Celtic restored their four-point lead at the top of the Premiership with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over bottom side Kilmarnock at Parkhead. Liam Scales scored his third goal of the season, while a VAR decision denied Kasper Hogh his first league goal of the campaign.
Scales strikes after VAR drama
Hogh thought he had ended his goal drought when he buried a chance following a neat move involving Mika Baur, Camilo Duran and Benjamin Nygren. However, video officials spotted a foul by Baur on Greg Kiltie in the build-up, and referee John Beaton ruled the goal out after a quick review.
Celtic's opener arrived soon after when Scales stretched to meet Duran's cross and looped a volley into the net. The goal came after a tense opening, with Kilmarnock nearly taking the lead inside 40 seconds when Tom Lowery was picked out by Ieuan Owen at the back post, but keeper Sam Johnstone made a brilliant double block.
Killie hold on despite late pressure
Colby Donovan and Duran went close early in the second half, but Kilmarnock hung on and posed the odd threat. Baur nicked in behind to find the net only for the offside flag to go up, before Hogh was denied again by a frantic late block.
Nygren had a chance to make it comfortable when VAR awarded a penalty after an Aaron Tshibola handball, but his spot kick was superbly saved by Nico Mantl. Celtic saw out the remaining minutes to secure the points going into the international break.
Welcome break for weary Hoops
Manager Martin O'Neill spent the last international lay-off thinking about his future, but this time he will be considering his options on the pitch. Victory against Besiktas was a much-needed boost, and another three points here was probably all that mattered on the back of European graft.
It was more solid than sparkling, with the performance described as a bit of a slog. O'Neill is starting to get more options, with Jota building fitness and Yang Hyun-jun back.
Hogh's wait goes on
Celtic's number nine must feel cursed, with the Dane now going 16 games without a goal. He had the torture of thinking he had ended the drought before VAR wrecked his celebrations. Hogh worked hard and was selfless in his play, but not much is going his way.
He would have fancied a crack from the penalty spot, but he had already been subbed when it was awarded. Hogh isn't hiding, and he got a warm response when he went off.
Baur impresses, Johnstone finds form
Baur is really starting to make an impression for Celtic. The little German was top class against Killie, involved in everything, picking his passes perfectly and driving the Hoops forward. Celtic will be praying his sore one at the end isn't serious.
Sam Johnstone, on loan from Wolves, made a brilliant point-blank save in the first minute and then got up to keep out the rebound. There was another smart stop from Michael Schjonning-Larsen from long range, and he looked far more comfortable in general.
Killie take heart from display
Kilmarnock remain bottom of the table, but manager Neil McCann can take some heart from the display. It was a bold move going with three strikers on the pitch, but it gave Celtic plenty to think about.
They created chances and looked much more resilient at the back than they have done in recent months. If they can dig in like they did at Parkhead, some brighter times might be ahead.
