ABERDEEN…1
(Mackie 90)
CELTIC…2
(Beattie 9, Nakamura 20)

SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA produced another moment of genius to move Celtic within nine points of the SPL title.

After Craig Beattie had fired the Hoops ahead in the 9th minute, the Japanese star curled home a trademark free-kick to seal the victory and move Celtic 22 points ahead of Rangers. Darren Mackie grabbed a late consolation for the Dons.

If Celtic now win their next three league matches – against Dunfermline, Rangers and Falkirk – the title will be back in Paradise for another year. Depending on other results, it could even be sealed earlier.

Hoops manager Gordon Strachan made two changes from the side that beat Hibernian 1-0 last week, with Jiri Jarosik replacing McGeady and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink returning from suspension to take the place of Kenny Miller.

In recent years, Celtic have had a favourable record at Pittodrie. Indeed, you have to go back to December 2001 for the last Dons victory over the Hoops on home soil.

Judging by his starting XI, Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood was going all out to end that barren run this time around. He fielded three strikers, Mackie, Steve Lovell and Lee Miller, in an offensive formation as the Dons looked to move within a point of Rangers in the race for the second Champions League place.

However, it was a Hoops forward who struck the first blow as Beattie grabbed his second goal in two games. The move started when Vennegoor of Hesselink showed great strength to hold off Russell Anderson and feed Nakamura on the half-way line.

The Japanese star took a touch and released Beattie, who was lying deep on the right wing. Escaping the offside trap, the Hoops striker homed in on goal and, from a tight angle, fired a clinical drive under the body of Jamie Langfield.

Richie Foster was booked for a foul on Nakamura as Celtic pressed for a second, but Aberdeen could do nothing to stop the gifted playmaker as he curled home a stunning second goal for the Hoops.

Vennegoor of Hesselink, gathering possession with his back to goal, was fouled by Anderson on the edge of the box. It was definite Nakamura territory and as everyone inside Pittodrie waited for the inevitable, the Japanese magician didn’t disappoint with a dazzling free-kick that found the top corner.

It was another piece of genius from a player who must surely be the only genuine contender for the Scotland Player of the Year crown.

Beattie, looking very lively all afternoon, curled an effort over the bar as Celtic continued to dominate. Paul Hartley, tireless once again beside Neil Lennon, was also posing problems with his trademark forward runs.

Aberdeen maintained a degree of urgency in their performance but looked visibly demoralised by Celtic’s quick-fire start to the match. It was only in the latter part of the first period that the Dons threatened. Barry Nicholson volleyed over the bar and Chris Clark forced Artur Boruc into a fine finger-tip save.

Calderwood introduced youngster Chris Maguire for the injured Chris Clark just minutes after the break as Aberdeen searched for a way back into the match. The forward immediately won a corner but Anderson’s header from the set-piece never troubled Boruc.

As the game raced to the other end, Jarosik almost grabbed Celtic’s third. Exchanging passes with Vennegoor of Hesselink, the Czech star’s deft chip was kept out by the hand of Langfield.

Perhaps with Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against AC Milan in mind, Hoops boss Strachan brought on Evander Sno for compatriot Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Celtic, having had to defend stoutly against serious Aberdeen pressure, were now firmly in control and Jarosik again tested Langfield after good work from substitute McGeady.

However, the Hoops were caught out in the last minute when Mackie ran beyond the defence and slipped his finish under Boruc. Despite this late concession, the match proved to be the perfect warm-up for the looming battle with the Serie A giants.

WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Steven Pressley

ABERDEEN (4-4-2): Langfield; Hart, Considine, Anderson, Foster; Nicholson, Severin, Clark (Maguire 49), Mackie; Miller, Lovell (Smith 7
Subs: Soutar, Dempsey, Touzani, Winter, Daal

CELTIC (4-4-2): Boruc; Wilson, Pressley, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura (Telfer 90), Hartley, Lennon, Jarosik; Beattie (McGeady 74), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Sno 65)
Subs: Brown, Gravesen, Miller, O’Dea

Att: 16, 711

*yawn*

How did West Ham do?

I'm surprised that Celtic only won 2-1.

I think.....they are going to win the SPL title this year!
They won't next year though...Gretna will

Yay, up Celtic!

I'm saying nothin

Come on the Bhoys.

Title by the end of the month.

9 points.


And I prefer Rangers.

And so do I so stop all this crowing

c'mon the hoops.

we're rank rotten in recent weeks, and been lucky most of the season. we've won something like 80% of games by the odd goal







faithful thru and thru