Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

A large contingent of City fans travelled to the east end of Glasgow yesterday afternoon hoping for one of the biggest Scottish Cup shocks in history, however it was the current holders that cruised into the next round of the competition.

It was the first competitive match between the two clubs for over 32 years – the most recent clash being in a League Cup tie at Celtic Park in 1985 with the Bhoys running out 7-0 winners.

Darren Dods was forced into making a couple of changes from the side that lost to Livingston in the league last weekend. Callum Tapping was cup tied having already played in the competition with QotS whilst Connor McLennan had returned to parent club Aberdeen following the expiration of his loan contract.

Coming into the side were Euan Smith and Kalvin Orsi as Dods set the side set up a little more defensively to try and contain their more illustrious opponents. It was a relatively young City side with only Graeme Smith and Andy Jackson having played against Celtic at Parkhead before.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers knew his side had a job to do – that was reflected in his team selection which was crammed full of regulars and internationalists, including skipper Scott Brown.

Prior to the match, there was a minutes applause for former West Brom and England forward Cyrille Regus who died this week aged 59. Regus was the agent and inspiration of Celtic forward Scott Sinclair.

The game got off to the worst possible start as, truth be told, Celtic opened the scoring after 2 minutes before City had even touched the ball. After a patient passing move from kick off, Scott Sinclair showed some quality to beat Lynas down the left side before cutting the ball back for JAMES FORREST who side-footed into the far corner to give the hosts the lead.

It wasn’t long before Celtic doubled their advantage just 8 minutes later as they capitalised on a defensive error. City attempted to play their way out of defence but James Dale’s slack pass was intercepted by Callum McGregor – he fed SCOTT SINCLAIR who took full advantage by tucking the ball under Smith in the City goal.

After a poor start, Brechin started to settle into the game and although the home side continued to dominate possession, the City defence managed to limit them to very few clear cut chances.

City had their first real foray up the park on the quarter hour mark when Finn Graham won possession in midfield. He burst forward before playing the ball wide for Sinclair who whipped in a dangerous low cross however Lustig was on hand to divert the ball just wide of the post.

On 19 minutes, Oliver Ntcham latched on to a through ball behind the Brechin defence - he managed to prod the ball past Smith but he didn’t get enough on it and the ball was cleared to safety.

Ntcham came close again shortly before the half hour mark. The ball fell kindly for him on the edge of the box but the French midfielder flashed his half volley just wide of the post. Just a couple of minutes later, James Forrest advanced with the ball in midfield but his shot was straight at Smith.

The second period started in almost identical fashion to the first as Celtic netted within 3 minutes of the restart. Mikael Lustig raced to the byline before dinking an inch perfect cross for OLIVER NTCHAM who timed his run to perfection and headed powerfully past Smith.

A minute later at the other end of the park, City had their first effort on goal. Andy Jackson’s speculative left foot effort from range was comfortably saved by Craig Gordon.

Ten minutes into the second half Celtic made it four. Euan Spark did well to clear a ball over the top but from the resulting corner swung in by McGregor, DEDRYCK BOYATA rose above the City defence and glanced the ball into the corner.

Isaac Layne replaced Andy Jackson on the hour mark and his strength and energy was causing some problems for the Celtic rearguard. Layne won a corner two minutes after his introduction – the set piece was swung in by Finn Graham and Gordon had to be alert to tip McLean’s header over the crossbar. From the resulting corner, Sean Crighton headed just wide at the back post.

Layne continued to impress as he won possession on the left side before cutting into the box however he screwed his effort well wide of the goal.

On 82 minutes, a neat interchange between substitute Michael Johnston and Callum McGregor ended with Edouard being sent through on goal but he fired over the bar.

However, Celtic rounded off the scoring five minutes from time. Mikael Lustig played a pass into the box for EDSONNE EDOUARD - he held off the challenge of Sean Crighton before firing past Smith at his near post.

Despite being beaten comfortably, City can be proud of their efforts against a very strong Celtic side refreshed from their recent winter break. The players applauded the 1,000 plus away support in the corner of the ground who gave the team tremendous backing throughout.

With the match attendance published as just under 25,000, it goes without saying that the money generated from this match will put the club on a stronger financial footing for years to come. However it’s back to the bread and butter of Championship league action next weekend as City make the long trip south to face Queen of the South at Palmerston.
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Following the game, Manager Darren Dods said:

“It was a great experience for the players, particularly the younger players to come to a place like this and play the best team in Scotland – it was a great challenge for them. I think only Andy Jackson and Graeme Smith had played here before.

“I think there was some excellent performances but we did make things difficult for ourselves losing the two goals early on but we came back into it towards the end of the half. There was a lot of positives to take from it. The players have set themselves standards today that they must take into the league week in week out against Championship teams.”

Other Results - William Hill Scottish Cup 4

Aberdeen 4 St Mirren 1

Comfortable home win for the Dons.

Alloa Athletic 0 Dundee United 2

The Tangerines avoid a potential banana skin.

Ayr United 4 Arbroath 1

Ayr comfortable winners at Somerset.

Dundee 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2

Late equaliser earns Caley Jags a replay.

Dunfermline Athletic 1 Morton 2

Late goal from Quitongo sends Ton through.

East Fife 0 Brora Rangers 1

Shock of the round as the Highland League side advance.

Kilmarnock 1 Ross County 0

Killie edge out County at Rugby Park.

Motherwell 2 Hamilton Academical 0

Motherwell emerge victorious in the Lanarkshire derby.

Queen of the South 1 Partick Thistle 2

Premier League side edge out the Doonhamers at Palmerston.