Celtic get all three points as negative Killie fall!

Last updated : 20 January 2008 By Clydebuilt

Now there is a shocker, a team of also-rans from the SPL come to Celtic Park intent on getting a draw. Actually I felt that had largely become a thing of the past, with the advent of teams like Hibs, Hearts, Motherwell and Aberdeen all actually trying to play football against Celtic at home, and all but Motherwell getting a result at Parkhead in recent seasons. Kilmarnock boss Jim Jeffries who stunned the nation by issuing positive comments about Celtic on Friday decided to set out his stall as he did in the opening game of the season and try to get a point. At least in the first game he managed a shot on goal.

Celtics cause was further hindered by the absence of one Aiden McGeady, who missed the match through suspension. Celtic found it hard to get the quality of ball into the box that was required to break down the negative Killie. Losing both JVH and new Bhoy Andreas Hinkel with a head knock and muscle strain respectively.

Special mention does go to Killie kepper Combe who pulled off save after impressive save to deny what looked like a cricket score if the opening exchanges were anything to go by.

Riordan was the positive replacement as Paul Hartley reverted to the problem right-back area. But Riordan, subject of a bid from Burnley last week, and Killen were simply next in the queue to meet Combe in inspired form.

A splendid Massimo Donati pass led to Killen setting up McDonald at the near post but Corrigan scrambled a clearance for a corner and then Combe blocked from Killen.

The keeper saved his best for Riordan, though, who tried an audacious chip shot from the edge of the area only to find Combe backtracking and tipping over. A Stephen McManus clearance saw Celtic sweep up the park with Donati prompting Riordan, but Combe again came to the rescue to beat away for a corner.

If Celtic couldn't beat Combe, they had to call on favours and Corrigan obliged in the second half.

Brown sliced a shot over from the right side of the area and, while it did not appear to be heading for the target, Killen was lurking at the back post to offer something of a threat. Corrigan sensed the danger but simply created more himself and, by extending a leg for the ball, succeeded in diverting it into his own net.

Kilmarnock were not a side asking questions of Celtic before the goal, so there was no hint of an answer from them after the opener. Indeed, it took until the final 10 minutes and after the introduction of Willie Gibson to instigate some ambition.

But all Boruc was required to do was catch a couple of harmless crosses as former Celtic attacker David Fernandez was brought on too late in the day to warm up and try to salvage a point.

So all in all we are happy to gain maximum points, but we are also aware of the lack of balance that is created by only having one natural ball player available for the wide positions. To this end we must make sure that we sign up Koki Mizuno as soon as possible. A proven goalscorer would also be nice!

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt