Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
IT’S DROSS AT ROSS FOR BAD BHOYS
Ross County Celtic 0
1
JORDAN WHITE was the Ross County hero as they inflicted a second defeat on Celtic this season and put Rangers on course for a Parkhead title party.
White headed home unchallenged from a 71st-minute free kick to lift County off the bottom of the Premiership and leave Celtic 18 points adrift of Rangers.
The champions’ loss means Rangers could officially clinch the title at Celtic Park on March 21 if both sides win their two games beforehand.
The title already appeared destined for Ibrox before Celtic lined up in Dingwall.
But a fresh setback – which came after an astonishing miss from Ryan Christie – piled more misery on Hoops fans after a five-match winning run gave them respite from a season that imploded long ago.
County’s Betfred Cup victory at Celtic Park on November 29 sparked angry protests outside the stadium and this latest result comes six days after chairman Ian Bankier revealed a review into Lennon’s position remained ongoing.
Lennon (inset) brought Scott Brown and Tom Rogic back into his starting line-up with Albian Ajeti and Ismaila Soro dropping to the bench.
County had their fair share of chances in the opening half-hour. Midfielder Tony Andreu forced Scott Bain into a good diving save before heading over.
The hosts had another good chance after White won a long ball and Michael Gardyne fed Blair Spittal, whose low drive was turned past the post.
Celtic were gifted a good opportunity when keeper Ross Laidlaw miskicked and Odsonne Edouard squared for David Turnbull but the ball was nicked off his toe.
Christie hit a half-chance wide before his more significant miss. Callum Mcgregor played Edouard in behind, the Frenchman unselfishly set up Christie but he cleared the Jail End stand with his effort from seven yards.
Lennon turned to Leigh Griffiths midway through the second half with Rogic making way but the hosts got the breakthrough after Jonjoe Kenny fouled Harry Paton on the left wing.
The substitute took the free kick himself and White headed into the top corner at the far post.
Christie fired just over before being replaced by Mohamed Elyounoussi in the 83rd minute and the sub came closest to an equaliser with Laidlaw stretching to push his header wide.