A double by Bobo Balde added to Stan Petrov’s second half opener, ensure Celtic of a 3-0 victory against Dundee tonight.
Martin O’Neill surprised a lot of people in the Celtic support by dropping Juninho, who had played so well on Sunday. John Hartson, who missed out against Clyde through suspension came back to the starting line-up, so Chris Sutton dropped back into midfield. Stefane Henchoz also missed out tonight, and was replaced by Ulrik Laursen.
There was a strange atmosphere inside Celtic Park. At times, the crowd were doing their best to get behind the team by singing, and credit to them for that. At other times though, it was like the usual morgue.
In fairness, Celtic didn’t give us much to shout about in the first half. We were playing the long, high ball, which Dundee’s big defenders were lapping up. And can someone tell me the last time John Hartson won a high ball in the air?
Alan Thompson had a terrible game tonight. In fact, he has had a terrible season. He needs rested for a few games, as he is simply not performing for us. But, stupid fans getting on his back at every little mistake is hardly going to help, is it? If you are going to come along to Celtic games then get behind the team, do not heckle players if they make a few mistakes.
A header from Chris Sutton was about the closest we came in the opening period. There were a few half chances from Stan Petrov, and Dundee fired a couple of shots which were easily saved by Rab Douglas in the Celtic goal.
It must have been the arseholes’ night out tonight, as there were a good few people situated in the Celtic end, booing at the half time whistle. What is the purpose in these clowns coming to Parkhead? Why do they buy a season ticket? To boo players off the park at 0-0 with 45 minutes still to play? They are an absolute joke and the sooner they get fed up with Celtic and pick up golf the better.
Celtic came out a much better side in the second half. We could have done with a substitution, with Juninho and McGeady on the bench, and with Thompson playing so badly. However, it wasn’t long until The Bhoys took the lead. A Jackie McNamara cross was well headed home by the unmarked Stan Petrov.
Celtic’s second goal was also a header, this time from Bobo Balde, who looked delighted with his strike.
By this time, news filtered through that Hearts had equalised against Rangers, which brought the loudest cheer of the night.
The atmosphere seemed to spur the players on, and Balde added another, his second of the night and Celtic’s third.
Craig Bellamy had a great game tonight and is starting to look lively. We never played fantastic as a team but won the game nevertheless, and added three goals to our tally.
Was it any surprise that Rangers were awarded a highly disputable injury time penalty, by the linesman? However, we better get used to this scenario, as between now and the end of the season there’s sure to be a good few more.
Next up is a tough game against a trip to Easter Road to face Hibs, who lost 3-0 to Inverness tonight.
Celtic: Douglas, Balde, Varga, Laursen, McNamara, Lennon, Petrov, Thompson, Sutton, Hartson, Bellamy
Come On The Hoops Man Of The Match: Craig Bellamy
Come On The Hoops Moment To Remember: Bellamy’s
performance.
Come On The Hoops Moment To Forget: Some idiotic fans booing at half time.