Irish Sunday Mirror

Bhoys hit another title low

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CELTIC’S slim title hopes suffered another setback after being held at home in a goalless draw by in-form Livingston.

A makeshift Celtic, in their second game without 13 self-isolating players and boss Neil Lennon, remain winless in 2021 as they failed to create chances.

Rangers can move a huge 23 points clear by beating Motherwell today.

Celtic coach Gavin Strachan, standing in during Lennon’s absence, said: “Livingston are playing really well and imposed their style of play more than we did.

“We expect a bit more and were disappoint­ed with the first-half performanc­e.

“We’d a bit more control

in the second half, but wanted more shots at goal.

“With events that have gone on, the players’ confidence has probably been affected.”

Celtic came closest to a first-half breakthrou­gh as Callum Mcgregor fired inches over and Jeremie Frimpong forced a save from Max Stryjek.

But Josh Mullin rattled the crossbar as Livingston threatened a first win at Celtic Park by seizing control after the break.

Scott Robinson threatened, Jon Guthrie came close while Efe Ambrose should have marked his return to his former club with a goal – only to slice his effort woefully off target.

Livi stay fifth after their first dropped points in seven games and boss David Martindale said: “Some of the players are disappoint­ed. It shows how far we have come as a club.

“We could have got more out of the game but Celtic had chances as well.

“It was an opportunit­y against a disadvanta­ged Celtic team, so we were always coming here to try and get three points.”

 ??  ?? MISSING Boss Neil Lennon is self-isolating
MISSING Boss Neil Lennon is self-isolating

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