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Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen: Late strike from captain Mulgrew gives Hoops much-needed victory
An impressive goal from Ryan Jack got the Dons back into the game but could not deny Neil Lennon's men the three points which keeps them third in the Scottish Premier League
23 Oct 2011 16:55:00
By David Lynch
Celtic moved to within a point of second place in the SPL after a battling win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park.
The hosts started the contest with admirable attacking intent as Dons keeper David Gonzalez was forced into two early saves from efforts from Celtic's Charlie Mulgrew and James Forrest.
They inevitably got their reward as they took the lead early on after some lovely passing work played in Ki Sung-Yeung to slide the ball into the bottom corner of the net after just 17 minutes.
The goal which gave Celtic the lead proved to be the pick of the half from then on as the contest became decidedly scrappy.
The visitors racked up an impressive foul count as they tried to break up the Glasgow outfit's rhythm and, to plan, went in at half-time within touching distance of their more illustrious hosts.
As the teams came out for the second half the Aberdeen gameplan seemed to bear yet more fruit as they shocked the hosts to equalise.
After enjoying a spell of possession the visitors played Ryan Jack through on goal and he made no mistake by rifling in impressively from 18 yards and being booked for his exuberant celebration.
Neil Lennon looked to the bench to try and give his side a boost as the half went on with Wanyama withdrawn on 72 minutes for Paddy McCourt.
The forward's introduction may not have been the direct inspiration, Lennon would concede, but moments later Celtic were level.
A ball into the box pinballed unfortunately off Dons defender Youl Mawene and into the path of Celtic captain Mulgrew, who smashed into the roof of the net.
Aberdeen looked unlikely to get anything more from the game after conceding in such fashion and their task was made even harder when goalscorer Jack picked up a second yellow card for a rash challenge in midfield.
McCourt was unfortunate not to add to Celtic's supremacy late on after his incredible slalom run in the box was let down by a finish which flew just past the far post.
The hosts started the contest with admirable attacking intent as Dons keeper David Gonzalez was forced into two early saves from efforts from Celtic's Charlie Mulgrew and James Forrest.
| Bet: | Returns: | Aberdeen £23.00 | Draw £32.00 | Hearts £27.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Aberdeen £22.00 | Draw £32.50 | Hearts £28.80 |
|
They inevitably got their reward as they took the lead early on after some lovely passing work played in Ki Sung-Yeung to slide the ball into the bottom corner of the net after just 17 minutes.
The goal which gave Celtic the lead proved to be the pick of the half from then on as the contest became decidedly scrappy.
The visitors racked up an impressive foul count as they tried to break up the Glasgow outfit's rhythm and, to plan, went in at half-time within touching distance of their more illustrious hosts.
As the teams came out for the second half the Aberdeen gameplan seemed to bear yet more fruit as they shocked the hosts to equalise.
After enjoying a spell of possession the visitors played Ryan Jack through on goal and he made no mistake by rifling in impressively from 18 yards and being booked for his exuberant celebration.
Neil Lennon looked to the bench to try and give his side a boost as the half went on with Wanyama withdrawn on 72 minutes for Paddy McCourt.
The forward's introduction may not have been the direct inspiration, Lennon would concede, but moments later Celtic were level.
A ball into the box pinballed unfortunately off Dons defender Youl Mawene and into the path of Celtic captain Mulgrew, who smashed into the roof of the net.
Aberdeen looked unlikely to get anything more from the game after conceding in such fashion and their task was made even harder when goalscorer Jack picked up a second yellow card for a rash challenge in midfield.
McCourt was unfortunate not to add to Celtic's supremacy late on after his incredible slalom run in the box was let down by a finish which flew just past the far post.
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