2014-09-21: Celtic 1-1 Motherwell, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2014 – 2015 | 2014-15 Pictures

Trivia

• 2014-09-21: Celtic 1-1 Motherwell, SP
• Match moved to Sunday due to Thursday Europa League match. 3pm kick off.
• Another black mark for Ronny, and the knives are starting to come out for him and John Collins.
• Alexander Tonev charged by SFA with allegation of racial abuse to a black player at Aberdeen. Case to be reviewed soon.
• Scottish Referendum for independence on Thursday past; independence lost by close call of 55-45, but with surprising wins though in North Lanarkshire and Glasgow. Very emotional and difficult times.
• Celtic supporters seem to side heavily with the Nats. Although many pro-unionists too. Is this the moment that will see Celtic fans increasingly adopt the Daltire, whereas in the past there could be antipathy towards it? Times have changed, Celtic fans were in the main the most staunch Labour supporters in the past and avowedly Unionist in effect by its support if not its intention. For analysis fuller elsewhere.
• Lots of trouble from the Huns supporters at George Square in past night or two as they 'celebrate' the 'No' victory.
• Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, resigns following defeat to end his reign in November.
• Green Brigade section 111 to finally be reopened. Cynics say it is timed to be after the referendum to stop them doing any political protests etc etc.

Review

(Waswelder of KDS)
Waste of a lovely afternoon watching that pish. We have absolutely no creativity in our team and too many just seem content to get rid of the ball as soon as possible, mostly sideways or backwards.

We made a very poor team look an awful lot better than they are and we could easily have lost the game.

No team comes to Celtic Park and fears us and Wednesday night could be really embarrassing if we don't get the finger out.

(CelticElvis of KDS)
I watched the match and there are really very few if any positives to take from the game. We are limping along at the moment and the other SPL sides have no great fear of us. If the mini's have a go at us on Wednesday and score first I fear the resolve of this side will fold.

I would put that down to how the players are being managed, others blame the players or the board. I read your post match comments with interest and you are consistently optimistic which is impressive given the state we are in at the moment.

For my own interest, do you think we should be, as poor as we are currently, still able to beat any domestic opposition, given our resources. Also is there a point where you would say enough is enough if things lurch on the way they are, would you see Christmas as a tipping point or are you in for the year.

I have nothing against the guy but the club must come first and if that means changing the manager so be it.

Teams

Articles

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

Pictures

• Match Pictures

Forum

• Post Match

Stats

Celtic Motherwell
Possession
37% 63%
90mins

Shots
27 4

On target
10 1

Corners
8 0

Fouls
2 11

Articles

Celtic 1-1 Motherwell: Ronny Deila's Hoops held to draw at home
STV
http://sport.stv.tv/football/292934-celtic-1-1-motherwell-ronny-deilas-hoops-held-to-draw-at-home/
21 September 2014 18:55 BST
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Anthony Stokes, Celtic Draw: Kris Commons' penalty salvaged a point for the Hoops, but they struggled to break down the Steelmen.SNS Group
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Kris Commons scored from the spot to give Celtic a 1-1 Premiership draw against Motherwell at Parkhead on a day Hoops manager Ronny Deila perhaps discovered a lack of depth to his squad.

Fir Park striker John Sutton opened the scoring in the 19th minute before missing a great chance to double the lead from six yards with the home team booed off at the interval.

Celtic skipper Scott Brown and Commons, two of the six players left out by Deila as he rang the changes, came on for the start of the second half with Brown earning a 67th-minute penalty which Commons converted.

The rejuvenated champions drove forward in search of the winner but could not find another way past a resolute Well defence to leave Celtic with one win in their last four league games and Deila's 39th birthday celebrations flat.

After Thursday's 2-2 Europa League draw with Salzburg and with Hearts due to visit in the League Cup next Wednesday, the Norwegian took the opportunity to utilise his squad.

Lukasz Zaluska was given a rare start in goal while midfielders Beram Kayal, Nir Bitton and Aleksandar Tonev, plus strikers Anthony Stokes and John Guidetti were also brought in with the Swede making his first start since signing on a loan deal from Manchester City.

Brown, Commons, Craig Gordon and Stefan Scepovic started on the bench while Stefan Johansen and Mubarak Wakaso were out altogether.

Zaine Francis-Angol and Fraser Kerr returned for the Fir Park side who were content to keep 10 men behind the ball in the opening stages which the Scottish champions dominated.

However, Well came close in the 12th minute when midfielder Iain Vigurs drove just wide from the edge of the box after Sutton set him up with a header.

The next time the visitors went up the park with any real purpose they took the lead.

When Craig Reid's cross from the right sped to the front post Sutton forced himself in front of Hoops defender Jason Denayer to volley past Zaluska, stunning the home fans and probably the small band of Motherwell supporters too.

Moments later, with the shock of the goal still reverberating around the stadium, Well keeper Dan Twardzik made a decent save from Denayer's 30-yard drive.

However, the Steelmen were growing in belief and should have added a second in the 27th minute when skipper Keith Lasley's blocked shot from inside the box landed at the feet of the unmarked Sutton but he somehow failed to hit the target from six yards.

Celtic's ultras-style fan group, the Green Brigade, were making their first appearance of the season in section 111 of the stadium and they tried to inspire the team and the rest of the Hoops fans but neither group responded too well.

In the 33rd minute Kayal's drive from the edge of the box escaped the far post and five minutes from the break Virgil van Dijk got on the end of a Stokes cross only to see Twardzik make a brilliant save from his close-range header.

Brown and Commons replaced Kayal and Tonev respectively for the start of the second period and the home side immediately took a grip of the game again.

Hoops wideman Callum McGregor drew a fine save from Twardzik in the 56th minute as Motherwell camped at the edge of their own box repelling wave after wave of Celtic attacks.

A leveller seemed inevitable and it came when referee Brian Colvin pointed to the spot after Brown was pushed to the ground inside a packed box by Josh Law with Commons slamming the spot-kick past Twardzik.

The home side pushed hard for the winner and it became a game of attack versus defence.

A deflected shot by McGregor almost wrong-footed Twardzik before Stokes and Bitton both had efforts which missed the target.

At the other end, with two minutes remaining, Francis-Angol fired over from 14 yards to end a rare Well counter-attack which had the home fans holding their breath.

Twardik made another great save from van Dijk as the game entered three added minutes but Deila's side ran eventually ran out of steam and ideas.

BBC
By Andrew Southwick BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

Celtic lost more ground at the top of the Premiership table as they were held at home by Motherwell.

John Sutton gave the visitors a shock lead, and should have doubled his tally shortly afterwards when he found himself free in front of goal.

Well were in the ascendancy but Stuart McCall's side could not record a first win at Celtic Park since 2008 as Kris Commons' penalty levelled matters.

But the point leaves Celtic five adrift of league leaders Dundee United.
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Interview – Celtic manager Ronny Deila

With so much of the season still to go, the result will not cause too many shockwaves. However, for the second time this term, Celtic manager Ronny Deila reshuffled his pack and watched his fringe players come up short.

After Thursday night's 2-2 Europa League draw away to Salzburg, Craig Gordon, Scott Brown and Commons started on the bench, while Anthony Stokes was preferred up front to Stefan Scepovic.

Stuart McCall brought in Zaine Francis-Angol and Fraser Kerr for Lee Erwin and Paul Lawson following the 2-1 win over Ross County.

The familiar sound of the Green Brigade returned to Celtic Park after their temporary ban from section 111 was lifted during the week, but they had little to cheer in the opening stages.
Motherwell striker John Sutton fires home to hand his side the lead at Celtic Park

Motherwell striker John Sutton fires home to hand his side the lead at Celtic Park

Celtic made all the early running without looking overly threatening, though Nir Bitton was almost put clean through on the Motherwell goal by Callum McGregor's clever pass.

Iain Vigurs knocked a shot narrowly wide in Motherwell's first venture forward and, if that was a warning, the hosts did not take heed.

On Motherwell's next foray into the box, Sutton muscled his way towards the front post and stuck a boot out to steer Craig Reid's cross past Lukasz Zaluska.
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Interview – Motherwell boss Stuart McCall

Sutton should have had a second when he found himself with just the goalkeeper to beat but, after finishing the more difficult chance, the striker was denied by the outstretched leg of Zaluska.

Celtic's biggest enemy now was frustration. Jason Denayer thumped a long-range shot that goalkeeper Dan Twardzik covered well and Beram Kayal dragged an effort wide.

Commons and Brown were introduced at the start of the second half with Celtic needing some inspiration, and the former fired in a volley that Twardzik did well to get his body behind.
Kris Commons drives the ball home from the penalty spot to earn Celtic a point

Kris Commons drives the ball home from the penalty spot to earn Celtic a point

If Celtic have had one constant this season then it is the impressive form of McGregor, and he again showed his emerging prowess as he cut inside from the right and stretched Twardzik with a shot.

John Guidetti curled another effort over the bar and Brown burst through on a marauding run, but nothing was clicking for the champions.

However, they eventually got the break they needed when Brown went down under pressure from Kerr and referee Brian Colvin pointed to the spot. Commons converted to level the game.
Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is left gutted after missing a chance for the champions

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is left gutted after missing a chance for the champions

Celtic had broken Motherwell's spirit, leaving the Steelmen nullified and camped in their own box. McGregor twice went close and Bitton and Stokes both threatened with efforts.

Francis-Angol was just as close at the other end with a shot just over the bar.

Motherwell almost threw it away though when Twardzik spilled Virgil van Dijk's late header, but Stokes could not direct the loose ball into the net, and Celtic had to settle for a point.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Celtic 1, Motherwell 1.
90:00 +3:16 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Celtic 1, Motherwell 1.
90:00 +3:11

Attempt blocked. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is blocked.
90:00 +0:53

Attempt blocked. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
90:00 +0:21

Attempt saved. Stefan Scepovic (Celtic) header from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the bottom right corner.
89:31

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Josh Law.
88:41

Attempt saved. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
87:19

Attempt missed. Zaine Francis-Angol (Motherwell) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
86:18

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high from a direct free kick.
85:24

Stefan Scepovic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
85:24

Foul by Stephen McManus (Motherwell).
84:30

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
84:30

Foul by Josh Law (Motherwell).
82:11

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
81:00

Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
80:07

Attempt missed. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
79:10

Attempt blocked. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
76:35

Stefan Scepovic (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
76:35

Foul by Mark O'Brien (Motherwell).
76:06 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Motherwell. Lee Erwin replaces John Sutton.
75:50 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Stefan Scepovic replaces John Guidetti.
75:34 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Motherwell. Stuart Carswell replaces Iain Vigurs.
75:02

Attempt missed. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
74:24

Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
73:05

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Mark O'Brien.
71:53 Booking

Booking Iain Vigurs (Motherwell) is shown the yellow card.
70:06

Attempt saved. Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
68:35

Attempt missed. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
67:04 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 1, Motherwell 1. Kris Commons (Celtic) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the centre of the goal.
66:25

Penalty Celtic. Scott Brown draws a foul in the penalty area.
66:25

Penalty conceded by Craig Reid (Motherwell) after a foul in the penalty area.
65:17

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Zaine Francis-Angol.
62:51

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick.
62:04

John Guidetti (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
62:04

Foul by Stephen McManus (Motherwell).
58:06

Attempt missed. John Guidetti (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
55:42

Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
54:18

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
54:18

Iain Vigurs (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
53:25

Attempt missed. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is close, but misses to the left.
49:23

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
48:37

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Simon Ramsden.
45:00

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

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Kris Commons replaces Aleksandar Tonev.
45:00 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Scott Brown replaces Beram Kayal.
45:00 +0:05 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Celtic 0, Motherwell 1.
44:23

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Craig Reid.
42:42

Beram Kayal (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
42:42

Foul by Zaine Francis-Angol (Motherwell).
40:43

Hand ball by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
40:01

Attempt missed. Beram Kayal (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
39:24

Attempt saved. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) header from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the bottom right corner.
39:00

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Craig Reid.
36:50

Attempt missed. Aleksandar Tonev (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
34:54

Attempt missed. Nir Bitton (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
34:42

Attempt blocked. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
33:33

Attempt missed. Beram Kayal (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
26:50

Attempt missed. John Sutton (Motherwell) left footed shot from very close range is close, but misses to the left.
23:28

Beram Kayal (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
23:28

Foul by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
22:30

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
22:30

Foul by Josh Law (Motherwell).
21:06

Attempt saved. Jason Denayer (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner.
18:47 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 0, Motherwell 1. John Sutton (Motherwell) header from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Craig Reid.
11:44

Attempt missed. Iain Vigurs (Motherwell) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
11:04

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Celtic).
11:04

Zaine Francis-Angol (Motherwell) wins a free kick on the left wing.
8:14

Nir Bitton (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
8:14

Foul by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
3:54

John Guidetti (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
3:54

Foul by Stephen McManus (Motherwell).
1:19

Attempt missed. Callum McGregor (Celtic) header from the left side of the box is too high following a corner.
1:04

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Keith Lasley.
0:41

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Mark O'Brien.
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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