Celtic Loses to Rangers, Dealt Season Jeopardizing Blow.

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow

RANGERS…1
(Thomson 44)

CELTIC…0

RANGERS (4-5-1) McGregor; Broadfoot, Weir, Cuellar, Whittaker; Davis (Naismith 79), Dailly, Thomson (Adam 77), Ferguson, McCulloch; Darcheville (Novo 67)
Subs not used: Alexander, Boyd, Furman, McMillan

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Brown, Hartley (Robson 80); McGeady; Samaras, Vennegoor of Hesselink (McDonald 78)
Subs not used: M.Brown, Wilson, Sno, Donati, O’Dea

Celtic FC slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat against title rivals Rangers in the second Glasgow derby of the season.

The Hoops dominated the first period but were left stunned when Kevin Thomson put Rangers ahead minutes before half-time.

While Celtic had the bulk of the pressure after the break, there were few chances in an ultra-competitive second half as Rangers clinched the victory.

Celtic now trail their city rivals by six points, with the Ibrox side also having one game in hand. The sides meet again at Celtic Park next month.

Manager Gordon Strachan made two changes to the starting XI that beat Gretna 3-0 last weekend. Paul Hartley came in for Barry Robson, while Georgios Samaras replaced Scott McDonald up front as Celtic opted for an attacking 4-4-2 set-up.

With these two great rivals locked in a battle for the SPL title, there was a real sense of anticipation around Ibrox for the first Glasgow derby in over five months – and the first of three games between the two sides before the end of the season.

As expected, it was a no-holds barred opening to the match, with fierce tackles flying in all over the pitch and both sides fully committed for every ball.

Article.


Well, it isn't looking good for the Bhoys this season after todays crushing defeat, but we must keep the faith. Time to focus on the task at hand, Motherwell FC on Saturday, April 5th.

HAIL! HAIL!


TomC