The game itself

Quote: ABP' "I don't think Celtic are getting as many compliments as they deserve. I thought they did the basics very well and completed their sets by finishing them off with a good, deep kick that usually kept Richards pegged back in his own ten or twenty. In defence, they slowed the play the ball effectively and really pressured us into situtions where we'd be too flat in attack and Tim Smith in particular seemed caught in two minds on occasions.

With regards to us, there were points when there was a complete lack of structure when we should have been playing smart, and then there were times when when we'd built up momentum and have good attacking opportunities but would revert to simple five drives and kick. I thought we made some very poor missed tackles, probably the most in any game all season, the Tim Smith/Amos Roberts attempt in the first half was probably the worst example and that lead directly to a try.

Our main playmaker yesterday was Mark Riddell and I thought he played very well. He ran from dummyhalf frequently and seemed relatively dangerous all game, making a few breaks & halfbreaks but let himself down when that kick went out on the full in the second half. Again, another player that let himself down with another costly mistake was Feka when he knocked on in our own ten. Until then, he was playing well making lots of yards in the process and I've seen a thread on here in regards to him which I think is a knee-jerk reaction. I was happy with Gleesons performance and his footwork is very good, but the only link up with Roberts seems to be the inside ball. I'd like to see Roberts hug the wing more and Gleeson try to suck in the winger. As regards the fullback position position, I thought we seemed much more dangerous in attack when Phelps switched there. He seems to link up better than Pat and has a good pair of hands that on one occasion set up an Ainscough break after cutting a couple of players out. Although Richards returned the ball ok, I prefer him outwide. I felt a little sorry for Ainscough and it seemed to be another case of one extreme to the other which unfortunately lead to him being subbed. He threw out a couple of crazy balls on the kick return, one that left us with little space and we ended up in touch and the other being passed straight into touch. When he did return the ball correctly, he looked fast and was hovering across the defence looking for a gap to jink through Robinson-style. He was dangerous, but lacked composure. I'm sure he'll learn.

I thought Stuart Fielden was bullied throughout the game. He was smashed from all directions and I think the only way he'll improve significantly is if he piles some weight on. Other mentions...Flanagan did well when he came on, particulary in defence but I would have liked to see him with the ball in hand a bit more. Tommy seemed quite dangerous in parts especially backing up the ball carrier, I think he's made for hooker.

All in all, we didn't play very well but we weren't dreadful. Celtic just handled us well, played the basics and striked at the right times. We didn't have the composure or correct tactics to control the game.'"

Regardless of all your positive comments towards the Celtic side, they possibly played the best they can. But it was still a NL1 standard performance from them.

Wigan should have had NO problems beating them and beating them with ease.