2012-09-29: Motherwell 0-2 Celtic, SPL

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

Trivia

• Celtic win takes them finally to the top of the league, and we’ve still a game in hand.
• Scott Brown misses penalty for second time in a week!
• Zombie Rangers won v Motherwell in midweek in the League Cup.
• Highest league attendance at Fir Park in 6 years.
• Ex-Celtic player at young age of 25, may have suffered his second cardiac arrest during a match. Reports later indicated he hadn’t but it was still very concerning.
• Radio Scotland announce that approval imminent for complex with accommodation space, conference facilities and elements of entertainment” at Celtic Park. “Celtic Triangle” will also feature a museum. London Rd primary school which was a sticking point to be demolished.
• Champions League v Spartak away next.
• Celtic fan Danny O’Connor wins in 3rd Round TKO in boxing, Danny stopped Josh “Nino Assasino” Sosa (10-4, 5 KOs).
• Daily moans from Zombie Rangers, a daily thing now. Claiming anti-Rangers bias from BBC after satirical sketch from ‘satirical’ self-advertised anti-“Old Firm” show “Off The Ball”. Presenter Tam Cowan does good retort in the Daily Record.

Review

(al1967 of KDS)
A good comfortable performance should have scored more.

Have been on holiday so first time I have seen some of the new players. Ambrose looked comfortable, uses the ball well, should be a useful addition when he gets up to speed with the game. With all the comments on his height I was half expecting soemone the size of Gary Coleman to come running out 🙂 Miku came on as a sub, some nice touches, would like to see him get ninety minutes.

The big plus is the players coming back from injuries, good to see Samras and Ledley get a run out.

Thought Wilson looked impressive and confident, seems a much better player. The only time he came unstuck was in the second half when the ball seemed to be under his feet and he had no idea where ist was….sort of reminded me of a baby giraffe playing football.

Also excellent second half from Izzy. Hopefully he can pick it up from there.

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Stats

Motherwell v Celtic

Possession
62% v 38%
90mins

Shots
3 18

On target
0 12

Corners
2 7

Fouls
10 6

Articles

Motherwell 0 – 2 Celtic: Full-power Celtic cruise to SPL summit

The Scotsman

By STUART BATHGATE
Published on Monday 1 October 2012 00:00

ONCE Celtic got into their stride there was no stopping them. That was the case in this game, and will surely also be the verdict on the whole SPL season come May.

Scorers:

Celtic – Hooper (32), Cummins og (35)

Referee: I Brines

Attendance: 10,496

This result, the most comprehensive 2-0 win you are likely to see, took Neil Lennon’s team to the top of the table – and that with a game in hand on their closest rivals. In the short term, the champions could be displaced as early as Saturday, when Motherwell are at home to Dundee United. But on this form they should regain the lead the following day when Hearts visit Celtic Park, and thereafter seem set to pull steadily away from what can only flatteringly be called the chasing pack.

What made this result all the more significant was that Motherwell actually did not play badly. Embarrassingly meek in midweek against Rangers, they were far more competitive here, were arguably the better side for the first 20 minutes, and competed gamely until the end. But their honest toil was ineffectual against a Celtic side who were firing on all cylinders, and from the moment Gary Hooper gave the visitors the lead the outcome was never in doubt.

The goal, which took the striker’s tally to six in his last three matches, typified the difference between the teams. Quick-thinking and light on their feet, Celtic’s attackers simply looked like they were playing on a different surface to the stodgy Motherwell defence.

Hooper began the move himself, chesting the ball down to Commons around the halfway line then setting off on a run up front. With James Forrest also showing excellent movement off the ball, the back four were caught in several minds about what to do. Shaun Hutchinson at least read Commons’s exquisitely flighted pass to the striker well enough to make contact, but unfortunately for the centre-half his positioning was off, and he came inches short of making proper contact with his attempted header.

That still left Hooper with a lot to do, but he did it with minimal fuss. Killing the ball first time, he sprinted on into the penalty area, and scored with a low shot past the advancing Darren Randolph.

Celtic had already attempted something similar a couple of times, notably when Victor Wanyama put Hooper through on the goalkeeper. Randolph got his team out of trouble on that occasion, and would do so several more times throughout the match.

However, there was nothing the Ireland international could do about Celtic’s second goal, which came just three minutes later and again owed everything to intelligent movement both on and off the ball. Scott Brown is known for his energy and his willingness to cover a lot of ground, but even so, he is not usually expected to pop up on the left wing. He did so here, though, delivering a low cross towards Hooper which Adam Cummins cut out but could only divert into his own net.

The subject of a questionnaire in the match programme, the English teenager had been asked to name the first goal he scored as a professional. “I’ll tell you that in a few months,” was his reply. It is unlikely he will be prevailed upon to reminisce about this one quite so soon.

Indeed, the afternoon turned into something of a personal nightmare for Cummins, whose involvement ended not long into the second half, when he was shown a straight red card for tripping Commons as the playmaker threatened to race past him after latching on to another high ball. Captain Scott Brown stepped up to take the penalty, but his weak effort towards the right post was easily saved by Randolph.

Under other circumstances that incident might have inspired Motherwell to attempt a fightback, but having been under the cosh with 11 men on the park, they were wary about becoming too adventurous after being reduced to ten. Defender Fraser Kerr came on for midfielder Nicky Law to restore the back four to its full complement, but Stuart McCall’s side were still fortunate that they did not concede more goals as Celtic continued to dominate the second half.

Georgios Samaras came on for Brown and looked full of running, while Miku and Joe Ledley also came off the bench. Having shored up his defence, McCall then tried to freshen up the rest of his side by bringing on Omar Daley for Chris Humphrey and Henrik Ojamaa for Jamie Murphy, but neither man made any appreciable difference.

Besides Commons, Hooper and Forrest, Wanyama was also in fine form for Celtic, and Efe Ambrose looked assured at centre-back in his first league start for the club. Lennon himself singled out Emilio Izaguirre for praise, but the fact that so many Celtic players were worthy of commendation told its own story: here was a team who were a cut above their opponents in almost every department of the game.

The exception was goalkeeping, but that told its own tale too: Randolph had several outstanding saves, while Fraser Forster was hardly called into action at all, such was the control enjoyed by his back four.

BBC

By Andy Campbell BBC Sport Scotland

Celtic replaced Motherwell as Scottish Premier League leaders with a dominant victory at Fir Park.

Gary Hooper fired the visitors ahead and Adam Cummins’ own goal typified Motherwell’s first-half struggle.
Adam Cummins is sent off by referee Iain Brines

Cummins had a day to forget at Fir Park

Cummins’ misery continued when he was sent off for fouling Kris Commons but the resulting penalty attempt by Scott Brown was saved by Darren Randolph.

Motherwell never looked likely to score and, but for Randolph, would have suffered a heavier defeat.

They slip a point behind Celtic with Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Hibernian two points behind the new pace-setters.

Manager Stuart McCall had criticised the Lanarkshire side for their performance in the midweek cup defeat by Rangers and, though they started brightly, Celtic soon took control.
Play media

James Forrest slipped a pass through to Hooper, whose shot on the turn was saved by Randolph and Brown’s low drive was also saved by the goalkeeper.

Piercing diagonal balls to Hooper gave Motherwell further headaches with Randolph having to race off his line to clear moments before Zaine Francis-Angol made an excellent block on a goalbound shot.

But the next searching pass to Hooper by Commons took out the home defence completely and this time the striker found the net with a composed finish.

And it got better for Celtic when Brown received yet another ball in behind the jaded home defence and his low centre was diverted past Randolph by Cummins.

There was no let-up from Celtic at the start of the second half and, when Commons got goal-side of Cummins, the defender always looked liable to concede the penalty.
Play media

The defender was promptly dismissed for the clumsy trip but, for the second week in a row, Brown had his spot-kick saved.

It was a rare blemish in a commanding display from the Celtic captain, who was denied again by Randolph before making way for the fit again Georgios Samaras.

Randolph’s display was the highlight of Motherwell’s performance with Emilio Izaguirre and Victor Wanyama also foiled by the Republic of Ireland cap in a Celtic-dominated last half-hour.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +1:13

Short corner taken by James Forrest.
89:34

Gary Hooper challenges Shaun Hutchinson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.
87:31

Free kick awarded for a foul by Kelvin Wilson on Shaun Hutchinson. Tom Hateley takes the direct free kick.
86:59

Shot by Georgios Samaras. Darren Randolph makes a save.
86:20

Header on goal by Shaun Hutchinson from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
84:35

Georgios Samaras takes the direct free kick.
84:35 Booking

Booking Omar Daley goes into the referee’s book.
84:22

Foul by Omar Daley on Georgios Samaras, free kick awarded.
83:52 Booking

Booking Efe Ambrose goes into the referee’s book for unsporting behaviour.
83:36

Corner taken by Tom Hateley from the left by-line, clearance made by Georgios Samaras.
81:11

Inswinging corner taken by Charlie Mulgrew from the right by-line.
80:55

James Forrest produces a drilled right-footed shot from 18 yards. Blocked by Zaine Francis-Angol.
80:04

Unfair challenge on Henrik Ojamaa by Efe Ambrose results in a free kick. Zaine Francis-Angol takes the free kick.
79:35 Full time

Full Time The referee signals the end of the game.
78:18 Substitution

Substitution Jamie Murphy goes off and Henrik Ojamaa comes on.
78:18 Substitution

Substitution Joe Ledley is brought on as a substitute for Mikael Lustig.
78:05

Nicolas Fedor Miku has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the right of the target.
75:17

Shot from just outside the area by Nicolas Fedor Miku misses to the right of the target.
74:59

Shot from 25 yards by Victor Wanyama. Save made by Darren Randolph.
73:16 Substitution

Substitution Nicolas Fedor Miku is brought on as a substitute for Kris Commons.
72:19

Corner from left by-line taken by Kris Commons.
71:08

Foul by Omar Daley on Emilio Izaguirre, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
70:21

Emilio Izaguirre takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.
68:33

Centre by Emilio Izaguirre, Header on goal by Victor Wanyama from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
66:38 Substitution

Substitution (Motherwell) makes a substitution, with Omar Daley coming on for Chris Humphrey.
66:36 Substitution

Substitution Georgios Samaras comes on in place of Scott Brown.
64:45

Scott Brown takes a shot. Save made by Darren Randolph.
63:31 Substitution

Substitution Fraser Kerr is brought on as a substitute for Nicky Law.
55:32 Penalty

Penalty taken by Scott Brown is saved by Darren Randolph. Motherwell 0-2 Celtic.
55:09

Adam Cummins concedes a Penalty for a foul on Kris Commons.
59:59

Gary Hooper produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the right-hand post.
56:52

Corner taken by Tom Hateley from the right by-line.
55:32 Penalty

Penalty taken by Scott Brown saved by Darren Randolph. Motherwell 0-2 Celtic.
55:22 Dismissal

Dismissal Red card for Adam Cummins.
55:09

Penalty awarded for a foul by Adam Cummins on Kris Commons.
53:19

Shot from deep inside the area by Simon Ramsden clears the bar.
47:48

Foul by Zaine Francis-Angol on Mikael Lustig, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Mikael Lustig.
47:48

Zaine Francis-Angol concedes a free kick for a foul on Mikael Lustig. Direct free kick taken by Mikael Lustig.
45:01

The match restarts for the second half.
45:00 +29:16 Half time

Half Time The referee blows for half time.
42:27

Scott Brown fouled by Zaine Francis-Angol, the ref awards a free kick. Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
41:52

James Forrest is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Tom Hateley takes the direct free kick.
41:29

Unfair challenge on Kris Commons by Simon Ramsden results in a free kick. Kris Commons restarts play with the free kick.
40:53

Keith Lasley is penalised for a handball. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
40:09

Kris Commons takes a shot from 12 yards. Save made by Darren Randolph.
34:58

Assist on the goal came from Scott Brown.
34:58 Goal scored

Goal – Adam Cummins – Motherwell 0 – 2 Celtic Own goal by Adam Cummins. Motherwell 0-2 Celtic.
31:29

The assist for the goal came from Kris Commons.
31:29 Goal scored

Goal – Gary Hooper – Motherwell 0 – 1 Celtic Gary Hooper fires in a goal from inside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Motherwell 0-1 Celtic.
29:54

Inswinging corner taken by Kris Commons from the right by-line.
29:37

Gary Hooper has a drilled shot. Tom Hateley gets a block in.
28:44

Michael Higdon challenges Scott Brown unfairly and gives away a free kick. Victor Wanyama takes the free kick.
27:15

Tom Hateley takes a shot from inside the box clearing the bar.
25:10

Free kick taken by Adam Cummins.
25:10 Booking

Booking Scott Brown receives a caution.
24:52

Scott Brown concedes a free kick for a foul on Jamie Murphy.
22:21

Shot from deep inside the area by Kris Commons clears the crossbar.
18:37

Kris Commons decides to take a short corner.
16:04

Victor Wanyama concedes a free kick for a foul on Keith Lasley. Tom Hateley takes the direct free kick.
14:40

Shot from outside the area by Kris Commons misses to the left of the target.
13:26

Strike comes in from Kris Commons from the free kick.
13:26 Booking

Booking Shaun Hutchinson receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.
13:10

Shaun Hutchinson concedes a free kick for a foul on Kris Commons.
12:00

Inswinging corner taken by Kris Commons.
11:11

Shot by Kris Commons. Nicky Law gets a block in.
10:32

Kris Commons takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, Keith Lasley manages to make a clearance.
9:16

Shot by Scott Brown. Darren Randolph makes a fantastic save.
8:35

Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Kris Commons. Scott Brown takes the free kick.
8:14

Gary Hooper takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Darren Randolph makes a save.
5:15

Scott Brown gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Zaine Francis-Angol. Zaine Francis-Angol crosses the ball in from the free kick, save by Darren Randolph.
1:35

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Victor Wanyama by Michael Higdon. Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
0:00

The ref blows the whistle to start the match.