Will317
07-18-2004, 05:17 PM
BBC Sport, 18.07.04
Pre-Season Friendly, Fulham 0-2 Celtic:
John Hartson and Neil Lennon were on target as Celtic strolled to a comfortable friendly win over Fulham.
Bobby Petta and Momo Sylla combined to set up Hartson for his ninth-minute strike, which brushed the fingertips of Ross Flitney on its way into the net.
Celtic doubled their lead in the 69th minute when Lennon tucked home a penalty after replacement keeper Mark Crossley had upended Stilian Petrov. Fulham fielded different teams in either half and failed to impress.
The Cottagers' first-half line-up was the marginally more threatening with Holland Under-19 international Collins John providing the greatest threat to a sturdy Celtic defence. But Martin O'Neill's side were far more impressive in all departments and it was no surprise when they took the lead, with Petta doing the damage. The Dutchman, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, carved his former employers open as a neat step-over swept him past Zat Knight before finding Sylla on the edge of the area. Sylla spotted Hartson in an unmarked position and teed-up Welsh striker Hartson for his first goal since January.
Celtic were outplaying their opponents and went close again in the 19th minute, with Sylla and Stephen Pearson forcing Flitney into action. But Fulham hit back and John tested Celtic keeper David Marshall after a long ball from Knight had opened up the visiting defence. And soon after towering centre-back Knight headed narrowly over the bar.
A different home line-up emerged after the interval and they were nearly caught out when Celtic substitute Craig Beattie threaded his way through a series of tackles only to shoot at the legs of Crossley.
Petrov was causing problems in Fulham's area and his overhead kick forced a fine save from Crossley.
Fulham enjoyed their slickest move of the game in the 68th minute when Ishmael Ehui found Mark Pembridge, who saw his powerful shot pushed away by Marshall. Facundo Sava then nodded inches over the bar from the ensuing corner.
Celtic continued to dominate and deservedly stretched their lead when Lennon scored from the spot.
Pre-Season Friendly, Fulham 0-2 Celtic:
John Hartson and Neil Lennon were on target as Celtic strolled to a comfortable friendly win over Fulham.
Bobby Petta and Momo Sylla combined to set up Hartson for his ninth-minute strike, which brushed the fingertips of Ross Flitney on its way into the net.
Celtic doubled their lead in the 69th minute when Lennon tucked home a penalty after replacement keeper Mark Crossley had upended Stilian Petrov. Fulham fielded different teams in either half and failed to impress.
The Cottagers' first-half line-up was the marginally more threatening with Holland Under-19 international Collins John providing the greatest threat to a sturdy Celtic defence. But Martin O'Neill's side were far more impressive in all departments and it was no surprise when they took the lead, with Petta doing the damage. The Dutchman, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, carved his former employers open as a neat step-over swept him past Zat Knight before finding Sylla on the edge of the area. Sylla spotted Hartson in an unmarked position and teed-up Welsh striker Hartson for his first goal since January.
Celtic were outplaying their opponents and went close again in the 19th minute, with Sylla and Stephen Pearson forcing Flitney into action. But Fulham hit back and John tested Celtic keeper David Marshall after a long ball from Knight had opened up the visiting defence. And soon after towering centre-back Knight headed narrowly over the bar.
A different home line-up emerged after the interval and they were nearly caught out when Celtic substitute Craig Beattie threaded his way through a series of tackles only to shoot at the legs of Crossley.
Petrov was causing problems in Fulham's area and his overhead kick forced a fine save from Crossley.
Fulham enjoyed their slickest move of the game in the 68th minute when Ishmael Ehui found Mark Pembridge, who saw his powerful shot pushed away by Marshall. Facundo Sava then nodded inches over the bar from the ensuing corner.
Celtic continued to dominate and deservedly stretched their lead when Lennon scored from the spot.