2013-12-26: St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic, SP

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

Trivia

• Celtic top of the league on 45pts. M'well next on 34pts, but Celtic have a game in hand.
• Boxing Day/St Stephen's Day
• St Johnstone v Celtic Boxing Day Away fans not allowed to bring flags or banners. This is getting ridiculous. However decision was then rescinded thankfully.
• Absolutely devastating news from Edinburgh on 22nd Dec with the loss of Hibs U20 David Paul & Tyncastle FC's young Jamie Skinner (U14s) on same day. Our condolences to their families and friends.

Review

(Sweet Left Peg of KDS)
Solid victory with an excellent goal.First half I thought we played fairly well.

Very close offside call against Brown,but possibly correct.I thought ref had a reasonable game
although he should have red-carded Wright for reckless tackle.St.Johnstone were fairly robust
and some of our players especially in second-half didn't seem to fancy it.We were flat in second-half
but forby maybe a fifteen minute spell at start of second-half,we were pretty much in control.

Their keeper made a brilliant save from Commons–don't think Forster had a proper save to make.

Not a great performance ,by any means,but we did enough to win.Stokes,Commons,had some nice touches
and some very poor touches,Samaras had mainly poor touches.Brown,Izzy and Virgil were the pick of the bunch.

(from KDS)
Should refund the money to those who went to watch that mince :angry:

Has there ever been a more gutless CFC forward than that imposter Stokes? :angry:

What exactly does Forest have on the manager? – must be pretty good given that he gets on and does virtually nothing against a bunch of guys getting paid about a tenth of what he is on :angry:

Samaras and Ledley need to be told – either sign or feck off

If they want to stay until the end of the season – which is their right BTW – then stick them in the reserves or youths – there is no way that we should need to play both of them to win the league and cup

We need to find out what Balde and Rogic can do rather than see those two try to avoid injury for six months :angry:

Goal up in 5 minutes – we should have been looking at 5 or 6

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Articles

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• Audio Report: Paradise Report

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Stats

St Johnstone Celtic

Possession
64% 36%
90mins

Shots
3 15

On target
1 5

Corners
5 12

Fouls
19 4

Articles

FLAG AND BANNER BAN LIFTED – CLUB STATEMENT

<http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/newsitemsdetail.php?param=2806>

At a meeting last week and in consideration of the safety requirements of the match and based on the risk assessment provided by Police Scotland on their current intelligence of potential disorder at the game, St Johnstone FC and Celtic FC endorsed a Police Scotland suggestion that a ban be placed on flags and banners for the match between the clubs at McDiarmid Park on Boxing Day.

This was on the basis that, regrettably, flags and banners have been used as cover for the letting off of flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics at games throughout Scotland this season.

With Celtic FC representatives keen to avoid a repeat of the recent scenes at Fir Park and with St Johnstone FC mindful of the fact that smoke bombs have been let off by our own supporters this season, both clubs endorsed the Police Scotland recommendation for this specific game.

Both clubs have since received representations for their supporters on this matter and Celtic FC in particular has had extensive discussions with their main supporters’ representatives and has been assured that their supporters will back their Club in the right manner.

Further discussion has today taken place between all parties and a request from the clubs made to Police Scotland that the ban be lifted has been accepted. Safety remains of paramount importance to both clubs and the match will be managed with this in mind and with Police Scotland having reviewed this policy, the two clubs are now putting their faith in all supporters that they shall support their respective teams in a manner which befits what should be a great game of football on a special date in the football calendar.

However, it should be noted that as is the case at every game and in line with Ground Regulations, no flags on canes or sticks will be permitted and any offensive banner or inappropriate behaviour anywhere in the ground will not be tolerated.

With the rigorous search policy which will be in place and a busy road network expected, supporters are encouraged to come early – turnstiles will open at 1.45pm

We reiterate Celtic’s sentiments regarding the excellent relationship that exists between the two clubs and we look forward to working together along with other agencies in ensuring an enjoyable spectacle on Boxing Day.
Sevco 1-1 Stranraer – Sevco have lost their 100% record as Jamie Longworth scores a final-minute equaliser

St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic

Updated: Thursday, 26 Dec 2013 17:39 | Comments

RTE Sport

Celtic's inexorable march towards the Scottish Premiership title continued with a 1-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk scored a wonderful solo goal in the fifth minute as the effervescent visitors took a firm hold of the first half without adding to their lead.

The home side came into the game after the break to make it more interesting encounter but the champions did enough to take the three points back to Glasgow.

Neil Lennon's men go on to Inverness on Sunday looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 18 matches, with the Hoops manager hoping they can replicate an impressive first-half performance.

Adam Matthews returned to the Celtic side after recovering from a fever and Georgios Samaras also came back into the fold as midfielder Nir Biton and striker Teemu Pukki dropped to the bench.

Patrick Cregg appealed the red card he picked up against Hibernian last week but he was left on the bench as Brian Easton, Nigel Hasselbaink and Gary Miller came into the home side, with Tom Scobbie and Gwion Edwards starting on the bench and Chris Millar left out.

Fans had originally been banned by the police from bringing in flags and banners due to the fear of them being used to smuggle in flares and fireworks.

However, after much confusion, the ban was overturned and it was the away fans who added the most colour to the atmosphere which was cranked up after the champions took the early lead.

The Hoops' goal came when Van Dijk, having earlier stopped Saints striker Stevie May getting through on goal, decided to go on a solo run through the middle of the park after taking possession 10 yards inside his own half.

The Dutchman eased past a series of blue shirts, all of whom were reticent in the tackle, before toe-poking the ball past Alan Mannus from 10 yards out.

Lennon's men kept probing the Saints defence, which creaked any time the ball came into the box, but as the first half wore on the pressure eased.

Mannus had little problem dealing with header from Anthony Stokes just after the half-hour mark, by which time the Perth side had composed themselves.

Moments later Stokes blasted a volley from 16 yards over the bar before play moved up to the other end with St Miller's goal-bound drive blocked by Emilio Izaguirre.

Stokes then lobbed the ball over past Mannus at the edge of the box but was crowded out by Saints defenders Frazer Wright and Sanel Janic before Wright blocked the Dubliner's shot for a corner, which came to nothing.

With a minute of the first half remaining Stokes put in Kris Commons with a clever pass but Mannus was quick off his line to block for another corner which failed to bear fruit for the champions.

Moments into the second half Easton cleared a great cross from Stokes from a couple of yards out and it looked like the visitors would continue to boss the game.

Celtic winger James Forrest then replaced Matthews before a cross-***-shot from May zipped past Fraser Forster's far post, signalling, at last, some offensive intent from the home side.

There was a St Johnstone penalty claim in the 57th minute when Van Dijk appeared to put his hand across May to block the striker getting on the end of a Murray Davidson cross but referee Craig Thomson waved play on to the anger of the home fans.

The game was much more even and intriguing by that point.
Moments later, Hasselbaink set up Easton on the left-hand side of the box but the left-back's shot was blocked by Van Dijk for a corner which Celtic defended.

Celtic knew one slip could let the Perth side back into the match and in the 77th minute Forster was asked to deal with a fiery drive from Saints substitute Edwards, who had replaced Miller.

A minute later, at the other end, Hoops midfielder Joe Ledley's cross from the left was driven on the half-turn by Commons towards the bottom corner with Mannus diving low to his right to make a fantastic save.

Play switched from end to end in the final stages with St Johnstone pressing for the leveller but Forster was not unduly worried as the Parkhead men saw out four added minutes

BBC

By Andy Campbell BBC Sport Scotland

Virgil van Dijk's impressive early goal was enough to defeat St Johnstone and move Celtic 11 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Dutch defender beat several St Johnstone players on his way to firing Neil Lennon's side ahead.

Anthony Stokes had a shot blocked as the visitors dominated the first half.

Saints improved after the interval and Gwion Edwards tested goalkeeper Fraser Forster with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area.

But the Perth side could not find a leveller and points dropped by Aberdeen, Dundee United and Inverness allowed Celtic to stretch their advantage.
Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring for Celtic against St Johnstone

Van Dijk celebrates his winning goal

The hosts tried to break quickly using the pace of Stevie May in the first few minutes but it was his marker who opened the scoring.

Van Dijk collected the ball on the halfway line, waltzed past a handful of players as he dribbled forward and drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Alan Mannus.

The net bulged again when Stokes converted Scott Brown's low cross but the offside flag had been raised against the latter, although television replays suggested the Celtic captain may have been onside.

Celtic continued to exert control and Stokes latched on to a long ball and got past the advancing Mannus only to have his shot blocked as St Johnstone players tried frantically to get back.

And van Dijk threatened a second when he headed wide from a corner.

St Johnstone knew they had to improve in the second half and Tommy Wright sent on winger Edwards in place of defender Gary Miller.
Play media

May went down in the box as he tussled with van Dijk but referee Craig Thomson was unmoved by the forward's penalty appeal.

A nice turn and pass by Nigel Hasselbaink created a shooting opportunity for Easton on the left angle of the box but van Dijk got across to block.

Edwards was next to have a run at the Celtic defence and, after speeding down the left and cutting inside, his fierce drive had to be dealt with by Forster.

Celtic's play was lacking the fluency so apparent in the first half but Kris Commons almost doubled their lead with an excellent snapshot that Mannus kept out with an equally impressive save.

And there was to be no further scoring as the visitors saw out victory.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, St Johnstone 0, Celtic 1.
90:00 +4:03 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, St Johnstone 0, Celtic 1.
90:00 +3:16

Foul by Amido Baldé (Celtic).
90:00 +3:16

Frazer Wright (St Johnstone) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90:00 +2:35

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90:00 +2:35

Foul by Gary McDonald (St Johnstone).
90:00 +0:35

Darnell Fisher (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90:00 +0:35

Foul by Gwion Edwards (St Johnstone).
86:38 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Amido Baldé replaces Kris Commons.
86:00

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
85:54

Foul by Christopher Kane (St Johnstone).
83:45

Attempt missed. Efe Ambrose (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high.
83:31

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Brian Easton.
82:06

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Mackay.
80:18 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St Johnstone. Christopher Kane replaces Nigel Hasselbaink.
79:21

Joe Ledley (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
79:21

Foul by David Mackay (St Johnstone).
78:54

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Alan Mannus.
78:37

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
77:20

Anthony Stokes (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
77:20

Foul by Gary McDonald (St Johnstone).
76:46

Attempt saved. Gwion Edwards (St Johnstone) right footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the left is saved in the top centre of the goal.
75:14 Booking

Booking Murray Davidson (St Johnstone) is shown the yellow card.
75:05

Nir Biton (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
75:05

Foul by Murray Davidson (St Johnstone).
73:32 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St Johnstone. Lee Croft replaces David Wotherspoon.
72:55

Attempt blocked. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
72:30

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Wotherspoon.
70:57

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Sanel Jahic.
69:39 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Nir Biton replaces Georgios Samaras.
66:17

Anthony Stokes (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
66:17

Foul by Gwion Edwards (St Johnstone).
65:30 Booking

Booking Darnell Fisher (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
65:23

Foul by Darnell Fisher (Celtic).
65:23

Steve May (St Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
62:05

Attempt missed. Darnell Fisher (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
61:00

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
61:00

Foul by Gwion Edwards (St Johnstone).
59:46

Corner, St Johnstone. Conceded by Virgil van Dijk.
59:25

Attempt blocked. Brian Easton (St Johnstone) left footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.
58:27 Booking

Booking Frazer Wright (St Johnstone) is shown the yellow card.
58:22

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
58:22

Foul by Frazer Wright (St Johnstone).
57:37

Corner, St Johnstone. Conceded by Joe Ledley.
54:01 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. James Forrest replaces Adam Matthews.
49:52

Attempt missed. Adam Matthews (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
49:16

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Brian Easton.
48:18

Darnell Fisher (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
48:18

Foul by Gary McDonald (St Johnstone).
45:00

Second Half begins St Johnstone 0, Celtic 1.
45:00 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St Johnstone. Gwion Edwards replaces Gary Miller.
45:00 +1:02 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, St Johnstone 0, Celtic 1.
45:00 +0:42

Joe Ledley (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
45:00 +0:42

Foul by Murray Davidson (St Johnstone).
44:43

Attempt missed. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the right.
44:25

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Alan Mannus.
44:02

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
41:38 Booking

Booking David Wotherspoon (St Johnstone) is shown the yellow card.
41:32

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
41:32

Foul by David Wotherspoon (St Johnstone).
40:37

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
40:37

Foul by Gary McDonald (St Johnstone).
35:47

Attempt missed. Joe Ledley (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
35:34

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Mackay.
35:08

Attempt blocked. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
33:50

Attempt blocked. Gary Miller (St Johnstone) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
33:13

Attempt missed. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
30:26

Attempt saved. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
29:15

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Mackay.
27:00

Georgios Samaras (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
27:00

Foul by Gary Miller (St Johnstone).
22:57

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
22:00

Darnell Fisher (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
21:53

Foul by Brian Easton (St Johnstone).
21:21

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Frazer Wright.
20:56

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Mackay.
19:33

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Sanel Jahic.
17:38

Corner, St Johnstone. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
13:00

Hand ball by Joe Ledley (Celtic).
11:01

Attempt saved. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
10:18

Darnell Fisher (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
10:18

Foul by Murray Davidson (St Johnstone).
9:44

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
9:44

Foul by Gary Miller (St Johnstone).
9:11

Foul by Georgios Samaras (Celtic).
9:11

Nigel Hasselbaink (St Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
8:43

Joe Ledley (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
8:43

Foul by Gary Miller (St Johnstone).
7:57

Corner, St Johnstone. Conceded by Fraser Forster.
4:48 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! St Johnstone 0, Celtic 1. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
3:17

Corner, St Johnstone. Conceded by Virgil van Dijk.
2:21

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
1:27

Hand ball by Nigel Hasselbaink (St Johnstone).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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