Celtic lost for only the second time this season, and it was their old rivals who inflicted the defeat once again. Both teams on maximum points from their five league outings, would send the winners clear at the top of the table. As was last time Celtic took an early lead, just after a minutes play, a long ball from Kyle Ckrystal sent Sean MacLean racing down the right wing, the ball partially cleared after MacLean’s block found Mark McGhee whose first time cross found James Pollock on the six yard line his well timed half volley finding the back of the net 1-0 Celtic. Rangers sprung into action and fine work from the left winger, his high cross causing panic in the Celtic rear guard, Anton Black the Celtic goalie jumping highest punching away but his forward movement pushing over the Gers forward, penalty !!!! a harsh decision. Up stepped the classy left winger for Rangers his left foot shot finding the back of the net 1-1.The game now even with both sides creating chances, Rangers left winger causing major problems but Sean Malarkey was containing well. Kieran Barkey the was having a fine game in the heart of the Celtic defence but it was his fine header that nearly gave the home team the lead, was well saved by the Gers goalie. Good midfield play from Mark McGhee found Ryan Clark his weighted pass sending MacLean clear his tame shot easily saved. Another shot from MacLean, Jack Gorman and Sean Reilly combining well set McGhee away his cross finding MacLean whose strike just past. Pollock, always dangerous sent McGhee through on goal with only the keeper to beat his shot well saved. Celtic pushing forward but wary of the counter and were to pay dearly for their offensive style , a corner cleared, sent Rangers on the attack the left winger outpacing the chasing Malarkey, his low drive was only parried to oncoming striker his shot finding the back of the net 2-1 Rangers. McGhee’s fine header was the final play before the break.

Half Time Celtic BC 1 Rangers SABC 2

Celtic with their pride hurting where soon on the attack and shots from Pollock and Gorman finding the Gers goalie in fine form. Rangers on the attack now, and with Celtic chasing an equaliser, Rangers struck again, a shot from outside the box, somehow deceived sub goalie Dylan Harvey, his partial save diverting the ball into the net 3-1 Rangers. Celtic stunned, picked themselves up the only way they know and were again in attack, McGhee’s deep cross saved well. Gorman with some strong play on the right cutting inside his left foot shot saved well. Michael McDowall in a central midfield role was starting to find form and his clever play sending McGhee clear, his tame shot no problem for away keeper. Rangers again on the attack and with only the keeper to beat a clever lob finding the back of the net 4-1 Rangers. The young Hoops couldn’t believe what was happening, so much of their good play was not rewarded. A corner on the right by Gorman causing problems in the Gers defence scrambling past for another. Gorman again with the low fizzing cross, this time finding the net of the Gers defender. Their luck changing ? Celtic with minutes left attacking, looking for another, Barkey’s good work, his pass finding Clark, beating two sent MacLean clear his cross finding Pollock, whose low drive just over. With the game ending, the young Hoops couldn’t manage another and with the final whistle ringing it was Rangers with the spoils. A good game, played fairly, with some fine football, a credit to the coaches.

Full Time Celtic BC 2 Rangers SABC 4

Celtic Man of the Match Kieran Barky