The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Rangers and Celtic still locked at top of table
Buddies prove tough nut to crack but Celtic roll on to claim another three points
James Forrest celebrated his new contract with a goal as Celtic beat St Mirren 2-0 at Parkhead.
The winger netted Celtic’s second in quick succession just after the interval, hours after signing a one-year contract extension which ties him until 2023.
The 28-year-old came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock as St Mirren defended in numbers and displayed good skill and composure to net in the 54th minute.
Mohamed Elyounoussi had opened the scoring five minutes earlier from close range as Celtic responded to three first-half goals from Rangers at Ross County to ensure they remain top of the Ladbrokes Premiership by one goal.
Celtic handed Greg Taylor his debut almost two months after his move from Kilmarnock and the left-back made a good contribution to their attacking.
St Mirren’s ability to close down space in and around their penalty box presented the hosts with a challenge and Celtic were restricted to long-range efforts in the opening quarter, with Ryan Christie coming closest with a dipping effort.
Saints were having their moments in possession, although their final ball normally let them down when they got into decent positions.
However, Jon Obika had a clear chance 25 minutes in when he brought down a long pass and held off Kristoffer Ajer. The striker got a left-footed shot away but it lacked power and Fraser Forster got down to save.
Celtic’s biggest first-half threat appeared to be from corners and Christopher Jullien twice came close.
The French defender headed over from six yards after beating Vaclav Hladky to Christie’s delivery and saw another header cleared off the line by Ryan Flynn.
Christie appeared to be pulled back by Stephen Mcginn as he prepared to meet a clever low delivery from another corner.
The visitors continued to crowd out Celtic in front of their goal but Forrest came close on the stroke of half-time when he got a yard of space and saw his shot touched on to the near post by Hladky.
The opener came after Odsonne Edouard used his quick feet to bypass the crowd of pink and black shirts in front of him.
The Frenchman collected a pass from Scott Brown, shifted his feet and curled a shot off the inside of a post. Christie made a hash of the rebound but the ball ricocheted kindly for Elyounoussi, who tapped home from close range.
Forrest doubled the lead after good close control in the box, taking a pass and finding an angle to slot into the far corner from 14 yards.
With St Mirren having netted only five times in their first 10 league games, the quick-fire double made it mission impossible for Jim Goodwin’s side, but Celtic did not kick on, although they created several more openings.
Elyounoussi had a shot blocked from a good opportunity and Edouard skied a simple chance following good work from Forrest.
Celtic: Forster, Bauer, Jullien, Ajer, Taylor (Hayes 88), Brown (Ntcham 69), Mcgregor, Forrest, Christie, Elyounoussi, Edouard (Morgan 82). Subs not used: Gordon, Bitton, Rogic, Elhamed.
St Mirren: Hladky, P Mcginn, Broadfoot, Mcloughlin, Waters, Magennis (Mullen 75), Flynn (Andreu 63), S Mcginn, Foley, Durmus (Morias 82), Obika. Subs not used: Mackenzie, Djorkaeff, Macpherson, Lyness.
Referee: Kevin Clancy.