Man City kicked off to the sound of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' against a Celtic team with a young central defence of Cuthbert and O'Dea. Early exchanges were fairly even and just after six minutes Man City came closest to scoring with a shot from Johnson going just wide of Borucs' left hand post. City were beginning to keep control and Celtic were finding it more difficult to get possession. Celtic did get the first corner of the match after 15 mins which was taken by Hartley being turned out for another corner which came to nothing. After 27 mins Petrov raced in from the right but Cuthbert's foot foiled his shot and the ball went over the goal line for a corner to City. The game was mainly being contested in midfield with neither side looking like scoring. On the 31st min Etuhu ran down the right wing but his resultant shot goes high and wide. At this stage both goalkeepers have yet to be tested. Celtic were coping well with a strong City team considering that this is nowhere near the side that will face St Mirren in the defence of the championship on Sunday. After 31 mins Gravesen finds Riorden but his shot from 25 yards goes weekly past Hart's right hand post. By this time the game is looking more and more like a pre season friendly with neither side having the cutting edge. After a very low key first half with Mr. Gravesen and Riorden in the shop window it ends goalless. Half time: CELTIC 0 MAN. CITY 0 Celtic made two changes at half time with Caddis and Samaras coming on for Gravesen and Hessellink. The deadlock was finally broken in 54 mins after sub Sturridge and Vassell link to find Petrov who makes no mistake and slots the ball past Boruc. A minute later Vassell almost adds a second but Boruc grabs the ball before it crosses the line. Celtic make a double substitution after 62 mins Paddy McCourt and Mark Millar coming on to replace Riordan and Hartley. This gave the Celtic fans the chance to see McCourt who is reported to be better than McGeady and as good as George Best. After being on for only three minutes McCourt almost grabbed his chance to impress the Parkhead faithful after Caddis beats Corluka and picks him out at the back post but his volley goes wide. Petrov is nearly on the scoresheet again but his free kick doesn't trouble Boruc. City sub Ireland for Etuhu in the 74th min. A minute later Boruc raced off his line to thwart Vassell. Celtic had a strong claim for a penalty after 77 mins when Caddis beats three players and raced into the box where he is upended, but referee Thomson waves play on. A minute later Celtic equalised after a free kick from Paul Caddis is diverted past substitute keeper Schmeichel by Paul McGowan. With about a minute to go, brilliant work from Caddis almost resulted in a winner for Celtic as he found McGowan in front of goal but he only managed to crash his shot off the bar and over. In the end both managers can be happy with the performance of their players and fringe players. Celtic: (4-4-2) Boruc; Hinkel, Cuthbert, O'Dea, Naylor, Gravensen (Caddia 46) Hartley (Millar 62) Donati, Riordan (McCourt 62) Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 46) McGowan. Subs not used: Brown, Caldwell, Conroy, McDonald | |||
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