Celtic coasted to a three goal victory at Kilmarnock tonight but that was only half the story as whisper it….Commons was rank rotten until his first goal!
The first half was a catalogue of errors and poor decision making as Commons and his team-mates struggled to adapt to a dreadful pitch and created very little in the form of goalscoring chances. And yet it almost started perfectly for Celtic. Within a couple of minutes a header was flicked on to Stokes who put the ball in the net but he was correctly called for offside. Celtic were huffing and puffing by frustrating themselves with the attacking three of Commons, Stokes and Griffiths struggling to make an impact due to not so good play.
On the bright side tonight saw the introduction of 17 year old central midfielder Liam Henderson to the Celtic team. I’ve heard so many positive comments about him. Many being the kids a machine and as a powerfully built Bhoy it’s clear to see why! Shoulders of an Ox but the kid has good awareness, great workrate and keeps it simple. All good signs.
The first half in reality was a non-event although in their spells of possession it was good to see Kilmarnock look to retain the ball and pass it to feet.
The second half was a very different matter…
Mulgrew drove out of defence and played the ball to Griffiths who in turn played a nice through ball to Commons. With composure (and skill) personified Kris used the outside of his left foot to guide the ball past the keeper into the back of the net. A nice goal and beautiful finish.
After huffing puffing for over 50 minutes the Celtic supporters only had to wait a couple of minutes for goal number two. Commons received the ball outside the area and passed it wide to onrushing full back Matthews. The Welshman returned the pass back across goal and there was Commons for the easiest of sidefoot finishes.
2-0 and coasting.
Commons had another effort (correctly) called for offside as Celtic by now were in complete control. Griffiths appeared to strain his leg in the first half and was replced by Pukki. This made no difference to the game as Celtic passed the ball around well with Scott Brown in particular dominating in midfield.
With less than ten minutes to go it was goal number three for Celtic and hat-trick strike from goal hero Commons as he picked the ball midway in Killie’s half before driving at their goal and driving a low sand-cutter into the corner of the net. As Broony said after the game; “Whenever Kris gets the ball on his left foot you think it’s in the back of the net”.
Liam Henderson was replaced by the returning Kayal and the youngster went off to receive a great hug from proud manager Lennon who commented after the game; “Henderson is a real bonus tonight. Didn’t expect him to play as long or as well as he did. He’s a real talent”.
With the clock ticking down useless referee Willie Collum got in on the act when he denied an absolute stonewall penalty when Stokes was bundled to the ground when he was about to shoot. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3-0 with a few minutes to go. A penalty is a penalty and he’s a useless wee shite of a man.
After the match Neil Lennon enthused “The second half was sensational. All of them (players) played well. Henderson lad got better & better as the game went on. Commons was masterful & Scott Brown outstanding”.
So Celtic move three points closer to the title and still have their eyes on 100 league points. We are far better to watch with the balance right and only the shambolic pitch tonight in my view stopped us scoring far earlier.
Here we go…..three in a row.
Full Time: Kilmarnock 0 Celtic 3 (Commons 57, 59 and 86)
ETims POTM: Commons was truly rotten until his first goal but you cannot deny a hat-trick scorer MOTM. Mentions for Brown, Matthews and Johansen who played well.
Happy St Patrick’s Day!
Must agree about collum. His blatant denial of two stonewall penalties was a disgrace but fully expected. It is embarrassing to think the efforts he puts into being so clearly anti-Celtic. Yet he probably wonders why FIFA have dropped him so low in their estimations. He is such a bad referee who plays every game like he has a bet on the outcome. A wee insignificant cheat.
Willie colm, A product of an administration error called Hampden Park.
Commons was rubbish. I will accept rubbish. What is it about football? Henderson and Brown were great. Johanson is a star in the making.
Yet again Krissy Boyd proves he’s great against shite teams,and when the big Bhoys come calling,he’s Pish!!! Lol.
Every time Commons got the ball in the first half he gave it away or immediately lost it in a tackle.
I thought he should have been subbed before half time.
In the second half he showed why I’ll never make it as a a manager.
Not even fantasy football!
After a steady start, Liam Henderson went on to become one of the best players on the field.
Another stand out was Killie’s stocky midfielder Johnston. (didn’t get his first name)
Full of skill, pace, and penetration.
P.S. Silly Collum was his usual incompetent self.
This guy really thinks he’s the most important person on the field.
A wee tip Silly.
You’re not…
All theses young Bhoys, have a real opportunity, to make a real name for themselves. They have had the best of facilities and opportunities growing up, playing for Celtic. Lets hope a good dozen or more can keep their feet on the ground, get their attitude right and grasp the chances provided to them. HH
Kris Boyd.Total rubbish
Boyd the scourge of diddy teams
Good teams show up a diddy called Boyd.
Anybody see soccer am this morning ? They showed Scottish goal clips, then a
third tier team on a pitch,like FUDS,dancing behind a champions sign.Then the
words CHEETAH came up on the screen.The band whose music was playing. How
apt for this cheating club(s).
Ralph
I don’t know why I bothered watching Celtic TV this afternoon. I should have just read your report and the comments. Better than the tele and the made more sense than the CTV commentary. I like bit of bias myself but those guys take it over the edge to imaginative.
The only thing that baffles me in the comments so far, is all the talk about some guy I must have missed playing for Kilmarnock called Sissy Boyd. I also thought we could have done better against ten men, although that guy with the harikrishna outfit that kept running on to the pitch behind Effe and Charlie might have been a bit of a distraction. I suppose when you have spent some time in a circus it is hard to stop acting the clown.
As for Gollum, I thought he had one of his better games. After all, he actually saw the penalties he never gave. holy sea, wish I had seen that horror show on Sky. Yet, there is part of me cringing just like when the gruesome bit comes on. I saw a picture of the fat one with a slobbering grin, either that or he got too close to McCulloch. I bet he was happy about the bonus more than the trophy. He will soon have enough to bankroll a new cub when one is needed.
H H
Not me. Hector.