midfield role, with licence to roam inside whenever the opportunity arose, McFadden made a bright enough start with a couple of elegant touches which earned the approval of the home support.

When Motherwell earned a free-kick in a promising position inside the opening five minutes, captain Keith Lasley fouled by Tom Rogic, it looked like ideal McFadden territory. But he left the set piece duty to Nicky Law, whose well struck attempt curled around the defensive wall but just wide of Fraser Forster’s right-hand post.

The inclusion of recent Australian signing Rogic in the Celtic starting line-up was one of four changes made by Lennon, with Samaras, Victor Wanyama and Kris Commons all returning to the side. Wanyama, lining up in central defence, was captain for the night.

Rogic was involved in Celtic’s first threatening move of the evening, sending James Forrest sprinting clear down the right. The winger delivered an excellent low cross into the penalty area, only for Anthony Stokes to horribly ****** what was a clear opportunity.

McFadden’s defensive diligence when his team do not have possession has often been held up as a criticism of him and he had to cope with the adventurous play of Celtic right-back Adam Matthews here. When McFadden fouled Matthews on the edge of the penalty area, Commons bent the free-kick wide of Darren Randolph’s right-hand post.

There was an uncomfortable moment for the Motherwell defence when Shaun Hutchinson miscued an attempted clearance from a Matthews cross, but fortunately for the home side the ball ricocheted kindly into the arms of Randolph.

It was a contest generally lacking in fluidity, Celtic unable to build up any concerted attacking rhythm. Motherwell enjoyed a greater share of possession than might have been anticipated and they made the most of it, grabbing their 31st- minute lead.

Celtic were caught flat-footed at the back by Law’s fine run down the right, the midfielder cutting into the penalty area and flashing the ball across the face of the six-yard box. Humphrey, unmarked at the far post, was on hand for a simple close-range tap-in.

A frustrated Celtic side struggled to produce a menacing response and finished the first-half venting their dismay at a couple of decisions by referee Iain Brines, who booked Beram Kayal for a foul on Henrik Ojamaa, which went against them.

With little sign of immediate improvement from his team at the start of the second-half, Lennon made his first change of the night in the 54th minute with Joe Ledley replacing Rogic.

At this stage, Motherwell looked just as likely to double their advantage as Celtic did to get an equaliser. But the home side were almost caught on the counter-attack from their own corner kick when Commons led a lightning quick raid for Celtic, only to be forced wide by Randolph in the penalty area as the danger petered out.

Celtic made another substitution on the hour mark, Efe Ambrose introduced at the expense of the largely ineffective Kayal, and three minutes later the champions equalised with a goal of clinical simplicity.

Forrest found space on the right and whipped over a cross which Randolph clearly anticipated was heading directly into his grasp. But the goalkeeper had not spotted the run of Samaras, who rose to head in his tenth goal of the season from close range at the near post.

The stage now seemed set for Celtic to go on and claim victory, but Motherwell were not prepared to play along with that script. McCall replaced the tiring McFadden with Stuart ­Carswell in the 71st minute and two ­minutes later watched his team regain the lead.

The excellent Law was again the creator, eluding Ambrose and finding time and space on the left to deliver a teasing cross towards the back post. It was met by a perfectly executed close range volley by Higdon to send the home fans into rapture.

Motherwell: Randolph, Hammell, Law, Hutchinson, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Higdon, Lasley, Ramsden, McFadden, Cummins SUBS: Hollis, Saunders, Higginbotham, McHugh, Daley, Carswell, Murray.

Celtic: Forster; Matthews, Rogne, Wanyama, Izaguirre; Forrest, Kayal, Rogic, Commons; Samaras, Stokes Subs: Zaluska, Ambrose, Lassad, Ledley, McCourt, McGeouch, Hooper.

BBC
By Colin Moffat BBC Scotland
Comments (54)

Michael Higdon's 19th goal of the season saw Motherwell topple Celtic at Fir Park and move back into second place in the Scottish Premier League.

Chris Humphrey slammed in a close-range shot on 31 minutes, following up a Nicky Law strike.

Celtic levelled with a Georgios Samaras header midway through the second half.

But the runaway leaders slipped to their fifth defeat of the season when Higdon arrived at the back post to volley home on 73 minutes.

James McFadden made his first start since returning to Motherwell as Stuart McCall's side looked to bounce back from consecutive league defeats.

There was a buzz around Fir Park every time McFadden touched the ball in a bright opening spell for the hosts.

However, Law, who curled an early free-kick wide, was the pick of the bunch for Stuart McCall's side, setting up both goals.

As Motherwell hunted in packs and worked really hard to press the ball, Celtic had no time to settle and the visitors lacked fluency in the first 45 minutes.
Play media

With top scorer Gary Hooper among the substitutes, Anthony Stokes was left isolated up front and the only scare for home keeper Darren Randolph came from one of his own players.

On 27 minutes, James Forrest drilled a low cross into the penalty box and Shaun Hutchinson mistimed his clearance, the ball popping off his standing leg and heading towards the net before Randolph dropped on it.

Four minutes later, the hosts were in front as Law broke forward on the right and jinked his way past an opponent to drill a shot across goal.

The ball was going narrowly wide but Humphrey followed up as the Celtic defence switched off and the winger thumped in a shot at the back post.

Some 58 minutes had passed before Celtic managed a shot on target.

Kris Commons fashioned room for a curling strike from 18 yards but the midfielder's effort lacked power and Randolph gathered with ease.

Celtic then broke at pace from defending a corner and a chipped pass from Stokes sent Commons scurrying into the penalty area, but Randolph did well to advance and force him wide to break down a promising attack.

Stokes again demonstrated good vision to release Forrest on the right and the winger's cross produced the equaliser, with Samaras getting to the ball ahead of Hutchinson and Randolph to nod in at the near post.
Play media

Celtic were doing most of the pressing but the home side took advantage of some sloppy defending at a throw-in to move ahead for a second time.

Law dashed in behind the visiting defence and checked past Efe Ambrose before standing up a lovely cross to the back post where Higdon was arriving to blast in a volley from six yards.

Randolph made a great close-range block to deny Joe Ledley, who had run on to a teasing low delivery from fellow substitute Hooper.

Commons then got on the end of another cross from Forrest but his header was straight at the increasingly busy Randolph.

The Celtic attacks kept coming and Randolph had to smother a dangerous shot from Forrest before Adam Cummins did well to block a Samaras header in a congested six-yard box.

Neil Lennon's men continued to hurtle forward in stoppage time but Motherwell held firm to edge one point ahead of Inverness Caley Thistle.
Lineup, Bookings (2) & Substitutions (6)

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +3:08 Full time

Full Time The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.
89:50

Kris Commons challenges Simon Ramsden unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.
87:39

Darren Randolph takes the free kick.
87:39 Substitution

Substitution Robert McHugh on for Michael Higdon.
87:39

Shaun Hutchinson concedes a free kick for a foul on Georgios Samaras. Kris Commons takes the direct free kick. Victor Wanyama challenges Darren Randolph unfairly and gives away a free kick.
84:38

James Forrest produces a drilled right-footed shot from 12 yards. Save by Darren Randolph.
83:11

A cross is delivered by James Forrest, Kris Commons takes a shot. Save made by Darren Randolph.
79:29

Simon Ramsden gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kris Commons. Kris Commons takes the direct free kick.
78:10

Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.
78:10 Substitution

Substitution Henrik Ojamaa leaves the field to be replaced by Kallum Higginbotham.
78:10

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Henrik Ojamaa by Efe Ambrose.
76:26

Simon Ramsden gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kris Commons. Direct free kick taken by Joe Ledley.
75:53

Joe Ledley takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.
75:22

Thomas Rogne fouled by Henrik Ojamaa, the ref awards a free kick. Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
73:55

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gary Hooper by Stewart Carswell. Free kick taken by Kris Commons.
72:15

Assist on the goal came from Nicky Law.
72:15 Goal scored

Goal – Michael Higdon – Motherwell 2 – 1 Celtic Michael Higdon gets on the score sheet with a goal from close in to the top right corner of the goal. Motherwell 2-1 Celtic.
70:26 Substitution

Substitution Anthony Stokes goes off and Gary Hooper comes on.
70:26 Substitution

Substitution (Motherwell) makes a substitution, with Stewart Carswell coming on for James McFadden.
69:32

Foul by Efe Ambrose on Michael Higdon, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Keith Lasley.
65:55

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Simon Ramsden by Anthony Stokes. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.
64:51

Stevie Hammell takes the free kick. The referee blows for offside against Michael Higdon. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
64:51 Booking

Booking The referee books Victor Wanyama for unsporting behaviour.
64:40

Victor Wanyama concedes a free kick for a foul on Henrik Ojamaa.
62:25

Assist on the goal came from James Forrest.
62:25 Goal scored

Goal – Georgios Samaras – Motherwell 1 – 1 Celtic Georgios Samaras finds the net with a headed goal from close in. Motherwell 1-1 Celtic.
59:45

Corner taken by Kris Commons played to the near post, clearance by Shaun Hutchinson.
59:45 Substitution

Substitution Beram Kayal goes off and Efe Ambrose comes on.
58:42

Corner taken by Nicky Law played to the near post, Victor Wanyama manages to make a clearance.
57:31

Effort on goal by Kris Commons from 12 yards. Save made by Darren Randolph.
54:41

Joe Ledley takes a shot from just outside the penalty area clears the crossbar.
53:44 Substitution

Substitution Tom Rogic leaves the field to be replaced by Joe Ledley.
52:12

Outswinging corner taken by Nicky Law from the right by-line, clearance by Georgios Samaras.
51:34

Keith Lasley gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tom Rogic. Kris Commons takes the free kick.
49:58

Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Kris Commons played to the near post, clearance made by Michael Higdon.
47:55

Corner taken by James McFadden from the left by-line, Victor Wanyama manages to make a clearance.
45:01

The referee starts the second half.
45:00 +0:11 Half time

Half Time The ref blows to end the first period.
44:51

Foul by Stevie Hammell on Beram Kayal, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by James Forrest.
43:21

Free kick awarded for a foul by Michael Higdon on Beram Kayal. Fraser Forster takes the direct free kick.
42:30

Direct free kick taken by Simon Ramsden.
42:30 Booking

Booking Caution for Beram Kayal.
42:15

Beram Kayal challenges Henrik Ojamaa unfairly and gives away a free kick.
39:11

Shot on goal by Michael Higdon from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
38:27

The assistant referee signals for offside against Anthony Stokes. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick.
33:12

Kris Commons produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the area and misses to the left of the goal.
30:26

The assist for the goal came from Nicky Law.
30:26 Goal scored

Goal – Chris Humphrey – Motherwell 1 – 0 Celtic Chris Humphrey finds the back of the net with a goal from close in to the top right corner of the goal. Motherwell 1-0 Celtic.
29:30

Anthony Stokes has an effort at goal from outside the penalty area missing to the wide left of the goal.
28:14

Corner taken right-footed by Nicky Law from the right by-line, clearance made by Thomas Rogne.
25:01

The assistant referee flags for offside against Michael Higdon. Indirect free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
21:02

Beram Kayal concedes a free kick for a foul on Keith Lasley. Shaun Hutchinson restarts play with the free kick.
20:12

The referee blows for offside. Thomas Rogne takes the free kick.
16:59

James McFadden gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Adam Matthews. Shot on goal comes in from Kris Commons from the free kick.
16:24

Keith Lasley takes a shot. Fraser Forster makes a comfortable save.
14:19

Free kick awarded for a foul by Stevie Hammell on James Forrest. Free kick taken by Adam Matthews.
12:28

Tom Rogic produces a drilled left-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand upright.
11:50

Free kick awarded for a foul by Henrik Ojamaa on Beram Kayal. Direct free kick taken by Victor Wanyama.
8:48

Anthony Stokes is ruled offside. Indirect free kick taken by Shaun Hutchinson.
7:58

Effort from outside the penalty box by Simon Ramsden goes wide right of the goal.
7:27

James McFadden fouled by Beram Kayal, the ref awards a free kick. Stevie Hammell restarts play with the free kick.
6:38

Foul by Henrik Ojamaa on Thomas Rogne, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
5:41

Anthony Stokes is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.
5:19

Unfair challenge on Georgios Samaras by Shaun Hutchinson results in a free kick. Kris Commons restarts play with the free kick.
3:55

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Keith Lasley by Tom Rogic. Nicky Law has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
1:38

Free kick awarded for a foul by Georgios Samaras on Keith Lasley. Free kick taken by Shaun Hutchinson.
0:57

Michael Higdon gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tom Rogic. Thomas Rogne takes the free kick.
0:00

The game begins.

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