MATCH 1642 - Thursday, 17 March 2016

Season: 2016/17



Round of 16, 2nd Leg

Venue: OLD TRAFFORD (50)

MANCHESTER UNITED    1    LIVERPOOL    1

Scorers: Martial;  Coutinho

Great way to spend St Patrick's Day watching England's two finest clubs scrapping it out in European competition.  Travelled down by bus from Glasgow to Manchester.  I had a few hours to kill before and after the game so walked from & to the city centre.  First time I've done this took about 40 minutes, good exercise.

Link to official UEFA site:

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2016/matches/round=2000660/match=2017210/postmatch/lineups/index.html

Fantastic first half action and tremendous atmosphere to accompany the play, which only increased when United took the lead.

The second half was less intense due to Liverpool securing the away goal to enhance their lead right on the stroke of half time.  The match ended with fighting in the East Stand as a few stupid Liverpool fans unfurled a banner to wind up the Reds support.  Not very clever when you have nowhere to go and only a few police and stewards to stop the onslaught of attacks.

The teams arrive for battle

United line up



Set play opportunity for United

 

Klopp observes the action

Man United could've done with this man on the pitch

Personal note:  My 50th match at Old Trafford over a span of 32 years!  Many changes over the years but the South Stand (soon to be renamed after legend Bobby Charlton) still remains my favourite stand in the ground.
7th match between the sides and Manchester United remain unbeaten with 2 wins & 5 draws!

MATCH 1641 - Sunday, 13 March 2016

Season:  2015/16
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP  FINAL
Venue:  HAMPDEN PARK

HIBERNIAN    1    ROSS COUNTY    2

Scorers:  Fontaine;  Gardyne, Schalk

Great day for Ross County as they completed a green double having already beating Celtic in the semi final, they defeated the Edinburgh greens to achieved their first ever cup success.  It was far from a classic but the final was settled in dramatic style with a last minute winner.
For the first time in over a hundred visits to Hampden I went via Rutherglen train station.  It's a good hike to the east end of the ground (25-30minutes) but still much quicker than the walk from the city centre or waiting in the queue at Mount Florida station.  A good option if travelling from/to Lanarkshire area.


Personal note: My 15th Scottish League Cup Final but first involving either of these clubs.


Attendance: 38,000 with Hibs bringing 30,000

MATCH 1640 - Sunday, 6 March 2016

Season:  2015/16
SCOTTISH CUP Quarter Final
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

CELTIC    3   MORTON    0

Scorers:  Griffiths, Mackay-Steven, McGregor

Championship side Morton were no match for Celtic who quickly saw off their challenge scoring three first half goals to qualify for the semi finals.

The game played on Mothers Day and at 12noon for Sky TV were contributing factors to the  small crowd of around 15,000 with 2,000 from Greenock.

Next up for Celtic is another championship side, The Rangers!

Personal note:  15th meeting I've seen between the side, 3 of which have been in the Scottish Cup.  The last meeting at Celtic Park in 1998 attracted a crowd of 40,000 changed days in Paradise, maybe some fans have been spoiled by the success of the last 15 years.

MATCH 1639 - Wednesday, 2 March 2016

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

CELTIC    0    DUNDEE    0

Dull boring football returns to Celtic Park.  This was the 3rd goalless draw in 14 SPL home matches this season and the 4th time the one upfront system failed, not to mention all three Europa League ties.  In 90 minutes the Dundee keeper only had to make one good save and his team-mates where very comfortable throughout.

Ronnie Deila has proven time and time again he is out of his depth at Celtic.

A year ago this week Celtic lost 1-0 at home to St Johnstone therefore a 0-0 draw at home to Dundee is hardly progress.

The club has got a major decision to make Peter Lawwell is taking the club backwards.