celts hit form in 5-1 win

Gregor Kyle
CELTIC’s vast English support were treated to an entertaining five-goal show at Loftus Road as Gordon Strachan’s men continued to impress in this fourth pre-season encounter against Queens Park Rangers.

Strikes from Andrea Capone, Scott Brown, Scott McDonald and a Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink double sealed the second win in this double header of friendlies against English opposition.

That first game against Peterborough United resulted in a 2-1 win on Friday, but in this meeting against a superior side in QPR, Celtic stepped up another gear, playing attractive football en route to a 5-1 win.

Had Celtic taken advantage of a series of early opportunities the scoreline could have in fact been higher at Loftus Road and goalkeeper Jake Cole did well to deny Miller and Vennegoor of Hesselink, also saving a penalty in the tenth minute from the big Dutchman.

QPR did enjoy an outstanding opportunity of their own in this opening 20 minutes with Stefan Bailey’s close-range effort parried by the foot of Artur Boruc, but just two minutes later, on-trial Italian midfielder Andrea Capone opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the box.

Capone had come close with an impudent chip just seconds before his dipping drive, but had goalkeeper Cole to thank for this effort, with the QPR number 1 palming the ball into his own net.

After this opener Celtic began to dominate, with the players apparently determined to test a keeper whose confidence was now wavering and six minutes before the interval they finally made another breakthrough.

Another driving run from the centre of midfield saw Scott Brown curl in a lovely shot from the edge of the box, but the move followed yet another quick counter and clever interplay – a pattern which would continue in the second half.

The introduction of Dexter Blackstock saw QPR mount a revival at the start of second half, with the highly-rated former Southampton man coming close, but minutes later Massimo Donati sent a curling shot inches wide and Celtic began to reassert their authority.

It took Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink just nine minutes after the restart to add Celtic’s third with the goal of the game, a beautiful curling shot from the edge of the box that was reminiscent of Jim O’Brien’s winner at Peterborough on Friday.

He then grabbed his second just three minutes later, knocking the ball home from a yard out after a John Kennedy effort had been scrambled off the line.

In the 66th minute Kieron St Aime did give the home support something to cheer about with an outstanding consolation goal, but once again, Celtic began to pen them back, with Scott McDonald hitting the side-netting and Brown denied a clear penalty, before Celtic’s Australian striker finished off the route with Celtic’s fifth.

Having won three of their opening four pre-season games Gordon Strachan and his players will now travel out to America high in confidence and aiming to continue the run.