Celtic show they're over away day blues
By Calum McClurkin:Celtic triumphed in Scandinavia for the second time in three weeks as Celtic banished their travelling woes. They also put themslves in pole position to take their place in the Champions League group stage after goals from Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras.
Celtic got off to the perfect start at the Olympia Stadium by taking the lead in the second minute. Samaras ran down the left channel gathering Izaguirre’s throw in. The Greek international delivered a deep cross which found Kris Commons who unleashed a sweet volley that smacked into the ground and flew into the net.
The precious early away goal was paramount for Celtic and the front three of Commons, Samaras and Hooper were linking up well in the opening 15 minutes. However, the hosts rallied quickly to put Celtic under pressure. Fraser Forster stood tall to deny Bedoya. The Celtic keeper was called into action again to thwart Helsingborgs forward Soram when he skipped passed Mulgrew to ghost clean through but Forster denied him with an athletic save.
Celtic survived another major scare in the 24th minute. Adam Matthews was robbed of position as the last man but somehow he recovered the situation with a last ditch block. Celtic continued to ride their luck until the break but mercifully held on.
Helsingborgs maintained their pressure in the 2nd half. Forster was tested twice in as many minutes from Mahlangu and ex-Rangers midfielder Bedoya’s dangerous header across goal was gratefully clutched onto by Forster. Alvaro blazed over from 14 yards as the hosts wasted numerous chances infront of goal.
The hosts were given a warning beforehand when a short corner caught the Swedes off guard which resulted in Joe Ledley heading off the bar. James Forrest provided Celtic with another dimension when he came on for Kayal at half-time.
Celtic grabbed their second goal fifteen minutes from time. Kris Commons deep in swinging corner was met by the unmarked Samaras at the back post who headed home to give Celtic an overwhelming advantage in the tie.
Three minutes later the Greek striker surged clean through down the left side but instead of squaring the ball to the unmarked Commons he attempted to curl the ball into the top corner but his effort drifted wide. Forrest stung the palms off the home keeper whilst Mulgrew fired a 20 yard effort that clipped the top of the bar as Celtic looked to kill off the tie.
Afterwards Neil Lennon praised his forwards and his goalkeeper who dealt with everything that was thrown at him. Previously Celtic had only won once in their last 33 away matches in Europe but back to back wins on the road will fill Celtic with confidence.
Celtic chances their arm tonight in Sweden but after they grabbed the second goal the Scottish champions could have easily put the Swedish champions firmly to the sword. It’s a job well done for Neil Lennon’s men but complacency can’t creep in just yet.
The precious early away goal was paramount for Celtic and the front three of Commons, Samaras and Hooper were linking up well in the opening 15 minutes. However, the hosts rallied quickly to put Celtic under pressure. Fraser Forster stood tall to deny Bedoya. The Celtic keeper was called into action again to thwart Helsingborgs forward Soram when he skipped passed Mulgrew to ghost clean through but Forster denied him with an athletic save.
Celtic survived another major scare in the 24th minute. Adam Matthews was robbed of position as the last man but somehow he recovered the situation with a last ditch block. Celtic continued to ride their luck until the break but mercifully held on.
Helsingborgs maintained their pressure in the 2nd half. Forster was tested twice in as many minutes from Mahlangu and ex-Rangers midfielder Bedoya’s dangerous header across goal was gratefully clutched onto by Forster. Alvaro blazed over from 14 yards as the hosts wasted numerous chances infront of goal.
The hosts were given a warning beforehand when a short corner caught the Swedes off guard which resulted in Joe Ledley heading off the bar. James Forrest provided Celtic with another dimension when he came on for Kayal at half-time.
Celtic grabbed their second goal fifteen minutes from time. Kris Commons deep in swinging corner was met by the unmarked Samaras at the back post who headed home to give Celtic an overwhelming advantage in the tie.
Three minutes later the Greek striker surged clean through down the left side but instead of squaring the ball to the unmarked Commons he attempted to curl the ball into the top corner but his effort drifted wide. Forrest stung the palms off the home keeper whilst Mulgrew fired a 20 yard effort that clipped the top of the bar as Celtic looked to kill off the tie.
Afterwards Neil Lennon praised his forwards and his goalkeeper who dealt with everything that was thrown at him. Previously Celtic had only won once in their last 33 away matches in Europe but back to back wins on the road will fill Celtic with confidence.
Celtic chances their arm tonight in Sweden but after they grabbed the second goal the Scottish champions could have easily put the Swedish champions firmly to the sword. It’s a job well done for Neil Lennon’s men but complacency can’t creep in just yet.
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