Hamilton 1 Celtic 4 – French Eddie and the Magnificent Seven

CELTIC moved a Magnificent Seven points clear at the top of the Premiership with a rather uncomfortable but ultimately enjoyable 4-1 win over Hamilton.

Hamilton’s big striker Marios Ogkmpoe was giving Jullien and Ajer a torrid time in the first half and after an Ajer mistake Fraser Forster was forced to make a decent save. If a goal was coming it was going to be for the home side and the big striker duly delivered with a bullet of a header from a corner to give the league’s bottom side a shock lead.

However as half time approached Odsonne Edouard scored a stunning free kick that brought Celtic level and provided the only piece of real quality play from the Champions against a disciplined and well organised Hamilton side.

There would have been cheers from the watching Rangers supporters who would have been screaming for Leigh Griffiths to be sent off after a flash-point early in the game. Yellow cards were dished out though much to the watching Bears angst. You would have to say that the decision went in the Celtic striker’s favour and could easily have gone the other way.

Griffiths then turned Jamie Hamilton from a long ball and was pulled back. The referee Nick Walsh had no alternative but to produce a red card. And Odsonne Edouard doubled the punishment with this stunner of a free kick to level the scores.

The second half was frustrating to say the least as Celtic pushed against the ten men without much joy. The clock was ticking down and Neil Lennon took off both Olivier Ntcham and Greg Taylor with both players struggling after starring in midweek. Young Walsh – probably the best defender of the three – also went off to be replaced by Tom Rogic Celtic chased the three points.

The breakthrough came after two of the subs combined down the left with Hayes finding Christie and his bullet cross was met by Christopher Jullien of all people who sweetly volleyed the ball into the far corner right in front of the Celtic Support, who nearly took the roof off with their celebrations.

The second goal was the vital one and it broke Hamilton’s resolve. The third sub, Tom Rogic, showed his class to create an opening for Edouard who had a simple finish to make it three one.

In the closing stages James Forrest put one on a plate for Edouard for a well deserved hat-trick but he somehow missed the open goal and was rewarded with a chorus of “Sebo, Sebo, Sebo” – how did he miss it?

However Odsonne wasn’t finished yet and he returned the compliment for James Forrest and the winger took his time before finding the corner to complete a very satisfying afternoon for the Champions and league leaders who are now a Magnificent Seven points clear of the Rangers.

Man of the Match – Odsonne Edouard, who else but also an honourable mention for Stephen Welsh, who had a memorable debut. Well done son.

Have you ever seen Gerrard win the league? Nope, me neither…

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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