Celtic cruise to victory on flag day at Parkhead

By Thomas Connolly
August 18 2004

Celtic cruised to a 2-0 victory with goals from Jackie McNamara and Chris Sutton gainst Motherwell on a sweltering "flag day" at Parkhead today (August 8)

A goal in each half from Jackie McNamara and Chris Sutton were enough to give the Hoops three points in their first SPL match of the season before 58,000 fans on a hot Sunday afternoon.
The result puts Celtic two points ahead of Rangers, who could only manage a draw at Aberdeen the day before. But top place in the SPL after the first games of the season goes to Livingston by virtue of their 3-0 win over SPL newcomes Inverness CT.
Celtic started brightly, with Hartson. Petrov and McGeady buzzing around the Motherwell penalty area. The lead came in just 7 minutes when McGeady dispossessed a dithering defender and fed the ball back to Jackie McNamara who took one step and rifled the ball into the far corner passed 'Well keeper Gordon Marshall from more than 25 yards.
Celtic threatened to increase their lead with a series of corners and attacks, but the first half petered out as players clearly struggled in an unusually humid Glasgow afternoon. Sutton and Hartson both had chances to score, the former's attempt cleared off the line by Motherwell's Fagan.
Motherwell attempted to play on the break in the second half, but lacked creativity especially in the final ball. Celtic had a lot of possession and it was clear that a second goal would seal the game.
The goal finally came in the 55th minute when Sutton swept in a Thompson cross from close range.
The match became bad-tempered briefly as several Motherwell players were tempted into some wild tackles and Leitch was particularly fortunate not to be yellow-carded for repeated fouling.
Camara came on for Hartson and showed a lot of energy as well as a couple of nice tricks. The loan striker is clearly a livewire who needs more match practice and that cannot come soon enough as it is obvious that Sutton and Hartson's styles are too similar to have them play as the front two.
McGeady was lively in the first half but subbed later in the second by Momo Sylla as the game was played out to its inevitable conclusion.
There was a scare for Celtic near the end when Stilian Petrov was helped off the pitch after landing awkwardly as he reached for a cross field pass. Although he was later taken by stretcher for treatment to his left ankle, early indications are that his injury is not too serious.
Good performances all round, although Alan Thompson was a bit sluggish and still had his knee strapped following an injury against Manchester United in Philadelphia. Lennon, Agathe, Varga and a rejuvenated Valgaeren all played well.

Hoops Online Man of the Match: Jackie McNamara.