Skip to content
Full Time After Extra Time This is a live match. Extra Time Half Time

Motherwell vs Celtic. Scottish Premiership.

Fir ParkAttendance8,888.

Motherwell 0

    Celtic 1

    • N Ciftci (15th minute)

    Motherwell 0-1 Celtic: Visitors grind out win to go top

    17/10/15 LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP.MOTHERWELL V CELTIC.FIR PARK - MOTHERWELL.Nadir Ciftci scores for Celtic.
    Image: Nadir Ciftci scores for Celtic to give them a first-half lead

    Celtic moved two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a nervy 1-0 victory at Motherwell.

    Celtic were dominant in the first half and should have led by more than just Nadir Ciftci's goal at the midway point.

    Instead of building on their lead, they toiled in the second period and although they were never in any great danger of dropping points, they made hard work of securing the win.

    Nevertheless, they now go back to the summit after previous leaders Aberdeen lost their fourth consecutive game at Ross County on Friday night.

    With their success, the Hoops also condemned their former player Mark McGhee to defeat in the first game of his second spell managing Motherwell.

    Celtic's Nir Bitton (left) and Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson (right) exchange words
    Image: Celtic's Nir Bitton (left) and Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson (right) exchange words

    It was a sloppy start from both teams and they took time to build any rhythm after the international break.

    Celtic made the best early chances - Ciftci's shot deflecting wide, Tyler Blackett heading off target and Stuart Armstrong shooting past - without looking like scoring.

    Also See:

    It wasn't long before the visitors forged ahead though and when they did, it was a poor goal to lose from a defensive point of view.

    Armstrong cut inside and that set up Kris Commons but his shot was saved by keeper Connor Ripley, only for Ciftci to pounce and turn in the rebound.

    Striker Nadir Ciftci celebrates opening the scoring for Celtic with team-mate Scott Brown
    Image: Striker Nadir Ciftci celebrates opening the scoring for Celtic with team-mate Scott Brown

    Motherwell's response was meek and they struggled to keep possession as their opponents swarmed all over them.

    That said, the hosts had a penalty claim the first time they did manage to get forward after falling behind but Wes Fletcher's complaints were waved away.

    Celtic kept pressing, with Ripley having to react well to tip a quick Commons free kick from long range over the upright before Nir Bitton shot too high with a half volley.

    17/10/15 LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP.MOTHERWELL V CELTIC.FIR PARK - MOTHERWELL.Dedryck Boyata holds off Motherwell's Wes Fletcher (right).
    Image: Dedryck Boyata (left) holds off Motherwell's Wes Fletcher (right)

    Commons went even closer as the break approached, hitting another free kick which beat Ripley this time but smacked off the crossbar.

    Ronny Deila's men continued to have an edge after the restart, with Commons having another go but not yet conceding.

    He was also denied a penalty too, despite it looking as though the ball struck a stray arm after he nodded back across the byline.

    Celtic threw on Leigh Griffiths as they looked to kill the game having had so many chances with Motherwell yet to muster a single attempt with an hour gone.

    Mark McGhee started his second spell in charge of Motherwell against his former side
    Image: Mark McGhee started his second spell in charge of Motherwell against his former side

    But having dictated so much at first, the reigning champions were becoming slack and Motherwell consequently grew in belief.

    The away team were finding it hard to lift their levels again and McGhee's side showed plenty of vigour without ever looking like levelling.

    That means Celtic were able to see out their eighth win of the league season and they now lead the way in their quest for a fifth successive title.

    Around Sky