2013-08-03: Celtic 2-1 Ross County, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2013 – 2014 | 2013-14 Pictures

Trivia

• First league match of the season., first in rebranded “Scottish Premiership”.
• Honorary Chairman John Keane unfurls traditional league title flag.
• Debut for Boerrigter. One of his nicknames at Ajax from the fans was sick note, he left the Celtic pitch with an injury in the first half!
• Clubs in SPL announcing rise or no change in Season-tickets across all clubs (bar two). Good for the game in this difficult financial time.
• Summertime and the transfer window is underway.
• After defeats for Queens Park, Sevco & Clyde today & a draw for Thistle last night, Celtic are the only Glasgow team with a 100% record!
• Out so far: Miku, Lassad, Rogne, Wanyama, Hooper, Daryl Murphy
• In so far: Amido Baldé, Van Dijk, Mouyokolo, Boerrigter Sevco humiliated and knocked out the League Cup already 2-1 defeat to Forfar! Played their first round today. Humiliation for the new club. Much merriment across all
• Scottish football. Sevco in meltdown and and the season has only begun.

Review

(Tim Waits of KDS)
Utterly dominant and we played far better than the scoreline suggests. Well done Stokes, especially after being much maligned (including by me), because a draw wasn't an option and he stepped up and did the necessary. Can't believe our best new signing only lasted about half an hour … really hoping he's back in time for Wednesday.

Middle to front the team looks good other than the much discussed lack of goals … thought Brown and Ledley were excellent in midfield, the attacking play was good enough to create half a dozen clear chances.

The fullbacks all had good games I thought … Efe, though, oh dear … though he seemed to get a bit more composure as the game went on.

Thank ghod the football's back anyway …

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Stats

Celtic – Ross County
Possession
36% 64%

Shots
18 3

On target
5 1

Corners
5 2

Fouls
3 10

Articles

Celtic 2 Ross County 1: Stokes steps into the breach

Stewart Fisher
Sports Writer, The Herald
Sunday 4 August 2013

JOHN Keane, the man who stepped in at the death with a £1 million bond to keep Celtic out of administration back in 1994, was handed the honour of unfurling the championship flag at Parkhead yesterday.

Little did the fans suspect it would take another 11th-hour intervention to make sure the club picked up all three points. Only three minutes remained when Anthony Stokes shifted the ball away from Brian McLean and on to his right foot to fire in the goal which allowed Neil Lennon's side to begin their pursuit of a maiden SPFL Premiership title with a win.

The goal was late but hardly undeserved. Although Parkhead was stunned into silence by a blistering strike from Ross County's young Dutchman Darren Maatsen after just three minutes, the general narrative of this match was Celtic's post-Gary Hooper inability to convert the chances they created.

Lennon afterwards pronounced himself pleased with a patient performance, and praised the contribution of Stokes, who had also bagged the equaliser, even if his pursuit of a further striker – perhaps Kevin Doyle – remains a priority. "We worked the goalkeeper very well, hit the post and had umpteen crosses flash across goal," the Celtic manager said. "The build-up play was very pleasing and that is something we haven't had for a while.

"Anthony will maybe not get the volume of goals Gary would get but if you look at his record it is maybe one in two so he is one we really don't want to go. I just want him to keep playing the way he has played the last three years."

The two teams shared one win apiece and two draws last season but the Ross County side which afforded Celtic a guard of honour was unrecognisable from that which took the scalp of Lennon's side in Dingwall in April.

The Victoria Park club have put their faith this summer in a job lot of young Dutchmen and it didn't take long for one of them to make an impact.

The 22-year-old midfielder picked up a square pass from Stuart Kettlewell on the edge of the box, and unleashed a fierce drive which flew past Fraser Forster and hit the underside of the bar twice before ending up in the Englishman's net. "I've never hit a ball like that before," he admitted afterwards.

The hush which fell over Celtic Park after that goal was replicated just after the half-hour mark when the debut of another Dutchman, Derk Boerrigter, was brought to a premature end.

Celtic's new winger had lived up to his billing during his half-hour on the field – a good athlete who was inches away from getting on the end of at least three crosses – but did little to dispel a reputation for being injury-prone when he crumpled to the turf with what looked like an ankle problem.

In addition to Boerrigter's efforts, James Forrest and Kris Commons – who forced County goalkeeper Mark Brown into a smart stop from 10 yards – also went close before the opener arrived. Graham Carey's poor touch led to a goalmouth scramble, Mikael Lustig possibly using an arm before turning a Joe Ledley shot towards goal and the ball trundling off a post before Stokes knocked it over the line from inches out.

The phrase one-way traffic was a fair assessment of the second half, even if County's five-man backline defended resolutely. Stokes was off target from another Forrest cross, Commons rattled the bar after a good cross from substitute Tony Watt, Charlie Mulgrew struck a post with a header from a Commons corner, and there were countless last-ditch blocks besides.

Parkhead howled its displeasure at Willie Collum's non-award of a penalty when Commons and went to ground with Brian McLean in close attendance – Lennon was spoken to by the official for venting his feelings about the incident – before the late goal made the debate rather irrelevant. "I would have taken a 2-1 defeat before the start," County manager Derek Adams said. "From my point of view our season starts next week."

BBC
By Kenny Crawford BBC Sport Scotland
Comments (211)

Reigning champions Celtic came back from behind to beat Ross County in their Scottish Premiership opener.

County's Darren Maatsen shocked Celtic Park with an emphatic early goal from distance.

Hoops' Dutch debutant Derk Boerrigter looked lively before Anthony Stokes levelled from a yard out for the hosts.

Celtic hit the woodwork twice after the break and Stokes was denied a penalty before the striker's late near-post finish clinched three points.

It was so nearly an early dent to the 90-point-total Celtic manager Neil Lennon has set for 2013-14 in the inaugural year of the Scottish Professional Football League's Premiership.

Last season, a tally of 79 points was amassed as the final Scottish Premier League title was secured by Lennon's side, and the champions' flag was unfurled before kick-off.

Eyes focused largely on Dutch debutants with former Ajax winger Boerrigter in the hosts' line-up and Ross County fielding Maatsen and forward Kevin Luckassen.
Derk Boerrigter

Celtic's Derk Boerrigter made a lively debut but was forced off with an injury after half an hour

County were beginning only their second season in Scotland's top flight and a fifth-place finish last time round means hopes are high for the Dingwall side during the new campaign.

Supporters' minds have still to be made up on the reliability of Hoops defender Efe Ambrose and when Ross County's Graham Carey charged down the Nigerian's first minute clearance, hearts were in mouths again.

Early Celtic shakiness gave way to sheer County brilliance when one of their five new players, Maatsen, thumped home a brilliant opening goal off the underside of the crossbar.

Neat play by Carey set up the Dutchman's right-footed smash from the corner of the penalty box.

Boerrigter did his best to give Celtic fans a positive first impression, one header wide and a left-foot shot well saved by County's Mark Brown punctuating a generally lively offering.

Visiting goalkeeper Brown earned further plaudits by beating away Commons' fierce drive but his goal was about to be breached in scrappy style.

Amid shouts for offside, it was Celtic striker Stokes who turned in from a yard after Ledley's effort had been blocked and then Boeriggter's follow-up rebounded off a post.
Analysis
Ross County celebrate Darren Maatsen's third-minute goal

"Ross County did what Ross County do. They work hard and they're organised; that's why they'll get good results throughout the season." BBC Radio Scotland pundit Billy Dodds

The Highlanders rarely got out of their own half and what was almost Boeriggter's debut goal became his last contribution when he slid for a cross and fell awkwardly near defender Mihael Kovacevic.

Stokes has shown reluctance to sign a new Celtic contract but was much sprightlier in hitting a snap-shot narrowly wide after the re-start.

Commons continued the one-way traffic by hitting the crossbar and then the midriff of a sprawling Branislav Micic within a four-minute period.

Woodwork was struck again when Ledley's header hit the post as goalkeeper Brown helplessly looked on.

County's rearguard weathered relentless Celtic attacks but when their new defender Brian McLean appeared to push Stokes in the box the whole stadium awaited referee Willie Collum's whistle, which never came.

But Irishman Stokes continued his telepathic passing understanding with Commons until the latter stages, and benefitted from his cute pass to fire in at Brown's near post.

Live Text Commentary
The final whistle is blown.
Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
90 +3Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Mustafi (Ross County) commits a foul.
90 +3Mustafi (Ross County) commits a foul.
Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
90 +2Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Mustafi (Ross County) commits a foul.
90 +2Mustafi (Ross County) commits a foul.
Kayal (in) – Forrest (out) (Celtic).
90 Kayal (in) – Forrest (out) (Celtic).
Commons (Celtic) delivers the corner.
89 Commons (Celtic) delivers the corner.
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
88 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Forrest (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
88 Forrest (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Stokes (Celtic) scores!
87 Stokes (Celtic) scores!
Assist by Commons (Celtic)
87 Assist by Commons (Celtic)
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
85 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Commons (Celtic) misses the target.
84 Commons (Celtic) misses the target.
Mustafi (in) – Luckassen (out) (Ross County).
83 Mustafi (in) – Luckassen (out) (Ross County).
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
83 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
82 Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
81 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
80 Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
Brown (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
79 Brown (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
Cooper (Ross County) takes the corner.
77 Cooper (Ross County) takes the corner.
McLean (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
76 McLean (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
Brown (Celtic) commits a foul.
75 Brown (Celtic) commits a foul.
Cooper (Ross County) takes the corner.
75 Cooper (Ross County) takes the corner.
Quinn (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
74 Quinn (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
Mulgrew (Celtic) commits a foul.
74 Mulgrew (Celtic) commits a foul.
Commons (Celtic) misses the target.
74 Commons (Celtic) misses the target.
Brown (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
74 Brown (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
74 Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
Saunders (in) – Carey (out) (Ross County).
71 Saunders (in) – Carey (out) (Ross County).
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
71 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Stokes (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
71 Stokes (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
McLean (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
68 McLean (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
Matthews (in) – Lustig (out) (Celtic).
68 Matthews (in) – Lustig (out) (Celtic).
Izaguirre (Celtic) commits a foul.
68 Izaguirre (Celtic) commits a foul.
Mulgrew (Celtic) hits the woodwork.
65 Mulgrew (Celtic) hits the woodwork.
Commons (Celtic) delivers the corner.
65 Commons (Celtic) delivers the corner.
Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
65 Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Kettlewell (Ross County) is cautioned by the referee.
64 Kettlewell (Ross County) is cautioned by the referee.
Kettlewell (Ross County) commits a foul.
64 Kettlewell (Ross County) commits a foul.
Forster (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
63 Forster (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
63 Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
Cooper (in) – Darren Maatsen (out) (Ross County).
62 Cooper (in) – Darren Maatsen (out) (Ross County).
Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
60 Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Gordon (Ross County) commits a foul.
60 Gordon (Ross County) commits a foul.
Carey (Ross County) misses the target.
58 Carey (Ross County) misses the target.
Watt (Celtic) commits a foul.
58 Watt (Celtic) commits a foul.
Darren Maatsen (Ross County) takes the corner.
57 Darren Maatsen (Ross County) takes the corner.
Mulgrew (Celtic) blocks a shot.
57 Mulgrew (Celtic) blocks a shot.
Luckassen (Ross County) has a shot blocked.
57 Luckassen (Ross County) has a shot blocked.
Micic (Ross County) blocks a shot.
56 Micic (Ross County) blocks a shot.
Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
56 Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Forrest (Celtic) misses the target.
54 Forrest (Celtic) misses the target.
Commons (Celtic) delivers the corner.
54 Commons (Celtic) delivers the corner.
Commons (Celtic) misses the target.
53 Commons (Celtic) misses the target.
Ledley (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
53 Ledley (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Kettlewell (Ross County) commits a foul.
53 Kettlewell (Ross County) commits a foul.
Commons (Celtic) hits the woodwork.
52 Commons (Celtic) hits the woodwork.
Stokes (Celtic) blocks a shot.
50 Stokes (Celtic) blocks a shot.
Quinn (Ross County) has a shot blocked.
50 Quinn (Ross County) has a shot blocked.
Carey (Ross County) delivers the corner.
49 Carey (Ross County) delivers the corner.
Watt (Celtic) misses the target.
49 Watt (Celtic) misses the target.
Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
47 Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
The second half begins.
The second half begins.
The referee blows for half-time.
The referee blows for half-time.
Micic (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
45 Micic (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
Brown (Celtic) commits a foul.
45 Brown (Celtic) commits a foul.
Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
44 Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
44 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Stokes (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
44 Stokes (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Brown (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
43 Brown (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Kettlewell (Ross County) commits a foul.
43 Kettlewell (Ross County) commits a foul.
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
43 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Watt (Celtic) misses the target.
42 Watt (Celtic) misses the target.
McLean (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
42 McLean (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
Izaguirre (Celtic) commits a foul.
41 Izaguirre (Celtic) commits a foul.
Ledley (Celtic) misses the target.
41 Ledley (Celtic) misses the target.
Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
41 Commons (Celtic) takes the corner.
Watt (in) – Boerrigter (out) (Celtic).
39 Watt (in) – Boerrigter (out) (Celtic).
Forrest (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
38 Forrest (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Carey (Ross County) commits a foul.
38 Carey (Ross County) commits a foul.
Micic (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
38 Micic (Ross County) takes the free-kick.
Stokes (Celtic) commits a foul.
37 Stokes (Celtic) commits a foul.
McLean (Ross County) blocks a shot.
37 McLean (Ross County) blocks a shot.
Forrest (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
36 Forrest (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Izaguirre (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
32 Izaguirre (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
32 Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
Carey (Ross County) misses the target.
31 Carey (Ross County) misses the target.
Stokes (Celtic) scores!
28 Stokes (Celtic) scores!
Assist by Ledley (Celtic)
28 Assist by Ledley (Celtic)
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
27 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
27 Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Boerrigter (Celtic) misses the target.
24 Boerrigter (Celtic) misses the target.
Forrest (Celtic) misses the target.
23 Forrest (Celtic) misses the target.
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
22 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Boerrigter (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
21 Boerrigter (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Ledley (Celtic) takes the corner.
20 Ledley (Celtic) takes the corner.
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
20 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Boerrigter (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
20 Boerrigter (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Izaguirre (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
17 Izaguirre (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Kovacevic (Ross County) commits a foul.
17 Kovacevic (Ross County) commits a foul.
Stokes (Celtic) misses the target.
16 Stokes (Celtic) misses the target.
Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
12 Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Kovacevic (Ross County) commits a foul.
12 Kovacevic (Ross County) commits a foul.
Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
11 Brown (Ross County) makes a save.
Boerrigter (Celtic) misses the target.
10 Boerrigter (Celtic) misses the target.
Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
9 Mulgrew (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Munro (Ross County) commits a foul.
9 Munro (Ross County) commits a foul.
Ambrose (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
7 Ambrose (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
7 Luckassen (Ross County) commits a foul.
Munro (Ross County) blocks a shot.
6 Munro (Ross County) blocks a shot.
Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
6 Commons (Celtic) has a shot blocked.
Quinn (Ross County) commits a foul.
5 Quinn (Ross County) commits a foul.
Forster (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
5 Forster (Celtic) takes the free-kick.
Carey (Ross County) commits a foul.
5 Carey (Ross County) commits a foul.
Darren Maatsen (Ross County) scores!
3 Darren Maatsen (Ross County) scores!
Assist by Carey (Ross County)
3 Assist by Carey (Ross County)
Carey (Ross County) delivers the corner.
2 Carey (Ross County) delivers the corner.
The match is under way.
The match is under way.

53:35

Shot by James Forrest went wide right of the net.
53:23

Corner taken by Kris Commons from the left by-line.
53:13

The ball is delivered by Joe Ledley.
52:35

Kris Commons takes a shot and went wide of the right hand upright.
52:16

Free kick taken by Joe Ledley.
52:09

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Scott Brown by Stuart Kettlewell.
51:27

Kris Commons takes a shot and strikes the bar.
49:38

Clearance made by Efe Ambrose.
49:35

The ball is delivered by Ben Gordon.
49:05

Rocco Quinn has an effort at goal.
48:57

Clearance by Anthony Stokes.
48:53

Corner from the right by-line taken by Graham Carey.
48:06

Shot by Tony Watt missed to the left of goal.
47:51

The ball is swung over by Tony Watt.
46:48

Clearance by Brian McLean.
46:28

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons.
45:01

The game restarts for the second half.
45:00 +0:20

Tony Watt crosses the ball.
44:42

Clearance by Charlie Mulgrew.
44:36

Branislav Micic restarts play with the free kick.
44:18

Scott Brown concedes a free kick for a foul on Graham Carey.
44:01

Clearance by Grant Munro.
43:54

Corner taken by Kris Commons from the right by-line.
43:37

Shot by Anthony Stokes.
42:50

Scott Brown restarts play with the free kick.
42:40

James Forrest fouled by Stuart Kettlewell, the ref awards a free kick.
42:15

Anthony Stokes sends in a cross.
41:30

Tony Watt takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net.
41:06

Brian McLean takes the free kick.
40:59

Emilio Izaguirre gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Darren Maatsen.
40:34

Shot by Joe Ledley went wide left of the goal.
40:20

Clearance made by Grant Munro.
40:10

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons.
39:52

The ball is swung over by James Forrest.
39:46 Half time

Half Time The first half comes to an end.
39:15

Brian McLean manages to make a clearance.
38:50

Grant Munro manages to make a clearance.
38:46

Tony Watt produces a cross.
38:04 Substitution

Substitution Derk Boerrigter leaves the field to be replaced by Tony Watt.
37:42

James Forrest takes the free kick.
37:37

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mikael Lustig by Graham Carey.
37:01

Branislav Micic restarts play with the free kick.
36:56

Unfair challenge on Branislav Micic by Anthony Stokes results in a free kick.
36:00

James Forrest has an effort at goal.
35:16

Clearance made by Brian McLean.
31:30

Darren Maatsen makes a clearance.
31:25

The ball is swung over by Anthony Stokes.
31:11

Emilio Izaguirre restarts play with the free kick.
31:06

Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Luckassen on Charlie Mulgrew.
30:34

Brian McLean makes a clearance.
30:10

Graham Carey takes a shot and missed to the right of the target.
29:34

Efe Ambrose manages to make a clearance.
27:12

Assist on the goal came from Joe Ledley.
27:12 Goal scored

Goal – Anthony Stokes – Celtic 1 – 1 Ross Co Anthony Stokes slots the ball right footed into the goal. Celtic 1-1 Ross County.
26:20

Shot by Kris Commons. Parried by Mark Brown back into danger.
24:57

Charlie Mulgrew manages to make a clearance.
24:34

Centre by Kris Commons.
24:14

Charlie Mulgrew manages to make a clearance.
23:54

Header by Derk Boerrigter misses left.
23:49

Kris Commons delivers the ball.
22:19

Shot by James Forrest went wide of the right-hand post.
21:51

Grant Munro makes a clearance.
20:58

Derk Boerrigter takes a shot. Mark Brown safely holds on.
19:42

Corner taken by Joe Ledley.
19:06

Shot by Derk Boerrigter. Mark Brown parries the effort to safety.
16:40

Emilio Izaguirre restarts play with the free kick.
16:30

Foul by Mihael Kovacevic on Derk Boerrigter, free kick awarded.
15:28

Header by Anthony Stokes misses left.
15:22

Mikael Lustig delivers the ball.
13:30

Clearance by Grant Munro.
13:26

Centre by Joe Ledley.
11:25

Charlie Mulgrew takes the free kick.
11:18

Mihael Kovacevic challenges Derk Boerrigter unfairly and gives away a free kick.
10:47

Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross.
9:10

Header by Derk Boerrigter misses left.
8:39

Free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
8:28

Grant Munro gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mikael Lustig.
6:38

Free kick taken by Efe Ambrose.
6:29

Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Luckassen on Mikael Lustig.
5:57

The ball is crossed by .
5:18

Direct effort from the free kick comes in from .
4:44

gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on .
4:29

Free kick taken by .
4:24

Unfair challenge on by results in a free kick.
2:51

Provided the assist for the goal.
2:51 Goal scored

Goal – Graham Carey – Celtic 0 – 1 Ross Co Scores a right footed goal. Celtic 0-1 Ross County.
2:00

manages to make a clearance.
1:52

Corner taken by from the right by-line.
1:21

makes a clearance.
1:18

sends in a cross.
0:00

The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.
27:09

Mikael Lustig takes a shot and hits the post.

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