Half Time: Celtic 0-0 St Mirren | OneFootball

Celtic Park was packed to the rafters as 60,000 fans watched the legendary Paul McStay unfurl the league flag before kick off. The traditional unfurling marked Celtic’s 55th League title, the most achieved by any club in Scotland.

As the players took to their positions, the Green Brigade unveiled their stunning pre-match display, encompassing the full Lisbon Lions Stand – in tribute to the late great John Clark. A minute of applause was then held in tribute to both Clark and John Fallon.

The sun beamed down on Paradise as the referee blew his whistle to commence proceedings. It was the perfect start to what is proving to be a steady day for the Celts so far.

The Bhoys started the match with Schmeichel in goal, Johnston, Scales, CCV and Tierney across the back, Nygren, McGregor and Hatate in the midfield and Yang, Idah and Maeda up top.

A bright start saw plenty of nearly moments for both sides in the opening stages. Daizen Maeda’s dangerous runs almost producing something for Celtic.

On 13 minutes Kieran Tierney did well to beat his man with feign to turn back on the left wing, and his inviting cross was headed goalwards by Idah. The Irishman couldn’t generate the necessary power to beat the goalkeeper but the move prompted an outburst of ‘The best left back in Scotland’ from the terraces. Moments later, Hatate’s turn and crisp pass forward almost had Idah in on goal, then Tierney once more found the striker with a stunning cross that Idah out over the bar. The Linesman had his flag raised but replays showed he was onside and thus VAR would have been expected to intervene if the ball had found its way into the net.

In the 17th minute, quick thinking by Callum McGregor put Maeda one on one with the keeper. The Japanese forward rounded the keeper but elected to cross for Yang rather than roll the ball into an empty net. It was a decision that meant St Mirren escaped conceding.

Thereafter, Celtic began turning the screw. Fast, one touch passing was the way of things, but with just the final ball lacking. A golden chance presented itself on 27 minutes when Johnston’s deep cross found Tierney at the back post and the Scottish full back’s tantalising volley across the six yard box was diverted for a corner by Gogic, with Idah on his heels rather than pouncing to score.

Just prior the interval, another opportunity came Idah’s way. He did well to take the ball on his chest and work a yard of space but scuffed his finish into the ground.

In added time, Daizen Maeda skinned his marker and made a low cross on his left foot, which Nygren thundered across the bar, via the goalkeeper’s hand.

It’s 0-0 at the break. Celtic are firmly in the ascendancy, with a number of dangerous crosses flying across the box. Someone just needs to go and attack the ball to put the Hoops in front.