Celtic V Hearts – Premier Sports Cup Second Round (15/08/2021)
To be able to go to my first Hearts game of the season and first Hearts game since 15th February 2020 against Hamilton, I had to go incognito and sit behind enemy lines. As Celtic did not give an away allocation and it’s close to where I live so wasn’t going to miss out, I ended up buying a home end ticket from general sale.
Due to RMT Union strikes on Sunday’s I couldn’t get the train to the game, so was relying on the bus service to Duke Street. As I’m useless at knowing when to get off buses in Glasgow I was happy there were others going to the game so got off when they did. Once off the bus I had a 20 minute walk to the stadium, no need for google maps today as can see Celtic Park from where I got off the bus. As I passed as badge and scarf seller I noticed two very random things to see in Glasgow, they were selling a Shrewsbury Town badge and also a AFC Telford United one. Made me feel a little bit home sick haha.
Had a little look around the ground before entering and taking my seat just to the left of the halfway line, say to say I could be the only Hearts fan at the game today but fuck it, as I said no way I’m missing watching the Jam Tarts on my doorstep. Had to be extra sly taking photos of the Hearts players warming up. Still wearing my colours though, with my lucky Hearts boxer shorts and white Umbro T-shirt, wasn’t going to be taking my jacket off regardless how much I sweated! Seemed odd with no away fans but I’m glad I wasn’t sat behind the pillar that blocks the view in the away section.
Decided on a prematch pie as there was no queue, £3 for a pie and £1.70 for a Capri sun. Not the best of pies I’ve ever eaten, a burnt crust and not much steak inside.
As the teams were read out, to no surprise the Hearts names were met with boo’s and still not sure how I feel about Salopian boy Joe Hart playing for Celtic. The opening 15 minutes Hearts were on the back foot but did well to shut out any Celtic attack. Edouard went down in the penalty area claiming a foul but the referee was having none of it and booked him for diving.
The home side took the lead on half an hour as Edouard was given too much space in the box and he put the ball past Gordon. Hearts were sitting far too deep and inviting Celtic to attack and from a corner after some poor marking they doubled the lead to through a Welsh header.
A very tough first half to watch from a Hearts perspective, barely out of our own half and struggled to put together a string of passes.
Went to use the loo and get a drink at half time, luckily I had my disabled toilet key with me as the queue to the genre was horrendous. As was the queue for the food stand, it was they long it was out into the tunnel to the stands so no drink for me.
Nice to see a second ex Salopian take to the field for the second half as Josh Ginnelly came on to replace Andy Halliday. Gino did well to work the ball into the box and went down in the six yard box but no penalty given. The defence had Craig Gordon to thank up the other end after he made two clinical saves. Ginnelly made a difference since coming on, getting on the ball and causing the Celtic defence problems.
Ginnelly again found space out wide and played the ball into Boyce who was taken down, with the whole crowd booing him and Joe Hart trying to put him off, he coolly out the ball into the net.
The comeback was short lived as a ball was played into the box to Furuhashi who was in space and beat Craig Gordon for 3-1.
A minute into 2 minutes injury time Hearts grabbed a second as McEneff smashed in from close range following a cross from the left by Kingsley. But it was too late as moments after the game restarted the referee blew for full time.
Hearts playing too deep cost them today as they let Celtic dictate the game for most of the 90 minutes. Another goal for Boyce and nice to see McEneff get a goal as he’s been impressive since joining Hearts, Ginnelly made a difference after coming on at half time.
Can’t knock Celtic Park as a stadium, it’s one of the biggest stadiums in Scotland and a good atmosphere can be created but the queues for food and toilets let’s it down a little.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – £17
Programme Price – £3.50
Programme Rating – 7/10
Refreshments – 4/10
Stadium Facilities – 5/10
Getting to stadium – 8/10
Stadium rating – 7/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Celtic against Hearts.
Daz Carding
Football Days With A Salopian Jambo 