Football: Celtic go through as Coyne slots in
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A LACK of confidence continues to linger over Celtic Park. In beating Second Division Clyde 1-0 last night to progress to the fourth round of the Tennents Scottish Cup and an away tie at either Falkirk or Berwick, there was little about Celtic's display to gladden their supporters or suggest that the team have turned the corner after ending a four-game goalless run.
Cup ties are about winning and, if Celtic contest the Cup final on 22 May, few will remember this wet and windy January night.
Driven by a desire to end that goal drought, Celtic had a purposeful air about them from the start and within two minutes Scott Howie, the Clyde goalkeeper, had demonstrated the skills which have earned him a place in Scotland's Under-21 squad by leaping to palm away a Paul McStay shot.
He followed up with a repeat effort to deny Tommy Coyne on 16 minutes, but, even though they faced a packed defence, there was a lack of ingenuity about the Celtic attack. When they did get a sight of goal, Andy Payton delayed in rounding Howie and allowed the keeper time to make a recovery.
Celtic's main hopes of success lay on the flanks with Joe Miller and Stuart Slater, although the red shirts of Clyde's defence stood up well to a constant supply of crosses.
The goal, after 39 minutes, was greeted with relief as much as joy, and it was scored by Coyne in the first game he has started this season. A corner from the right escaped attention until he stooped to score with a low header from about eight yards.
The goal inevitably brought Clyde out of their shell as the midfield promptings of McStay and Tom Boyd proved fruitless. At the other end, Jamie McCarron found room for a shot which was deflected into the arms of Pat Bonner.
Howie again produced excellent saves to deny John Collins and Slater, whose powerful effort was tipped over the crossbar, as the Celtic attack became more furious.
In the end, Celtic's passage to round four was secured while the glory and the consolation of a substantial cheque belonged to Clyde.
Celtic: Bonner; McNally, Boyd, Slater, Gillespie, Galloway, Miller (Grant, 65), McStay, Payton (Creaney, 87), Coyne, Collins.
Clyde: Howie; McFarlane, Tennent, McAulay, Knox, Thomson, Quinn (McCheyne, 77), Morrison, McGarvey (Dickson, 44), McCarron, Strain.
Referee: J F McGilvray (Edinburgh).
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