Celtic make a narrow escape at St. Mirren

Glasgow Celtic has had it rather easy so far this season in the Scottish Premiership, but the midweek fixture on Wednesday against St. Mirren showed that there’s no room for slacking whatsoever. Celtic went on their road trip 3^rd in the league, having won four and drawn one of their five games and having two games in hand against the league leading Rangers. With a narrow 1-2 win Celtic closed in on Rangers and  took the second spot from Hibernian.

The home team St. Mirren is fighting in the mid table, but had already lost three games before facing Celtic. The game was supposed to be a lopsided affair for the Hoops, but the hosts had different thoughts. It is certain that the reigning champions for nine seasons have a target on their back and they are definitely the team to beat for all the clubs in the league. The feisty St. Mirren was not an exception, but Celtic narrowly escaped the early scare by grabbing a 1-2 road victory.

The home team took an early lead already on the third minute by catching Celtic defense by surprise after a corner kick bounced right at the feet of Lee Erwin, who deflected the ball in while falling. The early shock gave Celtic a boost of energy after a sleepy kick-off and the visitors tied it up on the 21^st minute. The passing phenomenon Ryan Christie crossed from a long-distance free-kick and the ball perfectly met the head of towering center back Shane Duffy, who nodded his second goal in as many games for the Celtic, after arriving from Brighton this off-season. It was Christie once again who provided the helper for the Celtic’s go-ahead-goal. This time the playmaker’s cross arrived from far left and fell to James Forrest, who powerfully headed the 1-2 tally in the net.

St. Mirren keeper Zdenek Zlamal was kept busy throughout the game, but the Czech netminder stood strong and made seven saves out of nine Celtic efforts, including a Odsonne Edouard penalty, which the keeper had not trouble parrying. Celtic took the well-deserved 1-2 victory, but were sternly reminded that there are no easy games ahead in the Scottish Premiership.

There’s no rest for the wicked and Celtic will face Livingston in Glasgow already on Saturday the 19^th of September. Livingston has had a rough start to the season, losing four, drawing two and winning only one of their seven fixtures.