Boy, oh boy! Bayo scores for Bhoys
Ivorian striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo got his first goal for Celtic yesterday, the winner in their pre-season warm-up match against SC Wiener in Austria.
SC Wiener 1
Josic (53) CELTIC 2
Griffiths (56), Bayo (86)
Celtic came from behind against their Austrian lower-league opponents to win the latest of their pre-season warm-up games.
Leigh Griffiths, who was on the mark against SC Pinkafeld in midweek, was again on the scoresheet.
And there was a first goal in the Hoops for Vakoun Issouf Bayo, who linked up well with Griffiths after the pair were introduced at half-time as manager Neil Lennon made wholesale changes.
But it was hard going for the visitors at times, and hot work as the Sportklub Stadium was bathed in the sweltering sunshine that has been baking the continent over the past few days.
Ukrainian right-winger, Marian Shved, made his debut, and could have had a dream start, but he couldn’t keep his 17th-minute shot down.
Soon after, James Forrest – captain for the half – rattled the crossbar with a trademark left-foot shot, and he should have done better on 30 minutes but steered a header from four yards wide.
A McGregor effort was blocked on the line, then Forrest hit the timber again with another shot.
After the interval, Griffiths and Bayo gave a hint of the shape of things to come.
Griffiths’ corner found Bayo unmarked, but his header went wide.
Then, just two minutes later, the hosts took a shock lead when Jakov Josic’s free-kick found the back of the net.
Their advantage didn’t last long, however.
Griffiths did well to close down the Wiener SC keeper and block his attempted clearance before slotting home a poacher’s goal.
Bayo should have put Celtic in front from another Griffiths corner, but again his headed attempt went wide.
The Ivorian striker then set up Ewan Henderson inside the area, but his shot from eight yards out was saved by the home keeper. Bayo was not to be denied his first Celtic goal, however.
With four minutes remaining, Jonny Hayes sent over a cross from the left and Bayo met it on the half-volley, and the ball fairly flew into the back of the net.