Frail joy as title triumph gets closer

Stevie Frail was delighted by his side's performance to beat Hibs today to move to a point away from clinching the championship.

Goals from James Keatings and Greig Spence put a smile on the coach's face with just one point required from the last two matches against Aberdeen and Hearts to put the title beyond Rangers.

"We're getting close to winning the league and that can get nervy," Frail said. "I though that we were terrific today, especially in the first half.

"They passed and moved the ball well, scored a good goal and there didn't seem to be any tension in their play.

"We got the second goal at a good time and looked comfortable after that. 

"The players were told to look only at this game, take each game on it's merit and not be sidetracked. If they play as they can and work as we ask them to then there should be no problems."

Keatings spectacular goal in the 28th minute killed off any nagging fears of a frustrating afternoon in front of goal.

During the first part of the season Keatings was used mainly on the wing but has moved inside in recent months with Sean Fitzharris taking over out wide.

Frail explained: "James has scored a few good goals this season, he got a top class goal down at Kilmarnock.

"He played well earlier in the season coming in off the wing, he was hard to pick up. At times we've had to put him in the middle and he's did well there in recent matches especially against Livingston and Rangers. 

"We're always at him to shoot but at the right times. Sometimes he pulls the trigger when he's not set and skies it but today he took a touch in the middle of the park, opened up his body, looked to shoot and struck it well and their 'keeper couldn't reach it."

Spence scored for the seveth game running with the former Alloa striker visibly growing in confidence game by game.

As well as having the priceless knack of anticipating where the ball will drop in the penalty area the striker has developed the art of getting himself in front of defenders and turning quickly despite taking some hefty 'treatment' from opponents.

"Long may Greig's scoring run continue," Frail added. "He led the line very well today and is a nuisance for defenders. He's gaining in confidence with every game.

"That's not just from his goals but from his performance against Rangers which was arguably his best game for us."

Celtic 2-0 Hibs match report

Wonder goal from Keatings keeps Celtic youths on top

by Joe McHugh A wonder goal from James Keatings earned Celtic a win over Kilmarnock to keep the u-19s at the top of the table.

Stevie Frail's side dominated the match throughout but missed a catalogue of chances that almost allowed the home side to take a point.

Johny Marsden's first half header was cancelled out midway through the second half but a 25 yarder from Keatings ensured that Celtic took all three points.

Frail said: "We played well in a lot of areas but went to sleep for their goal.

"It was a good win for us, we've played a lot of really good football but sometimes you have to play against the conditions and the pitch wasn't easy.

"We did a lot of good things, we'll get them on the training ground this week and will be working on our finishing.

"It was an attacking formation that we put out today, we had two up front, two wide attacking midfielders and Grant Gallagher in midfield allowed Filip Twardzik to push further forward."

Gallagher moved into midfield and was replaced at right-back by Curtis Jones, in attack Johny Marsden partnered Greig Spence with Richie Towell on international duty with Ireland and Darren McCauley injured.

The pitch wasn't the best but was certainly playable at the Kilwinning Sports Centre with small sided girls football and a driving range surrounding the pitch. 

Celtic's attacking line up saw them take the game to the homeside with Keatings prominent on the left and Fitzharris impressing on the right flank.

In 22 minutes Celtic took the lead when Marsden powered an impressive header over the home 'keeper from Keatings inviting cross.

"We spoke in training through the week that we hadn't scored many goals like that so it was very pleasing", Frail added.

"Johny attacked the ball well and finished it well, James Keatings put in a really good delivery."

Celtic really should have been further in front before the interval but were let down by poor finishings.

Kilmarnock were barely able to mount an attack on the Celtic goal but despite having the bulk of possession and creating numerous chances Celtic went in at the break one goal ahead.

Five minutes into the second half Twardzik rattled the crossbar from a 25 yard free kick.

Spence and Marsden were creating good openings but unable to find the net with the fear of an equaliser for the home side realised in the 68th minute when a defensive misunderstanding allowed the Kilmarnock No 7 to net from 15 yards out.

Any thoughts of a repeat of last week's draw with Hamilton were dispelled four minutes later with a spectacular goal from Keatings.

After cutting in from the left flank an attempted pass to Twardzik was blocked by a Kimarnock midfielder. With space and options limited Keatings let rip with a powerful shot at goal that left the Killie 'keeper helpless as the ball flew into the net.

 "It was a special goal," Frail smiled. "James picked the ball up 25 yards out and struck it fantastically well into the top corner.

"We deserved the points, we created a lot of chances which is pleasing and we'll need to work on our finishing through the week."

After going in front Bahrudin Atajic and Patrik Twardzik replaced Marsden and Spence with Atajic having a goal disallowed for offside five minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Rangers drew 0-0 at home to Dundee United leaving Celtic four points ahead of the Ibrox side ahead of next Saturday's Celtic-Rangers game, Rangers do have a game in hand.

STARTING TEAM: Giordano; Jones, Hughes, D Gallagher, Lowden; Fitzharris (Ordish 87), G Gallagher, F Twardzik, Keatings; Marsden ( P Twardzik 75), Spence ( Atajik 75): SUBS, Fairley, Feruz, Chalmers, McGregor
FINISHING TEAM: Giordano, Jones, Hughes, D Gallagher, Lowden; Ordish, G Gallagher, F Twardzik, Keatings; P Twardzik, Atajik