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Celtic’s resurgence under Martin O’Neill continued with an unconvincing but crucial 1-0 victory over a stubborn Falkirk side in the Scottish Premiership.
Benjamin Nygren’s 10th league goal of the season was enough to secure victory, leaving the Hoops six points behind leaders Hearts and level with established rivals Rangers.
The Baines had their best chances early on but were unable to capitalize on their confident and pressing play.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who has been widely criticized this season, made a fine save late in the game to deny Ethan Williams an equalizer and rescued defenders Auston Trusty and Liam Scales from errors.
O’Neill maintained his 100% domestic record this season as Hearts beat St Mirren to keep up the pressure in this season’s exciting title race.
Unconvincing but crucial
Benjamin Nygren (left) is Celtic’s top scorer this season
Celtic had to survive a first-half heat and a late scare to keep a second clean sheet in two games at Falkirk as O’Neill was handed the task of saving Celtic’s season after a tumultuous month under Wilfrid Nancy.
Daizen Maeda initially headed wide after breaking into the Falkirk defence, but the home side soon took advantage.
They looked compact in possession, making Celtic mistakes, breaking quickly and putting some dangerous balls into the visitors’ penalty area.
Opportunities will follow. Forward Barney Stewart had two shots on goal but his shots lacked power or accuracy, causing real trouble for Kasper Schmeichel, who was in goal when Falkirk last beat Celtic in 2007.
When Finn Yeats looked to have a good chance to head the ball he tried to knock the ball down and Philippe Lisa forced Schmeichel into another save.
Falkirk’s Barney Stewart (centre) has a first-half chance saved by Schmeichel
The home side’s best chance of the first half came when Kyrell Wilson burst down the right, cut inside Kieran Tierney and rounded the Celtic keeper, but lost his balance and fired wide when he looked destined to score.
Another quick counterattack was wasted when Leon McCann connected with a team-mate in the penalty area and his shot went wide.
Celtic halted momentum late in the first half and Falkirk was warned when Maeda received a free header from Arne Engels’ far post corner. Former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain made a superb save.
The opening goal was almost identical, with Nygren heading home from three yards out in a crowded goalmouth.
Referee Sean Murdoch makes Premier League debut since injury to John Beaton
The only change at half-time came from the match officials department, with injured referee John Beaton replaced by fourth official Sean Murdoch.
It was a fairly simple task for the substitute referee in a tense second period, with clear chances.
The Baines did create a great chance to equalize when a bouncing ball fell into the hands of Ethan Williams eight yards out. Schmeichel stretched out his body and blocked the substitute’s shot with his foot.
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel denies Ethan Williams’ equalizer
Celtic substitute Leo Hartart miskicked a late chance and the game was wiped out.
But Falkirk’s hopes were ultimately dashed when Schmeichel met Connor Allen’s header in stoppage time before a second corner in a row was overshot.
“A tough night”
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Martin O’Neill admits it was a tough night for Celtic as they win at Falkirk and says the club are looking to sign new players
celtics temporary boss Martin O’Neill In an interview with Sky Sports News:
“It was a tough night for us, really tough. I thought Falkirk played well and had a couple of good chances in the first half.
“We were lucky to be 1-0 up at halftime. I thought we improved in the second half, but even so, there were some skirmishes during the second half.”
“It’s nice to win the game, that’s the most important thing, but we can play better.
“Maybe I just felt a little nervous. Chasing points, no room for error, and I think that probably filtered into our game.”
On the transfer issue, O’Neill added: “We want to bring in some players, there is no doubt about it.”
“I know we’re halfway through January. But I’m very, very hopeful that we can do this.
“It’s also complementary to the team because we’ve basically been playing a lot of the same guys. Maybe that’s it, just maybe a little bit lacking in energy.”
“In that sense we still have a little bit of time. We have the cup and I want to focus on that.
“In the meantime, we’re trying to look at some things. We hope to be able to do some acquisitions at some stage.”
McGlynn takes a proactive approach
Falkirk boss John McGlynn wants his players to have more belief
Falkirk manager John McGlynn Sky Sports News:
“The way we play, we have to take confidence from it.
“We have to have more confidence and the players have to believe in themselves.
“I think we’re definitely very, very good.
“We haven’t got the results yet, but we’re going to play teams like this and we’re going to turn these into draws and then turn those draws into wins against them.”
