St Mirren vs Celtic
Scottish Premiership
The SMiSA Stadium
Celtic were clear favourites heading into the fixture on Sunday. Not only had the club lifted the title last season with ease. They had also been undefeated for 38 league fixtures.To add to that, their opponents had lost half of their league games this season.
A very cautious first half was heading towards a goalless finish. However, O’Hara scored the opener in the 43rd minute.
The visitors were still expected to get something from the fixture. Ayunga, however, doubled the hosts’ lead. Both teams were unable to score any further goals. As the contest ended 2-0 in their favour.
St Mirren vs Celtic: Match report
Full time score: St Mirren 2-0 Celtic
St. Mirren: Carson, Fraser, Dunne, Strain (Gogic 72′), Gallagher, Tanser (Tait 68′), Baccus, O’Hara, Erhahon, Main, Ayunga (Kiltie 80′)
Subs: Flynn, Urminsky, Tait, Henderson, Shaughnessy, Kiltie, Gogic, Greive, Brophy
Celtic: Hart, Taylor (O’Riley 74′), Welsh, Jenz, Ralston, Turnbull (Giakoumakis 57′), Mooy (Hatate 45′), McGregor, Maeda (Jota 45′), Abada (Hakšabanović 57′), Kyogo
Subs: Siegrist, O’Riley, Hakšabanović, Bernabei, Hatate, Abildgaard, Forrest, Giakoumakis, Jota
Managers’ reaction
Celtic manager, Ange Postecoglou: “First thing, credit to St Mirren, they worked really hard and were committed to their game plan and made it difficult for us. The performance today wasn’t up to our levels and nowhere near where it needs to be.
“From our perspective, we didn’t perform in any of the areas we like to perform in and have been performing in. There isn’t anything hugely positive we can take from today, including team selection, probably wasn’t right. There are always reminders we still have work to do. Every team is a potential hurdle.”
St Mirren manager, Stephen Robinson: “Full credit to the players. The boys are the ones who do it on the pitch, they’re tired and still trying to take the tactical information on board in a real, real good performance from them.
“I thought we were excellent to a man, but Curtis Main was outstanding. He held the ball up for us, never tired in the game, even at the end. It’s not often I’ll give individuals mentions, but he deserves one today. He gives so much more than just goals.
