shaun shines as celtic extend spl lead

David Friel
CELTIC bounced back from their European disappointment in the best possible fashion by beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1-0 to move seven points clear of Rangers at the top of the SPL.

Shaun Maloney’s first-half strike proved the difference between the two sides and allowed Celtic to take advantage of Rangers’ 2-1 defeat against Hearts. Gordon Strachan’s side have now won 12 successive league games.

The Hoops were made to work hard for the win by a resolute Caley Thistle side. The visitors created few chances but Celtic were pushed all the way by Craig Brewster’s men. Yet, the table now makes happy reading for Celtic supporters tonight.

News of Rangers’ defeat had filtered through to Celtic Park before kick-off, with the reigning champions given a rapturous welcome as they emerged from the tunnel. Instantly, any lingering thoughts of Aalborg had to be put to one side.

Paul Hartley and Maloney were restored to the starting line-up after being on the bench against Aalborg. Glenn Loovens and Mark Wilson were the players who made way.

There was little action of note in the opening stages of the game. Caley Thistle looked bright from the off and enjoyed their fair share of possession, but were mostly limited to half-chances and long-range efforts.

Not that Celtic didn’t have to defend. Stephen McManus produced a superb tackle to deny Garry Wood, while Gary Caldwell had to look lively to crowd out Dougie Imrie as he tried to race through on goal.

Celtic, as expected, started to impose themselves on the game. In 14 minutes, Scott Brown spun and released Scott McDonald. The Aussie was about to shoot when he was halted by a late offside flag.

Much of Celtic’s good work was coming from the right flank, where Shunsuke Nakamura and Andreas Hinkel were linking up well. The German, outstanding in recent months, almost set up McDonald for an opener in 22 minutes and then sent a follow-up effort wide of target.

Caley were putting up a good fight and Celtic needed a moment of magic from someone to unlock their defence. Not for the first time in the last four seasons, Nakamura was the man who provided it.

The game was almost at the half-hour mark when he drifted inside from the right and picked out Maloney’s run with an inch-perfect chip. The winger took a touch and rolled his finish into the corner.

Celtic got a lift from the goal and started to enjoy some pressure. Robson and McDonald both sent over crosses from the left that would have found Georgios Samaras – barring some good defending from Grant Munro.

Yet, the visitors were still proving a match for Celtic. Caldwell had to clear from under the bar after David Proctor’s hefty challenge made Artur Boruc spill a corner, while Dougie Imrie’s attempted chip soared over the bar after a quick break.

Caley created the first opening of the second half when Don Cowie was sent racing in on goal. He was stopped in his tracks by an offside flag, but replays showed that he had timed his run to perfection.

Goalscorer Maloney almost turned creator in 51 minutes with a run and low cross. McDonald couldn’t get on the end of it, while Brown’s attempted flick to Samaras was intercepted.

The Greek striker made way for Cillian Sheridan in 62 minutes, while Lee Naylor replaced Robson at left-back. The visitors introduced striker Andy Barrowman.

Caley midfielder Ian Black tested Boruc with a bouncing drive and Hartley sent a 23-yard shot over the bar as both sides looked for the all-important next goal. Hartley was getting forward at every opportunity but again sent a long-range shot over in 67 minutes.

The main threat to Celtic coming from high balls into the box, but Caldwell and McManus stood firm, with Boruc having little to do. In truth, Caley ran out of ideas as Celtic comfortably held on for the win.

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…1
(Maloney 29)
INVERNESS CT…0

CELTIC: Boruc; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Robson (Naylor 62); Nakamura, Brown, Hartley, Maloney; McDonald, Samaras (Sheridan 62, Mizuno 90)
Subs not used: M.Brown, Caddis, Loovens, Millar, Mizuno

INVERNESS CT: Esson, Tokely, Proctor, Munro, Hastings, Wood (Barrowman 62), Cowie, Black (Wilson 86), Vigurs (Rooney 72), Imrie, Duncan
Subs not used: Fraser, McBain, Sutherland, Duff

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Andreas Hinkel