2015-01-17: Hamilton Academical 0-2 Celtic, SP

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

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

Trivia

Celtic battling with Aberdeen for top spot in the league. Aberdeen draw, giving Celtic a filip.
Country is going through a cold snap, snow cleared off Hamilton's plastic pitch.
Celtic return to domestic action after jolly in Gran Canaries in a two match tournament.
Commons throws his boots into the roof crowd at end and goes to applaud the support, so sign he's leaving the club?
Matthews scores a cracking long range shot.
Troubles at Sevco after protests at their match against their board, and their game called off as pitch couldn't be cleared of snow (to save money they have undersoil heating off).
Number of companies run by ex Rangers owner Sir David Murray set for liquidation. Interesting quote from Deila: “We have too many players and in my mind it’s much better to have 20 to 22 players of a good level and then fill it with youngsters instead of having 28, 29 players."
Transfer window:

Berget not to be retained on loan, few complain. He's gone.
Rumours of Commons to Bolton (Lennon is the manager there).
Celtic have supposedly put in a £350k bid in for a player from Israel whose club is desperate for cash.
Amido Baldé, who was last on loan from Celtic at Waasland-Beveren, has signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv
Efe Ambrose has been linked with Premier League duo West Ham and Crystal Palace for £3m
Celtic soon to buy Gary McKay Stevens from Dundee Utd acc to rumours. Celtic end up signing him on pre contract, coming in sunmer.

Review

(arklys of KDS)
Not exactly thrilling but a fairly satisfying victory. We were well on top of the game overall.

We have looked a bit more solid in the last couple of games – it looks like Brown is dropping back more often to cover in front of the CBs and having someone do this could make a world of difference. But for the one save by Gordon at his near post and the one where he recovered well from a bad mistake Hamilton didn't really manage a convincing effort. It's not as if we had hundreds either but we scored two excellent goals. Matthews by his own admission played better than he has for a long time.

(Govan Super casino of KDS)
I thought the back 4 were very good, Denayur was superb. They were helped by Curier's complete lack of understanding of the offside rule.

Amazed to see people with Brown in their top 3 for MOTM, I thought he was honking.

Can't wait for the next game, that's 12 wins out of 14 domestic games.

Teams

Hamilton Academical

01 McGovern
06 Gillespie Booked
05 Canning
04 Devlin
03 Hendrie Booked
18 MacKinnon (Redmond – 82' )
11 Crawford
08 Routledge (Longridge – 63' )
07 Imrie (Brophy – 71' )
22 Andreu
99 Antoine-Curier

Substitutes

16 Watson
17 Longridge
20 Brophy
21 Docherty
24 Tena
28 Redmond
29 Hill

Celtic

26 Gordon
02 Matthews
05 van Dijk
22 Denayer
03 Izaguirre
53 Henderson (McGregor – 66' )
08 Brown Booked
06 Bitton
25 Johansen Booked
15 Commons (Scepovic – 80' )
28 Griffiths

Substitutes

04 Ambrose Emuobo
09 Guidetti
12 Scepovic
24 Zaluska
41 Fisher
42 McGregor
52 Thomson

Goals

Matthews 33′
Henderson 50′

Ref: Steven McLean

Att: 6,007

Articles

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

Pictures

Match Pictures

Forum

MOTM

Voting Thread
Result Thread
Winner –

Stats

Hamilton Academical Celtic
Possession
55% 45%
90mins

Shots
12 16

On target
3 7

Corners
6 6

Fouls
11 9

Articles

Hamilton 0-2 Celtic: Hoops keep up pressure on Premiership leaders

17 January 2015 14:50 GMT

http://m.stv.tv/sport/football/clubs/celtic/306892-hamilton-0-2-celtic-hoops-keep-up-pressure-on-premiership-leaders/

Opener: Adam Matthews smashed in a stunning strike to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. Pic: SNS Group

Celtic kept the pressure on Scottish Premiership leaders Aberdeen with a comfortable 2-0 win over Hamilton at New Douglas Park.

In front of a record crowd at the stadium of 6,007, Ronny Deila's side bossed the first-half with right-back Adam Matthews giving them the interval advantage in the 33rd minute with a terrific strike from 16 yards.

The visitors, back from a winter break in Gran Canaria, played with an assurance for the most part and, when midfielder Liam Henderson made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half with a drive, the points were effectively safe.

The champions move to within a point of the Dons albeit the Granite City men have the chance to re-establish their lead against Dundee later in the day, after which the champions will have two games in hand again.

Accies' 1-0 win at Celtic Park in early October had been their first victory over the Hoops in 76 years but there was little danger of lightning striking twice.

In their last outing, the visitors had performed impressively on the artificial pitch at Kilmarnock in their 2-0 win and they looked equally comfortable on a similar surface at Hamilton, which had been cleared of snow.

Led by skipper Scott Brown, wearing a bandage on his head to protect a cut, and with defender Jason Denayer and striker Leigh Griffiths in for Efe Ambrose and Stefan Scepovic respectively, the Parkhead side took early control.

Midfielder Kris Commons, as he had done against Killie, mounted a personal attack on the opposition goal, albeit failing to really trouble Accies keeper and captain, Michael McGovern.

In the 17th minute a Virgil van Dijk header from a Commons corner was easily saved by the Northern Irishman, although it seemed certain that there would be many more attempts to follow.

Hamilton player-interim coach Martin Canning, after leaving himself out for the home defeat to Dundee United on Monday night days after taking over from the departed Alex Neil, came back into the Accies' defence but they were showing little going forward.

However, the home side's first corner in the 26th minute caused panic in the visiting defence.

Ali Crawford's cross was cleared only to Accies' midfielder Tony Andreu, whose shot from the edge of the box was deflected up into the air with Denayer almost putting though his own goal, his wayward header saved by Craig Gordon with the Hoops keeper then blocking a close-range effort from Mickael Antoine-Curier.

However, any encouragement Accies took from that close call dissipated when the visitors took the lead, Matthews running on to a pass from Commons and firing first time high past McGovern from just inside the box with his first Celtic goal since August 2013.

There were only five minutes gone of the second half when Celtic doubled their lead.

A deep cross from Matthews from the right found Emilio Izaguirre and, when the ball fell to Henderson just inside the box, he drilled his shot low past McGovern and into the corner, with his first goal since March.

Accies, sensing the game was all but gone, went for broke.

Gordon was forced into a fine save down at his left-hand post by Dougie Imrie, moments before the Hamilton forward headed over the bar from six yards out.

However, Celtic remained steady, repelling anything Hamilton had to offer and indeed, in the 76th minute, McGovern was forced into fine save from a vicious Griffiths' drive as the Glasgow side flexed their muscles again.

BBC
By Andy Campbell BBC Sport Scotland

Celtic win first game following winter break
Matthews and Henderson score for first time this season
Hamilton lose second game under interim boss Canning

Celtic returned to Premiership action following a winter retreat in Gran Canaria with victory over Hamilton.

Adam Matthews' rising shot beat Accies goalkeeper Michael McGovern at his near post to give the visitors the lead.

Earlier, Celtic stopper Craig Gordon prevented a Jason Denayer own goal and then denied Mickael Antoine-Curier in quick succession.

Liam Henderson's well-struck shot on the turn doubled Celtic's advantage in the second half.

Ronny Deila's side ended the day two points behind leaders Aberdeen, who drew with Dundee later on Saturday and have played two games more than Celtic.

Hamilton, who have set a deadline of Wednesday for applicants to replace Alex Neil as manager, remain fifth with Martin Canning continuing as interim player-coach.

On a weekend when several Scottish fixtures fell victim to the weather, the ground staff's pre-match efforts to clear the New Douglas Park pitch of snow were rewarded by the welcome sight of lunchtime sunshine in South Lanarkshire.

However, the opening to the match offered few thrills with Stephen Hendrie's whipped cross eluding Accies striker Mickael Antoine-Curier in the box.
Virgil van Dijk and Mickael Antoine-Curier

Celtic were not in competitive action last weekend

Bolton Wanderers target Kris Commons dug the ball out of his feet on the right to test Hamilton goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

Neither side looked particularly comfortable dealing with crosses and it was from a Hamilton corner that the first genuine chance was carved out.

Celtic defender Jason Denayer attempted to head clear Canning's effort but sent the ball back towards goal, forcing Gordon to claw away and the keeper further impressed by getting his right hand to Antoine-Curier's close-range shot in the aftermath.

That seemed to spark Celtic into action and Leigh Griffiths, preferred in attack to Stefan Scepovic, combined with Commons to set up Matthews for the opening goal.

The attacking duo moved the ball from left to right and Welshman Matthews caught the ball well on the run to beat McGovern in his top left-hand corner.

Griffiths came close himself moments later, his inventive lob from inside the box dropping over.

Deila's men carried their momentum into the second period and Matthews turned provider for their second goal.

His cross was only partially cleared and Emilio Izaguirre nudged the ball down for Henderson to swivel and score from around 17 yards.
Liam Henderson scores for Celtic against Hamilton Academical

Henderson also got off the mark for the season

Hamilton, victors at Celtic Park in October, were eager to stem the flow of attacks towards their goal and drew another fine block from Gordon after Dougie Imrie had cut in from the right to shoot.

However, there was to be no recovery from the hosts and Griffiths battered a shot against the palms of McGovern as Celtic finished strongly.

And, after full-time, Commons gave his boots to a Celtic supporter and applauded the fans warmly, perhaps an indicator that his spell at the club is soon to end.
Lineup, Bookings (4) & Substitutions (5)

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Hamilton Academical 0, Celtic 2.
90:00 +2:14 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Hamilton Academical 0, Celtic 2.
90:00 +0:57

Attempt missed. Tony Andreu (Hamilton Academical) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right from a direct free kick.
90:00 +0:13 Booking

Booking Scott Brown (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
90:00 +0:06

Mickael Antoine-Curier (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90:00 +0:06

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
88:14

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
87:12

Attempt missed. Mickael Antoine-Curier (Hamilton Academical) left footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high.
85:14

Attempt missed. Stefan Scepovic (Celtic) header from the left side of the six yard box is just a bit too high.
82:41

Attempt saved. Ali Crawford (Hamilton Academical) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
82:00 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Daniel Redmond replaces Darian MacKinnon.
81:05

Attempt blocked. Eamonn Brophy (Hamilton Academical) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
79:28 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Stefan Scepovic replaces Kris Commons.
78:32

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Martin Canning.
76:33

Attempt missed. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
76:01

Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner.
75:09

Michael Devlin (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
75:09

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
73:06

Corner, Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Kris Commons.
70:04 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Eamonn Brophy replaces Dougie Imrie.
69:12

Attempt missed. Ali Crawford (Hamilton Academical) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
67:20

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
67:20

Foul by Dougie Imrie (Hamilton Academical).
65:33 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Callum McGregor replaces Liam Henderson because of an injury.
65:08

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is close, but misses to the right.
64:34

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
64:34

Stephen Hendrie (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
62:02 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Hamilton Academical. Louis Longridge replaces Jon Routledge.
61:39

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
60:50 Booking

Booking Stefan Johansen (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
60:41

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
60:41

Dougie Imrie (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick on the right wing.
59:51

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
59:16 Booking

Booking Stephen Hendrie (Hamilton Academical) is shown the yellow card.
59:12

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
59:12

Foul by Stephen Hendrie (Hamilton Academical).
58:31

Attempt missed. Michael Devlin (Hamilton Academical) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high.
58:03

Corner, Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Virgil van Dijk.
57:24

Corner, Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
57:13

Attempt saved. Dougie Imrie (Hamilton Academical) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
52:13

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
52:13

Foul by Michael Devlin (Hamilton Academical).
51:09

Attempt blocked. Tony Andreu (Hamilton Academical) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
49:54 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Hamilton Academical 0, Celtic 2. Liam Henderson (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Matthews with a cross.
47:07

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Stephen Hendrie.
45:00

Second Half begins Hamilton Academical 0, Celtic 1.
45:00 +1:11 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Hamilton Academical 0, Celtic 1.
45:00 +0:46

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
45:00 +0:46

Ali Crawford (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick on the right wing.
44:08

Foul by Jon Routledge (Hamilton Academical).
44:08

Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
42:59

Attempt missed. Michael Devlin (Hamilton Academical) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
42:03

Attempt blocked. Darian MacKinnon (Hamilton Academical) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
41:29

Corner, Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Emilio Izaguirre.
40:19

Attempt missed. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
35:42

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is too high.
34:06

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
34:06

Michael Devlin (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick on the right wing.
32:43 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Hamilton Academical 0, Celtic 1. Adam Matthews (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Kris Commons.
32:04

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Michael Devlin.
31:14 Booking

Booking Grant Gillespie (Hamilton Academical) is shown the yellow card.
31:07

Nir Bitton (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
31:07

Foul by Grant Gillespie (Hamilton Academical).
27:52

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
27:52

Foul by Ali Crawford (Hamilton Academical).
27:01

Jason Denayer (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
27:01

Foul by Mickael Antoine-Curier (Hamilton Academical).
26:24

Corner, Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
25:55

Attempt saved. Tony Andreu (Hamilton Academical) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the bottom left corner.
25:46

Corner, Hamilton Academical. Conceded by Scott Brown.
24:05

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
24:05

Foul by Michael Devlin (Hamilton Academical).
23:01

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
23:01

Jon Routledge (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
21:39

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
21:39

Tony Andreu (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
19:44

Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
19:44

Foul by Mickael Antoine-Curier (Hamilton Academical).
17:11

Attempt saved. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
16:42

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Martin Canning.
16:22

Attempt blocked. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
15:26

Foul by Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).
15:26

Grant Gillespie (Hamilton Academical) wins a free kick on the left wing.
13:13

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
11:02

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) header from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses the top right corner.
10:26

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Michael Devlin.
8:57

Attempt missed. Stephen Hendrie (Hamilton Academical) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
4:08

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Mickael Antoine-Curier.
3:58

Attempt blocked. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
3:09

Foul by Darian MacKinnon (Hamilton Academical).
3:09

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
2:27

Foul by Darian MacKinnon (Hamilton Academical).
2:27

Adam Matthews (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Live data and text provided by our data suppliers
Also related to this story

Deila dismisses Commons exit talk 17 Jan 2015 Scottish Premiership
Winter disrupts Scottish fixtures 17 Jan 2015 Scottish Football
Accies set closing date for vacancy 17 Jan 2015 Hamilton
January a crucial month for Celtic 13 Jan 2015 Celtic

Share this story
171

Share
Facebook
Twitter

Top Picks

Celtic forward Kris Commons Deila dismisses Commons exit talk 17 Jan 2015 Scottish Premiership
Winter disrupts Scottish fixtures 17 Jan 2015 Scottish Football
Accies set closing date for vacancy 17 Jan 2015 Hamilton

Latest Football
Show me:

Hamilton 0 – 2 Celtic FT
Aberdeen 3 – 3 Dundee FT
Dundee Utd P – P Inverness CT

Postponed
Motherwell P – P Kilmarnock

Postponed
Ross County 1 – 2 St Mirren FT
St Johnstone 2 – 0 Partick Thistle FT

View Live Scores All times UK
As It Stands Table
Show me: