Celtic went 5 points clear at the top of the SPL today after an hard fought victory over Scotland's Shame at Paradise. Two goals from Scott McDonald and a penalty from Barry Robson was enough to see Rangers off at the home of football.
Celtic took the lead in the third minute of the match when Scott McDonald latched onto a JVH header to coolly slot past the Gers keeper. The fact that McDonald appeared to be in an offside position made the goal award all the more sweeter. Ps note to Radio Clyde pundits, a single solitary goal from an offside position does not make up for over a hundred years of dodgy awards against us.
Celtic, incredibly were never really in the game in the first half until the latter stages of the period when Scott McDonald flighted a inch perfect Thierry Henry style shot over the hapless Alexander and into the Rangers net.
By this stage in the match Rangers had already got themselves in front as the Celtic defence gifted them two goals from set pieces.
Into the second half and Celtic started to really dominate the midfield with Rangers attempting to play on the break hoping to see out the rest of the game but Celtic inspired by the excellent all round play of Caldwell, Hartley and Robson and the calm and assured passing of Nakamura coupled with the attacking threat of McGeady and Ferguson and co were chasing shadows - very talented and determined green shadows!
Celtic took the lead in the 70th (or so ) minute when Kirk Broadfoot confirmed the fact that he is a bottom of the table SPL defender at best when he fouled McDonald in the box for a penalty. Quite why Kirk decided to man-hug Skippy to the deck when it would have been easier to tryh and get in from of the player who was trying to control an awkwardly bouncing ball is beyond me but I thank him none the less! Super Robbo quickly dispatched the kick and the game was Celtics.
The banner at the Celtic end today read "its time for Heroes" and no-one could claim to be a hero this afternoon than Gary Caldwell in my opinion. The much-malinged defender had a superb afternoon winning every challenge and pinging passes around like we all know he can. I am not sure what his exact pass completion rate was but I can only remember one misplaced pass all afternoon, which is no mean feat given the amount of time he had possession. Take a bow Gary, you were truly superb.
So what next? Well we can enjoy our trips to work tomorrow in full smug mode after we secured the bragging rights and the team will obviously be buoyant but the only thing that matters is the game against Motherwell on Saturday and most importantly of all, securing all three points.
Well done Gordon and the Bhoys, you did us all proud.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt