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Celtic 2-1 Kilmarnock: Georgios Samaras nets double as hosts move to within a point of Rangers in SPL title race
The Greek striker scored both goals either side of half-time to ensure Neil Lennon's side, who survived a late scare after Racchi's goal, closed the gap on the league leaders
24 Dec 2011 15:26:00
By Stephen Darwin
Getty Images
Celtic capitalised after Rangers slipped up against St Mirren earlier in the day by securing a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock to move to within a point of their fierce Glasgow rivals in the SPL table.
Georgios Samaras was the hero at Parkhead as he grabbed both goals to ensure Neil Lennon's side would pick up all three points and crank up the pressure on Gers in the title race in Scotland.
The hosts came close to opening the scoring when James Forrest flashed a shot from distance just wide of Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cameron Bell's left-hand post.
Kenny Shiels' side had a chance to take a surprise lead when Dean Shiels' effort beat Fraser Forster only to drift agonisingly past the post.
Forrest then brought a save out of Bell before Hooper fired the rebound over the bar and Shiels again caused problems at the other end, forcing Forster to make a decent save.
The Hoops would take the lead just before half-time, though, as Samaras got on the end of a deflected Cha Du-ri cross to head home.
The start of the second half saw Killie's claims for a penalty turned down after Forrest seemingly blocked Danny Bujis' attempted cross with his arm.
Samaras made it two 15 minutes into the second half as, after receiving a pass from strike partner Gary Hooper, he faked to shoot before driving the ball into the net to give the Hoops a two-goal advantage.
Danny Racchi gave the visitors hope of a late comeback after he slotted home low past Forster but it wasn't enough as the home side hung on in the final minutes to secure all three points.
The result ensures that Lennon's side are just a point behind Rangers going into Wednesday's crucial meeting between the Old Firm at Celtic Park.
| Bet: | Returns: | Dundee Utd XI £120.00 | Draw £12.00 | Celtic £45.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Dundee Utd XI £150.00 | Draw £14.00 | Celtic £36.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Dundee Utd XI £50.00 | Draw £37.50 | Celtic £16.70 |
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Georgios Samaras was the hero at Parkhead as he grabbed both goals to ensure Neil Lennon's side would pick up all three points and crank up the pressure on Gers in the title race in Scotland.
The hosts came close to opening the scoring when James Forrest flashed a shot from distance just wide of Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cameron Bell's left-hand post.
Kenny Shiels' side had a chance to take a surprise lead when Dean Shiels' effort beat Fraser Forster only to drift agonisingly past the post.
Forrest then brought a save out of Bell before Hooper fired the rebound over the bar and Shiels again caused problems at the other end, forcing Forster to make a decent save.
The Hoops would take the lead just before half-time, though, as Samaras got on the end of a deflected Cha Du-ri cross to head home.
The start of the second half saw Killie's claims for a penalty turned down after Forrest seemingly blocked Danny Bujis' attempted cross with his arm.
Samaras made it two 15 minutes into the second half as, after receiving a pass from strike partner Gary Hooper, he faked to shoot before driving the ball into the net to give the Hoops a two-goal advantage.
Danny Racchi gave the visitors hope of a late comeback after he slotted home low past Forster but it wasn't enough as the home side hung on in the final minutes to secure all three points.
The result ensures that Lennon's side are just a point behind Rangers going into Wednesday's crucial meeting between the Old Firm at Celtic Park.
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