We started the game in positive fashion and forced a corner within the opening seconds. McFadden was getting a lot of the ball and was looking lively and Celtic were struggling to dominate the game.
They eventually carved out a chance but when the ball broke in the box Lambert could only watch Woods make an excellent save with his legs. Celtic increased their pressure and when Larsson scampered clear on the right, his cross was headed over by Thompson.
We did have a couple of scrambles in their box but shots on goal were few and far between. There was a heated incident involving McFadden at the touchline where he appeared to throw a punch after Lennon slammed the ball into him after he had been fouled. The ‘Well side were beginning to lose their temper and this boiled over in the 31st minute. We had a shy but before it was taken Adams lashed out at Thompson and correctly received his marching orders.
Moments later Corrigan forced Broto into a stunning diving save. These incidents turned the course of the game and Celtic were to benefit. Vaughan made a poor clearance and this led to Petrov being released. From a tight angle he hit a hard shot round Vaughan which squeezed in at Woods’ inside post. Stevie had made his second good save not long before.
One down at half time was not a disaster but Celtic used their pace and quick passing to rip through us. Petrov curled home his second after a delightful link up with Larsson and Lambert tapped in after a sharp move down the right.
At this point we were in danger of losing the head completely. McFadden was subbed for his own good after a shocking challenge – and by the end of the game, Partridge, Vaughan and Leitch were all in the book.
Celtic needed four to go top of the league and they duly got it when Lambert controlled the ball at the edge of the box and lobbed Woods.
We played very well for the opening half an hour and it looked as though Celtic were in for a hard time. After Adams’ moment of stupidity it was always going to be a case of how many and we were torn apart by a better team.
Let’s hope for a better outcome on Saturday.