Celtic eased to a 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies following goals from Ryan Christie, a Scott Martin deflected effort from a Scott Sinclair header and a Leigh Griffiths free-kick.
Griffiths had barely clambered off the bench that the chance to mark his return presented itself. Having been out of action since Celtic’s 6-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park at the beginning of October, the striker lapped up the celebrations as he offered a reminder of his goal threat.
Overall it was a straightforward afternoon for Brendan Rodgers’ side who enjoyed their first win on an artificial pitch in the league this term.
Celtic dominated the early exchanges with both Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard going close>
Christie had an effort slip just wide of the target while his French colleague displayed a fine first touch in the box before turning and unleashing a shot that was deflected by Accies defender Scott Martin.
It was inevitable, though, that the breakthrough would come with Christie the executor.
A well-worked short corner between Callum McGregor and Edouard allowed the striker to flick the ball back to McGregor who swiftly played in Christie who lifted his effort into the net.
A handball from Matt Kilgallon went unpenalised in the box after the ground Accies defender stuck out an arm to deflect a pass from Ntcham
There could have been more. Scott Sinclair broke in behind the Accies defence after Olivier Ntcham, back in the team for the first time since his injury in the League Cup semi-final over Hearts, had sent him through. Sinclair’s first touch was good but his effort was straight into the legs of Hamilton keeper Gary Woods.
In between times Celtic stopper Craig Gordon had flattened Accies forward Rakish Bingham as he raced off his line to thwart a rare counter form the hosts.
Celtic came close to doubling their advantage shortly after the restart when Edouard and Ntcham combined before the latter’s effort came off the roof of the side netting.
It did not take long, however, for Celtic to put the game to bed.
Sinclair had a header deflected into the net by Martin and the Accies’ defender’s day did not get any better as the game went on. A foul on Sinclair at the edge of the box gave Celtic a free-kick, which Griffiths dispatched low into net.
There was also one more. Christie had an effort blocked in the final minute of the game as Celtic firmly returned to winning ways following the international break.
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