The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Saints stay on course despite defeat
Goalscorer MacLean rues bad decision-making as treble-chasing Celtic continue unbeaten run
St Johnstone’s bid to book their place in Europe may have stalled at Celtic Park but it remains on course.
It is probable that both of the teams who played at Parkhead on Saturday will be representing Scotland on the Continent next season.
Celtic will be in the Champions League qualifiers, while for Saints it still looks like being the Europa League despite this 4-1 loss to the champions.
The hosts had plenty of the ball in the opening stages but were frustrated by a determined Perth backline that has performed admirably this season.
Warning signs were flashing in the Saints camp with only one minute on the clock when Tom Rogic powered through the centre of the park unchallenged.
The Australian’s left-footed strike required Zander Clark, returning to firstteam duties, to push the ball around the post and behind for a corner.
McDiarmid manager Tommy Wright would be aware that his defence, and goalkeeper, would need to be on top form to take anything from the game.
Clark was certainly being tested and he pushed away a powerful Michael Johnston drive before pulling off a smart stop to guide another Rogic attempt from the edge of the box around the post.
Soaking up the pressure was the task for the Perth squad in the first half, but they would have the best chance of the opening 45 minutes as referee Nick Walsh prepared to blow for the break.
Brian Easton’s cross from the left was neatly nodded down by MacLean and into the path of an advanced Blair Alston. But the midfielder blasted over from 10 yards.
The travelling support would be pleased with the scoreline at half-time. They were soon turning away in despair, however, when Roberts gave Celtic a 48th-minute lead.
Saints, however, would hit back instantly to stun the home side.
Richard Foster’s dinked delivery to the back post saw Steven MacLean’s initial header incredibly saved by Craig Gordon, but the striker picked up the scraps to rifle home at the second time of asking.
This was to be an action-packed opening to the second period and in the 52nd minute Celtic regained their lead.
A Leigh Griffiths corner was perfect for Dedryck Boyata to power a header beyond Clark.
Brendan Rodgers’ side weren’t taking their foot off the gas and Roberts extended the advantage in the 63rd minute by tapping into an empty net from substitute Scott Sinclair’s cutback. Another home replacement would add a fourth when Callum McGregor meandered into the box to guide the ball past Clark.
Scorer MacLean said: “Celtic dominated the first half and we probably didn’t keep it as well as we should have done. The second half was better, yet we lost four goals.
“It just shows if you open up against them, they have quality all over the pitch to hurt you and it’s summed up when they can bring Scott Sinclair on as a substitute.
“They are a good side. They are the best team in the country, so our season is not going to be defined by our results against Celtic. Whatever you get at Parkhead is a bonus. Of course we are disappointed, but we look forward to the next game. We came out in the second half and lost an early goal. We did so well to get back into the game and then we lose a goal straight away.
“If you are going to get points at Parkhead, you can’t do that. There is disappointment with the goals we lost.
“We made bad decisions at times and we also didn’t get close enough to people who are taking shots at times, but we’ll dissect it and move on.”
Saints’ remaining three post-split fixtures, against Partick Thistle, Hearts and Rangers, will all be contested at McDiarmid Park.