Celtic's lead at the top of the SPL (where we belong) was reduced to a single point after a one all draw at Swinecatle yesterday.
In a tough match that saw neither team really stamp their authority in either possession or scoring chances Celtic dropped two points in the title race.
The game looked to be heading for a stalemate until Scott McDonald reacted superbly to guide a rebounded Paul Hartley free kick into Basso's goal. It seems strange to me that Hartley's once reputable dead ball delivery which has escaped him for much of his Celtic career choose to come back to him at the home of his old club. The Irony of the day was not to end there.
When Artur Boruc was forced to claw away a fierce cross come shot from Mikolounis Gary Caldwell looked favourite to prevent Velicka (or at least put him off enough) from returning the ball across goal. Caldwell however decided that the best option was to prevent the Hearts striker from getting near the ball altogether and Hearts were given the award.
It would be prudent at this stage to point out to Scott "He wuz leaning back" Booth that a kick from the spot 12 yards from the goal is called a PENALTY. A pen on the other hand is a writing implement, you may have seen real Journalists using them from time to time Scott!
Quite how Caldwell thought he would get away with changing the direction of a forward whilst he was in midair is beyond me! Did you think you could pass him off as a Harrier jump jet Gary?
The PENALTY (f.a.o Scott Booth) was dispatched admirably by Velicka and the full three points were lost. I never blame players, I feel we win as a team and therefore fail as a team, but how many more errors like that can we allow Caldwell to make. His potential loss of confidence could cost us bigger prizes in the future. Come on Gary, get it sorted out!
One positive to be taken from this is that our favourite cousins still have to meet the diet versions of themselves, albeit at the Bigot Dome and will find three points a difficult thing to come by, especially since they have lost their penalty winner until next season!
One thing is for sure, our first foot this season really has to be at least one full back. Although we hear that deals may already be done in that department! More when we can legally get away with telling you!
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt