Iheanacho Earns Celtic Draw in Opening Europa League Tie
Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Celtic Arnautović (65′) Iheanacho (55′) Celtic’s Europa League journey began with a draw in Serbia against Red Star Belgrade. Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench at halftime to give his side the lead on 55 minutes. Benjamin Nygren found the striker in the box, who finished high past Matheus following a smart touch. Red Star replied ten minutes later, after Marko Arnautovic bundled home a corner kick. Brendan Rodgers praised his side for “showing great resilience” in the hostile Stadion Rajko Mitić, and hailed Iheanacho’s goal as “outstanding”. The Scottish champions return to league action against Hibernian on Saturday, before their 2nd Europa League match against Sporting Braga at Celtic Park. Red Star Belgrade: Matheus, Seol, Uchanna, Veljkovic, Tiknizyan, Handel, Elsnik, Radonjic, Duarte, Ivanic, Arnautovic. Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Yang, Maeda, Tounekti.
David Gray: Hibs Have “Opportunity to Make History” at Celtic Park
Hibernian threw away a two-goal lead to leave the Falkirk Stadium with just a point last night, despite being 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time. A goal from Ross MacIver in first-half stoppage time and a thundering Liam Henderson header midway through the second half earned the hosts a share of the points and left David Gray scratching his head at just what is going wrong with his side at the moment. The result came on the back of Saturday’s defeat to struggling Rangers at Ibrox. The former Hibees skipper turned manager seems to know where his side are falling short. Speaking post-match, he said: “We’re creating enough chances, but we’re not being clinical enough to finish games off. “At 2-0, we should have been three or four up with the big chances we had, you’re always then suspect of the next goal. It feels right now like a defeat because of the manner of the game, but it’s certainly not a disaster. “It almost became a case of taking a point from an opportunity where we should have had three points, but if I try and be positive, we’re undefeated in the league and got a point away from home at a difficult place to come.” He was quick to stress that his side’s mentality is strong enough to recover from recent setbacks and quickly get back to their best: “Every game is difficult in this league, but as a group, they need to stick together, and they will do that. “There is ownership within the squad, there is accountability, and within that, you need to stick together.” Gray also took a share of responsibility for the recent results, which have seen Hibs win only one of their first five league games, drawing four. He said: “It’s my responsibility to put the team together, improve the players, and educate them as to why we think it’s happening and how to be better in those moments.” They must now quickly regroup for a trip to Celtic Park to take on the also-undefeated champions this weekend in Glasgow. While Gray recognises the challenge ahead, he feels it is one the players should embrace, with the opportunity to become heroes for the Hibee support. He said: “The challenge will be extremely tough. The challenge to the away team [at Celtic Park] is to try and quieten the crowd, whatever that looks like. You do that by putting in a level of performance. “It’s also an opportunity for the players to recreate history, and I’ll remind them and give them the belief to go along their way with our game plan, to try and come back with three points.” Celtic supporters voiced their unrest in previous away matches with Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle, and with more protests set to happen at home, Hibs defender Warren O’Hora feels that frustrating the already restless home crowd would be “ideal” for his sides chances of a win. He did acknowledge how tough the task would be to become the first Hibs side since 2010 to win at Parkhead: “It’s a tough test for anyone. We’ve gone there previously and we’ve done well. “We’ve obviously not got results, but we all know how tough it is to go there and win but we’ll back ourselves and give our best shot, no doubt.” While Gray acknowledged the unrest among the Celtic support, he pointed out that Rangers faced similar issues at Ibrox and that it would have no bearing on his side’s preparations or game plan, stating he and his squad had to “focus on themselves.”
“We Showed We Deserve to Be in This League” – John McGlynn Hails Falkirk Spirit
Falkirk came from two goals down to draw with Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium last night, edging themselves clear of the league’s bottom two. The visitors struck first when Martin Boyle converted a VAR-awarded penalty after a handball decision against on-loan winger Ethan Williams. Jamie McGrath then doubled Hibs’ advantage, spinning smartly in the box before firing home. On the penalty decision Falkirk boss John McGlynn said: “I suppose by the letter of the law; he stops the ball going in the box. “I think it’s a little bit harsh. But that was all separating the teams at half-time. There’s nothing that you can do about these things. “You just hope over the course of the season they even themselves out. I think it’s the first time we’ve been involved in a bad situation and we’re in our fifth game.” The hosts, however, responded right on the stroke of half-time. Williams made amends for conceding the penalty by delivering a perfect cross for Ross MacIver to tap in with the final kick of the first period. Williams was involved again after the break, providing the corner for Falkirk’s equaliser. His pinpoint delivery was met by Liam Henderson, the powerful centre-half rising highest to thunder a header into the net for 2-2. Falkirk pressed for a winner and looked the stronger side in the closing stages, but ultimately had to settle for a point against the green half of Edinburgh. John McGlynn’s men now turn their attention to the maroon half of the capital, travelling to face high-flying Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday. The newly promoted Bairns, who secured back-to-back promotions to return to the Premiership last season, insist they are relishing the challenge rather than fearing it. Previewing the match, captain Brad Spencer said: “That’s why you come to this league, to play the big sides. “I’m really looking forward to Tynecastle, my first time playing there with fans. These are the games you want as a player.” Spencer admitted, however, that the Premiership brings different challenges: “You get punished a wee bit more for mistakes in the Premiership because you’re up against good players every week. “But we’re enjoying it. A lot of boys are learning on the job, myself included, and it’s about finding our feet quickly.” McGlynn echoed those sentiments, praising his squad’s resilience and unity: “The team spirit in the dressing room has been massive. It’s a big reason why we’re here.
Falkirk 2-2 Hibernian
MacIver (45), Henderson (64) – Boyle: (Pen 30), McGrath (43) Falkirk hosted Hibernian for tonight’s Tuesday evening football fix as both teams looked to return to winning ways after defeats in their previous matches. Already eliminated from the Premier Sports Cup at the hands of holders Celtic, the hosts had a free weekend last week following their home loss to St Mirren, whilst Hibernian exited the cup last Saturday, becoming the first Premiership side to lose to Russell Martin’s Rangers. For the Bairns, Manchester United loanee Ethan Williams came in for his first start as the experienced Scott Arfield dropped to the bench in John McGlynn’s only change. In response to the defeat at Ibrox David Gray made two changes with Warren O’Hora and Dan Barlaser coming in for Grant Hanley and Dylan Levitt. Raphael Sallinger retained his place in goal ahead of Jordan Smith and was called into action early doors to deny Ross MacIver inside the area within the first minute. There would be some half chances at both ends before Hibs were awarded a penalty just before the half hour mark. A Nicky Cadden cross hit the arm of Williams inside the area. Referee Calum Scott initially waved away protests but was called over to the monitor at the next break in play and awarded the spot kick. Martin Boyle, who was denied a goal by VAR on Saturday, stepped up and converted past the diving Scott Bain to open the deadlock for his side, the goal met with a chorus of boos from the home support who felt the decision was harsh on their side.There could be no complains over the Edinburgh side’s second however, after some blocked efforts and pinball in the box the ball would fall to Jamie McGrath who would spin excellently in the area before driving his shot low into the corner to double the advantage. Falkirk would pull one back right on the stroke of the half time whistle, Ross MacIver latching onto a Williams cross to tap home. An excellent delivery right into the corridor of uncertainty, Sallinger remained rooted to his line and the Falkirk hitman had the simple task of touching it over the line. Into the second half and McGlynn’s men would remain on top. They would be rewarded for their dominance just after an hour. Liam Henderson thundering a header past Sallinger after a terrific cross from Williams from the corner. A real game of two halves, Falkirk would be closest to a winner as MacIver forced Sallinger into a stop after driving in from the left wing. But it was not to be and the points were to be shared. One gained for the Bairns after their first half showing and two dropped by the Hibees after a dismal drop off in the second 45.
Unrest In Glasgow Opens The Door For The Chasing Pack
Last weekend saw unrest amongst fans from both sides of Glasgow as Celtic and Rangers as protests were seen against Celtic’s hierarchy and Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart’s future at Ibrox. SNN Sports looks at which teams could capitalise on the Glasgow sides woes off the park. With Rangers making the worst start to a season since 1989 with 0 wins, 4 draws and a singular defeat there is discontent amongst the Rangers faithful. Coupled with a 6-0 hammering over in Belgium at the hands of Club Brugge time seems to be running out for the man in the Ibrox hot seat. Patrick Stewart who presided over the appointment of Martin has also come under heavy fire from the Rangers fans calling for him to follow Martin out the door should he be sacked. The Rangers fans protested outside Ibrox ahead of their 2-0 victory over Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup calling for Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart to leave. The game was also halted in the 11th minute as the Union Bears proceeded to throw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest at the clubs fortunes. On the other side of Glasgow a week on from a protest in which Celtic fans entered Rugby Park in the 12th minute the fans made their voices heard yet again as they called for the board to resign. Despite continued success on the park for nearly 20 years a summer transfer window which left a lot to be desired has been the final straw for a lot of the Celtic support Alongside an embarrassing Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty. The Celtic fans held aloft banners of members of the Celtic hierarchy including Peter Lowell and Michael Nicholson with their faces covered with a red cross indicating they should be removed from the Celtic boardroom as serious unrest grows within the Celtic support about the penny pinching tactics seen in the transfer market which has arguably left them weaker than when they went into the window. With both sides of Glasgow having issues of the park as well as on the park with Rangers struggling to capture any sort of form and Celtic performances looking slow and laboured SNN takes a look at which teams could benefit from the struggles of their Premiership counterparts Hearts- Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the appointment of seasoned manager Derek McInnes the Tynecastle side look to be in the driving seat to upset the Glasgow two. Hearts have started the league campaign superbly as they sit unbeaten after 5 games and a singular goal separates themselves and Celtic. Fresh of the back of a 2-0 victory at Ibrox confidence is flowing within the Hearts team with new additions Claudio Braga, Stuart Findlay and Alexandros Kiziridis looking the part and the return to form of talisman Lawrence Shankland. With no European football on the agenda this season they will be fresh legged and suitably prepared to challenge the dominance that Glasgow has had over Scottish football for so long. Whilst still early on in the season Hearts look great going forward and defensively they are improving this could be the year they upset the applecart. St Mirren/Motherwell- A double barrel selection here in St Mirren and Motherwell this is more looking at the first trophy on offer in the Premier Sports Cup. St Mirren and Motherwell will battle it out for a place in the final alongside Celtic or Rangers. With the issues at both clubs clearly impacting matters on the park there has never been a better opportunity for a club outside the top two to win a domestic trophy. Motherwell have already shown they are more than a match for Rangers on the opening day whilst the Buddies have put in two very good displays against both sides this season with deflected efforts being their undoing. Both sides have made good starts to the season with good football on display and both sides carrying an attacking threat whilst also looking relatively comfortable defensively. Whichever of these teams progresses has a massive opportunity to lift silverware and take away the chance of a treble early on in the season Hibernian- It would be unwise to count out last seasons 3rd place side in David Gray’s Hibernian. Whilst they have made a slow start to the season perhaps impacted by European exploits there is no denying the quality the Leith side have. Kieron Bowie looks to have come into his own on his return from injury alongside new additions Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath.Whilst Hibs stalwart Martin Boyle continues to impress and light up the Easter Road pitch. The only worry for Hibs is they look very shaky defensively and have shipped a lot of goals so far this season. However they made a slow start last season and ended up going on a mazy unbeaten run to secure 3rd spot. It does look like it will be one of the Edinburgh sides challenging the Glasgow dominance. It remains to be seen whether the off-field issues are sorted but with the unrest and division amongst the supporters and the clubs this season is the perfect season for a club to come in and stop the dominance which has plauged Scottish football for so long. With so long left in the season there will be plenty of twists and turns but could the Glasgow sides grip on the game be untightened?
