BobBev Posted February 1, 2004 Author Share Posted February 1, 2004 The Glasgow Herald August 29th, 2002 UEFA Cup First Round Draw In the draw for the 1st round of the UEFA Cup Livingston face a tough journey to Norway to face Rosenborg and Celtic take on Chernomorets Odessa of the Ukraine. Middlesbrough also face Ukrainian opposition in the shape of Dnipro and Chelsea are drawn against Academica of Portugal. Newcastle will play Karabagh from Azerbaijan and Irish survivors St. Pat’s Athletic will face the might of Ajax. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 2, 2004 Author Share Posted February 2, 2004 Scotland On Sunday September 1st, 2002 Poles Too Sharp For Scots Scotland suffered a very disappointing 1-0 defeat by Poland in the opening game of their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign. The 50,000 fans at Hampden were given little to cheer about as the home side laboured to get back into the game after conceding on 26 minutes. In a less than enthralling display the Scots struggled to break down a stubborn Polish defence that was well marshalled by Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek. This result represents a severe blow to their chances of qualification and they now face an uphill struggle to turn the situation around. The only consolation was that group favourites Croatia suffered a huge upset when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Cyprus in Nicosia. The home side led twice but were pegged back on each occasion by the visitors. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 2, 2004 Author Share Posted February 2, 2004 The Glasgow Herald September 5th, 2002 Berti’s Nightmare Continues Scotland’s Euro 2004 qualifying campaign looks to be as good as over following last night’s 2-0 defeat in Belarus. The game was closer that he scoreline might suggest but the home side fully deserved the victory. The win was built around superb play by midfielders Alexandr Hleb of Stuttgart and Valentin Belkevich who plays for Atletico Madrid. The Scots had no answer to their incisive and dynamic play as Hleb scored once and Belkevich was provider for both the Belarus goals. Scotland are now at the foot of Group 9 with no points from two games and are looking enviously up at the likes of Cyprus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 3, 2004 Author Share Posted February 3, 2004 Scotland On Sunday September 8th, 2002 All Square In Old Firm Match Well it had to happen sometime – after opening the season without conceding a goal in the first 7 games, the Celtic rearguard was eventually breached as the first Old Firm match of the season at Parkhead ended tied at one apiece. The visitors opened the scoring after just 6 minutes through new boy Kevin Nolan, signed from Bolton for £4.3M at the start of this season. It took Celtic just 10 minutes to respond with Mark Fotheringham bagging the equaliser. From then on the home side made most of the running and Stefan Klos was by far the busier of the two keepers. Both sides can make a case for deserving all three points – Celtic hit the woodwork twice and Rangers also struck the bar and had a last minute strike by Andrew Cole ruled out by the linesman’s flag. So a draw was just about the right result and it gives the Premiership table a somewhat unusual look – Hibs head Livingston on goal difference with Celtic 3rd and Rangers 4th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 4, 2004 Author Share Posted February 4, 2004 The Glasgow Herald September 13th, 2002 Narrow Euro Win For Celts Anyone who expected Celtic to make their UEFA Cup 1st Round tie at home to Chernomorets Odessa a formality was forced to think again. The Ukrainians had the better of the first half, striking the woodwork twice when they probably should have scored. Mark Kerr scored Celtic’s only goal of the night in the 51st minute but the home side created enough openings to have scored several more. Unfortunately some rather poor finishing means that the trip to the Ukraine in a fortnight will be anything but easy. Scotland’s other UEFA representatives Livingston returned from Norway on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat by Rosenborg but with what might be a vital away goal in the bank. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnwalker Posted February 4, 2004 Share Posted February 4, 2004 As I cant seem to contact you I was not sure if it is all right to start with a team from division 3 for the challenge? I give it ago even if I am not allowed to use a div 3 team. Thanks In Advance & Keep Up The Good Work Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faramir Posted February 4, 2004 Share Posted February 4, 2004 Johnwalker- There have been several started with lower level squads, so that is fine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnwalker Posted February 4, 2004 Share Posted February 4, 2004 Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 4, 2004 Author Share Posted February 4, 2004 johnwalker - what Faramir said Scotland On Sunday September 15th, 2002 Celts Unveil New Recruit Yesterday Celtic announced yet another new arrival at Parkhead as midfielder Gary Teale joins the Braveheart Revolution in a £2.8M move from Wigan. The Glasgow Herald September 16th, 2002 Celtic Back On Top Celtic have gone back to the top of the table following their 2-0 win at Motherwell yesterday. Goals in either half by Alan Johnston and captain Paul Lambert made the points safe and but for a stellar performance by home keeper Ian Dunbavin the final score would have been much greater. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 4, 2004 Author Share Posted February 4, 2004 Scotland On Sunday September 22nd, 2002 McCutcheon Double Breaks Hearts Two goals from Gary McCutcheon provided Celtic with the impetus they required in last night’s televised encounter with Hearts at Celtic Park. With Kevin Gallacher and Jackie McNamara also finding the net the 4-0 scoreline didn’t flatter the home side as they could easily have scored more. Earlier in the day the club announced two more departures as Frenchman Stephane Bonnes and Irishman Liam Miller were both released on free transfers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 5, 2004 Author Share Posted February 5, 2004 The Glasgow Herald September 27th, 2002 Celts Through, Livvy Out Celtic progressed to the UEFA Cup 2nd round thanks to an excellent 3-0 victory in the Ukraine over Chernomorets Odessa to give them a 4-0 aggregate win. A powerful midfield display, spearheaded by Charlie Miller, was the springboard on which the performance was based. Mark Fotheringham, Brian McAllister and Gary McCutcheon provided the goals on the night in a match that Celtic totally dominated. Livingston on the other hand were eliminated 2-1 on aggregate after they were held to a scoreless draw by Rosenborg at Almondvale. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 5, 2004 Author Share Posted February 5, 2004 The Glasgow Herald September 28th, 2002 Celtic Go Dutch In UEFA Cup Celtic have been drawn against Dutch team Vitesse Arnhem in the UEFA Cup 2nd Round. The first leg will be played in Holland on October 17th. The Glasgow Herald September 30th, 2002 Battling Buddies Run Celts Close A battling performance by newly promoted St. Mirren came close to gaining them a deserved point against Celtic at Love Street. Gary McCutcheon gave the visitors an early lead but the excellent Christopher Wreh equalised just 5 minutes later. Unfortunately for the home side some panicky defending resulted in a penalty that was coolly converted by Mark Kerr and the ever-dangerous McCutcheon added his second and Celtic’s third after 23 minutes. But St. Mirren never stopped fighting and a penalty of their own 12 minutes from time was put away by Bernard Allou to give them hope of a point. But it was not to be and the visitors held on for the victory. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 5, 2004 Author Share Posted February 5, 2004 The Glasgow Herald October 3rd, 2002 Brave Brechin Not Disgraced Third Division Brechin City travelled to Celtic Park for League Cup 3rd Round tie more in hope than expectation and, despite leaving on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline, they can still be proud of their performance. They refused to be overawed and tried to take the game to their illustrious opponents at every opportunity. But not unexpectedly, Celtic did dominate proceedings even though they took the opportunity to play a number of fringe players. Kiegan Parker opened the scoring on his senior debut and Jackie McNamara added a second before the break. In the second half Paul Shields and Don Hutchison added to the tally and Brechin have keeper Andy Reid to thank for a series of fine stops. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 6, 2004 Author Share Posted February 6, 2004 The Glasgow Herald October 10th, 2002 Relief At Last For Berti Last night at Hampden Park Scotland at last managed their first win in their Euro 2004 qualifying group, disposing of Cyprus 3-0. All the goals came in the first half with Sunderland’s Kevin Kyle, Allan Johnston of Celtic and Rangers captain Barry Ferguson finding the net. The visitors didn’t manage a shot on target all evening and the win takes the Scots up to 3rd place but 4 points behind a playoff slot. Belarus are proving to be the surprise package of the group and a great 1-0 win at home to Croatia takes them top with a 100% record. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 6, 2004 Author Share Posted February 6, 2004 Scotland On Sunday October 13th, 2002 Killie Never Trouble Celts Celtic rattled off a routine 4-0 win over a struggling Kilmarnock at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon. The visitors were overrun by a strong home team performance and never threatened to score. Two goals from the ever-dangerous Gary McCutcheon and one apiece from Mark Fotheringham and Man of the Match Charlie Miller gave Celtic maximum points. Unfortunately for Celtic, the yellow card received by Miller means that he will shortly be serving a 3-match domestic suspension having accrued 32 disciplinary points. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 6, 2004 Author Share Posted February 6, 2004 The Glasgow Herald October 14th, 2002 Cowdenbeath Win Challenge Cup Second Division Cowdenbeath had a terrific 4-2 win over Falkirk yesterday to proudly lift the Challenge Cup. A well fought contest at McDiarmid Park was watched by some 7,500 fans who saw the underdogs record their 3rd successive victory over First Division opposition in the competition. The Glasgow Herald October 15th, 2002 Smith Double Sinks Livvy Two well-taken goals by young Celtic forward Jamie Smith was enough to defeat Livingston in a first rate encounter at Almondvale. The home side fought hard and a brilliant solo effort from Rolando Zarate five minutes from time gave them hope of a point. Both keepers were kept very busy with both Rab Douglas and David Preece pulling off a series of outstanding stops. The impetus provided by their surprise cup win last season has enabled Livingston to make a very good start to the season and they currently sit 4th in the table. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 6, 2004 Author Share Posted February 6, 2004 The Glasgow Herald October 18th, 2002 Much Dutch Joy For Celts Celtic recorded an excellent 2-0 win in Arnhem last night over Vitesse in the first leg of their UEFA Cup 2nd Round match. Celtic had the better of the game throughout and two goals in the last 10 minutes from Gary McCutcheon and Mark Fotheringham has put them in pole position to progress to the next round. 18-year-old Fotheringham has been in outstanding form this season and is being touted for great things in the press. Rejected by Kilmarnock, striker McCutcheon has been scintillating at Celtic Park and with 36 goals in 44 appearances his strike rate is approaching a goal a game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 6, 2004 Author Share Posted February 6, 2004 The Glasgow Herald October 21st, 2002 Celtic Motor On A 2-0 defeat of Aberdeen at Celtic Park sees Tick Jones’s team continue their unbeaten start to the season and stay top of the table. After a scoreless first half Gary Teale opened his account for the club with goal a few minutes after the restart. Celtic made most of the running and substitute Paul Shields added a second near the end. Dons keeper David Gvaramadze did well to repel several good efforts during the game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 7, 2004 Author Share Posted February 7, 2004 Scotland On Sunday October 27th, 2002 Tangerines Squashed Celtic’s irresistible domestic form shows no sign of abating as they racked up a 5-0 victory over Dundee Utd at Tannadice. The home side were just never in the game and a hat trick from Gary McCutcheon together with strikes from Jackie McNamara and Allan Johnston meant a sad afternoon for Ray Stewart’s team. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 8, 2004 Author Share Posted February 8, 2004 The Glasgow Herald November 1st, 2002 Celtic Through Despite Parkhead Loss A goal 15 minutes from time at Celtic Park was enough to give Vitesse a 1-0 win on the night in a very even contest. However, Celtic had done enough in the first leg to ensure that they still qualified 2-1 on aggregate. Gary McCutcheon looked as though he had tied the game at the death but his effort was ruled out because of an offside decision. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 8, 2004 Author Share Posted February 8, 2004 The Glasgow Herald November 4th, 2002 Motherwell Frustrate Celtic Yesterday’s encounter between Celtic and Motherwell at Parkhead ended with the home team rueing a host of missed opportunities as the visitors escaped with a scarcely deserved point. The Motherwell goal was under siege for most of the game and a stalwart performance by visiting keeper Ian Dunbavin combined with some profligate finishing by the home side kept the scoresheet blank for over 60 minutes. Then Derek Adams scored a breakaway goal against the run of play only for Kevin Gallacher to spare the hosts blushes 10 minutes from time. The 1-1 final score certainly didn’t affect the balance of play but Celtic will need to develop much greater ruthlessness in front of goal if they are to avoid such situations in the future. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 8, 2004 Author Share Posted February 8, 2004 The Glasgow Herald November 8th, 2002 Belgian Trip For Celts The draw for the UEFA Cup 3rd round has paired Celtic with Belgian side Anderlecht. Last season’s Belgian champions have dropped into the UEFA Cup having been eliminated from the Champions League first group phase. Scotland On Sunday November 10th, 2002 Pars Hold Celtic Last night’s televised encounter between Dunfermline and Celtic at East End Park was virtually an action replay of Celtic’s match against Motherwell last weekend. For the second match in succession Celtic dominated play, conceded a goal against the run of play and scored a late equaliser. Once again poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping frustrated Tick Jones’s team. This week it was Marco Ruitenbeek who provided the inspiration between the sticks, Mark McCormick that scored the breakaway and Mark Kerr that grabbed the late equaliser. If Celtic are to continue with this pattern then their manager might not last the season – his evident agitation making him more and more animated and undoubtedly sending his blood pressure soaring. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 9, 2004 Author Share Posted February 9, 2004 The Glasgow Herald November 14th, 2002 Hartson Set For Motherwell Motherwell announced yesterday that they have completed the purchase of striker John Hartson from Celtic for a fee of £1.6M. The big Welshman has been stuck in the reserves for over a season and is said to be desperate to get back into first team action. Scotland On Sunday November 17th, 2002 Celtic Back On Track For 55 minutes yesterday’s visit of Hibs to Celtic Park followed a pattern that is by now depressingly familiar to Celtic fans – Celtic dominated the play but were unable to get the ball in the net because of a goalkeeper in top form. Nick Colgan was the man in question this week as he pulled off save after save. But then several unexpected events took place. Firstly, Paul Shields opened the scoring for Celtic. Secondly, when the visitors got the ball in the net against the run of play the effort was ruled out for offside. Finally, Don Hutchison added a second goal for Celtic to give his side a 2-0 win and some welcome relief for Tick Jones’s blood pressure. Even the last minute dismissal of Paul Richie couldn’t spoil things for the home side. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 9, 2004 Author Share Posted February 9, 2004 The Glasgow Herald November 22nd, 2002 Narrow Defeat For Celtic In Belgium Celtic returned from their UFA Cup first leg match against Anderlecht on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline. Things were looking good for the Scots when Gary McCutcheon gave them the lead on the stroke of half time. However, a strangely subdued second half performance allowed the home side back into it as first Oleg Iachtchouk and then captain Glen De Boeck scored for Anderlecht. Whilst disappointed in the final result, manager Tick Jones is still confident that his team can progress thanks to their away goal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 9, 2004 Author Share Posted February 9, 2004 The Glasgow Herald November 25th, 2002 Celtic Triumph In Old Firm Derby Celtic recorded an excellent 2-1 win at yesterday’s televised Old Firm match at Ibrox. The home side started strongly and created a number of good opportunities but they found Celtic keeper Rab Douglas, clearly happy with his new contract extension, in tiptop form. The visitors weathered the early storm and gradually began to play their way into the match. Just on the half hour Gary McCutcheon opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Paul Lambert cross. It was end-to-end stuff as both teams looked to attack at every opportunity and Stefan Klos was called upon to show his goalkeeping skills. With 20 minutes remaining Stephen Crainey scored his first goal of the season and gave Rangers a mountain to climb. The home side finished with a flurry of chances but Andrew Cole’s 89th minute strike was too little too late as Celtic held on for a terrific win. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 11, 2004 Author Share Posted February 11, 2004 The Glasgow Herald November 26th, 2002 Stewart Signs For Celtic Celtic announced yesterday that 21-year-old Scottish international Michael Stewart has been signed from Manchester United. A fee of some £2.4M was agreed between the clubs and the midfielder agreed personal terms over the weekend when he was in Glasgow attending the Old Firm match. The Glasgow Herald November 28th, 2002 Impressive Debut For Stewart Michael Stewart made an impressive start in his Celtic career as he stepped straight into the starting lineup against Livingston as Tick Jones made a series of changes to rest players after the weekend's exertions at Ibrox. Stewart was asked to take Paul Lambert's position guarding the defence and he scarcely put a foot wrong. Clearly seen as a natural replacement for the club captain he was calm and assured throughout. 3rd place Livingston worked hard to keep Celtic at bay but finally succumbed to a Steven Pressley goal, his first for the club, 9 minutes from time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 11, 2004 Author Share Posted February 11, 2004 Scotland On Sunday December 1st, 2002 Hearts Brushed Aside Celtic returned from their encounter with Hearts at Tynecastle with a very comfortable 4-0 win. Stephen Crainey, Paul Shields, Kiegan Parker and Gary Teale were the players on the scoresheet as the home side struggled to contain a very lively Celtic midfield and attack. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 11, 2004 Author Share Posted February 11, 2004 The Glasgow Herald December 6th, 2002 Celtic Trounce Anderlecht Celtic booked their place in the 3rd round of the UEFA Cup with a superb 5-0 defeat of Anderlecht in Glasgow last night. It was the Celtic youngsters that provided the platform for the win as they turned around a 2-1 deficit after the first leg and triumphed 6-2 on aggregate. 19-year-old Mark Fotheringham got the home side off to the perfect start with a goal after just 2 minutes. Then 22-year-old Jamie Smith provided two more before half time to take Celtic into the break 3-0 ahead. Then 20-year-old Mark Kerr, who impressed sufficiently to take Man of the Match honours, scored the 4th just after the restart. Substitute James McFadden, still only 19, added the 5th from the penalty spot after the Anderlecht keeper was dismissed for a trip on Smith. The only sour note for the Celts was an injury to captain Paul Lambert that will sideline him for up to a month. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 12, 2004 Author Share Posted February 12, 2004 The Glasgow Herald December 7th, 2002 UEFA Cup Draw Sets Up Battle Of Britain Yesterday’s draw for the UEFA Cup had pitched Scotland against England as Celtic face Middlesbrough. The first leg will be played ay the Riverside at the end of February next year. Celtic currently top the SPL whilst ‘Boro lie 4th in the EPL. The Glasgow Herald December 9th, 2002 Celtic Leave It Late A goal by Mark Kerr deep in stoppage time at the end of a thoroughly entertaining encounter at Celtic Park gave the home side a 2-1 win over Dundee. The visitors put in a battling performance and forced Rab Douglas into a series of excellent saves. At the other end Dundee keeper Mark Brown also excelled and the 21- year-old, transferred from Inverness Caledonian for £1.6M in the summer, kept his team in contention on a number of occasions. Alan Johnston gave Celtic the lead early in the game but we had to wait until the 78th minute for another goal when Andy Smith equalised for the visitors. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 16, 2004 Author Share Posted February 16, 2004 The Glasgow Herald December 12th, 2002 Celtic Hit Hibs For Six Celtic have booked their place in the League Cup Semi Final with a 6-0 demolition of Hibs at Easter Road. A hat trick from Gary McCutcheon was the platform on which the victory was obtained as Celtic’s relentless attacking style reduced the home side to some desperate defending. Jamie Smith, Gary Teale and Stephen Crainey provided the other goals in a victory that was as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests. Unfortunately for Celtic central defender Brian McAllister sustained a knee injury that will keep him out for a few weeks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 17, 2004 Author Share Posted February 17, 2004 Scotland On Sunday December 15th, 2002 Celtic Power On Celtic continued their remorseless progress in the SPL with a 3-0 win at Kilmarnock yesterday. The home side worked hard and defended well and looked like reaching the break unscathed. However, Mark Kerr had other ideas and he opened the scoring on the stroke of half time. Kilmarnock held firm for most of the second half but Alan Johnston and Gary McCutcheon both scored in the last ten minutes to seal the win. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted February 17, 2004 Share Posted February 17, 2004 McCutcheon seems to be having a good season and i was mighty pleased at the scoreline over Hibs Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 18, 2004 Author Share Posted February 18, 2004 Terk - I am amazed just how effective SuperMac is. He was a lucky find. Scotland On Sunday December 22nd, 2002 Super Celts Unstoppable Celtic underlined their domestic superiority yesterday by powering to a 4-0 win over visiting Dundee United. Gary McCutcheon, Gary Teale, Michael Stewart and Charlie Miller all found the net as Celtic overran the visitors. 21-year-old Stewart is proving an able deputy for the injured Paul Lambert and is keeping John Collins on the bench. McCutcheon now had 23 goals for the season as he continues to head the SPL scoring charts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 18, 2004 Author Share Posted February 18, 2004 The Glasgow Herald December 27th, 2002 Christmas Cheer For Dons In the Boxing Day match at Pittodrie Aberdeen achieved a feat that few other teams have this season – they didn’t lose to Celtic. Mark Kerr put the visitors ahead after just 4 minutes but Aberdeen equalised with a breakaway against the run of play on the half hour when Jerome Vareille scored his first goal for the club. Aberdeen did very well to hold out against intense Celtic pressure as the visitors went all out for the victory. Celtic certainly deserved to win as they hit the woodwork twice and Gary McCutcheon had a goal chalked off for offside. But Aberdeen somehow held on to take a valuable point and allow Rangers to close the gap at the top. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 19, 2004 Author Share Posted February 19, 2004 The Glasgow Herald January 1st, 2003 No New Year Cheer For The Buddies Bottom club St. Mirren came away from Celtic Park pointless but not disgraced. The league leaders fashioned a 2-0 win that was efficient if not overly exciting. Jackie McNamara and Jamie Smith both found the net in the first 20 minutes but the St. Mirren defence held firm thereafter. The visitors were rarely able to get too far out of their own half as Celtic dictated the play but some over-elaborate play in front of goal meant that the home side failed to capitalise on their superiority. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 20, 2004 Author Share Posted February 20, 2004 The Glasgow Herald January 7th, 2003 Cameron On His Way To Celtic Park Wolves and Scotland midfielder Colin Cameron will be joining Celtic when his current contract expires in the summer. He will join a veritable “who’s who†of Scottish football as Tick Jones continues to try to corner the market in Scottish playing talent as a consequence of the club’s “buy Scottish†policy. The Glasgow Herald January 9th, 2003 More Changes At Parkhead Veteran defender Colin Hendry was released on a free transfer by Celtic yesterday. The 36-year-old was signed last season on a two-year contract but he has increasingly become a peripheral figure amongst the Celtic playing staff. At the same time it was revealed that Motherwell youngster Stephen Pearson will be moving to Celtic Park in the summer at the end of his current contract. Celtic will have to pay compensation of some £625K for the 20-year-old. [This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 21 February 2004 at 0:46.] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 20, 2004 Author Share Posted February 20, 2004 Scotland On Sunday January 19th, 2003 Provett Hero For Hibs Hibs keeper Jim Provett was the hero of the day as a string of brilliant saves kept his team alive against Celtic at Easter Road yesterday. David Weir was the only Celtic player to break his resistance when he headed home a Charlie Miller free kick in the second half. Apart from that Provett was in unbeatable form. His team gained their reward when Martin Rowlands scored an equaliser deep into stoppage time to give the home side a point that they barely deserved. But as we all know, sometimes there is no justice in football and now Celtic find themselves overtaken by Rangers at the top of the table. To make matters worse, Jackie McNamara suffered a broken toe and will be out for 3 weeks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 20, 2004 Author Share Posted February 20, 2004 Scotland On Sunday January 26th, 2003 Parker Double Saves Celts Celtic’s run of bad luck continued during the week as influential captain Paul Lambert and striker Paul Shields both suffered injuries in training. Shields is the more serious, a calf tear that will sideline him for 3 months. Their ill-fortune looked set to continue at Celtic Park yesterday as Gary Teale joined the injury list and Dunfermline not only withstood an attacking onslaught but actually took the lead through Mark McCormick with 20 minutes remaining. But Celtic recovered the situation, removing Michael Stewart and throwing on Kevin Gallacher as an extra attacker. Two goals from Kiegan Parker, the second in stoppage time, gave them a 2-1 win and three well deserved points. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 21, 2004 Author Share Posted February 21, 2004 Scotland On Sunday February 2nd, 2003 Celtic Savour The Joy Of Six Celtic striker Gary McCutcheon had a field day in their Scottish Cup 3rd round tie at St. Johnstone, scoring 4 times in a 6-1 victory. Mark Kerr and Don Hutchison provided the other two as the Celts went on a goal spree. Celtic had another injury problem in the days leading up to the game as Kiegan Parker picked up a knock that meant he would miss the game. They shrugged this disappointment aside however as they showed no mercy to a hard working St. Johnstone side. Scott Young’s goal in the first half gave the home side some brief encouragement as he brought the score back to 2-1 but that proved to be short-lived indeed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 21, 2004 Author Share Posted February 21, 2004 The Glasgow Herald February 6th, 2003 Celtic Back On Top A 2-0 win for Celtic at Motherwell combined with a shock 2-0 loss by Rangers to St. Mirren at Ibrox means that the Celts go back to the top of the table whilst St. Mirren are replaced at the bottom by Motherwell. Goals by Don Hutchison and Alan Johnston capped off a competent if unexciting Celtic performance. Meanwhile at Ibrox, “new manager syndrome†came into play. Gordon Strachan saw his new charges take full advantage of superior number to take the points as Rangers had Steven Thompson and Ronald De Boer dismissed inside the first 25 minutes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 22, 2004 Author Share Posted February 22, 2004 Scotland On Sunday February 9th, 2003 Old Firm End All Square An enthralling Old Firm encounter at Celtic Park ended in a 2-2 draw as the advantage swung one way and then the other. Celtic opened the scoring after 20 minutes when a free kick from Charlie Miller was deflected into his own net by Michael Ball. But in the second half Rangers turned the game around as first Bert Konterman and then Michael Mols scored to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. To Celtic’s mounting frustration, both Gary McCutcheon and Mark Kerr had goal efforts disallowed because of offside decisions. But with 15 minutes remaining a refereeing decision finally went their way when Kevin Nolan was adjudged to have barged Miller in the area. Mark Kerr was the calmest man in Parkhead as he neatly despatched the spot kick. The draw keeps Celtic 2 points ahead in the title race. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 22, 2004 Author Share Posted February 22, 2004 The Glasgow Herald February 20th, 2003 Celtic Win Hampden Classic A near-50,000 crowd at a rain-lashed Hampden Park witnessed a thrilling League Cup Semi Final between Celtic and Kilmarnock with the Celts eventually triumphing 3-2. Kilmarnock got off to a great start as Jesus Garcia Sanjuan gave them the lead after 12 minutes. A further 12 minutes passed before Gary McCutcheon struck to provide an equaliser. But in the 38th minute Gary McSwegan put Kilmarnock back in front as the crowd were treated to some end-to-end stuff. The lead lasted barely a minute before Mark Kerr squared the game again and the first half ended with a 2-2 scoreline. Both teams showed great attacking endeavour in the second period but Celtic finally prevailed as Kerr scored his second of the match with 10 minutes remaining. Celtic will play Dundee United in the final as they beat neighbours Dundee 2-1 in their encounter at Easter Road. United survived the dismissal of teenage keeper Ian Ward after 40 minutes as the youngster tangled with Dundee striker Steven Milne following what Ward felt was an excessive “in yer face†goal celebration as Milne opened the scoring. Substitute keeper Alan Combe played superbly to keep his sides hopes alive and Jim Paterson became the United hero when he scored twice to give them the win, the second strike coming in stoppage time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 23, 2004 Author Share Posted February 23, 2004 Scotland On Sunday February 23rd, 2003 Well, Well, Well – It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again For the second season in succession Celtic have been knocked out of the Scottish Cup in the 4th round by Motherwell at Fir Park. Jamie Smith, seemingly recovered from injury, opened the scoring for Celtic in the 33rd minute and that’s how the score stayed until half time. But former Celt John Hartson scored his 10th goal since his move to Motherwell to even things up within seconds of the restart. Poor Jamie Smith then suffered a nasty injury, a torn groin muscle, that may keep him out for the rest of the season. Just as a replay was beckoning Paquito popped up to convert a low cross from Eddie Annand to get a dramatic winner. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 24, 2004 Author Share Posted February 24, 2004 The Glasgow Herald February 28th, 2003 Celtic Swamped At The Riverside Celtic’s hopes of progressing in Europe took a major blow at the Riverside Stadium last night as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough. Noel Whelan did the damage in the first half, scoring twice to give the Teesiders a comfortable half time lead. Kiegan Parker gave Celtic a lifeline 10 minutes into the second half when he pulled a goal back. However, within minutes Middlesbrough’s two-goal advantage was restored when substitute Jonathan Greening scored a magnificent solo effort as he waltzed through the Celtic defence. Celtic will require a much better performance in Glasgow in a week’s time if they are to have any hope of making the 5th round. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 24, 2004 Author Share Posted February 24, 2004 The Glasgow Herald March 3rd, 2003 Hearts Sink Lower A 3-2 defeat by Celtic at Parkhead for Hearts keeps them deep in the relegation dogfight. Don Hutchison opened the scoring for Celtic after 20 minutes but a few minutes later Liam Fox scored a rather fortunate equaliser as his intended cross deceived the Celtic defence and crept inside the post. But just after the half hour mark the visitors conceded a penalty and James McFadden calmly restored the Celtic lead. On the stroke of half time Kevin Thomas scored his first of the season to give the home side a 3-1 lead at the break. For the majority of the second half Celtic subjected the visitors to constant pressure but poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the home side at bay. A breakaway goal by Andy Kirk gave Hearts some hope of salvaging a draw and a flurry of late pressure kept Rab Douglas busy but an equaliser could not be found. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 25, 2004 Author Share Posted February 25, 2004 The Glasgow Herald March 7th, 2003 Celts Do Just Enough A 2-0 win for Celtic last night over Middlesbrough was enough to ensure that their name would go into the hat for the UEFA Cup Quarter Finals as they squeezed through on away goals. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg they faced a Middlesbrough side intent on defending their lead and with a central defensive pairing of Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu to contend with it was never going to be easy. The first half ended scoreless which suited the visitors down to the ground but left the Celtic faithful frustrated to say the least. Celtic captain Paul Lambert saw a good header come back off the bar and Middlesbrough also survived a very strong penalty appeal. But things changed for the better in the second period as Gary McCutcheon provided the breakthrough after an hour. This was his 29th goal of the season and his 50th altogether for the club. Just 6 minutes later Mark Kerr underlined a superb midfield display by netting what proved to be the winning goal. It wasn’t a pleasant return to Celtic Park for Chris Sutton as he looked really out of sorts and made a real hash of the one opportunity that came his way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted February 25, 2004 Share Posted February 25, 2004 you should have lost against hearts to ease their troubles but good win against boro, nice to see you giong far in europe. and mccutcheon really is amazing me, he always little better than ****e in my games Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 26, 2004 Author Share Posted February 26, 2004 Sorry about that Terk! McCutcheon is very surprising to me too. His attributes are very average although he does have 20 in finishing and off the ball so maybe his strengths just happen to suit my particualr tactic. I am playing with a lone striker so that may have something to do with it. The Glasgow Herald March 13th, 2003 McCutcheon Hat Trick Puts Celts In Driving Seat With a weekend off due to their elimination from the Scottish Cup, Celtic were straight into UEFA Cup action as they travelled to Italy to face Bologna in the first leg of the Quarter Final. The Italian side are having a good season in Serie A and eliminated countrymen Lazio in the last round. An absorbing and exciting game ended in a 3-2 win for Tick Jones’s team thanks to a masterful midfield display by Mark Kerr and a glorious hat trick by goal ace Gary McCutcheon. Celtic were never behind in this game but Bologna showed their character by twice coming from behind to square the scores. However, they had no reply to McCutcheon’s 3rd and the 24-year-old almost added a 4th near the end but his shot just clipped the bar. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 26, 2004 Author Share Posted February 26, 2004 The Glasgow Herald March 17th, 2003 One Way Traffic As Celtic Lift League Cup Celtic overwhelmed Dundee United in yesterday’s League Cup Final at a wet and windy Hampden Park and ran out comfortable 5-1 winners. Tick Jones felt confident enough to field a number of fringe players, clearly saving some of his main men for the forthcoming UEFA Cup tie against Bologna. Gary Teale opened the scoring after just 4 minutes and Gary McCutcheon added the second 30 minutes later. When John Collins made it 3-0 on the stroke of half time the game was effectively over. Tassos Venetis pulled one back for United in the 63rd minute but two minutes later Teale got his second to extinguish their hopes. Substitute Don Hutchison added the 5th in stoppage time to complete a comfortable win. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted February 27, 2004 Author Share Posted February 27, 2004 The Glasgow Herald March 21st, 2003 Celts Draw A Blank A 0-0 draw at Parkhead was sufficient to allow Celtic to progress to the UEFA Cup Semi Finals as Bologna were unable to turn around the 3-2 deficit from the first leg. Celtic had the best of the chances but Bologna keeper and captain Gianluca Pagliuca was in good form. The 36-year-old ex-international came in for some criticism for his performance in the first leg but he made a string of fine saves to deny Celtic. Gary McCutcheon did get the ball in the net in the first half but his strike was ruled out because of an offside decision against Kiegan Parker. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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