A wonder strike from Marc Antoine Fortune' secured the points for Celtic at Fog Park on Saturday and the winning run is now a mouth dropping total of 4 victories in a row. Fortunes arrival on 77 minutes for Danny Fox seemed like a last throw of the dice for an exasperated Tony Mowbray but turned out to be a master stroke by a genius manager. While the Sky commentary team were still slagging off Fortunes poor start to his Celtic career, Fortune was winning a header and knocking the ball straight down to Scott MacDonald's feet. As MacDonald held off a challenge, Fortune spun round to collect the 1-2, tool one touch forward and then from 20 yards slammed the ball high into the top right hand corner. It was a true peach and he was immediately greeted by all players celebrating with him and for him. As per usual Celtic had did it the hard way but at least the 3 points were secure despite the best efforts of the Celtic defence and Charlie Richmond the hapless referee.
The game had started so well for Celtic. Despite a poor surface and poor visibility with fog covering Lanarkshire, the Hoops opened bright and confident and within 10 minutes Samaras had struck the bar and Motherwell were under siege. N'Guemo (wearing short sleeves and gloves -a classic combo!) and Crosas continued recent form and were pulling the strings once again in midfield, Hinkel and Fox continued to support up front and within 15 minutes Celtic were in a well deserved lead with a beautiful goal by Samaras. With a crowded middle of the park, no-one expected much when Samaras collected a ball with his back to goal 30 yards out. With his unique languid style, Sami turned one Motherwell defender with ease and stepped forward where he then strolled passed 2 other defenders as if they weren't there before side footing the ball hard into the top corner. With the opportunity for a quick killing, Celtic went for the jugular and McGeady had a shot tipped over within 30 seconds of the re-start. Within 10 minutes though, it was back to the same sad old scenario.
Motherwell had hardly seen the ball but who needs possession when you can equalise with your first effort at goal. A meandering Danny Fox put in a half hearted attempt to block a cross from the Celtic left. The near post ball headed towards the waiting Artur Boruc who hadn't even seen the ball up to this point in the game. Behind the day-dreaming Boruc, stood Gary Caldwell painting his nails. Both Celtic players looked as if they were contemplating what to have for nibbles during the up and coming X-Factor final while Motherwell striker Jutkiewicz stepped forward and tucked the ball into the Celtic goal. On the touchline the Celtic management team sighed and wondered who had 26 minutes on the 'Calamity Celtic defence' sweepstake. Motherwell suddenly had an undeserved confidence and the game became more balanced. Celtic tried to get forward and had a perfectly valid claim for a penalty when Samaras was fouled as he dribbled into the box but the referee waved play on even with a clear view of the assault. Just before half time Motherwell took the lead as Celtic conceded yet again from a set piece. Andreas Hinkel decided to hand out early Xmas gifts to the Steelboys of Motherwell. As Loovens and Caldwell failed to clear a floated ball by Tom Hateley, Hinkel allowed Mark Reynolds to walk into a free position and side foot the ball home for a 2-1 lead. McGeady almost scored from the kick-off but the chance was blocked and Celtic finished the half behind with every Celtic confused at just how can the one team show such opposite sides of the football coin, beautiful great attacks but utterly hopeless defence.
Following what must have been a rollicking by Mowbray, Celtic thankfully came out and took full control of the second half. Aiden McGeady fired a great cross into the box but Fox fouled when winning the back post header but within 10 minutes the sides were level. Once again it was a goal of pure delight. Barry Robson on the left played a pass to Sami in the centre who looked up to see a crowded penalty box. Choosing the correct option, the Greek striker passed to the free McGeady out on the right hand side. The confident McGeady stepped forward and then to the left before curling a shot perfectly into the top right hand corner to the astonishment of Ruddy in the Motherwell goal.
After that it was a one way charge on the home teams goal. Sami played in McDonald only for the Aussie to get the ball trapped between his feet and the chance was lost. Hinkel attempted to make up for his first half disaster and linked up well with the roving McGeady. Hinkel fired a great ball into the box for Samaras only for the Motherwell defender
Celtic suddenly looked tired and deflated after that miss and Motherwell seemed to grow once again in underserved confidence. The Hoops began making wrong pass choices, McGeady and Robson picked up silly bookings, and the play became ragged. Thankfully Landry N'Guemo continued to break up every attempt Motherwell made to capitalise on Celtics dejection and then Mowbray shouted 'Get Fortune on!'
