Celtic’s third visit to Dingwall this season ended in a 1-1 draw with Ross County, a result that defied Betfair football betting odds, in a game that was played on a truly awful pitch and featured some poor refereeing decisions and poor performances from Celtic players who failed to put themselves in the shop window for the cup final.
Celtic made changes from last weekend’s defeat at Motherwell, with Zaluska replacing Forster in goal, Gershon starting alongside Wilson at the back, Commons and Ledley returning, Efe Ambrose in midfield, and Watt and Stokes up front.
And it was Stokes who gave Celtic the perfect start after four minutes, turning in a shot from a Kris Commons corner. After the goal the game went into a bit of a lull, but slowly Ross County became the better side, and it was no surprise they equalised four minutes from half-time, Vigurs hammering a shot into the top corner. There then followed the most controversial moment of the game, as on the stroke of half-time Watt put Celtic into the lead, but the goal was disallowed for off-side, replays showed that Watt was clearly on.
In the second half Celtic’s best chance came when an Ambrose header was cleared off the line, replays showed that the officials got this one right. Stokes had a shot tipped over the bar, whilst Zaluska made a save from Lawson and Wohlfarth headed over. Not even the introduction of Paddy McCourt could change the game, as it petered out into a 1-1 draw.
The main talking point is of course the disallowed goal, who knows what the outcome of the game could have been if it had stood. Despite this Celtic’s performance, especially in the second half was poor, with Ambrose’s performance in midfield showing why he’s usually played in defence. On the plus side Kelvin Wilson had another solid game, and it was good to see Kris Commons get some game time before the cup final. Celtic’s use of substitutions was a bit odd, as the likes of Atajic and Keatings were on the bench but not used, surely it would have been a better idea to bring one of them on rather than Kayal in the 89th minute? It should also be said that the awful pitch, which resembled a sand pit, was not conducive to good football.
I suppose it is hard for these players to get motivated as the league title is already won, but the recent domestic performances – especially away from home – have been very poor, indeed we haven’t won an SPL game away from home since we played Inverness in February. With the cup final coming up in three weeks, it is vital that Lennon and the players rediscover their from, or a season which promised so much could end on a damp squib.
Another poor performance from the team again today. 1 win in 8 away games now. Must be new record we have set. Added to the other records we have set this year, Killie win at Parkhead for the first time in 50 odd years. Motherwell beat Celtic back to back for the first time since 1999.
I know i will be annoying Celtic fans with these comments as we have this year retained the SPL and we did get to the last 16 in Europe but tell that to the Celtic fans who attend home and away games week in week out. Maybe we should all go on holiday and not bother watching the last few games of the season.
The SPL stats this year are way below par.
The way we are playing we will go into the Final with no form and no settled team. Concerned anyone?
As for todays match. Where do i start.
Again we let a team bully us. Seem so many SPL teams do that this season. Tade, Higdon, Thomson.
We and i mean this as an overall squad cant roll up the sleeves and fight/grind out a result. We look powder puff.
Lennon needs to build a more physical side for next year. We look so light weight.
God i hope this happens, but i hope we dont see the likes of McCourt again. The only good thing about this guy is the fans tunes.
Lennon give the younger players a chance. Fringe players such as McCourt, Rogne have had enough chances. They are not the future of the club.
Subs again today were baffling. Lets get Kayal on after 88 mins. WTF.
Lennon continues to baffle with his team selections and subs.
Anyhow spare a thought for the Celtic fans who have traveled so see them the past two weeks. Bhoys and Ghirls, hats off to you all. You deserve praise.
Maybe we should all go on holiday for a few weeks.
Hail Hail
Tonybhoy, you have succinctly summed up the flaws and failings intrinsic in this team Most 50/50’s are lost. Covering at shies? We don’t get an inch of space at ours and most times lose possession to the opposition. Could go on and on but at the heart of it all the fact seems to be these players appear mollycoddled and excuses made for them at every twist and turn. I thought we couldn’t get any worse but today makes me want to greet. We have good players but a comparatively poor team. Who’s fault is that? Maybe Lenny should try to get a job with one of those top EPL teams he seemingly would consider leaving us for.