Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 2: In fond memory

Stewart Fisher

Sports Writer

Sunday 28 October 2012

FINALLY, some closure for Kilmarnock.

Kilmarnock goalscorer Liam Kelly holds off a challenge from Charlie Mulgrew Photograph: Reuters

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Stewart Fisher

Not only did the Rugby Park side end their 57-year wait for a win at Parkhead to consolidate their position as Celtic's new bogey team, the clinching goal was delivered with aplomb from the penalty spot by none other than Liam Kelly, the midfielder pointing heavenward in celebration in remembrance of his father Jack, who passed away in the immediate aftermath of last March's Scottish Communities League Cup final win against the same opponents. In the name of the father, you might say.

"Two generations of our supporters haven't experienced a victory here so that makes me so proud," said Kenny Shiels, who continued his habit of disrupting his countryman Neil Lennon, having also held a three-goal half-time lead at Rugby Park just over a year ago. "The person I am happiest for is Liam, because we didn't get a chance to truly celebrate beating the best team in Scotland in March in a cup final. We have got a chance now to celebrate without feeling guilty about it and it is a monkey off my back. I said to the players in the dressing room: enjoy yourself tonight because you have earned it. For Liam and his family we are very, very happy."After the ill-fated heroics of Camp Nou in midweek, this was quite a fall to Earth for the Parkhead side, who saw their lead at the top of the SPL cut to just two points, albeit with a game in hand. It was also exactly a year since Celtic had last failed to score in a league game, a goalless draw against Hibs. A combination of general churn and horrific injuries meant that Kelly was one of just three Kilmarnock starters who had also kicked off at Hampden last March. The others were goalkeeper Cammy Bell and Michael Nelson, both of whom would be stand-out performers, but there were fine displays all over the park for the Rugby Park side, not least 16-year-old Mark O'Hara on his first start for the club, a converted centre midfielder who played his first ever match at right-back and fitted into the side seamlessly. "He has become a man today, that lad," said Shiels afterwards.This was another tactical triumph for Shiels and his side, although Celtic were certainly culpable in their own downfall. With Victor Wanyama and Gary Hooper both on the bench, and Miku making only his second league start for the club – the other, unfortunately for him, came in the club's only other league defeat at St Johnstone – the chemistry wasn't great early on, and the best part of a lacklustre opening half- hour had elapsed before the home side's first chance at goal, Joe Ledley missing badly from close-in following the Venezuelan's headed lay-off.Aside from the bursts of James Forrest, there was little impetus in forward areas, and just before half-time things got even worse for the hosts when Adam Matthews and Efe Ambrose gifted former Celtic striker Cilian Sheridan the opening goal.The Welshman's pass played the Nigerian into trouble, but instead of going back to his goalkeeper, Ambrose, who started the match in Wanyama's midfield role, was caught in possession. Sheridan rounded a hesitant Fraser Forster and had time to light a cigar before stroking the ball into the net. "I was just trying to make sure I didn't try to put it in with my right foot!" the Irishman said. The cavalry arrived at half-time in the form of Gary Hooper, but the Englishman was off target for once from another Forrest cross, and soon play was bursting to the other end where James Dayton forced a fine diving save from Forster. Charlie Mulgrew, who pushed into midfield, had a free- kick saved by Cammy Bell, but the next goal arrived at the other end, from the penalty spot.Again, Celtic didn't cover themselves in glory. Emilio Izaguirre was turned too easily by the willing Rory McKenzie, then clipped the winger right on the edge of his own box when he attempted to rectify the issue. You sensed the relief as Kelly smashed the penalty beyond the outstretched reach of Forster.Tony Watt was greeted as a saviour when he replaced Miku, but the youngster blazed over from one glaring opportunity and couldn't beat Bell with another. Izaguirre had a goal disallowed for offside, but Celtic had few complaints. After 68 fruitless visits, Kilmarnock had a win at Celtic Park to celebrate. No wonder the strains of Paper Roses carried through the chill East End air last night.

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Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 2: In fond memory

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