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St Mirren 0-2 Celtic: Late goals from James Forrest & Scott Brown ensure visitors remain top of the SPL
Neil Lennon's side put in an efficient performance to come out on top, but had to wait for two second-half goals to ensure victory in the early kick-off
21 Jan 2012 14:36:00
By John Stammers
Getty Images
Celtic extended their lead over Rangers at the top of the table to five points after beating St Mirren 2-0 at St Mirren Park.
James Forrest was back for Neil Lennon's side after recovering from a virus, while defender Mark Wilson also returned to the squad.
Dougie Imrie, meanwhile, went straight into the St Mirren squad after signing from Hamilton Accies. However, Danny Lennon had to make do without captain Jim Goodwin who remained out with a calf strain.
The visitors began the game strongly and in-demand striker Gary Hooper had a good early chance smashing a volley from 35 yards which forced a brilliant save by Craig Samson, who parried out for a corner.
Lennon's men came close again shortly afterwards when Stevie Thompson nearly headed into his own net, but the ball got a deflection before Samson pounced on it.
Celtic continued to press, this time with Hooper again, after good work from Forrest on the wing. He crossed for the striker who flicked the ball across the face of the goal without anyone getting a touch. St Mirren breathed a huge sign of relief and were relieved to head into the break with the scores still goalless.
The second half continued with Celtic as just the better side but it was St Mirren who came closest early on as Fraser Forster pulled off a massive save; Paul McGowan fired at goal from eight yards out but the keeper showed tremendous reflexes to make the save to his left.
However, Celtic's pressing finally paid off as they took the lead after 71 minutes through Forrest. A punched clearance fell to Scott Brown who had far too much space and was allowed to roll the ball to Forrest who finished a neat low shot into the net.
Yet St Mirren almost found parity soon after and Lennon will have been delighted with his keeper as Forster made another another excellent save for the travelling team, this time from Lee Mair whose downward header from the back post nearly levelled the scores.
There was still time for more action, however, and Brown doubled Celtic's lead and killed the game off late on in the 88th minute. A corner was played short to the captain and he then curled an incredible effort into the far corner of the net from outside the box to seal the three points in fine style.
| 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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James Forrest was back for Neil Lennon's side after recovering from a virus, while defender Mark Wilson also returned to the squad.
Dougie Imrie, meanwhile, went straight into the St Mirren squad after signing from Hamilton Accies. However, Danny Lennon had to make do without captain Jim Goodwin who remained out with a calf strain.
The visitors began the game strongly and in-demand striker Gary Hooper had a good early chance smashing a volley from 35 yards which forced a brilliant save by Craig Samson, who parried out for a corner.
Lennon's men came close again shortly afterwards when Stevie Thompson nearly headed into his own net, but the ball got a deflection before Samson pounced on it.
Celtic continued to press, this time with Hooper again, after good work from Forrest on the wing. He crossed for the striker who flicked the ball across the face of the goal without anyone getting a touch. St Mirren breathed a huge sign of relief and were relieved to head into the break with the scores still goalless.
The second half continued with Celtic as just the better side but it was St Mirren who came closest early on as Fraser Forster pulled off a massive save; Paul McGowan fired at goal from eight yards out but the keeper showed tremendous reflexes to make the save to his left.
However, Celtic's pressing finally paid off as they took the lead after 71 minutes through Forrest. A punched clearance fell to Scott Brown who had far too much space and was allowed to roll the ball to Forrest who finished a neat low shot into the net.
Yet St Mirren almost found parity soon after and Lennon will have been delighted with his keeper as Forster made another another excellent save for the travelling team, this time from Lee Mair whose downward header from the back post nearly levelled the scores.
There was still time for more action, however, and Brown doubled Celtic's lead and killed the game off late on in the 88th minute. A corner was played short to the captain and he then curled an incredible effort into the far corner of the net from outside the box to seal the three points in fine style.
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