2014-03-22: Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, SP

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

Trivia

• Celtic on 81pts, close to securing title, could seal it on Wednesday.
• Stefan Johansen debut goal.
• Green brigade back at Celtic Park in section 118.
• Fraser Forster gets 100th league clean sheet in his total career so far, in just his 181st league appearance.
• Campaign by some to rename Kerrydale St to Jock Stein Way.
• Tony Watt, on loan at Lierse, back in th news. Stories abound that he was slapped on the face by his manager Menzo. “I held out my hand without looking – as he usually does to me – and he gave me a slap on the face. I said ‘what is this?’ and he told me to look at him when I shook his hand.”
• Bayern Munich football President Uli Hoeness jailed for 3 years and six months for tax evasion by court in Germany
• Old England striker Alan Shearer claims was very close to signing for us in 2004 but it fell through at the last hurdle. Curious as we'd been singing his name in vain for much of the previous 5 years!
• Aberdeen beat Inverness CT on penalties 4-2 to win their first senior trophy for 19 years. Congratulations. They can make it a double in the Scottish Cup. Congratulations to ex-Celts,
• Willo Flood, Barry Robson and Niall McGinn who played in the Aberdeen side. Commisserations to ex-Celt John Hughes who is the manager at Inverness CT. A great day for the North-East.
• Cup Final was at Celtic Park (as Hampden is being redeveloped). Police Scotland explained why they rejected the original plans for a Dons display at Celtic Park. Supposedly had IRA connotations, complete nonsense. Abuse of power.
• Bairds Bar on Glasgow's Gallowgate, where Celtic's then interim manager Kenny Dalglish once held a press conference in 2000, to close.

Review

(steviebhoy of KDS)
Thought Celtic were well worthy winners in the end, St Mirren made things fairly difficult for us in he first half
Thought Henderson had another good game and is a fine corner taker
Unlucky with his shot with only keeper to beat, plenty of good chances also today

Only moan I have was they linesman!!
Can they no learn the basics, one being the offside rule
lost count of how may times

(chilipepper of KDS)
Played a funny front 3 today, I think. Stokes was wide left for the first half, and then Griffiths appeared wide right for the second half…? Didn't really work that well, I think, as Stokes isn't quick enough to play out wide. But, in saying that, Griffiths got his goal from bursting down the right.

Pukki really should have sored a hat-trick in the time he had!

Griffiths should have got another hat-trick as well. Was certain he would score when he rounded the keeper and was unlucky with the chip. He's getting in a lot of good areas and chances are coming to him, which is great, but if he's to perform in the CL then is conversion rate needs to be high- I think he will do well at whatever level he plays at for us.

Really glad Stokes got his goal- will help his pretty damaged confidence. Wasn't great at the start, I thought, but he really grew into the game.

Johannson was excellent!

I think we should stick to the diamond formation more- works really, really well for us.

Teams

Articles

• Match Report (see end of page below)
• Audio Report: Paradise Report

Pictures

• Match Pictures

Forum

• Pre-match
• Match
• Post Match

MOTM

• Voting Thread
• Result Thread
• Winner –
• 2013-14 Winners

Stats

Celtic St Mirren
Possession
43% 57%
90mins

Shots
21 12

On target
7 3

Corners
5 4

Fouls
8 6

Articles

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren: Hoops edge closer to title
The Scotsman

by ANDREW SMITH

Updated on the 23 March
2014
00:57

Published 22/03/2014 17:13

250 comments
Print this

CELTIC Park was alive, vibrant with colour, and full in most corners. Last week. Yesterday it was back to the all-too-sedate stadium sampled on the occasions that Neil Lennon’s men breeze their way to victories, on their way to a third straight title that could be wrapped up in a matter of days.

The Green Brigade in the restricted-view corner sought to make a bit of a din.

And some of the football produced by the home side – with delightfully sweet moves fashioning a couple of goals and dynamic forward play evident throughout a one-sided second period – elicited warranted acclaim.

But, overall, there was no sense that here was a club on the verge of something special, that could be on its way to racking up a record points total, courtesy of a fabulous home record of 13 wins and two draws, and an overall record of 26 victories from 30 matches.

To judge from the easy-oasy nature of the punters that dutifully continue to come along to Celtic Park, there is a joyless element to winning all over again a league that only they can.

Celtic don’t need a strong Rangers, or any other Rangers, to prosper – so long as qualification to the Champions League is yearly snared. Indeed, the Ibrox club’s cherished nine-in-a-row was earned, in part, because Celtic were weak.

But without a rival of substance, the tension, the dramatic moments and successes to savour will be mighty thin on the ground for the foreseeable future.

The Celtic manager will feel a little disheartened by that because in recent months he has revitalised his side in admirable fashion with the introduction of Stefan Johansen and Leigh Griffiths, whose imagination and thrust seem to have sparked something in Anthony Stokes and Kris Commons.

All but Commons were involved in the 44th minute deadlock-breaker, which followed an opening period in which St Mirren were often in the ascendancy with some bright, bubbly football.

The visitors could not produce anything as crisp and clinical as the shuttling started when Charlie

Mulgrew dispossessed Paul McGowan in the centre of the park and fed Liam Henderson – the 17-year-old making his home debut – who helped it on to Griffiths. He then floated over a cross from the right that the Norwegian attacked with aplomb to open his goal account.

When in the 61st minute the same player prodded the ball forward for Commons to slip in Stokes and he in turn sent Griffiths through to tuck the ball beyond Marian Kello, Celtic stepped up their pounding of the Paisley team. “It could have been anything today,” said Lennon, praising Henderson for a “meteoric” week and Stokes for a “most consistent” season, even if it hasn’t produced a typical goal tally.

On the back of three disallowed efforts for the home side, two cleared off the line and one shot off the post – this goalmouth activity in a game wherein St Mirren manager Danny Lennon was at pains to point out his team had “12 attempts” – an edge-of-the-box snapshot in the 91st minute delivered Stokes the goal his manager said his play had warranted. “The dressing room is very good. We are looking forward to every game now,” Neil Lennon said. “That is our sole focus – as is progressing our team and you can see green shoots of improvement as we go along. We probably don’t want the season to end – even though it is probably going to be a very long season.”

His St Mirren counterpart might not want the season to end because it could also mean the conclusion of his four years with the club, the threat of a relegation play-off hanging over a team that are two points off third-bottom Ross County. “My own contract situation is the furthest thing from my mind,” he said, with no suggestion of an extension having been offered to him. “I am totally focused in taking this club and make sure it continues to make sure it is a Premiership club and that is where my full attention is. You have to put personal issues aside.”

These issues include talk of takeover, with Lennon’s former Cowdenbeath chairman Jim Methven believed to be heading up a group interested in a buy-out. “The football club has been up for sale since I came in. There has been a lot of parties brought to the table. Someone I know very well has introduced a group to the table, I am not party to boardroom talks. That is above my pay level. I am here to take care of football matters and not business matters. That’s the way it will remain.”

BBC
By John Barnes BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

Stefan Johansen scored his first goal for Celtic as Neil Lennon's men took another step towards the Scottish Premiership title by beating St Mirren.

A bullet header topped off another fine performance from the Norway midfielder.

Leigh Griffiths and Anthony Stokes netted after the break as St Mirren again failed to score at Celtic Park.

The victory maintains Celtic's unbeaten home league record and leaves Saints still looking for their first win at Parkhead since 1990.

Neil Lennon's side remain 24 points clear at the top of the table and, while four more points will secure the championship, they may get the opportunity to secure the title in midweek if Aberdeen lose on Tuesday ahead of Celtic's visit to Partick Thistle on Wednesday.

St Mirren's trip to Celtic Park kicked off with half the pitch bathed in sunshine – signs that spring is in the air and the time of year when championships are decided has begun.

Although the league title has been destined for Celtic Park for some considerable time, only the mathematical solution is awaited to ensure the trophy can be housed in the Parkhead boardroom for the third successive season.
Leigh Griffiths scores for Celtic against St Mirren

Griffiths netted his fifth goal in seven appearances

St Mirren, though, had an excellent chance to take the lead in the sixth minute. Good play on the left led to the ball reaching Paul McGowan and his shot was turned away by Fraser Forster.

A corner from Liam Henderson from the left bounced off Virgil van Dijk and flew wide when it looked easier for the Celtic defender to hit the target.

The Buddies had a good spell and Jason Naismith was next to see his shot parried by Forster before Steven Thompson missed his kick six yards out and Josh Magennis had an effort blocked.

But Celtic always looked dangerous and they squandered a couple of chances before eventually getting themselves in front.

Stokes curled a 20-yard effort wide, a Kris Commons shot went beyond the right-hand post and then Griffiths had the ball in the net only to see the goal disallowed for offside.

Moments later, a combination of Commons' mis-hit shot and Stokes' blocked effort created a chance for teenager Henderson, and his shot was cleared away by Sean Kelly.

Griffiths then rounded goalkeeper Marian Kello and fired goalwards but Darren McGregor managed to get back to head off the line.

But a minute before the interval, Johansen got the breakthrough. Griffiths picked him out with a cross from the right and the Norway international headed strongly past Kello from 10 yards.

Only a win for the Paisley side would have moved them out of 11th place and the play-off spot. But having scored only three goals on their last 20 visits to Celtic Park the statistics were not encouraging.

Celtic opened the second half positively. A good run by Adam Matthews saw the Welshman pick out Henderson, who drilled a low shot which Kello managed to hold.

The home team increased their lead just beyond the hour mark when Griffiths latched on to a Stokes pass to slot a low, right-foot shot past Kello.
Play media

Commons came close to adding a third when he turned to watched his shot bounce back off the keeper's right-hand post. He was quick to react hitting the rebound into the side netting.

Griffiths should have scored again but contrived to send a lob over the advancing keeper wide of the post.

Van Dijk then thought he had scored but the Dutchman was judged to have been offside.

However, substitute Georgios Samaras set up Stokes to fire Celtic's third.

The hosts were well on top and Teemu Pukki, who had replaced Commons, missed three good opportunities to increase the margin of victory.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Celtic 3, St Mirren 0.
90:00 +2:06 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Celtic 3, St Mirren 0.
90:00 +0:29 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 3, St Mirren 0. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Georgios Samaras.
89:42

Attempt missed. John McGinn (St Mirren) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
89:08

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Celtic).
89:08

Josh Magennis (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
88:16

Attempt missed. Georgios Samaras (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
87:33

Attempt missed. Georgios Samaras (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
86:26

Attempt missed. Teemu Pukki (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
84:59

Attempt missed. Teemu Pukki (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
83:31

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Sean Kelly.
82:46

Attempt missed. Gregg Wylde (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
81:29 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Georgios Samaras replaces Leigh Griffiths.
79:23

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
78:58

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
77:40 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Teemu Pukki replaces Kris Commons.
77:17 Booking

Booking Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
77:03

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic).
77:03

Kenny McLean (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
75:26

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
74:33

Attempt missed. Marc McAusland (St Mirren) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high following a corner.
73:42 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St Mirren. James Goodwin replaces Conor Newton.
73:33 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St Mirren. Gregg Wylde replaces Paul McGowan.
73:05

Corner, St Mirren. Conceded by Emilio Izaguirre.
71:29

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
71:29

Marián Kello (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
69:31

Attempt missed. Paul McGowan (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
67:16

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
63:08

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is close, but misses to the left.
62:40

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Marc McAusland.
62:31

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
61:36 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Efe Ambrose replaces Liam Henderson.
60:47 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 2, St Mirren 0. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Anthony Stokes.
59:50 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St Mirren. Adam Campbell replaces Steven Thompson.
59:35

Attempt missed. John McGinn (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
53:25

Attempt missed. Jason Naismith (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
51:34

Attempt saved. Liam Henderson (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
50:50

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
50:50

Foul by Josh Magennis (St Mirren).
49:48

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Darren McGregor.
49:00

Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
48:58

Foul by Jason Naismith (St Mirren).
47:45 Booking

Booking Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
47:36

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
47:36

Paul McGowan (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
45:00

Second Half begins Celtic 1, St Mirren 0.
45:00 +0:30 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Celtic 1, St Mirren 0.
43:32 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 1, St Mirren 0. Stefan Johansen (Celtic) header from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Leigh Griffiths.
42:38

Attempt missed. Kenny McLean (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
42:14

Corner, St Mirren. Conceded by Virgil van Dijk.
42:06

Attempt blocked. Paul McGowan (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
38:34

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
38:01

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
38:01

Foul by Darren McGregor (St Mirren).
37:32

Attempt blocked. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
34:52

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Sean Kelly.
34:39

Attempt blocked. Liam Henderson (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
27:29

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
26:03

Attempt saved. Jason Naismith (St Mirren) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
24:56

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic).
24:56

Paul McGowan (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
23:12

Foul by Liam Henderson (Celtic).
23:12

John McGinn (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
22:14

Attempt saved. Conor Newton (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
21:37

Corner, St Mirren. Conceded by Charlie Mulgrew.
20:48

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
17:35

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
15:47

Attempt missed. Paul McGowan (St Mirren) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high following a corner.
15:23

Corner, St Mirren. Conceded by Stefan Johansen.
14:52

Foul by Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).
14:52

John McGinn (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
13:35

Attempt missed. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) header from very close range is too high following a corner.
13:07

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Jason Naismith.
10:03

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic).
10:03

Paul McGowan (St Mirren) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
5:42

Attempt saved. Paul McGowan (St Mirren) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
4:00

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
3:55

Foul by Josh Magennis (St Mirren).
3:04

Liam Henderson (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
3:04

Foul by Paul McGowan (St Mirren).
1:54

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
1:54

Foul by Jason Naismith (St Mirren).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Live data and text provided by our data suppliers