[tab:Match report]
Despite a spirited second half showing, Motherwell crashed to a narrow 1-0 defeat to 10-man Celtic this evening.
A tepid fixture was settled by a rare moment of quality midway through the first half when Paddy McCourt managed to avert three challenges before curling a superb effort past the sprawling Darren Randolph from just inside the area.
‘Well pushed for an equaliser in the second period, but chances were at a premium. In fact, any noteworthy moments were at a premium until Scott Brown received his marching orders for a late foul on Steven Hammell.
Gordon Young responded to the weekend’s defeat to Rangers by bringing in Marc Fitzpatrick in the place of Nick Blackman, adding a little bit of apt steel to the Steelmen midfield.
Conversely, there was no hint of defensive compromise from Neil Lennon’s ultra-attacking starting eleven, with the attacking riches of Stokes, McCourt, Kapo, Forrest and Joe Ledley all lining up against ‘Well as Celtic aimed to hit the top of the table ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox.
It didn’t take long for Lennon’s troops to register their attacking intent. Welsh midfielder Joe Ledley latched onto a clearance to drive a shot from the edge of the box which was heading for the bottom-corner. It was well saved by Randolph, but the rebound fell perfectly for Emilio Izaguirre, who blasted high and wide from six yards.
Ten minutes later Celtic thought they had taken the lead when Scott Brown fired in a low shot from 25 yards, which was deflected into the net by Olivier Kapo. As Celtic Park erupted the assistant referee held his flag aloft to disallow the strike. That was immediately followed by Patrick McCourt heading just wide at the far post after some lovely build-up work from James Forrest.
Motherwell managed to ride out the green and white storm until just before the half-hour mark, and then they were undone by a swift corner routine. James Forrest came short to receive the pass and the home side worked the ball to McCourt on the edge of the area. The Northern Irishman breezed past a couple of challenges before curling the ball into the corner of the net from just inside the area.
It should have been two for Celtic ten minutes before the break. A lovely passing triangle between Kapo, Stokes and Joe Ledley set the midfielder through on goal but, with the goal gaping and Reynolds struggling to make up the ground, he could only drag his shot wide.
Both clubs celebrated the life of Phil O’Donnell at halt-time on the third anniversary of the death of the Motherwell and Celtic legend. His wife Eileen and children Olivia, Luke, Megan and Christopher came on the pitch along with Simon Donnelly and Jackie McNamara – all of whom, along with many others, completed a walk from Motherwell to Glasgow for a heart disease awareness charity in Phil’s honour.
A montage of Phil’s greatest moments was paraded on the big screen at Parkhead, providing a fitting sense of perspective midway through a football match whose importance pales into insignificance in comparison to the loss of O’Donnell – a loss still felt by everyone at Motherwell Football Club.
The second half started in scrappy fashion with neither side really getting a hold of the ball. This break in fluency actually worked to ‘Well’s advantage, with the visitors gradually coming into the game after a disappointing first half effort. Indeed, Motherwell almost created a chance for an equaliser when Steven Saunders burst down the right flank before fizzing in a teasing cross – but Rogne managed to clear with Gow waiting to pounce.
As the half progressed the contest descended into a turgid affair, with both side struggling to pass the ball, and with the game being littered by petulant fouls, odd refereeing decisions and yellow cards. A McCourt run and shot with 20 minutes left temporarily livened up a drab encounter, but Randolph gathered comfortably.
Motherwell introduced Nick Blackman to the fray late on as they chased an unlikely point, but they couldn’t force any discernable chances and Celtic managed to hang on for a 1-0 win, however there was another moment of note as Scott Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Stevie Hammell.
[tab:As it happened]
90mins – 1-0 win for Celtic. Well missed a late chance after a scramble, and Brown was sent off.
76mins – Murph off for Nick Blackman as we look to nick a goal and grab a point.
72mins – McCourt drives through on goal but his lashed drive is gathered by Randolph.
56mins – Motherwell look the more likely here. Getting into the game while Celtic seem asleep after their good 1st half.
54mins – Interesting note, Sub Murphy has been subbed for Kayal. Off to a less than positive reception. He doesn’t seem the most popular.
53mins – As you can see, we are back in the second half. Motherwell actually look more lively this half.
44mins – Ref decks it!!! The most entertaining thing from a well perspective to happen all half. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
43mins – Bring on the half-time whistle. Celtic could be 2 or 3-up. But we are still in this.
27mins – Goal Celtic: McCourt curls home from 18 yards. 1-0
21mins – Motherwell succeeding in keeping Celtic out at the moment, but struggling to create much up the other end.
12mins – Under cosh again! Kapo has goal rightly disallowed before McCourt heads inches wide after good work from Forrest.
10mins – Thankfully things have calmed down a little here. That was a shaky 1st 5 mins!!
4mins – ‘Well already hanging on! McCourt dances to the bi-line and teases a ball to the back post which thankfully evades everyone!
2mins – Celtic could have been ahead immediately! Decent drive from 18 yards parried by Randolph – Izaguirre blasts rebound over from 6ydrs!
[tab:Reaction]
Motherwell interim manager Gordon Young:
“Close but no cigar. I’m so proud of the players, I thought they were excellent in the second half.
“In the first half we looked as if we needed a bit more belief and at half-time I charged them with proving that they were good players and I thought they answered that call.
“I made a statement in the dressing room before the game saying that we’ve gone through a blip and they’ve got to put a marker down now and say that the Motherwell of old are back and I think they’ve answered that, Motherwell are back.
“He (Stuart McCall) was pleased with what he saw in the second half, it gives him great confidence. He reiterated my points about us just having a bit more belief and retention of the ball so I think we’ll be singing off the same hymn sheet.”
Celtic manager Neil Lennon:
“I know Rangers have got two games in hand, but I’m delighted that we’re psychologically top of the league for however long it is.
“It’ll give the players a lift going into Sunday.”
[tab:Man-of-the-match]
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