Football: Donnelly supplies spark for Celtic
St Johnstone 0 Celtic 1 After extra time
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.First blood to Celtic, although a Simon Donnelly penalty in extra time provided an unsatisfactory way in which to progress to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Coca-Cola Cup.
These two teams will meet again in the League on Saturday, and there was enough to suggest that that game will be keenly contested after an evening in which Celtic were perhaps flattered by the result.
The turning point was the sending-off of John O'Neil, the St Johnstone substitute, in the 98th minute, just four minutes after he had taken the field. The winger appeared to aim a kick at Stephane Mahe, the Celtic defender, and was immediately ordered from the field.
Before the end of the first period of extra time, Celtic were awarded a penalty when Calum Davidson was adjudged to have handled a Mahe cross. Donnelly swept the ball into the net with a confidence that belied his team's performance.
There were a few signs that the coach, Wim Jansen, is beginning to get things together at the club, but there is still not enough quality about this Celtic side to lift it out of the ordinary.
In the second half Celtic created the better chances, with Henrik Larsson twice coming close and Darren Jackson having a header saved by Alan Main. The home side had hit the post in the first half, and as the game went into extra time there was an added edge to the match.
O'Neil was the first of two Saints' players to be ordered off, the second being his fellow substitute, Roddy Grant, who pushed the ball into the net with his hands just 60 seconds after a first caution.
"Of the two games this week I have always said I'd rather we won the League game, so I'm looking for my players to go one better on Saturday," Paul Sturrock, the St Johnstone manager, said.
St Johnstone (4-1-4-1): Main; McQuillan, Weir, McCluskey, Davidson; Kane; Sekerlioglu, O'Halloran (O'Neil, 94), Scott (Farquhar, 105), Preston (R Grant, 105); O'Boyle.
Celtic (4-4-2): Gould; Hannah, Boyd, Mackay, Mahe; Donnelly, Burley, Wieghorst (P Grant, 119), O'Donnell; Larsson, Jackson (Thom, 112). Subtitute not used: Gray.
Referee: H Dallas (Motherwell).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments