Match Pictures | Matches: 2005 - 2006 | 2005-2006 Pictures | Forum

_

Quick Review

Celtic seemed inspired by the Hampden win and an emotional minute's applause in honour of deceased former winger Jimmy Johnstone.
Nakamura and Zurawski both forced saves from Caley Thistle goalkeeper Mark Brown within the opening two minutes.
Neil Lennon almost put Celtic ahead with a chip that fell just wide before Gordon Strachan had to re-organise his midfield. He was forced to replace the injured Stilian Petrov with Stephen Pearson after 28 minutes.
But Celtic continued to press and defender McManus scored his eighth goal of the season when he sent a looping header over Brown and into the net from nine yards.
Hartson missed a great chance to extend the lead after the break, firing the ball wide from six yards following a fine Wilson cross.
Boruc was tested by an 18-yard drive from Bayne, Ian Black volleyed wide and Wyness also sent a drive into the arms of the goalkeeper.
But Maloney curled in a free-kick that effectively settled the game after 79 minutes before substitute Dion Dublin sent an effort against the Inverness post.
However, there was still time for Boruc to give Celtic a nervous finish when he allowed Hart's speculative effort to slip under his body, and into the net, in the final minute.

Trivia

McMaunus scored his8th of the season.
Celtic overcame a lively challenge from Inverness CT to extend their lead, to move to within two wins of the SPL title.

Teams

Celtic:-
Boruc, Telfer, Balde, McManus, Wilson, Nakamura, Lennon, Petrov (Pearson 29), Maloney, Hartson (Dublin 68), Zurawski (Thompson 82).

Subs not used:- Marshall, Varga, Wallace, Lawson.

Goals:- McManus 35, Maloney 79.


Inverness CT:-
Brown, Duncan, Dods, McCaffrey, Hart, Munro, Hastings, Bayne (McAllister 79), Morgan, Black (Wilson 71), Wyness.

Subs not used:- Fraser, Golabek, Keogh, Fox, Parratt.

Goal:- Hart 90.

Booked:- Black, Dods.

Att:- 57,451

Ref:- C Richmond.

Articles

• Match Report (BBC)
• Strachan praises workmanlike win (BBC)

Pictures

• Match Pictures