2015-05-15: St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic, SP

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

Trivia

• Another Friday night game.
• Celtic Park unveils timeline banners around outside of the stadium.
• Teenager Kieran Tierney makes Bhoys bow.
• Dust settling after the general elections of late and Scotland is polarised from the rest of the UK with a left-wing Edinburgh parliament against a national right wing Tory govt. European referendum to be the big issue for the coming years, Scotland is positive but rest of the UK is Europhobic. Fun times ahead.
• Celtic linked with Motherwell’s Lee Erwin.
• SPL to be sponsored by Ladbrokes from next season.
• Scepovic’s agent to head to Parkhead for crunch talks over the striker’s future. Few bothered.
• Rumours: Bolton in for Scepovic, Swansea in for Van Dijk; Fridjonsson in dark over Celtic future after failed loan move. Celtic closing in on Danny Wilson.

Review

(Walter Sobchank of KDS)
quite enjoyed it. Thought we played some good stuff first half and certainly created enough chances.

Thought a few players were poor – GMS, Armstrong, Commons and Griffiths all under performed. Thought that apart from his finishing that Forrest looked good, and I'm not his biggest fan. Big Efe and Brown had very good games and Zaluska made a few good stops.

Fannybaws Mulgrew coming on and attempting about 10 World Cup/quarterback passes was an annoyance but he done quite well defensively.

The last 10 minutes were cracking and fair play to St Johnstone for making a game of it.

Delighted to hear about the defensive record this season being so good. Another example of the system working

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 –

Stats

St JohnstoneCeltic

Possession
46% 54%
90mins
Shots
16 12
On target
7 4
Corners
11 7
Fouls
9 16

Articles

St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic: Chances go begging at McDiarmid Park

STV
15 May 2015 22:07 BST
http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/st-johnstone/1320660-st-johnstone-0-0-celtic-chances-go-begging-at-mcdiarmid-park/
St Johnstone and Celtic both wasted a barrowload of chances to somehow draw a Scottish Premiership blank at McDiarmid Park.

Saints forward Michael O'Halloran might have scored three in an open first half with striker Leigh Griffiths and skipper Scott Brown coming close for the Hoops.

The second half followed along similar lines with Perth substitute James McFadden and Murray Davidson both hitting the post.

However, Parkhead winger James Forrest, one of six changes to Ronny Deila's starting line-up, missed a remarkable open goal.

With only a trip to Aberdeen remaining next week, Tommy Wright's men moved one point ahead of Dundee United, who have two games left.

Fourth place will take a Europa League spot if Inverness beat Falkirk in the William Hill Scottish Cup final at Hampden.

St Johnstone could have made their European quest easier if they had a cutting edge, although they might have ended the night with nothing.

Defender Kieran Tierney, 17, was one of six Celtic changes with keeper Lukasz Zaluska, Adam Matthews, Efe Ambrose, Gary Mackay-Steven and Forrest also drafted in.

Charlie Mulgrew returned for the first time since December after recovering from a knee problem, to start on the bench.

Saints skipper Dave Mackay missed out ahead of hip surgery while stopper Frazer Wright dropped to the bench, with Brian Easton and Gary Miller coming in.

The first chance of an open game fell to the visitors from a corner in the 10th minute.

Stuart Armstrong's cross was headed towards goal by Ambrose but Griffiths could not get enough on to the ball from a yard out and Perth keeper Alan Mannus smothered on the line.

Moments later, at the other end, Zaluska stretched high to his left to claw away a fine strike by Davidson with Tierney completing the clearance.

There was little thought to defending, apparently.

Michael O'Halloran missed a great chance for the home side when he failed to connect properly with a header following a cross from the right, seconds before a Celtic break ended with Forrest slicing his angled-drive wide.

In the 23rd minute, following a Danny Swanson corner, Ambrose cleared a Miller header away from under the bar before O'Halloran again mis-headed a cross in front of goal.

Saints' profligacy continued.

O'Halloran left Ambrose for dead to leave himself with only Zaluska to beat but the Parkhead keeper who blocked for a corner, the set-piece ending when midfielder David Wotherspoon curled a shot from the edge of the box past the far post.

The near misses mounted up.

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons' shot from 22 yards evaded the far post before Zaluska made a double save, the first from Wotherspoon's shot on the turn from 12 yards, and then from Davidson who had followed in.

It was the Parkhead side's turn next to threaten as skipper Brown's header from a Commons corner was knocked off by the line by St Johnstone midfielder Chris Millar, the half-time whistle soon afterwards allowing everyone to draw breath.

Mulgrew replaced centre-back Jason Denayer for the start of the second-half but the pattern was set.

Zaluska was again in action, saving a point-blank header from Steven MacLean.

Play swung randomly from end to end with Mannus denying Mulgrew a dream comeback in the 69th minute by saving his downward header from an Armstrong free-kick.

The Perth side kept coming forward looking for the winner which would give them a bigger European boost and came close in the 83rd minute when McFadden, on for MacLean, headed a Swanson corner off the post before Steven Anderson's shot was blocked by sheer numbers of bodies in front of goal.

But the best chance of the night was missed when Celtic immediately broke through Forrest, the Hoops winger round Mannus but somehow missing the target from six yards. summing up the night, although there was time for Davidson to hit woodwork in added time and Mannus to save again from Griffiths.

BBC
By Andrew Southwick BBC Scotland

James McFadden and Murray Davidson hit post for Saints
Celtic's Scott Brown, James Forrest and Leigh Griffiths go close
St Johnstone move clear in fourth place
Celtic stretch lead at top to 15 points

St Johnstone and Celtic served up a cracker at McDiarmid Park, but somehow both failed to find the back of the net.

Saints pair Michael O'Halloran and David Wotherspoon and Celtic duo Scott Brown and Kris Commons all went close in the first half.

James McFadden and Murray Davidson both hit a post late on for the hosts.

James Forrest could have won it for Celtic but missed an open goal after rounding goalkeeper Alan Mannus.

In the end a point moves St Johnstone clear of Dundee United in the fight for fourth spot and a possible Europa League place.

However, manager Tommy Wright may feel his side were unfortunate not to make it two wins in a row against the champions.

With the league title already secured, Celtic made changes; Zaluska and teenager Kieran Tierney brought in by Ronny Deila to the starting line-up.

Griffiths' miss-hit shot from Efe Ambrose's knockdown went close, but it was Saints who posed the biggest threat early on.

O'Halloran shot wide, then failed to connect with a free header inside the box either side of a terrific save from Zaluska which denied Davidson.

Griffiths almost stole in on the loose ball when Mannus could not control a pass back, but at the other end Ambrose had to clear off the line from Chris Millar's header.

The chances kept coming for the home side and O'Halloran was guilty of passing up two more, heading into the ground then driving a free shot at the goalkeeper.

Wotherspoon and Commons shot wide at either end before a double Zaluska save denied Wotherspoon, again, and Davidson.

For an end-of-season match, the pace was relentless. Brown's header was cleared off the line before half-time, then Tom Scobbie was denied from close range at the same goal early into the second half.

Charlie Mulgrew, making his first appearance since December, tested Mannus with a back-post header before O'Halloran continued his personal duel with Zaluska, firing low into the goalkeeper's hands.

Both sides kept going forward, and substitute McFadden headed off the post for St Johnstone.

However the deadlock should have been broken when Forrest pounced on a defensive mistake, rounded Mannus, but somehow knocked the ball wide.

In a frenzied finish Davidson drove a late shot off the post as Saints threatened once more, but Celtic had the last say when they broke in numbers only for Griffiths to be denied by a great save from Mannus.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, St. Johnstone 0, Celtic 0.
90:00 +3:01 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, St. Johnstone 0, Celtic 0.
90:00 +2:11

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Alan Mannus.
90:00 +1:58

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner.
90:00 +1:36

Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) hits the right post with a right footed shot from the centre of the box.
89:00

Foul by Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone).
89:00

Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
86:43

Attempt saved. Liam Caddis (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
85:59 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St. Johnstone. Simon Lappin replaces Danny Swanson.
84:42

Chris Millar (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
84:42

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
83:41

Attempt missed. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
83:20

Attempt saved. Steven Anderson (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
83:09

Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) hits the right post with a header from the centre of the box following a corner.
82:35

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Adam Matthews.
82:09

Attempt blocked. Brian Easton (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
81:30

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Gary Mackay-Steven.
79:26

Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the right wing.
79:26

Foul by Stefan Scepovic (Celtic).
78:10 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St. Johnstone. James McFadden replaces Steven MacLean.
77:54

Attempt missed. Steven Anderson (St. Johnstone) header from the centre of the box misses to the left following a corner.
77:26

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Emilio Izaguirre.
76:57

Attempt saved. Michael O'Halloran (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
75:13

Attempt missed. Michael O'Halloran (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
71:46 Booking

Booking Scott Brown (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
71:42

Danny Swanson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the right wing.
71:42

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
70:28 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Stefan Scepovic replaces Kris Commons.
70:14 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, St. Johnstone. Liam Caddis replaces Gary Miller because of an injury.
69:51

Attempt saved. Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
68:29 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Emilio Izaguirre replaces Kieran Tierney.
68:05 Booking

Booking Gary Miller (St. Johnstone) is shown the yellow card.
68:01

Foul by Gary Miller (St. Johnstone).
68:01

Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
64:57

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Kris Commons.
61:11

Attempt missed. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high.
55:40

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Charlie Mulgrew.
55:16

Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the right wing.
55:16

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
53:18

Foul by Steven MacLean (St. Johnstone).
53:18

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
53:07

Gary Miller (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
53:07

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Celtic).
52:31

Attempt saved. Tam Scobbie (St. Johnstone) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
52:15

Gary Miller (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
52:15

Foul by Adam Matthews (Celtic).
51:30

Chris Millar (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the left wing.
51:30

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
50:45

Foul by David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone).
50:45

Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
48:55

Michael O'Halloran (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the right wing.
48:55

Foul by Kieran Tierney (Celtic).
48:22

Gary Miller (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
48:22

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
46:20

Attempt missed. Steven Anderson (St. Johnstone) header from the centre of the box misses to the left following a corner.
46:02

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Kieran Tierney.
45:00

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

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Charlie Mulgrew replaces Jason Denayer.
45:00 +1:01 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, St. Johnstone 0, Celtic 0.
45:00 +0:41

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Gary Miller.
44:03 Booking

Booking Kris Commons (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
43:04

Steven Anderson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
43:04

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
42:10

Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the right wing.
42:10

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Celtic).
41:24

Brian Easton (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
41:24

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
39:25

Attempt saved. Scott Brown (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
39:17

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Tam Scobbie.
39:07

Attempt blocked. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
37:16 Booking

Booking Chris Millar (St. Johnstone) is shown the yellow card.
37:12

Foul by Chris Millar (St. Johnstone).
37:12

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
36:13

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Lukasz Zaluska.
35:54

Attempt saved. David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
34:51

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Wotherspoon.
34:38

Attempt blocked. Kieran Tierney (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
33:49

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
30:07

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Jason Denayer.
29:13 Booking

Booking Adam Matthews (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
29:06

Danny Swanson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
29:06

Foul by Adam Matthews (Celtic).
28:18

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Gary Miller.
27:35

Attempt missed. David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
27:16

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Lukasz Zaluska.
26:59

Attempt saved. Michael O'Halloran (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
26:19

Foul by David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone).
26:19

Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
25:32

Chris Millar (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the left wing.
25:32

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Celtic).
23:51

Steven MacLean (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
23:51

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
22:29

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
22:03

Attempt missed. Gary Miller (St. Johnstone) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high following a corner.
21:27

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
20:30

Attempt missed. Michael O'Halloran (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
19:44

Foul by Chris Millar (St. Johnstone).
19:44

James Forrest (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
16:36

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Brian Easton.
15:19

Attempt missed. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
13:33

Foul by Danny Swanson (St. Johnstone).
13:33

James Forrest (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
12:06

Foul by Michael O'Halloran (St. Johnstone).
12:06

Kieran Tierney (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
11:39

Attempt saved. Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
9:39

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
9:12

Attempt saved. Efe Ambrose (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
8:46

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Steven Anderson.
8:37

Attempt blocked. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
0:53

Danny Swanson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
0:53

Foul by Adam Matthews (Celtic).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Live data and text provided by our data suppliers