The Official Glasgow Celtic Thread

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A sensational win for Celtic in Rome, the first time we have ever won in Italy. Lazio were all over us from the start. FF had to make the first of many terrific saves to keep us level but he could no nothing in the 7th minute when Immobile unmarked at the back post guided it home when he availed on a header on to him. Celtic were being overwhelmed by the home team. Any possession we had was lost by poor control and inability to retain possession. Celtic were fire fighting for most of the half but gradually began to exert some control and began to get a foothold in the game.  

 

Then out of the blue an equalizer in the 38th minute. Elounussi robbed a defender played an excellent pass to Forrest who was in the clear and from an angle lashed it across goal and into the far corner. Immediate severe Lazio pressure. FF down to save at the expense of a corner which he came for and completely missed . Jullien cleared before it crossed the line and then Lazio headed over the bar. Phew. Celtic held on to HT and were very fortunate to go in at 1-1. 

 

Celtic were much better in the early parts of the 2nd half and were giving the home side plenty to think about with several promising attacks. But inevitably they always took the wrong option or poor control let them down. Forrest wasted an opportunity after a dangerous break. But from about halfway on Lazio began to take over again and Celtic were chasing everywhere. FF was keeping us in it with several terrific blocks and some heroic defending. As the game entered the closing stages one was praying for a draw with the thought that 4 points against Lazio would be a fantastic return. Celtic were parking the bus and playing out time. Lazio were getting more frantic by the minute. Then in the last minute a careless crossfield pass by a Lazio defender gave Edouard possession. He picked out Ntcham on as a sub with an excellent pass. Ollie in on the keeper dinked it superbly over the keeper and into the net for a sensational winner. As of now I am still wondering did I dream it. Many heroes for the Bhoys but my MOTM would be big FF in goal apart from his clanger at the corner. But they were all heroes. 

 

It gives us a great chance of winning the group and drawing a less formidable outfit in the last 32 in the New Year. 

[CelticBhoy]

That will be a night to remember. Fantastic stuff  ????

 

Anyone who doubted Lennon coming in for BR must watch his post-match interview.

He is Celtic to the core, and what a job he is doing. Fabulous times for the 'Tic.

[hackjam]

What a gutsy performance. NL had a big call to make on left flank, went with Hayes, and got it right, Hayes never lets Celtic down.

Still cannot figure out if we were 3 at the back or if Hayes played left back, despite what NL said before kick off.

They totally battered us first 15 min, went a goal up. We then settled and Forrest, as he so often does, delivered. I was screaming at the TV for him to square to Eddy for a tap in.

Second half, we started brilliantly but missed a few opportunities and slowly they came into it, FF bailing us out a few times with some outstanding saves, he did flap at a few crosses during the game.

Then up stepped Ollie at the death to send all of us wild.

Hero's all over the park, especially out 2 center half's. 

Next up on Sunday, quick turn around, are the hammer throwers Motherwell. Home game, 3pm kick off, would expect Fimpong to replace the injured ElHam and Taylor to replace Hayes, considering the shift he put in. Would like to see Nicham also included, guess a lot will depend on who is carrying knocks and how the 4 who were left behind are recovering.

[Jockstar]

Good result. 

[hackjam]

Another 3 points, understandably low key performance, after heroic mid week performance, deserved to win, Motherwell are a decent side. Fimpong and Nicham in were 2 changes, started well, Ely cuts in from left, tries to play in Forrest, ball breaks for Eddy to stab home. Continued to dominate, Ollie picking out Forrest with some delightful passes but went in 1-0 up at HT.

Second half, we were a bit loose, Motherwell came into it a bit-Fimpong getting no joy from Ref, then he cuts inside, passes to Eddy, who plays a sublime pass to the impressive Hayes and his cross is deflected in. Unable to add to goal tally, despite creating chances, saw out game.

Brown impressive again, Hayes good on left. Eddy massive contribution. Ely looked tired, as did CMcG. no striker on bench, worrying how we are flogging Eddy.

 

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Just saw the highlights last night. After the champagne of Thursday night didn't seem as sweet on the palate yesterday. Yes it is worrying that all our eggs seem in one basket as regards leading the line. You cannot help wondering what happens if someone breaks the eggs. Griffiths seems as far away as ever despite the occasional feel good updates.

 

Another "exciting" International break is upon us. 

[hackjam]

Hate these International breaks. A chance perhaps to look ahead to Jan transfer window.

 I see no reason why we should not try to do a deal with Southampton for both FF and Ely. Both are first choice with Celtic, top of league, looking forward to a cup final and tearing it up in Europe. Both out of the picture with a rank rotten Saints, looking like they will be relegated and could do a Sunderland. Most clubs have a clause in players contracts for a 40% cut in event of relegation.

Stumbling block will be money. FF is allegedly on 65k a week, until 2022. I suspect a small fee would appeal to Saints, just to get him off payroll. And if he is looking at a pay cut due to relegation, we may appeal to him.

Ely is a different scenario. Again, guessing he is on 50k a week, we may appeal to him in event of relegation. But Saints paid 16M for him, so they would be looking to recoup a chunk of that.

Rumor has it that top earners at Celtic are on 35k a week. If that is the case, then, with their looming 40% pay cut, may not be such a big deal for both. Perhaps a 10m bid for both?

 

At the end of the day, our No 1 priority has to be to bring in a proven goal scoring striker.

Griff has had lots of help/support but there comes a time, with any addiction/mental health issue, where you have to help yourself. If he cannot contribute in the next 6 weeks, he should be punted, cruel as it sounds, we cannot just keep him on the strength of past glories. Best case scenario would be for Griff to tear it up for last 5 weeks of the year. Somehow, I suspect the ship has sailed.

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Game not on TV. Just looked at the highlights. Very comfortable win with Frimpong again looking very lively. His pace is frightening to opposition defenders. Johnny Hayes unfortunate with injury but Taylor looked very impressive from what I saw of him.  Competition for places remains very keen which is good. 

 

Return of Griff not surprisingly looking rusty. Looking at the statistics it seems  incredible that we only conceded 1 free kick in the game.  Very pleasing apart from the goals is another clean sheet.

[hackjam]

Great to have a home game after the dreaded int break. NL was forced into 3 changes due to injuries to Boli,ElHam and Ely. In came Aussie Tam, Hayes and Jerry Fimpong.

Livie parked the bus, we slowly found cracks, scored 4 goals and performed well.

Highlight of this performance was the display of Fimpong. 4 times he cut in from the right and put the ball on a plate for Rogic x 2, Eddy and Griff and twice he cut in and shot at keeper-second time it rebounded to Forrest for the 3rd goal. I think it was the second chance for Tam, he starts from a standing position and with an explosive turn of pace, hits the byline and sets up Tam, who misses an absolute sitter.

Eddy ice cool for first goal, Brown with a deflected effort for second and a nice finish by Forrest in injury time for forth, 4-0 being a reasonable reflection on our dominance. Hayes went off injured to be replaced by the impressive Taylor, who cracked the post with a shot after nice set up play by Forrest, who operated on the left.

https://streamja.com/dVRp

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Celtic won the group with a comfortable 3-1 win at home to Rennes and Lazio winning against Cluj. It was a

fairly mundane game that livened up with an excellent effort from Ntcham. Celtic were ahead shortly afterwards with a beauty. Taylor set up Forrest for a dangerous cross and Morgan leading the attack got across his marker to finish delightfully into the corner. Another good effort from Ntcham followed . Morgan headed a good cross from Bauer straight at the keeper. Almost on HT Christie advancing made room for a dangerous shot which hopped in front of the keeper and over him for a 2nd Mendy was not a happy man at HT.

 

2nd half started quietly. Brown picked up a stupid booking and will miss the Cluj game but it will give him a much needed rest in the midst of a demanding run of fixtures. Forster who had very little to do made a terrific block as Celtic began to coast and forced the rebound on to the post and away. Morgan should have earned a penalty when he was fouled by the keeper. Forrest made another good save as Celtic were cruising. Johnson came on for Forrest half way through the half his first action since the September Glasgow derby. Within 8 minutes he made it 3-0 with a superb effort. Getting a return pass from Ntcham he 

left the defender for dead and from a tight angle fired it home across goal and into the far corner. He looked like he had never been away. Griff came on for the last 12 minutes and had a good chance but shot straight at the keeper. Rennes pulled one back in the closing minutes with a good cross and header with Ajer dozing. But at that stage the only concern was that Lazio would hang on to the 1-0 lead in Rome.

 

Ntcham had a very good game and was involved in most of the play. If he had more pace he would be a sensational player.  I liked Taylor and apart from picking up a stupid booking fared well. Christie as usual was everywhere. Apart from Eddie we have good cover in all areas.

 

Lenny must be delighted that we have cliched our place as a seeded team in the last 32. Expect several players to be rested in Cluj. With the usual glut of December fixtures it is virtually one game less.

[hackjam]

Yes, Cluj game will be great opportunity to give game time to fringe players, like Bitton, Morgan MJ, 

Reckoned Nicham was good last night and see no reason why he should not be more involved, especially when we need to rest players. Forrest and CMcG need resting.

Great to have MJ back, looked like he had never been away, guy is so direct. Also, more game time for Griff last night. Would be in such a good place, squad wise, if he were to get up to speed pronto.

Big FF with outstanding double save.

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Another 3 points at Ross County not without some anxious moments. At the start it looked like the expected comfortable win. Christie fired against the post from a narrow angle free kick. When Morgan was fouled in the area Christie put Celtic ahead from a penalty rebound. Looked like calm sailing as Celtic forced a succession of corner kicks which were of the usual standard . Then halfway through the half out of the blue an equalizer for County. Frimpong conceded a free kick which was delivered into the Celtic area and headed in by Stewart. Terrible defending and although replays showed a shove on Rogic no marks for any of the Celtic defence and FF.

 

It seemed to have a deflating effect on the side. Frimpong was usually doubled marked when he got the ball in a forward position and overall it was easily his least impressive outing. County were parking the bus and Celtic were finding very difficult to manufacture any chances.  But Christie struck again shortly before ht. A

excellent weighted pass by Ajer saw him beat the offside trap and finish neatly.

 

in the 2nd half Celtic were not creating much. Calmac hit the post after an hour and it was a huge relief when the 3rd goal arrived midway through the half. Good work by Morgan saw him square across the area Taylor dummied and Christie set up Rogic for a deflected finish. It was a relief to have the 2 goal margin.   Rogic who otherwise had a quiet game was replaced a few minutes later by Jonhston. Within a minute or so Taylor set him free he moved into the area with customary close control held off two defenders and finished neatly for no 4. County seemed to have a late 2nd goal disallowed as the scorer was onside and not flagged by the linesman but the ref disallowed it presumably for obstruction .

 

Next up is a home game against the Accies on Wednesday before the Glasgow derby LC final next Sunday. Edouard did not play again today and there now seems serious concern that he may not make  

it for next Sunday. It is not a reassuring scenario given that it you would expect it to be a difficult game in any case. Bolingoli and Hayes are injured and Taylor is cup tied.

 

 

[hackjam]

Just pleased to get out of the Highlands with 3 points. We were slow to move the ball-except for the goals. Griff came on, missed a great chance from a tight angle. While good to see him get game time, looks rusty and needs to play more than 15min. Taylor is starting to look solid at left back. Christie is in a rich vein of form, Forrest looked like he has lost spark, would like to see him rested midweek. 11 corners were pathetic, as usual.

A few injury concerns for cup final, main one is Eddy. Also, our 2 first choice full backs, ElHam and Boli injured, Hayes also recovering from injury and Taylor cup tied. Also, Nicham injured, Ely, along with long term Joso and Bayo.

Only consolation is we have a week, with a handy home game against a struggling Hamilton.  

Edited December 1, 2019 by hackjam

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Just seen the highlights. Not a good night for the nerves. We got out of jail at the end and nearly paid for not putting the game away.

Ajer not too clever for Accies goal. Johnston did good work to keep the attack alive that lead to the winner. Overall seems to have been a subdued performance .

 

On to Sunday and with some returning from injury several tight calls for starting eleven. Hopefully Edouard back and a focused .Celtic for what I would anticipate will be a difficult game.

[hackjam]

Rollercoaster of emotions last night, so jammey to get out of dodge with all 3 points.

NL made too many changes-no need to rest big CJ, as him and Ajer don't break sweat most games and much as I like to see Nicham start, not to move our most important player out to right wing and then move Forrest to the left, way too much unnecessary disruption.

Started well, lovely weighted pass by CMcG played in Morgan whos shot was saved and Christie slams home rebound. Then we huffed and puffed, created a few half chances, went to sleep in last 20 min, sort of like we will take 1-0. Forster pulled off a great save-a header exactly carbon copy from Ross C goal at weekend, MJ cracks a post before they get an equalizer at the end of normal time-again a ball in from the wing we fail to deal with. We all think that's it, Griff controls a ball well releases MJ, ball eventually breaks for Brown to finish, Phew. Close one that.

Continue to be well impressed with Taylor at LB, his crossing and passing to feet into the box are good. Bauer does nothing for me at RB, am sure Fimpong will start on Sunday. In fact, would rather try young O'Connor at RB instead of Bauer for games like last night.

Momentum should be with us after last nights results heading into Sundays game. 

Just hope Eddy is back.

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A 4th LC in a row and a 10th successive domestic trophy after a 1-0 win over The Rangers in the final. To say we rode our luck would be putting it mildly. For almost all the game we were 2nd best. But big FF had an inspired game making save after save to deny in particular Morelos including saving a penalty.

 

Right from the start we were under pressure conceding 2 corners in the first few minutes . Anytime Celtic had the ball they were losing it and seemed to lose every 50/50 challenge. Forster made a superb save from a shot from Jack which was heading into the top corner in 13 minutes. Hayes saved the jerseys after another FF save when he was unable to clear. Another couple of blocks from Morelos followed one after Ajer sold himself.  Celtic finally forced a corner in the midst of all this pressure. It was their only one. The Rangers had 11. In the 1 decent bit of play Morgan made a good break upfield but was too slow to release and was robbed by Jack. Morgan was unable to hold up the ball and was being hustled out of it. With Ely and Forrest anonymous we were carrying no threat and were being outplayed in midfield. Somehow we survived till the interval. 

 

Johnson replaced Ely after the break and for a few minutes Celtic began to show. But normal service soon resumed and we survived more dicey moments. More Forster saves followed. Eventually Edouard was introduced for the ineffective Morgan. Almost straight away Goldson had a cynical kick at him. Christie whipped in a dangerous free kick and Jullien came through to score from close range completely against the run of play. We were lucky again here as there was more than a hint of offside. But within a few minutes a penalty to The Rangers when Morelos reacted quicker to a rebound and Frimpong panicked and pulled him back. He was sent off. Morelos took the penalty and FF saved us again. As so often happens Celtic's best period came when we were a man down. We began to play a bit and relieve some of the non stop pressure. Eddie put Johnston through but he wasted the chance by shooting wide. it then became a battle to hang on with 10 men. Morelos was fortunate to stay on after some trademark fouls as the Ibrox side began to get desperate with time running out. An equalizer would definitely have tilted it in their favour as the battling Celts were feeling the strain of being a man down. It was nerve wracking until the end as any mistake would have meant extra time and almost certain defeat.

 

Frimpong was a big loss as he was the one player in particular carrying the fight to the Ibrox club and he 

kept the dangerous Kent fairly quiet. Jullien was very solid in defence . I worried beforehand about the conditions as I felt they would not be helpful to Celtic. 

 

Our relief at coming through has to be tempered by the fact that we will be facing another massive challenge at the end of the month, and we cannot keep going to the well.

[hackjam]

Never turned up for this game. Mo Ely recalled after being out injured, Morgan leading the line, no Griff??

Totally battered in first half, Forster heroic, Frimpong and Hayes also were the only players to turn up. So lucky to go in level at HT.

Second half saw the totally ineffective Ely replaced by MJ, we did improve and then, with the introduction of Eddy, he is hacked down with a terrible tackle-no effort to play the ball and big CJ slams in the resulting free kick for a totally undeserved lead.. Then more drama, we switch off at the back and young Jerry brings down El Buffalo, sees red and big FF comes to rescue once again. Eddy releases MJ who somehow misses a sitter when clean in on goal.

Backs to the wall defending, saw us over the line. Hayes took a nasty kick but went on to have an outstanding game.

But how come we were so bad, totally over run in midfield?

Wrong call to start Ely and Forrest looks totally done last few games, surely needs taken out for a rest.

Edited December 9, 2019 by hackjam

[hackjam]

Next up is a dead rubber in Romania, great chance to rest all first choice team, before welcoming a decent Hibs side on Sunday-they wont park bus and are dangerous on counter attack, as Aberdeen found out at weekend. Would hope to see something like

Gordon

Bauer ElHam McInory Boli

Bitton, Nicham Tam

Morgan Griff and Sinclair.

 

Would be tempted to rest Forrest against Hibs also, go with either Nicham or Johnston. Lennon has got to start trusting his fringe players, so as to rest first choice players.

 

I am more relaxed about game at end of month, we wont be as bad and that's the best from them. They totally over ran us in midfield, due to our non existent front 3, that wont happen again, Eddy and Ely should be back up to speed by then.

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A lot of the big hitters have been left at home thankfully. As it the norm most of the qualified sides have big changes in personnel for matchday 6. We will know our last 32 opponents next week.

 

The focus now now will be on League points until mid February. 

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A 2-0 defeat in Cluj with as expected a much changed team. Surprising to see Jullien risking suspension by playing the first half but thankfully hooked at HT. Apart from one save by Gordon Celtic were coping with Cluj and Johnston looked like he might spark something. But Morgan was again poor and sadly Sinclair looks a shadow of the player in his first season. Griffith laboured away and when in possession made one or two decent passes but that was very rare.

 

Celtic seemed to go into a coma on the resumption and Cluj went ahead from a corner with a free header with Bolingoli  nowhere. Gordon saved a 2nd a few minutes later after he made a ludicrous pass out from goal. Midway through the half Cluj made it two when the ball was played across goal and when returned an unmarked attack had an easy task to score. The game meandered to a conclusion.

 

Young Robertson did ok in midfield and  even younger Dembele at just short of 17 came on late as a sub. All in all it was a fixture to be fulfilled.

 

Hibs on Sunday and the change of manager seemed to have sparked a resurgence. After a few less than convincing displays hopefully we will get motoring again.

[hackjam]

Good to come through in Romania with a useful workout for some of our fringe players. Looks like end of the line for Sinclair, I would expect to offload him in January.

Good news that Fraser Forster is staying till end of season, a big thank you, from all Celtic fans, to Ross Wilson for organizing that and never inserting the possibility of a January recall. Would be great to land him permanently, but wages would be an issue. Suspect Southampton would be anxious to get him off the payroll. Also, if they get relegated, normally its a 40% pay cut for all high earners.

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Only saw the highlights of another 3 points . Seems to have been a comfortable enough win. Some poor finishing kept the goal tally down. A few short term injuries ( hopefully ) had one or two surprise selections.

 

Frimpong continues to make nearly all the headlines. Loved his little skip as he celebrated his opening goal made by Eddie. The other talking point is those a........s in the GB who once again inflict thier take on non football issues . <deleted> a General Election has ro do with Celtic I fail to see.

 

Draw today for last 32 in Europa League. Tynecastle on Wednesday and hopefully another 3 points.

 

 

 

 

[hackjam]

Watched game last night, we played well, created lots of chances but shooting radars were off, Nicham and Eddy main culprits. They came to play, did not park bus, had 2 decent chance in first half, Ajer bailed out a slack Boli and Bitton got skinned on the wing but the guy shot just wide. Sublime weighted pass from Eddy saw the very impressive Frimpong finish well. Second half again played well enough, finally Eddy slams home after being set up by the off color Forrest. FF made a brilliant reflex save from a close in header by big CJ.

Boli was poor at LB, constantly giving ball away, Brown was majestic, totally ran the show. Forrest continues to disappoint, so in need of rest. Not sure why the likes of Christie, Ely and MJ were not in squad???

Frimprong was awesome, his ability to take on his man, get to byline, also cutting inside and always seemed to pick the right option and find a collogue.

Next up are a rank rotten Hearts side, so hard to predict Managers line ups now, would expect to rest a few, maybe Forrest and Eddy start on the bench?

These Green Brigade idiots continue to embarrass all decent Celtic people and a plan should be put in place to have them weeded out. With their stone age mentality, they have no place in football. Feel for Rod.  

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FC Copenhagen V Celtic last 32 draw

 

should give us a decent chance of getting through.

 

 

[hackjam]

2 changes from Sundays game, surprised to see Hayes start ahead of Taylor.

First 25min, Hearts were brave and dominated, then against run of play, nice backheel by Eddy & a great finish by Christie saw us in front. We started to cut them open, had some good chances, Eddy and Forrest missed when put clear one on one, then Forrest broke free and crossed for Nicham to slam home. Brown picked up an early silly booking. Ajer a soft booking for needlessly getting involved-he does this way too often, needs to screw the nut, stay out of Refs face. Hayes had a great chance to lob the keeper but never went for it.

Second half, CMcG had ball in net but offside, Eddy clips post with a free header, then a point blank header saved, CMcG draws a good save, as the game fizzed out, on what was an terrible pitch not helped by heavy rain. All in all, a solid team performance, hard to pick a MOM. Again, poor finishing let us down.

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A more committed performance than expected from a team at the lower reaches of the table. Celtic were sluggish until they struck. 2 great finishes and wasted chances of more. Brown worries me at times making stupid challenges he has no hope of winning. And Ajer is indeed inclined to mouth a lot at refs.

 

5 points ahead until tomorrow night at least. We have to keep winning and the 29th is going to be a crucial clash. We are getting the job done but we have not had a really convincing performance for some weeks. 

[hackjam]

Yes indeed, a crucial game on 29th. So for me, we need our best 11, firing on all cylinders for 29, so that may mean systematic resting of certain players over the next few games. We only have 2 days before we entertain Aberdeen. NL needs to trust his squad.

Would be good to see the likes of Rogic, Taylor Johnston involved.

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Just watched yesterdays highlights. A nervy day with Celtic wasting several good chances. Very little resting of players.  Should be ok on Thursday but nothing to ease my apprehension for next Sunday. 

 

It looked like FF should have come to claim the cross that was headed in for the equalizer. Elynoussi and Hayes would seem to be definitely out. I would have concerns particularly about Ollie and Boli. Ollie technically very good but too slow for a game that is likely to be fast and furious. I think Taylor is the best bet at left back.

 

We cannot afford to carry any passengers in the Glasgow Derby.  

[hackjam]

Started well and we played some great football but missed a hat load of chances. Totally dominated up to about 5 min before they scored, they got a grip on the game and equalized. Ajer was well placed in front of Cosgrove but had not enough spring in his jump. Said it before, just not aggressive enough in the air. He did go on to have a good game, started the slick move that led to the winner, carrying the ball trademark style out from defense finds Eddy who plays a neat 1-2 with Christie before finding the net. He also got a last ditch tackle in our box before being clattered by Cosgrove.

 This was a game we should have won comfortably but, just like the last few games, fail to put game to bed. FF did not have a save to make all afternoon. 

Boli again was our weakest link, need to get Taylor in. Griff came on but made no impact, same as Tam. Clock is ticking for both, in my book. Maybe start both against St Mirren, so need to have Eddy and Christie fresh for 29th.

There is a hilarious clip on YouTube of Big CJ removing young Jerry from the rammey as Cosgrove is sent packing-Oh my days!!!!!

[hackjam]

Another 3 points on an impressive 11 game SPL run, will see us top of the table in New Year. We made hard work of it against a very game Saint Mirren side who fought right till the end.

Played well in the first half and 2 pieces of brilliance from Eddy, set up CMcG and Forrest and we were coasting but took foot off the gas and game became scrappy till the end, when they got a fortunate goal.

Looked we were running on fumes in second half, but we got over the line. Eddy did have a good chalked off for offside, a late flag when he was in fact onside.

Big CJ, who has been impressive, had a stinker. He missed a sitter, was lucky Ref did not clock him slap the boy in the face, went down as if shot, gave away free kick that led to goal, got a booking and then deflected the free kick past a helpless FF. He got dragged into a dog fight and totally loses the focus, similar to game against Livi earlier in the season, guy needs to man up. 

Disappointing to see Boli also rolling around trying to get an opponent in trouble. Again, not impressed with his performance.

MJ and Griff made little impact, again thought NL left it late to make changes.

I dread to think how this game would have panned out if Eddy had not started.

Pretty sure that this is also the starting 11 he will run with in a few days time. Just hope we can go to the well one more time.