Unsurprisingly, the first half of the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers has been highlighted by intense physical play. It took less than two minutes for the referee to show Anthony Stokes a yellow card for a vicious challenge on Sasa Papac. Because of the nature of the game, the first half had very few chances, but Celtic made the most of their first clear-cut chance of the match.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers: Red-Hot Hooper Puts Bhoys Ahead
Celtic had four corners in quick succession at the end of the half, the last of which they converted in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half. Anthony Stokes’ corner deflected off Steven Whittaker, who was attempting to clear the ball away from danger. It dropped to a waiting Gary Hooper at the back post. He controlled well and blasted it into the roof of the net, giving Celtic a lead going into halftime.
Neither team has looked spectacular, but before the flurry of corners at the end, Rangers had more of the play and created a couple of decent shots. Steven Whittaker hit the post once very early in the match.
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