MATCH 1515 - Sunday, 26th May 2013

Season:  2012/13
128th SCOTTISH CUP FINAL
Venue: HAMPDEN PARK

           

 

CELTIC    3    HIBERNIAN    0

Scorers:  Hooper(2), Ledley 

 

Celtic clinched the League & Cup double in their 125th year just as they had done in their centenary year in 1988.  Hampden was a sea of green and white as the greens contested the Cup final just as they had done in 2001 and again the scoreline ended in a three zero victory to the Glasgow greens.   The deadly duo of Hooper and Stokes were the difference with Stokes providing the ammunition for Hooper to fire twice into the net.

The Line ups:

 Celtic (4-4-2): Forster; Lustig, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Forrest (McCourt 88), Brown (Ambrose 71), Ledley, Commons (Samaras 76); Stokes, Hooper.
Subs: Zaluska (g), Rogic.

Hibernian (4-4-2): Williams; Maybury, Forster, Hanlon, McGivern; Harris, Taiwo, Claros, Thomson (Caldwell 76); Doyle (Handling 71), Griffiths (Stevenson 84).
Subs: Murdoch (g), Robertson.

 

 

 

Personal Note:  Seated in high in the East Stand in a very similar position to were I stood in the 1988 final.  This was my 14th Scottish Cup Final since 1984.

 

MATCH 1514 - Saturday, 11th May 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

                  

 

CELTIC    4    ST JOHNSTONE    0

Scorers: Ledley, Mulgrew, Forrest, O.G.

Title celebrations at Celtic Park as the League Trophy was presented after another four goal show from Celtic.   This was the third encounter I attended this season between these sides with a win a piece and a draw.

Personal note: 19th home SPL match for the season.  Overall 23 SPL matches attended.

MATCH 1513 - Sunday, 21st April 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

            

    

CELTIC    4    INVERNESS CT    1

Scorer:  Hooper(2), Ledley, Samaras;  Doran

 

 

Celtic clinched their 44th Scottish Championship in impressive style in front of their own fans at Celtic Park.  Four second half goals gave them another convincing win and made up for the defeat to Inverness earlier in the season. 

 

Personal note: My 12th time witnessing Celtic clinch the Scottish Premier League championship, first time v St Mireen 1982.

MATCH 1512 - Sunday, 14th April 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH CUP SEMI FINAL
Venue:  HAMPDEN PARK

                      

 

CELTIC    4    DUNDEE UNITED    3

after extra time 

Scorers:  Commons(2),Wanyama, Stokes;  Mackay-Smith, Daly(2)

Att:  26,000

 

My tickets were in the family section of the East Stand which is a bit of a lottery in terms of getting a good viewing point.  Many people now refuse to go Hampden because of the poor facilities and dire viewing positions, this was reflected in another poor Hampden semi final crowd. If you are unlucky enough to get a single letter row (A to Z) behind either goal it can really waste your whole Hampden experience.

 

Today my tickets were fine row MM was high enough up to view the full pitch.  Just as well as the game proved to be an epic cup tie with a number of twists.  United will consider themselves very unlucky to lose as they put an enormous effort into the match.  The match was level at half time (2-2) and at full time (3-3), only after extra time was the game finally settled in Celtic's favour.  However the margin was extremely tight as United hit the post just before Stokes' winner.

 

Celtic and United have met many times in the semi final and final of both cup competitions since my first one in 1981 but this was the best of the lot (IMO).

MATCH 1511 - Saturday, 13th April 2013

Season:  2012/13
ENGLISH LEAGUE DIVISION 1
Venue:  BRUNTON PARK

                           

 

CARLISLE UNITED    1    PRESTON NORTH END    1

Scorers:  Miller;  Monakana
Att: 5,965
 

 Watched the match from the Paddock in front of Main Stand where we were joined by a big black and white cat in the second half!  There was a large police operation for a small band trouble makers.
 

As for the match Jeffrey Monakana impressed early on in this end of season fare at Brunton Park and scored a very well taken goal to give Preston the lead.  Ex-Hearts striker Lee Miller equalised following an excellent free kick from Jon-Paul McGovern which hit the post and gave the big striker a tap in.  Preston were reduced to 10 men in the second half but Carlisle were unable to take advantage as Preston still looked more likely to score again until injury time when the home side finally created a few chances.

 

Carlisle United

• 20 Gillespie
• 05 Livesey
• 22 Mustoe
• 23 O'Hanlon
• 04 McGovern
• 07 Welsh (Manset)
• 08 Noble
• 16 Potts
• 21 Berrett
• 09 Loy (Cadamarteri)
• 14 Miller

Preston North End

• 01 Stuckmann
• 04 Huntington
• 15 Connolly
• 16 Buchanan
• 26 Wright
• 08 Wroe
• 17 Monakana (Cummins)
• 19 Welsh
• 21 Mousinho
• 22 King
• 14 Garner (Procter)

Personal note:  1st time seeing Preston North End and 17th time seeing Carlisle - all at Brunton Park.

MATCH 1510 - Saturday, 6th April 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

                

 

CELTIC    3    HIBERNIAN    0

Scorers:  Commons(2), Lustig

 

Celtic came very close to securing the title with this win however Motherwell scored a late equaliser to delay the celebrations.  Two well taken goals from Kris Commons and a dubious one from Michel Lustig gave Celtic a comfortable win over Hibs for the first time this season.

 

Personal note:  This was my 100th Celtic v Hibernian match

 

 

MATCH 1509 - Saturday, 30th March 2013

Season:  2012/13
ENGLISH FA PREMIERSHIP
Venue:  STADIUM OF LIGHT

                     

 

SUNDERLAND   0   MANCHESTER UNITED   1

Scorer: Bramble o.g.

 

The match proved to be Martin O'Neill's last match as Sunderland manager and unlike the O'Neill sides I loved at Celtic with their never say die attitude this Sunderland side seems short on all things required on a football park leadership, quality, imagination, desire and above all else goals.  The home support, the ones not there just to see United, were strangely quiet for such a massive match in their season.

This was the first time I had seen Robin van Persie for United and he produced the bit of quality that would split the teams albeit with a large slice of luck.  When he received the ball in the box in the 27th minute he was very positive as he looked to commit the Sunderland defence.  When he wasn't closed down he fired in a shot which canoned off Bramble's knee and in to the roof of the net.

 

This was a very professional performance from Manchester United as they close in on title no. 20.

 

~

 

Personal note:  65th time seeing Manchester United; 27th time seeing Sunderland; 18th visit to the Stadium of Light

MATCH 1508 - Saturday, 16th March 2013

Season:  2013/14
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

              

CELTIC    4    ABERDEEN    3

Scorers:  Commons, Mulgrew, Hooper, Samaras;

Venon, Magennis(2)

 

After 12 seconds Celtic were one nil up, after 60 minutes they were 3-1 down but were never completely out of this match.  They staged a late, great comeback to win in the most dramatic of circumstances - a 94th minute winner!

Personal note:  Can't remember a quicker Celtic goal in over 30 years of  following the club.
112th Aberdeen match

MATCH 1507 - Saturday, 9th March 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  VICTORIA PARK STADIUM

               

ROSS COUNTY    3    CELTIC    2
Scorers: Munro, Morrow, Steffen Wohlfarth;  Mulgrew, Hooper 

Another new ground visited this time Scotland most northern League club - Ross County of Dingwall just 12 minutes north of Inverness.   When Celtic raced into a two nil lead it seemed like it would be great end to a very enjoyable trip however when the home side got a lifeline with only 30 minutes on the clock you sensed that the game was about to take a major twist and before half time it was all square again as County made it 2-2.  

The Celtic fans had been in great voice in the first half however their mood changed in the second as they feared the game slipping away and it was no great surprise the County in added on time scored a deserved winner to complete a remarkable fight back.

All in all it was a very enjoyable trip.  As you drive towards Dingwall it's hard to imagine a top flight football club exists in the town however all credit to them as it is a great set up with a terrific all seater ground holding 6,200 and featuring a quaint little stand called "The Jubilee Stand". 
Everything in Dingwall seems to be within walking distance and the train station is less than a quarter of a mile from the ground with it's own pub in the platform ideal for many football fans.   



MATCH 1506 - Saturday, 2nd March 2013

SEASON 2012/13:
SCOTTISH CUP QUARTER FINAL
Venue:  ST MIRREN PARK

                              

 

ST MIRREN    1    CELTIC    2

Scorers: Goncalves;  Ledley, Stokes

 

My first visit to New St Mirren Park, a very tidy ground which holds 8,023 however only 5,500 present for this Cup tie.  Shared a roll n sausage in the near company of former Celtic chairmen, Brian Quinn who was also enjoying the treats of mobile Burger/Tea Bar across from the main entrance, very down to earth.

As for the game three close range headed goals (all in the first half) and a tremendous save from Forster in the second were the highlights. 

MATCH 1505 - Sunday, 24th February 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

                        

 

CELTIC    5    DUNDEE    0

Scorers:  Ledley(2), Forrest, McGeouch, Hooper 

 

Top v Bottom clash and Celtic continued their fantastic scoring rate at home since just before Christmas.  First half was poor fare but the second was enjoyable for Celtic as Dundee were soon down to 10 men and facing a penalty thereafter it was just a case of how many. 

 

Celtic

• 01 Forster
• 03 Izaguirre (Rogic - 65' )
• 04 Ambrose (Wanyama - 42' )
• 06 Wilson
• 25 Rogne Booked
• 16 Ledley
• 33 Kayal
• 46 McGeouch
• 49 Forrest (Miku - 70' )
• 10 Stokes
• 88 Hooper

Substitutes

• 24 Zaluska
• 18 Rogic
• 20 McCourt
• 67 Wanyama
• 07 Miku
• 09 Samaras
• 11 Nouioui

Dundee

• 01 Douglas
• 02 Irvine Booked
• 17 Benedictus
• 18 Gallagher
• 26 Easton (Lockwood - 46' Dismissed )
• 06 Davidson
• 07 Riley (Morgan - 78' )
• 11 Conroy
• 29 Harkins (McBride - 68' )
• 10 Baird
• Personal note:  30th Celtic match of the season.
• 20 McAlister

MATCH 1504 - Saturday, 16th February 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: CELTIC PARK

                            

CELTIC    6    DUNDEE UNITED    2

Scorers: Ambrose, Commons(2), Ledley, Stokes(2);

Armstrong, Russell 

 

A game in which both teams played very well.  Unfortunately for United Celtic were in the mood despite their European defeat at the hands of Juventus in midweek.  Celtic continued their excellent scoring rate at home since Christmas.  Anthony Stokes is back in the team after a long injury and is continuing too find the back of the net.

 

Personnel note:  First time I have seen Celtic score six goals against Dundee United.  Joining the list containing Aberdeen, Dundee, Hibernian, Hearts, Kilmarnock, Hamilton, Morton, Rangers and St Mirren

 

MATCH 1503 - 12th February 2013

ROUND of 16, 1st LEG

CELTIC   0	JUVENTUS    3
	
Team Lineup
Forster Lustig Wilson Ambrose Izaguirre Forrest Brown Wanyama Mulgrew Commons Hooper	1 Buffon 4 Caceres 13 Federico Peluso 15 Barzagli 19 Bonucci 26 Lichtsteiner 8 Marchisio 21 Pirlo 23 Vidal 9 Vucinic 32 Matri
Scorers
	Marchisio Marchisio Vucinic
Substitutions
Matthews, Adam replaced Lustig, Mikael Watt, Tony replaced Commons, Kris Kayal, Beram replaced Brown, Scott	Padoin replaced Federico Peluso Pogba replaced Matri Anelka replaced Vucinic

Celtic play very well against their Italian opponents but Juvenuts prove to be very clinical in front of goal.  After scoring an early goal they soaked up all of Celtic's pressure before adding two late goals to record a very convincing three goal victory.

 

***

 

Personal Note:  2nd time seeing Juventus previously seen them at Old Trafford for an UEFA Champions League Group match when they beat Manchester United 1-0 through a Del Piero penalty

MATCH 1502 - Saturday, 2nd February 2013

Season: 2012/13
FA PREMIERSHIP
Venue:  MADEJSKI STADIUM

                           

 

READING    2    SUNDERLAND    1

Scorers:  Kebe(2);  Gardiner

 

What a trek to get to this one.  Left Airdrie at 9pm on Friday to catch overnight coach to London from Glasgow Buchanan Street.  Got to London at 7am.  Freezing cold so a warm bacon roll and tea from the BreadBox in Victoria Train Station was very welcome.  Headed to the Emirates and had a stroll around the outside of it before returning to Victorua Bus Station to get the 11 o'clock bus to somewhere near Reading, Calcot to be precise.  Made a mistake of getting another bus into Reading City Centre rather than waiting on a football special F20 or F21 from Sainsbury bus interchange.  Took the matchday special from near the Railway Station and eventually reached my 79th stadium just before 2pm.

My son Daniel is the big Sunderland fan and we had targetted this fixture from the begining of the season as a possible awayday.  Getting a ticket to any Sunderland away match is seldom easy so we were surprised that the tickets did go on general sale and we were indeed able to purchase two from Sunderland.

Reading fans were very friendly and were keen to ask how far we had travelled and how long it took.  The stadium was a typical new build very neat and tidy and we had a terrific corner viw from our double A seats in the away section.

The match was decent with both teams going for the win but on the day Sunderland were not at their best in front of goal and paid for their inability to convert a number of very good second half chances as Reading scored a late winner.

Our return journey time was 15 hours but all in all well worth it.

 

 

 

 

from earlier in the day....

Personal note:
1st visit to Madejski Stadium
1st time seeing Reading FC
25th Sunderland match
201st match not featuring Celtic

 

 

 

MATCH 1501 - Wednesday, 30th January 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

CELTIC    4    KILMARNOCK    1

Scorers:  Ledley, Matthews(2), Stokes;  Sheridan

 

For the third home match in a row Celtic score four times.  Adam Matthews was the most impressive player on the night scoring twice (his first goals at Celtic Park).  His fellow Welsh teammate Joe Ledley was also on target.  As was Anthony Stokes for the first time this season.

 

Personnel note:

 

MATCH 1500 - Sunday, 27th January 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP - Semi Final
Venue: HAMPDEN PARK

                  

CELTIC    2    ST MIRREN    3

Hooper, Mulgrew; Goncalves, McGowan, Thompson

Big milestone in matches and another big let down in the League Cup for Celtic.  

Personnel note:

1500th match

1300th Celtic match

60th St Mirren match



MATCH 1499 - Tuesday, 22nd January 2013

Season:  2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

CELTIC    4    DUNDEE UNITED    0

Scorers: Hooper(2), Wanyama, Brown

 

 

On form Celts too good for United on a very bitterly cold night in Glasgow.  

MATCH 1498 - Saturday 19th January 2013

Season: 2012/13
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue:  CELTIC PARK

                       

CELTIC     4     HEARTS     1

Scorers: Hooper(2), Samaras, Lassad
 

 
Celtic and Hooper's first goal
 

After two weekends off Celtic were quick out of the blocks to race into a two goal lead very early in the match.  They were until able to finish Hearts off with a third and although Hearts rarely threatened they managed to half the lead through a defected shot mid way through the second half.  Celtic did respond and upped their game and eventually in the last five minutes the scored another brace of goals to record a very convincing victory.

Prior to the match there was a minutes applause for Sean Fallon who died on Friday aged 90.

 

 

Celtic

• 24 Zaluska
• 02 Matthews (Lassad)
• 03 Izaguirre
• 21 Mulgrew
• 23 Lustig
• 08 Brown
• 15 Commons (Rogne)
• 16 Ledley (Kayal)
• 67 Wanyama
• 09 Samaras
• 88 Hooper

Heart of Midlothian

• 01 MacDonald
• 04 Wilson
• 05 Barr
• 06 Webster
• 29 McHattie
• 10 Taouil (Carrick)
• 11 Driver
• 15 Holt
• 19 McGowan (Tapping)
• 09 Sutton
• 33 Paterson (Walker)

Att: 48,374

Personal note:
Celtic 1298
Hearts 101
Celtic v Hearts 97