Celtic 2 Dunfermline – Forrest Spares Blushes in Extra Time

CELTIC huffed and puffed on a windy day in this League Cup tie against Dunfermline and eventfully got the job done with a James Forrest winner in the second period of extra-time.

There must have been a record set today for the most corners in the match, all but one to Celtic but there was seldom a threat as Ryan Christie whipped in the crosses invariably to be met by a Pars head. Once Bitton got a header in only to see his effort rebound of the bar, Jullien got to one too but when it looked easier to score he headed well wide.

Jullien was worryingly short with a back pass in the first half to give the visitors a great chance to take the lead but they failed to capitalise.

That was it for the attacking threat from the packed defence of Dunfermline but they still managed to shock Celtic on 77 minutes with an equaliser.

Mikey Johnston has scored a wonder goal, 30 yards, at the angle, nothing on, no problem, postage stamp, pick it out – it was a moment of brilliance out of place in this particular football match.

Yet with zero threat from the Pars, whose support was loud all afternoon, singing about child abuse, Savile and even after they scored, the Cheer Up song – Fife bigots, Celtic still managed to shoot themselves in the foot.

Elhamed was slack with a pass inside his own half near the half way line and Callum McGregor was left to try to do the right back defensive role. He was out-muscled and the boy turned inside and set up his teammate to find the bottom corner. A nice goal for them and their fans roared in celebration.

With the game into extra time the visitors were practically on their knees but there was still no breakthrough. It looked like we were heading to penalties- and you would not have fancied Celtic to come out on top – but thankfully James Forrest found the space to get a shot away and with the help of a deflection found the bottom corner.

Lewis Morgan was then brought on as Neil Lennon “shored up the defence” and his stray pass got Bitton a booking and gave Dunfermline the chance to through the ball into the Celtic box.

But we’re through. The extra 30 minutes does us no favours ahead of the Europa Cup match on Thursday night.

The Green Brigade’s banner was displayed at the start and was up all during the match, with the standing section remaining silent in protest. Their banner read “This is how it feels to be Celtic, Downsizing again as you know, The Celtic Board are gambling Ten in a Row.”

Man of the Match – Mikey Johnston ( for the goal)

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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