Active Nation Scottish Cup
Saturday, 13/03/2010. KO 12:15
Kilmarnock 0 - 3 Celtic
Keane (3)
Celtic progressed to the semi-finals of the Scottish cup after beating Kilmarnock 3 - 0 away from home. The first half was a fairly dull affair with Kilmarnock closing Celtic down quickly and they could have taken the lead after 13 minutes but they hit the bar. Keane had a shot saved after approximately 20 minutes as Celtic looked for the opener. There was little else to talk about in the first half apart from a shocking tackle on Rasmussen which warranted a red card but didn't even receive a yellow. Rasmussen could have received a red himself later for an elbow to the head of the Kilmarnock defender which went unnoticed.
Celtic started the second half much brighter and McGeady looked to be returning to form. He latched on to a cross by Keane but his volley was well saved by the Kilmarnock goal keeper. Later he had another shot go inches over the bar. Kilmarnock should have taken the lead after 55 minutes but hit the post. Celtic took the lead after 64 minutes when Keane expertly controlled a fantastic pass from Braffheid, rounded the goal keeper and slotted home. Samaras almost made it 2 but his shot went narrowly wide. Keane did make it 2 after 81 minutes when he tapped home a Fortune cross ball after excellent work from Samaras. Keane grabbed his hat trick a minute later when Fortune unselfishly crossed to Keane who brilliantly curled the ball around the goal keeper from the edge of the box.
This was a game of 2 halves, with the first being particularly dull and the second quite entertaining. McGeady played well and N'Guemo was his usual busy self. Credit must also be given to Fortune and Samaras who both showed what team play is all about.