Full Time: Celtic 3-1 Hamilton Academical
Scottish champions Celtic extended their unbeaten run in domestic competitions to 69 games, when they defeated Hamilton Academical 3-1, at the Celtic Park on Wednesday night.
The Hoops were off and running very early in the game as midfielder Olivier Ntcham handed them the lead in the 12th minute with a brilliant volley. But they were pegged back at the half-hour mark by Daniel Redmond’s strike. However, James Forrest restored the home side’s lead in the 40th minute, rounding off the goalkeeper to slide the ball into the net, before Scott Sinclair made it 3-1 only a minute later.
The win sees Celtic maintain their five-point lead at the top of the table over second-placed Rangers, with a game in hand. And here’s how we rate the performances of Brendan Rodgers’ players on the night.
Celtic Player Ratings
Craig Gordon – 6/10
Could not do much about Redmond’s strike for goal but pulled off a good save to deny Rakish Bingham late in the second-half.
Kristoffer Ajer – 6.5/10
The youngster looked solid in Celtic’s three-man defence and was quite comfortable carrying the ball out from the back.
Nir Bitton – 6.5/10
Made one very good tackle on Redmond to deprive him of a goal-scoring opportunity. Wasn’t troubled a whole lot other than that.
Dedryck Boyata – 6/10
Had very little to do at the back with the Accies hardly looked threatening. Was alert whenever he needed to be.
James Forrest – 7/10
Did not start off on the best notes but burst into life after the equaliser. Scored the second goal after rounding off the goalkeeper, before setting up the third for Sinclair.
Scott Brown – 6.5/10
As always, held the fort in the middle of the park, allowing his side to control the proceedings.
Olivier Ntcham – 8/10
Had an effort that just curled wide of the post but scored the opening goal with a powerful volley soon after. Forced a save from the Accies stopper with a left-footed strike. An impressive display from the Frenchman.
Stuart Armstrong – 7/10
Had a good game in the midfield for the Hoops. Lovely through ball to set Forrest up for the second goal and had a chance to score as well. Pressed well and created opportunities.
Callum McGregor – 7/10
Starting in an unfamiliar left wing-back position, the Scotsman put in a solid display on the night. Was involved in the build-up to the opener.
Scott Sinclair – 7.5/10
Good cross to find Ntcham for the opening goal and then added to his tally with a curling effort, minutes before half-time to make it three. Showing signs of returning to form.
Odsonne Edouard – 6.5/10
May not have found the net but the loanee from Paris Saint-Germain was a lively presence at the top of the attack. Caused quite a few problems to the Accies defence.
Substitutes
Leigh Griffiths – 6/10
On for Edouard with just a little over 20 minutes left to play. Looked bright and tried to make things happen.
Jozo Simunovic – 5/10
Replaced Boyata for the final 15 minutes or so. Almost cost his side a goal with a poor backpass to Gordon.
Jonny Hayes – N/A
Came on for Forrest with ten minutes left to play.