Huge Win Helps Celtis Title Hopes!

Scottish Premier League
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Fir Park, Motherwell

MOTHERWELL… 1
(Porter 60)

CELTIC… 2
(McDonald 62, Samaras 79)

MOTHERWELL (4-5-1) Daniels; McLean, Reynolds, Craigan, Hammell; Smith (McCormack 74), Malcolm, Lasley (Murphy 87), Fitzpatrick, Clarkson (Hughes 82); Porter.
Subs: Smith, McGarry, Lappin, Meechan.

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Balde, Caldwell, Naylor (Wilson 76); Nakamura (S Brown 65), Hartley, Robson, McGeady; Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 65), McDonald.
Subs: M Brown, O’Dea, Hutchinson, Pressley.

Celtic FC turned up the heat in this enthralling title race with a late 2-1 victory over Motherwell that extends their lead at the top of the table to eight points.

Georgios Samaras was the matchwinner after coming on as a second half substitute in this scrappy, nerve-ridden affair.

But Celtic once again had to pass a test of character in this match, with Scott McDonald levelling just two minutes after Chris Porter had fired Motherwell into the lead.

Gordon Strachan was forced to make one notable change to the side that beat Rangers 3-2 in last weekend’s thrilling derby, with Bobo Balde stepping into the centre of defence in place of the injured captain, Stephen McManus.

But the manager stuck with the on-form midfield partnership of Barry Robson and Paul Hartley, who more than repaid his faith with driving, committed performances over the course of the ensuing 90 minutes.

Motherwell were meanwhile approaching this game with their own ambitions, still pushing for the third place finish that would guarantee UEFA Cup football next season.

The match, played out once again on a pitch that is embarrassingly unfit for Premier League football, thus enjoyed a fairly tempestuous start, with Robert Malcolm pushing Shunsuke Nakamura early on and the Japanese midfielder uncharacteristically responding in kind when hit by a poor challenge by David Clarkson.

Article.

An epic win by the bhoys, even though they weren't necessarily the best team on the pitch today. Way to keep the heat on a floundering Rangers side!

'Mon The Hoops!

TomC