2012-10-27: Celtic 0-2 Kilmarnock, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2012 – 2013 | 2012-13 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic lose at home to Kilmarnock for first time since 1955! 57 years…..
• Celtic stay top of league. There is a total difference of just 8 points from 1st to 11th in the SPL this season.
• Injuries with Samaras out for two weeks and Wanyama, Brown and Lassad out also.
• Wanyama has said no to contract talks and Lennon said to have put £25m tag on him! No rush he's contracted to 2014.
• Channel 4 big expose on Huns intimidation against people and media this week plus more revelations over Huns financial arrangements. Very dodgy stuff from Huns, recommend seeking this out.
• Jimmy McGrory remembrance today held by the Celtic Graves Society. Large turnout.

Review

(by ronanCFC of KDS forum)
That was abject.

Forrests and Commons only contribution was to fall to their knees and win free-kicks at every opportunity.

Miku wasn't on the teams wave-length but did show some good touches in the first half . was invisible in the second.

Don't know what he was playing when he was going off.

There was no urgency at all and we were very rigid from start to finish. Ledley and Mulgrew kept the ball well for the most part but that's about it.

Neither brought any attacking impetus and just shuttled the ball out wide to the frustrating wide men.

That was the worst game Ambrose has played too , while Matthews showed nothing to earn his place back.

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Stats

Celtic Kilmarnock
Possession
41% 59%
90mins

Shots
7 7

On target
2 3

Corners
3 3

Fouls
8 12

Articles

The Sporting Life

Former Celt Sheridan set the visitors on the way to their historic victory two minutes before the break when he capitalised on slack play by Efe Ambrose to race clear and round keeper Fraser Forster before scoring into an empty goal.
Midfielder Kelly slammed in the second from the spot just after the hour mark when Hoops left-back Emilio Izaguirre was adjudged to have fouled Rory McKenzie and the spirited Rugby Park men held on for their first success in the east end of Glasgow since 1955.
Neil Lennon's men had put in a disciplined, battling performance against Barcelona in the Nou Camp in midweek, only to lose the Champions League clash 2-1 in the final seconds of injury-time.
However, this Clydesdale Bank Premier League performance was at the other end of the scale and they were made to pay for their general lethargy which is sure to infuriate their boss, who had lavished praise on his players for their display against Barca.
Not that this was the exact same side which had come close to getting a point in the Nou Camp.
Into the Celtic team that started in Barca came Adam Matthews, James Forrest, Beram Kayal, Kris Commons and Miku with Georgios Samaras, Scott Brown, Mikael Lustig, Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama dropping out, the latter three on the bench.
Killie had new signing Mahamadou Sissoko, who has joined the club for a third time following his departure from Udinese, among their substitutes with Sheridan leading the attack and 16-year-old Mark O'Hara in midfield.
After the excitement of Europe in midweek, there was a flatness about the early stages which saw a confident Killie side enjoy a fair share of possession, albeit among some dreadful passing from both teams.
The first real moment of excitement came in the 16th minute when Rugby Park defender Rory McKeown did well to head an Izaguirre cross away for a corner under pressure from Miku but the set-piece came to nothing.
In the 26th minute Joe Ledley missed a sitter by stabbing awkwardly at the ball and watching it fly past the post after Miku had set him up with a header from a Commons cross.
In the 39th minute Charlie Mulgrew split open the Killie defence with a perfect pass for Forrest but the Scotland winger drilled his cut-back across the goal too quickly and the ball sped away from danger.
The Hoops fans grew increasingly disgruntled and they let their feelings be known when Sheridan gave Killie the lead.
Ambrose, who had swapped places with Mulgrew in central defence, was too casual after taking a pass from Matthews and the Irishman got the break of the ball which left him in a race with Forster.
The Hoops keeper came, then stopped, allowing Sheridan to take possession and he was coolness personified as he rounded Forster to walk the ball towards the empty goal before knocking it in.
Parkhead boss Lennon had seen enough from Kayal and he was replaced by Hooper at the interval.
The former Scunthorpe striker should have levelled in the 53rd minute when Forrest set him up with a cross at the near post but he missed the target.
Forster came to Celtic's rescue moments later, tipping over the bar after James Dayton had run through the middle of the parting Parkhead defence before thundering in a drive from outside the box.
The tension was building and Killie's penalty came in the 61st minute when McKenzie had his heel clipped by Izaguirre just inside the box as he set himself to have a shot after driving at the nervous Hoops defence.
Forster was booked by referee Crawford Allan for delaying the spot-kick being taken but that did not affect Kelly who hammered his shot past the big Geordie.
In the 76th minute Izaguirre had the ball in the Killie net after taking a Paddy McCourt pass but was ruled offside.
Moments later, Forrest's cross from the right broke to Tony Watt 10 yards out but with Bell out of his goal and the Rugby Park defence all over the place, he slashed at the ball which flew over the bar.
With four minutes remaining Bell parried Watt's angled-shot from 16 yards but by that time much of the belief had been sapped from the Hoops players and certainly their fans, who slipped off allowing the small band of Killie supporters their moment of glory at the end.

BBC

By Alasdair Lamont BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

Cillian Sheridan and Liam Kelly were on target as Kilmarnock won at Celtic Park for the first time since 1955.

Celtic were a shadow of the side that impressed against Barcelona and fell behind as Sheridan capitalised on a defensive lapse late in the first half.

Emilio Izaguirre felled Rory McKenzie on 62 minutes and Kelly smashed the resultant penalty past Fraser Forster.

While the home side were poor, Kilmarnock were well worth their historic victory.

Neil Lennon's side remain on top of the Scottish Premier League but their lead has been cut to two points, while Kilmarnock have leapfrogged Motherwell and Hearts to move into sixth place.

The visitors were a little quicker out the blocks than their hosts, with James Dayton looking lively, though Forster remained untroubled.

Similarly, Cammy Bell was seeing little action, though he would have been grateful for the intervention of Ryan O'Leary who, after 16 minutes, stuck out a leg to deny Miku the opportunity to head in Izaguirre's cross from close range.
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Ten minutes later, Celtic should undoubtedly have gone in front. Kris Commons swung in a cross from deep, Miku headed it invitingly into the path of Joe Ledley, but the Welshman – from just a few yards out – nudged it wide of Bell's left-hand post.

Killie created a presentable chance of their own just after the half-hour mark when Dayton delivered the ball in from the left towards the front post where Sheridan was lurking, but Forster was alive to the danger and knocked it away.

The first time Bell was called upon to make a save was five minutes before the break, as he beat away a Charlie Mulgrew free kick but the opening goal came at the other end.

Adam Matthews was closed down by Dayton and played a wayward pass to Efe Ambrose who, caught unawares, succeeded only in playing the ball off Sheridan.

The former Celtic striker was aided by a bit of backspin on the ball, which convinced Forster he wouldn't get to it first, and Sheridan calmly went round the keeper before virtually walking the ball over the line.

Celtic top-scorer Gary Hooper was introduced for Beram Kayal at the start of the second half and he almost drew his side level within seven minutes.

Ledley fed Forrest on the right and his low ball was clipped just wide by the striker.
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Almost immediately, Dayton raced towards the edge of the Celtic box before unleashing a fierce drive, which was brilliantly turned behind by the diving Forster.

Bell dealt with another Mulgrew free kick moments before Kilmarnock increased their lead.

McKenzie showed great skill on the edge of the Celtic penalty area before being clipped from behind by Izaguirre as he shaped to shoot.

Referee Crawford Allan pointed to the spot and Kelly blasted the ball past Forster to put Kilmarnock within touching distance of a momentous victory.

Izaguirre thought he had made amends with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, but he was ruled to have been offside as he finished off a pass from Pat McCourt.

Then substitute Tony Watt hammered the ball over the crossbar from six yards after Forrest's cutback fell kindly for him.

Watt's next effort was more threatening, but his powerful drive from inside the box was well parried by Bell.

Celtic Park emptied long before full-time as the home fans registered their displeasure. The opposite was true of the small band of visiting fans, who celebrated the end of one of Scottish football's longest-standing hoodoos.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +3:00 Full time

Full Time The referee brings the game to a close.
90:00 +0:19

Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
90:00 +0:19 Substitution

Substitution Jeroen Tesselaar replaces James Dayton.
90:00 +0:19

The offside flag is raised against Paul Heffernan.
88:30

James Forrest produces a cross, Mark O'Hara manages to make a clearance.
87:11

Effort from deep inside the area by James Dayton misses to the right of the goal.
86:17

Lee Johnson takes a short corner.
85:47

Shot by Tony Watt. Save made by Cameron Bell.
85:27

Manuel Pascali has an effort at goal. Fraser Forster makes a save.
84:52 Substitution

Substitution William Gros is brought on as a substitute for Rory McKenzie.
83:39

Mark O'Hara fouled by Emilio Izaguirre, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Lee Johnson.
81:59

Free kick awarded for a foul by Charlie Mulgrew on Rory McKeown. Manuel Pascali restarts play with the free kick.
80:59

The ball is swung over by Tony Watt, Ryan O'Leary makes a clearance.
79:18

Handball by Adam Matthews. Direct free kick taken by Manuel Pascali.
77:08

Close range effort by Tony Watt clears the crossbar.
76:20

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kelvin Wilson by Paul Heffernan. Kelvin Wilson takes the direct free kick.
75:06

The assistant referee flags for offside against Emilio Izaguirre. Cameron Bell restarts play with the free kick.
73:51

Foul by James Dayton on Adam Matthews, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Adam Matthews.
71:29 Substitution

Substitution Nicolas Fedor Miku leaves the field to be replaced by Tony Watt.
70:33

A cross is delivered by Adam Matthews, Michael Nelson manages to make a clearance.
68:16 Substitution

Substitution Paul Heffernan replaces Cillian Sheridan.
62:09 Substitution

Substitution Patrick McCourt on for Kris Commons.
61:58 Goal scored

Goal – Liam Kelly – Celtic 0 – 2 Kilmarnock Penalty taken right-footed by Liam Kelly and scored. Celtic 0-2 Kilmarnock.
61:30 Booking

Booking Fraser Forster receives a caution.
60:51

Penalty awarded for a foul by Emilio Izaguirre on Rory McKenzie.
60:03

Rory McKeown fouled by Nicolas Fedor Miku, the ref awards a free kick. Ryan O'Leary takes the direct free kick.
57:28

Lee Johnson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Charlie Mulgrew. Charlie Mulgrew has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, save by Cameron Bell.
56:48

Kris Commons fouled by Mark O'Hara, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
54:13

Gary Hooper has a shot on goal from outside the area which misses left.
53:46

Free kick awarded for a foul by Liam Kelly on Fraser Forster. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
53:26

Corner taken right-footed by Rory McKenzie, Kelvin Wilson manages to make a clearance.
53:04

Drilled right-footed shot by James Dayton. Fantastic save by Fraser Forster.
52:16

Gary Hooper produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
50:50

Manuel Pascali challenges James Forrest unfairly and gives away a free kick. James Forrest takes the direct free kick.
46:45

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Liam Kelly by Nicolas Fedor Miku. Cillian Sheridan fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick.
46:20

Rory McKeown crosses the ball, clearance by Joe Ledley.
45:01

The second half begins.
45:01 Substitution

Substitution Gary Hooper joins the action as a substitute, replacing Beram Kayal.
45:00 +2:01 Half time

Half Time The referee calls an end to the first half.
45:00 +1:32

Unfair challenge on Michael Nelson by Nicolas Fedor Miku results in a free kick. Cameron Bell takes the direct free kick.
44:51

Kris Commons takes the inswinging corner, save by Cameron Bell.
42:05 Goal scored

Goal – Cillian Sheridan – Celtic 0 – 1 Kilmarnock Goal scored by Cillian Sheridan from inside the six-yard box low into the middle of the goal. Celtic 0-1 Kilmarnock.
39:35

Inswinging corner taken by Kris Commons from the right by-line, Cillian Sheridan manages to make a clearance.
38:26

Foul by Manuel Pascali on Kris Commons, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew from right wing, Cameron Bell makes a save.
35:44

Effort on goal by James Dayton from just outside the area goes harmlessly over the target.
34:32

Free kick awarded for a foul by Mark O'Hara on James Forrest. Direct free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.
33:01

Ryan O'Leary gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nicolas Fedor Miku. Kris Commons takes the direct free kick.
31:34

The ball is crossed by James Dayton, save by Fraser Forster.
31:01

Corner taken left-footed by James Dayton.
26:48

Free kick awarded for a foul by Adam Matthews on James Dayton. The free kick is delivered left-footed by James Dayton from left wing, Efe Ambrose manages to make a clearance.
25:37

Joe Ledley takes a shot from inside the six-yard box clearing the crossbar.
24:39

Foul by Lee Johnson on Emilio Izaguirre, free kick awarded. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Kris Commons, clearance by Michael Nelson.
20:32

Beram Kayal fouled by Manuel Pascali, the ref awards a free kick. Beram Kayal takes the direct free kick.
17:06

Nicolas Fedor Miku fouled by Manuel Pascali, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Beram Kayal.
16:21

The assistant referee flags for offside against James Forrest. Lee Johnson takes the free kick.
15:27

Corner from the right by-line taken by Kris Commons, clearance made by Michael Nelson.
15:16

Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross, Rory McKenzie manages to make a clearance.
11:30

Manuel Pascali crosses the ball, Charlie Mulgrew makes a clearance.
9:45

Effort from the edge of the area by James Forrest goes wide of the left-hand post.
9:29

The ball is sent over by Rory McKeown, blocked by Kelvin Wilson.
6:08

The assistant referee flags for offside against Nicolas Fedor Miku. Indirect free kick taken by Rory McKeown.
4:40

The offside flag is raised against Manuel Pascali. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
1:33

Rory McKenzie has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the goal.
0:31

Beram Kayal challenges Liam Kelly unfairly and gives away a free kick. Manuel Pascali restarts play with the free kick.
0:00

The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Celtic defeat is "dose of reality", says Neil Lennon
BBC
Manager Neil Lennon described Celtic's lethargic 2-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock as "probably the worst we've played in my time here".

Having praised his side so highly after Tuesday's loss in Barcelona, Lennon said: "We've been brought back down to earth with a big bump.

"Second half, we created some decent chances, but not enough, and we've come away with a massive dose of reality.

"But I take responsibility. I picked the team, so the buck stops with me."

Georgios Samaras, Scott Brown, Mikael Lustig, Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama dropped out of the starting XI, with Adam Matthews, James Forrest, Beram Kayal, Kris Commons and Miku getting a chance to impress.

However, Celtic were seldom a threat and goals from Cillian Sheridan and Liam Kelly in either half gave Killie a deserved first success in the east end of Glasgow since 1955.

"I maybe have to look at my team selection, but I felt that, with the demands of the game on Tuesday, there would have been a bit of fatigue," explained Lennon.
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"We tried to freshen it up, but we were poor.

"There was no fluidity in our play, there was no aggression in our play, we were very passive.

"We gave two goals away without Kilmarnock really having to work for it.

"We had good players out of the pitch, but there was no urgency or tempo to our game. We made life very comfortable for Kilmarnock.

"It's like we were out for a testimonial in the first half. We weren't turning them or stretching them.

"I don't recall a real 50-50 in the game when there was a real desperation for us to get the ball back or move with any real intent."

Next up for Celtic is a Scottish Communities League Cup quarter-final with St Johnstone and Lennon made it clear he will be altering his line-up.

"I'll be looking for a reaction on Tuesday," he told BBC Radio Scotland.

"There will be changes. I can't accept that."