MATCH 1636 - Sunday, 31 January 2016

SEASON: 2015/16
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINAL
Venue:  HAMPDEN PARK (115)

CELTIC    1     ROSS COUNTY    3

Scorers: Mackay-Stevens; Woods, Quinn, Schalk

Celtic's Highland Hoodoo at Hampden continues as a hapless performance sees them meekly fall at the semi final stage yet again.

Celtic took the lead within a minute of kick off but were soon level and a man short following a penalty and an ordering off.

In the second half County took full advantage of having the extra man scoring twice to take them to their second final in six years.

Celtic are a team with no fight and no character when the going gets touch, either in semis or Europe, this team and manager always fail.

Personal note:  30th match of the season. 9th Ross County match of which they have won 3. 1st match seen between the sides in the League Cup

 

MATCH 1635 - Saturday, 23 January 2016

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

CELTIC    3    ST JOHNSTONE    1

Scorers: Mackay-Steven(2), Armstrong

Gary Mackay-Steven inspired Celtic to a hard thought victory over St Johnstone.  It was the second match of the season at Celtic Park between the sides and it produced the exact same result!

After a poor run of home performances Celtic are back in the grove at home with 11 goals in two games.

Personal note:  26th Celtic game this season & the 47th time I've seen us take on St Johnstone

MATCH 1634 - Tuesday, 19 January 2016

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

CELTIC    8    HAMILTON    1

Scorers: Lustig, Bitton, Rogic, Griffiths(3), Forrest, McGregor

For the third time I witnessed a Celtic side put eight past Hamilton in an all out attacking display. 

Three goals up in 10 minutes, 7 up inside 55 minutes - it could have been double figure, it should have been double figures but in the end the home fans were delighted having seen only 4 Celtic goals in their previous 5 home matches.

Personnel note:  25th Hamilton match over 35 years.  20 have been against Celtic which has included two victories for the Accies.

Eight goal performances v Hamilton:

Jan 1987 - Celtic 8 Hamilton 3

Celtic scorers: MacLeod (2), McClair(4), McInally(2)

Nov 1988 - Hamilton 0 Celtic 8

Scorers: McAvennie(3), Stark, McGhee(3), Miller

MATCH 1633 - Sunday, 10 January 2016

SEASON: 2015/16
SCOTTISH CUP 4th ROUND
Venue:  STAIR PARK

STRANRAER    0    CELTIC    3

Scorers:  Griffiths(2), Cole

After getting back from London on the overnight bus at 7.30am it was back out at 12.00 to drive to Stranraer for Celtic's first Scottish Cup tie of the season and my first match at Stair Park.

Extremely cold day despite the bright winter sun making it difficult to see the west side of the ground in the first half but a great step back in time to a old Scottish ground with basic facilities for a large travelling support.

The game was a typical early round tie played on a bumpy pitch in January - short of quality and all about scoring a few goals to get the job done.

Personal note:  2 days, 2 matches, 1000 miles travelled and two new grounds visited.  Total of grounds now 95 overall

MATCH 1632 - Saturday, 9 January 2016

SEASON: 2015/16
ENGLISH FA CUP 3rd ROUND
Venue:  EMIRATES ARSENAL STADIUM

1st match of my cup double weekend!

ARSENAL    3    SUNDERLAND    1

Scorers: Campbell, Ramsey, Giroud;  Lens

An overnight trip to the English capital to see FA Cup tie and visit a new ground thanks to my oldest son, Daniel who arranged the trip.

It was car, train, coach & tube ride to get to the Emirates Stadium. Arriving at Arsenal tube station we went left the long way to the new ground via the old Arsenal stadium aka Highbury.  Now flats and offices thankfully the iconic East Stand outer building has been preserved.  

Old iconic Highbury Stadium

I attended two Celtic matches there in 1986 & 1991 so it was a nice trip down memory lane.

The new ground may not have the same history of the old ground but it's much bigger and very plush with very comfy padded seats throughout the ground setting it apart from most football grounds. All in all it's a very enjoyable matchday experience just be prepared for the long wait to get on the tube after the match, especially if the weather is not pleasant like today!

Sitting in the away end it was good to see Sunderland take the lead which set up an interesting cup tie. Sunderland eventually wilted under the Arsenal pressure despite a fine performance from Pickford in the away goal who was making his debut.

Personal note:  3rd match between these sides & 3rd Arsenal win!

MATCH 1631 - Saturday, 2 January 2016

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

CELTIC    1    PARTICK THISTLE    0
Scorers: Griffiths

A last minute goal for 10 man Celtic sent the home fans home happy but the overall quality of Celtic's performance was still way below Celtic standard.

For much of the match Thistle were the more enterprising team, forcing corner after corner and Craig Gordon the busier of the two keepers.

Personal note: 25th match of season; 23 involving Celtic.  My 33rd match between the sides - 28 in SPL.