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Celtic shut the gubs of any negative doubters after a pretty uninspiring pre season tour, to turn out an impressive footballing display against an albeit decidedly average Kilmarnock side.
To say the BSCSC boys were looking forward to this game was a bit of an understatement as lips were moist at the thought of cold red stripe followed by a merry sing shout along from the upper jock stein stronghold. Unfortunately the early kick-off quashed any ideas of a prematch warm up in Haughians so warm tennents on the boat and a hip flask of JD had to suffice! The team news was good - Telfer was replaced by Mo Camara with Mark Wilson moving to his favoured right back slot. Strong, attacking midfield with Petrov and Jarosik in the centre, McGeady on the left and Naka on the right. The expected forward pairing of Miller and Zurawski with Boruc edging Marshall for the gloves. The game was a good spectacle, plenty of energy from the off. Both teams had early half chances with a mistake by Calwell when he overan the ball, presenting the best early chance to Killie. However, Boruc made a brilliant save to deny a certain goal from Killie's most dangerous player Naismith. On 25 minutes, Kenny Miller robbed new signing Lilley near the half way line and accelerated towards goal. Petrov made a great run into the box, but Miller superbly picked out Zurawski's angled run, who finished well into the opposite corner giving the covering defender no chance to intercept. It was a well worked goal for the front two, and to be honest was exactly what the team needed to settle down in a end to end first quarter. Strachans team selection was providing some great passing football, notably Petrov, Jarosik and Wilson at full back. From Quinns statement Stan may well yet stay, and he can't be faulted for energy and performance today. A clinical move resulted in the second goal. Miller made a good run to the edge of the box and was well found by Wilson. Miller then laid it off to Magic who fired in a perfect cross for Jarosik to plant his firm header into the corner after a great surge past the front men. Just before half time, Miller was very unlucky not to open his Celtic account with a superb turn in the box but his strike was well blocked. Into the second half and McGeady's twists and turns were causing Killie to double up on him. It was a foul on him just outside the box which gave Naka the chance for number 3. What a goal it was - a perfect curling shot into the side of the net which gave Smith no chance. So much so, most of the ground were celebrating before it even crossed the line! The remainder of the second half was all Celtic, with possession football the order of the day. When McGeady and Miller's exchanges at the corner of the box proved fruitless, the ball was played back to Camara in support. A cry from McDaid - KEEPER !! - let Mo know how his keep ball skills were appreciated! Jarosik made way for Evander Sno - cue the BSCSC singalong. Some good ones, some not so good! There Sno limits??? Come on! With 2 minutes to go Kilmarnock got a consolation from Naismith. It was a nice finish from the up and coming star but Boruc was convinced he was fouled moments earlier and his protestations to the referee earned him a yellow card. Needless to say the man in black got booed till the end. Magic wrapped it up at the death, when Miller made another great run to the byeline and pulled it back to an unmarked McGeady on the six yard line. His amazingly excuted 'scuffpass' found Zurawski who buried in typical poaching fashion. Magic opening game, Magic opening title defence, Magic BSCSC trip. Player Ratings: Boruc 7 - Not much to do second half, but a brilliant one handed save kept the scores level early doors. Camara 7 - Still not Celtic class but tried hard, responded well to the praise from the crowd and his crossing may have been the best in a hoops jersey yet. McManus 6 - First game as captain, and performed well after a shaky opening. Not tested second half. Caldwell 6 - Settled down after his jitters early on and could have scored second half. For a ball playing centre half, he's not a ball playing centre half! Wilson 9 - Where he belongs at right back and it shows! Never missed a tackle all day, got forward brilliantly and rarely gave the ball away. Man of the Match Petrov 8 - Back to his best?! Typical Stan display, full of running and passion, great first touches and killer through balls. Jarosik 7 - Solid game in midfield and linked well with Petrov. Covered at the back when required and one of his runs past the strikers gave him his debut goal. McGeady 8 - Came more into it second half when Celtic were on top, but his skill means other teams will have to double up allowing more space for others. First teamer? Nakamura 8 - Drifted in and out as is his style but rarely gave it away and scored another absolute peach of a free-kick. Miller 8 - This boy doesn't stop running! Involved in much of Celtic's dominant play. Set up Magic brilliantly for the first and deserved one himself. Zurawski 8 - Great striking display - took his chances clinically and great cross for Jarosik goal. Only beaten to MOM by Wilson's super performance. BRING ON THE HEARTS Joe |
