Scales settles a scrappy afternoon
Celtic went into the international break four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a 1-0 win over bottom side Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on Sunday. Liam Scales got the winner in the 26th minute, looping the ball into the net off his outstretched leg from a Camilo Duran cross.
Kilmarnock had the better of the opening exchanges. Tom Lowery forced Sam Johnstone into a double save in the first minute, and Celtic needed the goalkeeper again before they found their feet. A minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday was also cut short by boos from the stands.
Kasper Hogh thought he had given Celtic the lead on 13 minutes, finishing from seven yards after Benjamin Nygren’s pass. Referee John Beaton checked the monitor and ruled out the goal for a foul by Mika Baur on Greg Kiltie in the build-up. It stretched Hogh’s goalless run to 16 games.
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A missed chance to put it away
Celtic were far more dominant after the break but could not add a second. Colby Donovan came inches from doubling the lead, and Hogh sent a strong effort over the bar. In the 75th minute the ball struck Aaron Tshibola’s arm and Beaton pointed to the spot, but Nygren’s penalty was saved by Nico Mantl.
That miss nearly mattered. In stoppage time Erik Ring crossed low into the six-yard box and Ieuan Owen could not get a touch. Baur also went off injured in the second half, and Celtic are waiting to learn how serious it is.
What the managers said
Martin O’Neill called it a tough game and said his side can improve, while praising the effort after a run of midweek and weekend fixtures. Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann felt his players deserved something. His team are winless in four and sit bottom of the table heading into the break.
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