2011-11-06: Motherwell 1-2 Celtic, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 20112012 | 2011-2012 Pictures

Trivia

  • Celtic remain 12pts behind, but we've one game in hand.
  • Internationals next week so no games!
  • Celtic's first corner kick for three games! Amazing!!!!
  • Debut for Dylan McGeouch (subbed on 90th min)

Review

(Wee Red of KDS)
Good 3 points in a tough game. Ref was consistent, problem was he was a homer throughout and thought he was reffing a juniors game.

But what can you say when the gaffer makes good substitutions, your central defenders were pretty difficult to get past, and for the second game running Sammy lays on a crucial goal with a header.

Add to that an improvement in the workrate in general, and that your main striking partnership is scoring goals again, and at crucial times. Stokes did really well with the equaliser, the fact that he was able to first touch that belly high ball into the net was quite superb.

Then Pat McCourt showed why he has displaced McNamara as the leader of the band, haufed, then up he gets and punishes their brutishness.

The RS radio people and Jim Whyte bitching when we win show that they expect the minimum of 10pts deducted, and that we may not even need the 10 pts. The seed of doubt and realisation is planted and germinating, green shoots expected soon. Hail feckin Hail.
—-
"The Scottish journos who saw nothing wrong today belong to the clique who averted their eyes from the Rangers tax case for an age"
McNally (Journalist from the Daily Mirror)

Teams

Motherwell

  • 01Randolph
  • 03Hammell
  • 05Craigan
  • 22Clancy; red card
  • 04Law
  • 06Hateley
  • 07Humphrey (Daley 84)
  • 08Jennings; yellow card (Carswell 77)
  • 14Lasley; yellow card
  • 09Higdon
  • 11Murphy (Hutchinson 85)

Substitutes

  • 31Bradley,
  • 15Hutchinson,
  • 20Page,
  • 17Daley,
  • 26Carswell,
  • 18Forbes,
  • 19Smith

Goals

  • Higdon 11

Celtic

  • 01Forster
  • 05Majstorovic
  • 11Cha Du-Ri
  • 25Rogne
  • 02Matthews
  • 33Kayal
  • 67Wanyama
  • 09Samaras (McCourt 77)
  • 10Stokes; yellow card
  • 15Commons (Hooper 59)
  • 49Forrest (Dylan McGeouch 90)

Substitutes

  • 24Zaluska,
  • 43Chalmers,
  • 44Fraser,
  • 20McCourt,
  • 42McGregor,
  • 46Dylan McGeouch,
  • 88Hooper

Goals:

  • Stokes 14
  • Hooper 80
Ref: Richmond
Att: 10,440

Articles

Pictures

Forum

MOTM

Stats

Possession

  • Motherwell 46%
  • Celtic 54%

Attempts on target

  • Motherwell 3
  • Celtic 4

Attempts off target

  • Motherwell 1
  • Celtic 1

Corners

  • Motherwell 11
  • Celtic 2

Fouls

  • Motherwell 20
  • Celtic 8

Articles

Celtic grateful for Gary Hooper's late winner at Motherwell

Scottish Premier League 2011-12

Motherwell 1

Higdon 11

Celtic 2

Stokes 14,
Hooper 80

Ewan Murray at Fir Park
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 6 November 2011 14.32 GMT

Celtic's Gary Hooper

Celtic's Gary Hooper celebrates after scoring against Motherwel. Photograph: David Moir/Reuters

Celtic knew how important a win would be. Gary Hooper's late winner against Motherwell allowed the visitors to move into second place in the Scottish Premier League on goal difference.

Neil Lennon's team still trail Rangers by 12 points but the manager has been spared further speculation about his position on account of this hard-fought victory.

Back-to-back wins over Rennes and Motherwell have eased Lennon's predicament.

"If you want to go and win the title then I think the game was a must-win," said the Celtic first-team coach, Alan Thompson.

"If we don't win today it is virtually impossible but we hung on in there.

"So it was huge and it is a relief to get the last two games out the way. They were pressure games, no doubt about it, today more so I think."

In an engrossing, if bruising, encounter Michael Higdon had sent Motherwell ahead in the 11th minute. The forward met Tom Hateley's cross, after yet another set play that deceived the Celtic defence. It was also the third time in four matches that Celtic had fallen a goal behind.

This time a response was almost immediate. Georgios Samaras flicked a Kris Commons corner into the path of Anthony Stokes, who volleyed home an equaliser.

Samaras and Stokes passed up chances either side of the interval to send Celtic in front. Motherwell were far from bystanders, with Nicky Law denied by the visiting goalkeeper, Fraser Forster.

A Lennon substitution triggered victory. Paddy McCourt, who had replaced Samaras, danced through the Motherwell defence before feeding Stokes. The Irishman's low cross was met and converted, virtually on the Motherwell goalline, by Hooper.

Motherwell's Tim Clancy was dismissed, seven minutes from time, having kicked out at Hooper. Stuart McCall, the Motherwell manager, did not dispute the decision.

Man of the match Anthony Stokes (Celtic)

Motherwell1-2Celtic

Page last updated at 13:56 GMT, Sunday, 6 November 2011 By Colin Moffat

BBC Scotland Hooper knocked in the winning goal for Celtic at Fir Park Celtic leapfrogged Motherwell into second place in the Scottish Premier League thanks to a late goal from substitute Gary Hooper at Fir Park.

Michael Higdon headed Mothewell into an 11th-minute lead but Anthony Stokes replied from close range soon after.

With 10 minutes remaining, Hooper finished off a fine move involving Paddy McCourt and Stokes.

Motherwell's hopes of a comeback were dented when Tim Clancy was sent off for a foolish kick at Hooper.

The victory for Neil Lennon's team edges them ahead of Motherwell on goal difference, 12 points behind leaders Rangers, although they have a game in hand on both rivals.

Having weathered an early storm from the Steelmen, Celtic dug in and ground out a crucial result to relieve some of the pressure on Lennon.

Motherwell made all of the running in the opening exchanges, winning a series of corners against an uncertain Celtic defence.

And from the fifth of those set-pieces, Celtic were caught napping, allowing Tom Hateley to work a short pass with Nicky Law before swinging in a cross for Higdon to glance home from close range.

However, Celtic replied immediately with Stokes equalising from their first corner.

Georgios Samaras rose impressively to nod a Kris Commons delivery towards the back post and up popped the unmarked Irish striker to volley into the net.

Following the flurry of goalmouth incidents, the flow of the match deteriorated, with play disrupted by several robust midfield challenges from the home side.

Celtic defender Thomas Rogne saw his header from corner blocked on the goal-line by Keith Lasley but there was no further threat to either goalkeeper in the first half

Higdon managed to connect with low cross from Jamie Murphy but the striker's shot was tame, allowing Fraser Forster to gather comfortably.

The second half was four minutes old when Stokes raced on to a simple, long ball but 'Well keeper Darren Randolph was out quickly to block the shot.

Stokes set up Commons moment later and the midfielder, making his first start since his ordering off at Hearts on 2 October, did well to skip by one challenge in the penalty area but his progress was halted by a Steve Jennings tackle.

Motherwell broke swiftly and a lofted pass from Lasley fell for Law, only for Forster to use his large frame to close down the former Rotherham midfielder.

On 65 minutes, Murphy broke into the Celtic penalty area from the left and did well to thread a pass into the six yard box but Forster was alert and got a glove on the ball to deny Higdon a shooting opportunity.

Soon after, Murphy once again found the ball at his feet close to the Celtic goal but was crowded out by a cluster of green and white shirts as he shaped to shoot.

The winning goal came on 80 minutes, with substitute McCourt waltzing his way from the halfway line to the edge of the penalty box before feeding Stokes on the left and the striker's low cross was diverted home by Hooper.

Motherwell's day got worse when Clancy was sent off for a petulant kick at Hooper and Celtic held on to their lead with ease.

  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+3:15 The referee ends the match.
  • 90:00+0:32 Shaun Hutchinson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Patrick McCourt. Anthony Stokes fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick.
  • 89:31 Substitution Dylan McGeouch replaces James Forrest.
  • 88:18 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Tom Hateley, Daniel Majstorovic makes a clearance.
  • 82:31 Anthony Stokes takes the direct free kick.
  • 82:31 Substitution (Motherwell) makes a substitution, with Shaun Hutchinson coming on for Jamie Murphy.
  • 82:31 Substitution Chris Humphrey leaves the field to be replaced by Omar Daley.
  • 82:31 Sent off Tim Clancy is shown a red card.
  • 82:29 Tim Clancy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gary Hooper.
  • 81:03 The offside flag is raised against Michael Higdon. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.
  • 79:02 Assist by Anthony Stokes.
  • 79:02 GOAL – Gary HooperMotherwell 1 – 2 Celtic Goal scored by Gary Hooper from close in low into the middle of the goal. Motherwell 1-2 Celtic.
  • 78:41 Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Patrick McCourt. Victor Wanyama takes the direct free kick.
  • 76:31 Substitution Patrick McCourt joins the action as a substitute, replacing Georgios Samaras.
  • 76:02 Substitution Stewart Carswell is brought on as a substitute for Steve Jennings.
  • 75:06 Michael Higdon concedes a free kick for a foul on Thomas Rogne. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Beram Kayal from right channel, save by Darren Randolph.
  • 73:30 The ball is sent over by Chris Humphrey, clearance made by Thomas Rogne.
  • 72:25 Corner from the right by-line taken by Tom Hateley, clearance made by Georgios Samaras.
  • 71:22 Corner taken by Tom Hateley from the right by-line to the near post.
  • 68:28 Nicky Law gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Beram Kayal. Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
  • 66:54 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Victor Wanyama by Michael Higdon. Free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 62:27 Tim Clancy challenges Anthony Stokes unfairly and gives away a free kick. Adam Matthews crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, Tom Hateley manages to make a clearance.
  • 61:32 Jamie Murphy is penalised for a handball. Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
  • 59:41 Georgios Samaras challenges Tom Hateley unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Tim Clancy.
  • 58:36 Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Gary Hooper coming on for Kris Commons.
  • 56:11 Beram Kayal concedes a free kick for a foul on Stevie Hammell. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.
  • 55:23 Nicky Law takes a shot. Fraser Forster gets a block in.
  • 54:35 Centre by Du-Ri Cha.
  • 52:06 Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.
  • 52:06 Booking Anthony Stokes goes into the book.
  • 51:59 Anthony Stokes gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tim Clancy.
  • 51:19 Victor Wanyama challenges Jamie Murphy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.
  • 50:13 Michael Higdon concedes a free kick for a foul on Georgios Samaras. Daniel Majstorovic takes the free kick.
  • 49:31 The ball is delivered by James Forrest.
  • 49:15 Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.
  • 47:04 Stevie Hammell challenges Du-Ri Cha unfairly and gives away a free kick. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
  • 45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+1:51 The referee calls an end to the first half.
  • 45:00+0:53 The free kick is swung in right-footed by Adam Matthews, save by Darren Randolph.
  • 45:00+0:53 Booking Booking for Steve Jennings for unsporting behaviour.
  • 45:00+0:50 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kris Commons by Steve Jennings.
  • 44:45 Keith Lasley fouled by Beram Kayal, the ref awards a free kick. Keith Lasley restarts play with the free kick.
  • 42:31 Corner taken by Tom Hateley from the left by-line, Fraser Forster makes a save.
  • 41:51 Inswinging corner taken by Tom Hateley from the left by-line played to the near post, Victor Wanyama makes a clearance.
  • 40:51 Foul by Steve Jennings on Kris Commons, free kick awarded. Fraser Forster takes the direct free kick.
  • 40:30 Chris Humphrey crosses the ball, clearance made by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 39:20 Free kick awarded for a foul by Daniel Majstorovic on Michael Higdon. Tim Clancy restarts play with the free kick.
  • 35:50 Corner from the right by-line taken by Tom Hateley, Stephen Craigan produces a header from close range which goes wide of the left-hand post.
  • 31:29 Michael Higdon gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Beram Kayal. Daniel Majstorovic takes the free kick.
  • 29:09 Michael Higdon takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.
  • 28:41 Chris Humphrey sends in a cross, clearance made by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 27:16 Kris Commons delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left channel.
  • 27:16 Booking Keith Lasley receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
  • 27:11 Foul by Keith Lasley on Beram Kayal, free kick awarded.
  • 27:06 The ball is crossed by Georgios Samaras, Tim Clancy manages to make a clearance.
  • 24:00 Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on James Forrest. The ball is sent over by Kris Commons, Georgios Samaras takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph. Kris Commons takes the inswinging corner, Tom Hateley manages to make a clearance. Free kick awarded for a foul by Stevie Hammell on James Forrest. Thomas Rogne restarts play with the free kick.
  • 23:51 Centre by Du-Ri Cha, Stephen Craigan manages to make a clearance.
  • 22:19 Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Beram Kayal. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Adam Matthews, clearance by Tim Clancy.
  • 18:47 Unfair challenge on Kris Commons by Steve Jennings results in a free kick. Fraser Forster takes the direct free kick.
  • 18:14 Foul by Daniel Majstorovic on Michael Higdon, free kick awarded. Tim Clancy takes the direct free kick.
  • 16:24 Foul by Michael Higdon on Georgios Samaras, free kick awarded. Kris Commons restarts play with the free kick.
  • 13:40 Georgios Samaras provided the assist for the goal.
  • 13:40 GOAL – Anthony StokesMotherwell 1 – 1 Celtic A goal is scored by Anthony Stokes from close in to the top right corner of the goal. Motherwell 1-1 Celtic.
  • 12:55 Kris Commons takes the outswinging corner,
  • 10:45 Assist on the goal came from Tom Hateley.
  • 10:45 GOAL – Michael HigdonMotherwell 1 – 0 Celtic Michael Higdon scores a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Motherwell 1-0 Celtic.
  • 10:28 Tom Hateley produces a cross,
  • 10:12 Corner taken short by Tom Hateley.
  • 9:39 Tom Hateley takes the inswinging corner, clearance by Victor Wanyama.
  • 9:18 A cross is delivered by Jamie Murphy, Victor Wanyama manages to make a clearance.
  • 8:45 Georgios Samaras is penalised for a handball. Tim Clancy takes the direct free kick.
  • 6:30 Anthony Stokes gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steve Jennings. Stevie Hammell crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, save by Fraser Forster.
  • 5:55 Tom Hateley takes the outswinging corner, clearance made by Thomas Rogne.
  • 5:48 Chris Humphrey produces a cross, Daniel Majstorovic makes a clearance.
  • 5:32 The ball is crossed by Stevie Hammell.
  • 5:09 Tom Hateley takes the inswinging corner, Fraser Forster manages to make a clearance.
  • 4:31 Tom Hateley takes a inswinging corner to the near post, clearance made by Victor Wanyama.
  • 2:14 Michael Higdon challenges Daniel Majstorovic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Daniel Majstorovic restarts play with the free kick.
  • 0:48 Foul by Keith Lasley on Beram Kayal, free kick awarded. Kris Commons crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel.
  • 0:28 A cross is delivered by James Forrest, clearance made by Stephen Craigan.
  • 0:00 The match has kicked off.
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