GLASGOW: Celtic started 2014 with a narrow 1-0 win over Partick Thistle in the Glasgow derby to maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
After early chances for Teemu Pukki and Kris Commons for the home side, Thistle began to cause problems for Celtic with Fraser Forster producing a string of saves to deny Stuart Bannigan, Chris Elliot and James Craigen.
However, it was the Hoops who took a 39th-minute lead when Joe Ledley expertly dispatched a low shot beyond the outstretched Scott Fox from 20 yards out.
In a quiet second half Charlie Mulgrew had an effort ruled out for offside before Celtic survived a late scare when Adam Matthews had to clear a shot from Thistle substitute Steven Lawless off the line.
It is the third consecutive 1-0 win for Celtic, who are still unbeaten 19 games into the league campaign and haven’t conceded in their past seven domestic matches. Nevertheless, Celtic manager Neil Lennon said it had been a flat performance from his side. “We looked tired and we lacked a spark particularly in the final third,” he said.
“There were some good bits of play but I, and the supporters, expect better. However, it is a win and obviously a clean sheet as well.” Meanwhile, Thistle manager Alan Archibald thought his side deserved something from the game. “I thought we did enough in the game and created enough chances to at least get a point,” said Archibald, whose team were beaten 5-1 at home by Motherwell at the weekend.
AFP
