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There was an eerie atmosphere at Easter Road with only 800 Celtic fans, but the two teams were very committed and played an entertaining open game. In 4 mins Celtic took the lead. A short corner was played between Moravcik and Thomson. Tommo ran into the box and struck a low shot. It spun high off Lehmann and McNamara got in front of his marker to get a slight touch with the head and the ball looked over Colgan. Before Celtic scored again Lovell had 2 chances for Hibs; having both a shot and a header go wide. In the 18th minute Agathe fired a speculative shot from the left. Colgan spilled it then collided with Murray. The ball broke to Jackie who had the simplest task of knocking it into an empty net. In the second half Celtic brought on Stubbs for Valgaeren and Healy for Lambert. Agathe was harshly booked for a high boot as he quite clearly kept his studs down. Hibs had a good spell with a Latapy cross producing a strong header from Paatelainen which was well held by Kharine. Kharine then had a double save from the impressive Libbra and the rebound from Murray. At this point the 2-0 lead for Celtic was a bit flattering. Loose play in the midfield by Hibs resulted in Moravcik picking up and finding McNamara 12 yards inside the Celtic half. Jackie played a great ball to Larsson whose acceleration and control took him past Lehmann. He ran into the box on the left and finished with an accurate left foot shot in front of Colgan, whose slight touch couldn't keep it out. Worse was to follow for Hibs. Agathe won a corner and from Thomson's trademark kick, Stubbs rose at the back post to header powerfully home over the outstretched arms of the keeper. Needless to say big Alan and his team-mates were suitably delighted. Agathe wasn't too delighted when shortly afterwards he received a second yellow card for a late tackle and had to go off. Celtic's best goal was saved till last and it was magic from Moravcik. He ran from inside his own half to slip the ball past one Hibs player. Showing considerable energy he powered on up the left. Then came the trademark change of direction as he switched the ball from left to right eluding another defender and his powerful drive beat Colgan. Hibs countered twice through Libbra. His first came after Boyd went down while attempting a tackle. Libbra showed good control, switched the ball to his left foot and struck a low drive past Kharine. His second goal was a fine header from a cross from the right, with Vega failing to get in a proper challenge. Man of the match: Jackie McNamara - scored 2, made 1. Referee: a bit harsh in sending off Agathe in what was not a dirty game. CELTIC (3-5-2): Kharine; Boyd, Vega, Valgaeren (Stubbs 46); Agathe, Thompson, Lambert (Maloney 65), Lennon (Healy 46), McNamara; Moravcik, Larsson. Subs: Gould, Fotheringham. HIBS (3-5-2): Colgan; Lehmann, Sauzee, Smith; Murray, Jack (Arpinon 69), Latapy, O’Neil, Lovell; Paatelainen (Zitelli 65), Libbra. Subs: Westwater, McManus, O’Connor. |