2015-01-24: Ross County 0-1 Celtic, SP

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

Trivia

• Celtic move further in front at top after Aberdeen slip up and drop points with 1-1 draw on Friday night.
• Commons finally snatches that goal he has been craving for, but question now is whether he will be here in one week's time. Many think this is it, but there is an offer depends on both sides, and the alternative at Bolton for a final big payday.
• TheSevco match next week (first one ever). Possible trouble expected in Glasgow.
• Transfer window opens:
• Last week of the January Transfer window.
• Little moves anywhere in the January Transfer window.
• Kayal gone to Brighton.
• 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.
• Ashdod left-back Juwon Oshaniwa claims Celtic have contacted the Israeli club to enquire about his availability.
• Celtic put in bid for Dundee Utd’s Armstrong.
• Stokes rumour to Leeds.

Review

(columbo of KDS)
We won – no other positives from that garbage.

We are so inconsistent.

Good one game and turgid the next.

You would think we had never had to pick our way through a massed defence – slow build up – no creativity-passing the ball across the pitch with no penetration until a defender gets a foot in.
Tactics aside the performance level of the players was way short of what is required – poor touch and passing – no player in the team capable of beating their man and opening some space for others.

Hope for one of our good games next week.

And Ronny – by all means salute the fans for their efforts – fist pumping after that nonsense looks a bit lame.

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Stats

Ross County Celtic
Possession
63% 37%
90mins
Shots
11 15
On target
3 2
Corners
4 4
Fouls
5 23

Articles

Kris Commons on target as Celtic labour to victory at Ross County
Celtic's Kris Commons, centre, celebrates his goal against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership
Celtic's Kris Commons, centre, celebrates his goal against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership at Victoria Park. Photograph: Jeff Holmes/PA

Press Association

Saturday 24 January 2015 18.04 GMT

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/24/ross-county-celtic-scottish-premiership-report
Kris Commons helped Celtic cement their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a narrow 1-0 win over Ross County, the bottom side, in Dingwall. The visitors got the breakthrough in the 52nd minute through a deflected long-distance drive by the Celtic midfielder, who has hit an impasse in new contract talks with the Parkhead club. The narrow but deserved victory puts Celtic three points ahead of Aberdeen. Ronny Deila’s side also have a game in hand over Aberdeen.

Without the midfielder Beram Kayal, whose move to Brighton was confirmed on Friday, Deila brought in the striker John Guidetti and the midfielder Liam Henderson with Stefan Johansen, who went off with a head knock against Motherwell in midweek, and Anthony Stokes out altogether.

The Ross County manager, Jim McIntyre, made five changes to his starting side with Filip Kiss, Scott Boyd, Steven Ross, Tony Dingwall and Marcus Fraser, the latter making his debut after signing following his release by the Parkhead club. Out went injured Richard Brittain, Jackson Irvine was ineligible against his parent club while Steven Saunders, Lewis Toshney and Joe Cardle started on the bench.

The home side played their part in a lively enough opening 45 minutes. While Deila’s side took time to adapt to Guidetti and Leigh Griffiths playing together in a two-man attack, a 30-yard snap-shot by the Ross County striker Craig Curran in the third minute sped past Craig Gordon’s right-hand post, to the relief of the Celtic keeper.

That near miss jolted the visitors into action. Commons, twice, and the left-back Emilio Izaguirre, both had efforts on goal, none of which, however, called the Ross County goalkeeper Antonio Reguero into action.

An Izaguirre challenge on Curran inside the area as Celtic defended a corner brought claims of a penalty from home fans which were ignored by referee Kevin Clancy. The champions could not find any rhythm as the Highlanders grew in confidence. But on the half-hour mark, after Kiss fouled Commons 20 yard out trying to recover an earlier mistake by the left-back Graham Carey, Guidetti curled the free-kick inches past the far post.

At the other end, Gordon parried a decent long-distance shot from Carey with County grateful moments later when Boyd brilliantly blocked a goal-bound strike from Commons.

Within two minutes of the restart, Griffiths looked certain to score when he found himself with only Reguero to beat but he saved and when Guidetti followed up on the rebound, the defender Jamie Reckord blocked his shot for a corner which came to nothing. However, a Celtic goal was only delayed until the 52nd minute, albeit it was tough luck on the home side when Commons’ drive took a deflection off the Ross County captain Paul Quinn and looped over the helpless Reguero, immediately sapping the belief from County.

The County substitute Liam Boyce, on just before the break for Dingwall, flashed a shot across the Celtic goal to remind the champions the job was not yet done, as did a drive by Boyd minutes later which was saved by Gordon. As the game ended in howling wind and rain the home side went for broke with Gordon again thwarting Boyd, this time from a header.

Asked about a link with Manchester United’s Scotland midfielder, Darren Fletcher, Delia said afterwards: “There is nothing new in that matter. He has several names [interested clubs] and I think it is best for me to wait to next Monday to see where we are.”

BBC
By Andy Campbell BBC Sport Scotland

Celtic opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a narrow win against bottom side Ross County.

Kris Commons tested County goalkeeper Antonio Reguero with a well-struck free-kick late in the first half.

But Commons did beat the Spaniard early in the second period with the aid of a huge deflection off Paul Quinn.

Liam Boyce came close to equalising for the Staggies, his shot flashing wide of the right-hand post.

Ronny Deila's side, who have now won all four of their competitive fixtures in 2015, extend their run of clean sheets to five going in to next Sunday's Scottish League Cup semi-final against Rangers.

Celtic also have a game in hand over nearest challengers Aberdeen. County ended the day still four points behind St Mirren, who lost to Dundee.

The Highlanders were badly exposed in their first encounter with Deila's men this season – a 5-0 defeat – but appeared to have heeded that lesson with a scoreless draw at Celtic Park before the turn of the year.
John Guidetti and Graham Carey

Celtic got the better of a closely fought contest in the Highlands

County boss Jim McIntyre had emphasised the need to show the same discipline demonstrated in their Glasgow performance but also wanted his side to offer a goal threat.

Craig Curran tried to see to the latter, his ambitious long-range drive drifting narrowly wide of Craig Gordon's goal in the opening minutes.

Commons headed over a fast-moving Emilio Izaguirre cross from almost underneath the crossbar and John Guidetti – back in the Celtic starting line-up – curved a free-kick narrowly wide.

An awkward shot by Graham Carey bounced up off the chest of Gordon and a shot of similar strength by Commons was blocked by Scott Boyd moments later.

Commons assumed free-kick duties after being fouled by Filip Kiss, which resulted in a booking for the County midfielder, and Reguero did well to palm the curling strike to safety.

A quick counter attack at the beginning of the second half almost gave Celtic the lead as Izaguirre, Commons and Guidetti combined to put Leigh Griffiths through and, after Reguero blocked well, Guidetti's attempt to convert the rebound was diverted wide by Jamie Reckord.

County may have escaped on that occasion but fortune did not smile on the hosts moments later when Commons let fly from distance.

The shot caught Quinn's calf and the change in trajectory completely outfoxed the helpless Reguero, who could only watch as the ball looped into the net.
Celtic players Kris Commons and Liam Henderson celebrate

Commons' goal was his first in the Premiership since September

Celtic held their lead with a degree of comfort but were eager for a second. Guidetti flicked a shot over before being denied by an unorthodox and risky foot-led tackle by keeper Reguero following Griffiths' teasing centre.

Commons, who was soon replaced by Stefan Scepovic, was foiled by a melee of County defenders after rounding Reguero.

County sensed the opportunity to level in the final 15 minutes and Boyce's effort from the left had Gordon sprawling as it missed the far post.

Boyd drew a save from Gordon with a volley from the edge of the box and, in the final minute of regulation time, the keeper ensured a Celtic win by saving Quinn's header.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Ross County 0, Celtic 1.
90:00 +3:07 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Ross County 0, Celtic 1.
90:00 +0:51

Attempt missed. Darren Maatsen (Ross County) header from the centre of the box is too high.
90:00 +0:30

Corner, Ross County. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
90:00 +0:02

Attempt saved. Scott Boyd (Ross County) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
89:13

Darren Maatsen (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
89:13

Foul by Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).
88:02

Foul by Jamie Reckord (Ross County).
88:02

Adam Matthews (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
85:46 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Efe Ambrose replaces John Guidetti.
83:17

Attempt saved. Scott Boyd (Ross County) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
82:48

Liam Boyce (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
82:48

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
80:52

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Paul Quinn.
79:58

Attempt missed. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
79:26

Paul Quinn (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
79:26

Foul by Stefan Scepovic (Celtic).
79:02 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Ross County. Jake Jervis replaces Martin Woods.
78:43

Attempt missed. Stefan Scepovic (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
78:00 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Ross County. Darren Maatsen replaces Graham Carey.
77:33

Attempt missed. Liam Boyce (Ross County) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
77:00

Attempt missed. Liam Henderson (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
75:20 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Callum McGregor replaces Leigh Griffiths.
74:43 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Stefan Scepovic replaces Kris Commons.
74:20

Graham Carey (Ross County) wins a free kick on the right wing.
74:20

Foul by Adam Matthews (Celtic).
69:35

Graham Carey (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
69:35

Foul by John Guidetti (Celtic).
69:16

Attempt missed. John Guidetti (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high.
69:03

Attempt blocked. Liam Henderson (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
68:20

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott Boyd.
67:29

Attempt missed. Steven Ross (Ross County) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
67:06

Graham Carey (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
67:06

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
66:28

Attempt missed. Marcus Fraser (Ross County) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
65:51

Corner, Ross County. Conceded by Scott Brown.
64:37

Martin Woods (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
64:37

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
61:16 Booking

Booking Kris Commons (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
61:08

Filip Kiss (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
61:08

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
59:24

Steven Ross (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
59:24

Foul by Liam Henderson (Celtic).
58:25

Attempt missed. Martin Woods (Ross County) right footed shot from very close range is just a bit too high.
57:20

Filip Kiss (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
57:20

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
56:45

Paul Quinn (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
56:45

Foul by John Guidetti (Celtic).
54:02

Attempt missed. Graham Carey (Ross County) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
53:09

Filip Kiss (Ross County) wins a free kick on the left wing.
53:09

Foul by John Guidetti (Celtic).
51:47 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Ross County 0, Celtic 1. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by John Guidetti.
48:41 Booking

Booking Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
48:27

Scott Boyd (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
48:27

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
48:01

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Paul Quinn.
47:46

Attempt blocked. John Guidetti (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
45:00

Second Half begins Ross County 0, Celtic 0.
45:00 +1:15 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Ross County 0, Celtic 0.
45:00 +0:46

Graham Carey (Ross County) wins a free kick on the right wing.
45:00 +0:46

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
44:53 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Ross County. Liam Boyce replaces Tony Dingwall because of an injury.
42:40

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
41:59 Booking

Booking Filip Kiss (Ross County) is shown the yellow card.
41:54

Foul by Filip Kiss (Ross County).
41:54

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
39:47

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
39:47

Craig Curran (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
36:47

Attempt blocked. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
34:56

Tony Dingwall (Ross County) wins a free kick on the right wing.
34:56

Foul by Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).
34:12

Attempt saved. Graham Carey (Ross County) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
33:12

Corner, Ross County. Conceded by Kris Commons.
32:52

Foul by John Guidetti (Celtic).
32:52

Filip Kiss (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
30:47

Attempt missed. John Guidetti (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high from a direct free kick.
30:00

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
29:56

Foul by Jamie Reckord (Ross County).
26:23

Corner, Ross County. Conceded by Jason Denayer.
25:07

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
24:00

Attempt missed. Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is just a bit too high.
20:43

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
20:43

Steven Ross (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
19:06

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
19:06

Craig Curran (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
16:58

Attempt missed. Scott Boyd (Ross County) header from very close range is close, but misses to the right.
16:13

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
16:13

Filip Kiss (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
15:10

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
15:10

Filip Kiss (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
14:52

Nir Bitton (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
14:52

Foul by Martin Woods (Ross County).
13:21

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) header from very close range is too high.
12:47

Attempt blocked. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
10:22

John Guidetti (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
10:22

Foul by Scott Boyd (Ross County).
9:46

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
6:04

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Paul Quinn.
4:37

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
4:37

Graham Carey (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3:13

Attempt missed. Craig Curran (Ross County) left footed shot from more than 35 yards is close, but misses to the left.
1:22

Graham Carey (Ross County) wins a free kick on the right wing.
1:22

Foul by John Guidetti (Celtic).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.