Glasgow Rangers drew first blood in the Scottish Premier League title race with a 3-1 win over arch-rivals Celtic, Gary Hooper opened the scoring for Celtic before Rangers hit back via an own goal and a Kenny Miller double. Miller rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot are a hotly disputed penalty was awarded.
The Old Firm game is usually a fiery affair and this game was no exception. The tone was set inside the first five minutes when a yellow card was given to both sides and Rangers hit the woodwork.
Inside the first minute Celtic forward Anthony Stokes was shown a yellow card for a full blooded challenge outside of the rules, Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch soon followed Stokes into the referee’s book with a clumsy foul.
In between the two bookings Rangers defender Steven Whittaker came close to opening the scoring. The full back hit the goal post with a long range drive, Steven Naismith followed up on the rebound but his shot was blocked. The chaotic pace of the game did not slow down and after 12 minutes Celtic Captain Shaun Maloney was forced to leave the pitch with an eye injury.
The first half continued in an exciting back and forth affair, and it was Celtic who opened the scoring in first half injury time. Celtic kept the pressure on and were awarded a succession of corner kicks. The goal was scored when a Sung-Yeung Ki corner was controlled and fired home by Gary Hooper at the back post.
Rangers were level within five minutes of the restart, Kyle Lafferty volleyed a Steven Davis free kick towards goal, and the shot deflected off Celtic defender Glenn Loovens for an own goal. Rangers took the lead six minutes later courtesy of a fine goal from Kenny Miller. A poor clearance from Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster went straight to Steven Naismith. A forward ball by Naismith sought out Maurice Edu but ricocheted up in the air for the onrushing Miller to volley home.
The visitors wrapped the game up in the 67th minute courtesy of a controversial penalty decision. Kirk Broadfoot went down under light contact from Daniel Majstorovic and the penalty was awarded despite furious Celtic protests. Miller stepped up and smashed the spot kick high into the net to cue manic celebrations from the visiting fans.
Rangers finished strongly and were always a threat to add a fourth goal on the counter attack. The win gives Rangers a three point lead over Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League.
SCORING SUMMARY
CEL – Gary Hooper (Sung-Yeung Ki) 45’
RAN – Glenn Loovens (Own Goal) 49’
RAN – Kenny Miller (Unassisted) 55’
RAN – Kenny Miller (PK, Kirk Broadfoot) 67’
LINEUPS
CEL – Forster, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Wilson, Loovens, Ledley, Ki Sung-Yeung, Samaras, Stokes (McCourt 68), Maloney (Juarez 14), Hooper.
RAN – McGregor, Weir, Papac (Broadfoot 46), Whittaker, Bougherra, McCulloch, Edu, Davis, Miller (Weiss 79), Lafferty (Beattie 89), Naismith.
Inside the first minute Celtic forward Anthony Stokes was shown a yellow card for a full blooded challenge outside of the rules, Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch soon followed Stokes into the referee’s book with a clumsy foul.
In between the two bookings Rangers defender Steven Whittaker came close to opening the scoring. The full back hit the goal post with a long range drive, Steven Naismith followed up on the rebound but his shot was blocked. The chaotic pace of the game did not slow down and after 12 minutes Celtic Captain Shaun Maloney was forced to leave the pitch with an eye injury.
The first half continued in an exciting back and forth affair, and it was Celtic who opened the scoring in first half injury time. Celtic kept the pressure on and were awarded a succession of corner kicks. The goal was scored when a Sung-Yeung Ki corner was controlled and fired home by Gary Hooper at the back post.
Rangers were level within five minutes of the restart, Kyle Lafferty volleyed a Steven Davis free kick towards goal, and the shot deflected off Celtic defender Glenn Loovens for an own goal. Rangers took the lead six minutes later courtesy of a fine goal from Kenny Miller. A poor clearance from Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster went straight to Steven Naismith. A forward ball by Naismith sought out Maurice Edu but ricocheted up in the air for the onrushing Miller to volley home.
The visitors wrapped the game up in the 67th minute courtesy of a controversial penalty decision. Kirk Broadfoot went down under light contact from Daniel Majstorovic and the penalty was awarded despite furious Celtic protests. Miller stepped up and smashed the spot kick high into the net to cue manic celebrations from the visiting fans.
Rangers finished strongly and were always a threat to add a fourth goal on the counter attack. The win gives Rangers a three point lead over Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League.
SCORING SUMMARY
CEL – Gary Hooper (Sung-Yeung Ki) 45’
RAN – Glenn Loovens (Own Goal) 49’
RAN – Kenny Miller (Unassisted) 55’
RAN – Kenny Miller (PK, Kirk Broadfoot) 67’
LINEUPS
CEL – Forster, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Wilson, Loovens, Ledley, Ki Sung-Yeung, Samaras, Stokes (McCourt 68), Maloney (Juarez 14), Hooper.
RAN – McGregor, Weir, Papac (Broadfoot 46), Whittaker, Bougherra, McCulloch, Edu, Davis, Miller (Weiss 79), Lafferty (Beattie 89), Naismith.
