Scales scores for CelticSNS

Liam Scales' early goal proved the difference between Celtic and Kilmarnock

At a glance

  • Scales' first-half volley enough for Celtic to reclaim four-point lead

  • Nygren has second-half VAR-awarded penalty saved

  • Hogh has ball in net for first time in 16 games, but VAR rules it out

  • Bottom side Killie remain two points adrift

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

Celtic regained their four-point lead in the Scottish Premiership as they edged out bottom side Kilmarnock for a first league win in three games.

Kasper Hogh thought he ended his 15-match barren spell - since scoring a hat-trick against the Rugby Park side - with a composed finish, but VAR prolonged his personal agony after spotting a soft foul in the build-up.

The pain was shortlived though for Martin O'Neill's side, who lost to Falkirk last Sunday after drawing with Dundee United day, as defender Liam Scales volleyed in from close range, leaving goalkeeper Nico Mantl leaden-footed.

The German was alert to deny Benjamin Nygren from the penalty spot in the second half after Aaron Tshibola stopped a shot with his am.

Despite beating Besiktas for their first Europa League win on Thursday, the reigning Scottish champions couldn't bring the energy and excitement from that fantastic finale into their play here.

Instead - after an attempt at a minute's silence for Remembrance Sunday lasted 10 seconds due to disturbance in the stands - Neil McCann's visitors threatened first.

Inside 30 seconds, Tom Lowery forced Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone into a pair of smart, swift saves, but they failed to continue such threat and the Ayrshire side remain two points adrift at the foot of the table, winless in four, heading into the international break.

Dominant Celtic, meanwhile, hung on for their cushion at the summit having played one game more than second-place Rangers.

Analysis: Celtic struggle to convince as Hogh wait goes on

Though it was far from packed, O'Neill had hoped the buzz around Parkhead after victory against Besiktas would have his side full of confidence.

Their first-half performance did not exude that.

Celtic nearly fell behind in a slow start and even when they did, eventually, get into the game, the hosts did not convince. Instead, they appeared devoid of creativity - not for the first time this season.

On his first start in over 18 months, Jota was keen enough on the left wing while Camilo Duran provided his 19th goal contribution, but chances were at a premium.

Colby Donovan twice threatened in a dominant second half where Mika Baur had the ball in the net, but was clearly offside.

The German was set up by Hogh before the striker left the field after 70 minutes to a warm reception from the supporters.

They appear to appreciate his efforts - and O'Neill highlighted his workrate pre-match - despite his wait for a goal.

Perhaps that epitomises the standards and expectations this frustrated fanbase are being forced to accept right now.

Once again, despite securing the crucial three points, they stepped out of the stadium with shaking heads and a sense of relief rather than joy.

Analysis: Lively Killie lack clinical edge

Pre-match, McCann spoke of the need for bravery and to execute in both boxes.

Within 30 seconds, those attributes were on show in a contrasting manner. Kilmarnock were lively from the off, but lacking in clinical edge. Again.

When the teamsheets dropped at Parkhead, eyes popped open at the inclusion of three strikers - Joe Hugill, Tyreece John-Jules and Ieuan Owen.

The latter, on his first Premiership start, brought the pace and energy his manager promised. His showing suggests it will be far from his last.

But the 20-year-old might have guaranteed future inclusions had he tucked away a late opportunity from substitute Erik Ring's cross.

That chance in added time was about all the visitors offered in the second half, but while they didn't look like scoring, they didn't look like conceding either.

How to play

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1 Give it up
10 Pure perfection

26 S. Johnstone
63 K. Tierney
5 L. Scales
20 C. Carter-Vickers
51 C. Donovan
22 M. Baur
42 C. McGregor
7 Jota
8 B. Nygren
11 C. Durán
9 K. Høgh

Substitutes

49 J. Forrest
14 L. McCowan
47 D. Murray
21 A. Oxlade-Chamberlain
13 Yang Hyun-Jun
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