Had we managed the goal which our possession merited there could have been no complaint from the home side. Clarkson had an outstanding first period but there was no goal threat. Kerr too, had several long range efforts but Boruc was untroubled. Smith Collects
McBride, McGarry and Clarkson were the imports to the midweek side which lost to
We got through the opening minutes unscathed and quickly gained confidence. A couple of corners in the fourth minute served warning to Celtic that Motherwell were not there simply to make up numbers.
Clarkson showed that he was well able to lead the line and he kept all of the Celtic back four busy. He chased lost causes, dispossessed careless defenders and collected long balls. Darren Smith was his partner for eighty minutes. Debut for Jamie
Possession was lost deep in the Celtic half and the broke up the right wing. Craigan had the chance to block McGeady's run but, mindful of his earlier caution, he stood back. The ball was fed to Nakamura and his deep cross was knocked to the middle for Riordan to finish from a couple of yards. It was a sucker punch and despite our best efforts we never recovered.
Darren Smith probably had our best chance following a free kick won when Pressley barged Clarkson. The ball fell to him inside the box but Boruc held hs ground.
Our poor finishing was exemplified by McGarry's effort with twenty minutes remaining. We produced a smashing passing move from our box and with half a dozen touches the midfielder felt able to have a go but the effort was twenty tyards off target.