MATCH 1617 - Saturday, 29 August 2015

Season 2015/16
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

CELTIC    3    ST JOHNSTONE    1

Scorers: Griffiths, Rogic, Mulgrew;  OG

Teams take the field

Celtic eventually recover from midweek Champions League disappointment to beat Perth Saints who were going for 3 Celtic Park wins on the trot following their League win last season and their Cup final win.  Not to be on this occasion but it took some terrific saves from Craig Gordon to restrict them to one goal.

Scott Allan made his Celtic Park debut in the second half.

Waterbhoys

Polish Bhoys pre match

Personal note: 

Fixture count 46 encounters between these sides, overall 47th St Johnstone match of which 42 in the league.

MATCH 1616 - Wednesday, 19 August 2015

Season:  2015/16
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFYING ROUND 1st Leg
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

My little legend!

CELTIC    3    MALMO    2

Scorers: Griffiths(2), Bitton;  Berget(2)

Fantastic night of European football at Celtic Park with both sets of fans experiencing a rollercoaster ride of football's highs and lows.  There was a near capacity crowd and a terrific away following from Sweden that created a wonderful atmosphere that you only get in Champions League football.

At 3-1 up going into the latter stages Celtic were one second away from a very good result, one goal away from an exceptional result or one goal away from a mini disaster.  Like Alex Ferguson old European comment "just when you think you are OK the roof falls in".  And that's exactly what happened when Malmo scored a last second goal to bring the tie within their reach again.  For the first time the atmosphere change to incredible silence except for the merry band of Malmo fans.

Leigh Griffiths produced a splendid No. 9 performance scoring twice.

The stage is set!

Personal note:  Malmo became the 197th club side that I've seen and the fourth European tie involving a Swedish club following Gothenburg, Helsingborgs IF and IF Elfsborg.
In order to keep my run of 14 years of not missing a home match going my little daughter attended her first UEFA tie.

MATCH 1615 - Saturday, 15 August 2015

Season: 2015/16
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

CELTIC    4    INVERNESS CT    2

Scorers: Lustig, Griffiths, Armstrong(2);  Christie, Lopez

My 24th fixture between these sides - 20 in the SPL.  A strong performance from Celtic until the 70th minute, then ICT gave their very small travelling support something to cheer about with two good goals.

Stuart Armstrong was the main man scoring two second half goals.


New signing from Hibs, Scott Allan was introduced to the crowd before the start of the match.

MATCH 1614 - Saturday 1 August 2015

Season: 2015/16
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK (903)

FLAG DAY IN PARADISE

Setting the scene for John Clark

CELTIC    2    ROSS COUNTY    0

Scorers:  Griffiths, Johansen

My 7th Celtic match of the season although it's the opening game of the league season.  It was a one sided first 45 minutes however County came into the match more in the second, creating a number of chances.

Pre match Celtic raised their 46th league flag in recognition of last seasons'  league title win.

Fans enjoying the occasion

Personal note:  Only my 8th match involving these sides, Celtic have a win rate of 50%