Scottish Premiership Sunday, August 25, 2024 SMiSA Stadium, Paisley ST MIRREN…0 CELTIC…3 (McGregor 3, Hatate 34, Johnston 71) It was another commanding display from the champions in challenging conditions, as Celtic cruised to a 3-0 victory over St Mirren in Paisley, maintaining their perfect start to the season. In just the third minute, Callum McGregor capitalised on a loose ball 20 yards from goal after a pass from James Forrest. The St Mirren defence gave him too much space, and the Celtic captain made no mistake, rifling a low shot into the bottom corner. It was a brilliant start for the Hoops, and for McGregor, who notched his second goal of the season. Remarkably, McGregor has now scored in each of his 11 Scottish Premiership campaigns since 2014/15. Celtic nearly doubled their lead in the 13th minute when Reo Hatate, following a clever pass from Forrest, saw his close-range effort saved impressively by home goalkeeper, Ellery Balcombe. Adam Idah was quick to follow up, but Balcombe again came to the rescue for the home side. St Mirren struggled to gain a foothold, with Celtic dominating possession and creating the better chances. In the 23rd minute, Hatate’s incisive pass put Idah through on goal, but the Irishman’s shot lacked power, allowing Balcombe to make another comfortable save. The pressure from the champions eventually told in the 34th minute. A well-crafted move saw Alistair Johnston deliver a precise cross from the right, which Daizen Maeda expertly headed down into the path of Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder struck the ball on the run, finding the net via the right-hand post to make it 2-0 to the Champions. Celtic continued to threaten as half time approached. Greg Taylor’s cross in the 36th minute nearly caught out Balcombe, who had to tip it over the bar. Moments later, Maeda dispossessed Shaun Rooney and forced another save from the busy St Mirren keeper, though VAR did not see any infringement in Rooney’s challenge. Hatate had a chance to score his second of the afternoon just before the break. Finding space 20 yards out, he curled a shot just wide of Balcombe’s goal, with St Mirren’s defence once again slow to close him down.The Hoops picked up where they left off in the first half, immediately pushing forward with purpose. Hatate, who was influential throughout, drove through the midfield just after the restart, slipping a pass to James Forrest whose shot was blocked by Richard Taylor. Despite the ensuing corner, St Mirren managed to clear the danger and briefly threatened at the other end, only for their attack to fizzle out. Celtic continued to dominate possession and territory, and it looked as though they might extend their lead in the 58th minute when Callum McGregor was brought down in a crowded St Mirren box. However, no penalty was forthcoming, and after the ball was recycled, Greg Taylor’s shot was blocked. Despite the Celtic captain’s appeals, VAR did not intervene. The pressure eventually told once again as Celtic added a third goal in the 71st minute. Nicolas Kuhn, who had been lively since coming on, advanced down the left flank and found the overlapping Alistair Johnston. The Canadian right-back took a composed touch before sweeping the ball past Ellery Balcombe to make it 3-0. It was Johnston’s first goal of the season, scored at the same venue where he netted his first-ever Celtic goal in March 2023. As the match drew to a close, Celtic’s dominance continued. Substitute Anthony Ralston came close to adding a fourth after being set up by Kuhn, but his shot sailed over the bar and into the traveling Celtic support. A special moment arrived in the 88th minute as 18-year-old Francis Turley was introduced for his Celtic debut, replacing Reo Hatate. The youngster’s arrival was met with warm applause from the Celtic supporters. With this comprehensive win, Celtic remain unbeaten in the league and will now turn their attention to next weekend’s highly anticipated Glasgow derby at Paradise. The champions will be eager to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face their city rivals in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.FixturesSt. Mirren Vs. Celtic – Sun, Aug 25th 2024, 12:00
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