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

_

Quick Review

Celtic made the ideal start when Alan Thompson's free-kick from the left was cleared to the edge of the box where Aiden McGeady met it powerfully, only for the ball to come back off the crossbar. But Hartson was left with a simple task to head into the net from 10 yards out.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between, but in the 34th minute, Andrew Considine just failed to connect properly with a Barry Nicholson free-kick from the left as Aberdeen pushed for an equaliser. David Marshall kept Celtic in front with a terrific save after Nicholson's clever pass set up Stevie Crawford 16 yards out.
Stewart replaced Danny Griffin at the interval as Aberdeen went with three attackers in search of the equaliser, but they fell further behind when McManus's long ball was picked up by Maloney, who hit a low drive from the edge of the box past Esson.
Aberdeen pulled a goal back on 68 minutes when substitute Chris McGuire, on for Stevie Crawford, sent Stewart clear of the visitors' defence and he confidently rounded Marshall before slotting the ball home. Just two minutes later Mackie's low cross from the right was missed by everyone before it reached Stewart who slammed the ball gleefully into the net from close range.
Celtic should have regained the lead in the 85th minute when Stephen Pearson was through with only Esson to beat but the Dons keeper pulled off a fine save, diving to his right to save the midfielder's right-footed drive from 14 yards.

Trivia

Teams

Aberdeen:-
Esson, Griffin (Stewart 45), McNaughton, Considine, Byrne, Nicholson, Macauley, Dempsey (Donald 74), Foster, Mackie, Crawford (Maguire 66).

Subs not used:- Langfield, Skinner, Thomas.

Goals:- Stewart 69, 72.


Celtic:-
Marshall, Telfer, Varga, McManus, Camara, Lawson, Thompson, Pearson, McGeady (Wilson 76), Maloney, Hartson (Virgo 77).

Subs not used:- Boruc, Dublin, Quinn, O'Dea, McGowan.

Goals:- Hartson 5, Maloney 61.

Att:- 14,597

Ref:- C Murray.

Articles

• Match Report (BBC)

Pictures

• Match Pictures