Celtic 3 - 1 Hibs (6/4/11)

CELTIC: 3 -- Stokes 4', Hooper 20' (pen), 39'
HIBS:      1 -- Miller 67' (pen)

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After Steven Naismith's lovely comments, 'Catch us if you can Celtic', to the press last night - I really hoped Celtic did the job tonight and they didn't let me down. The Celtic team tonight included Loovens in for Rogne and Forrest in for Commons. Towell was left out of the Hibs squad altogether because of the terms of his loan agreement in which he was not allowed play against his parent club.

The game immediately got off to a good start with an early strike from Anthony Stokes in the fourth minute, proving to himself and Neil Lennon why he should be starting games. Emilio Izaguirre crossed the ball into Celtic's front line with Hooper allowing the ball to pass by him and onto Stokes who directed a low shot into the back of the net. After Celtic scored this early goal, they were in control for the whole first half. The passing was absolute brilliant at times with Kayal being the main man involved in it all. Wilson, who's looked like a completely different player this season, also had a superb game. Defenders pressed high up the pitch, with the deadly partnership of Stokes & Hooper always a bother to the Hibs players.

Enjoying the possession they had, Celtic doubled their lead in the 19 minute when Hooper converted a penalty after Brown was brought down in the penalty box by Scott. Celtic were 2-0 up and really enjoying their football - Wilson was allowed a lot of space up the right wing, which benefited Celtic a lot. Celtic also had more chances to score with Forrest, Brown and Kayal all coming close. But Kayal set up the third goal with 39 minutes on the clock when he made a pass to Stokes who played in Hooper, six yards from goal, who had no problem converting Celtic's third.

Celtic went in at half-time after a very entertaining first half and 3 goals up. There looked to be no way back for a poor Hibs side. The second half wasn't as entertaining as the first, Celtic were still very comfortable in possession but Stokes and Commons (on for Forrest), missed chances to extend Celtic's lead. Celtic were dealt a blow when Hibs were awarded a soft penalty after Mulgrew's tug on Wotherspoon's shirt - ex-Celtic player Miller stepped up and converted the penalty. Hibs were given a lifeline after a very poor first half. Although Hibs began to look comfortable after they scored, Celtic still had possession but again, failed to take the chances which could of seen them extend their lead.

With five minutes remaining, Celtic were awarded a penalty when Ljungberg (on for Kayal) was brought down by Hanlon in the box, Hooper stepped up but put the spot-kick wide - no hat-trick for Hooper tonight! 


The full-time whistle sounded and Celtic should be happy to come away with a 3-1 win as this now puts us back on top of the table, 2 points clear of Rangers  - where we belong! 

My Man of the Match: Mark Wilson

Here's some highlights of the game for you to enjoy..