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Celtic atone for last week's slip with win over Motherwell

13/04/2008

Celtic have gained revenge for their defeat against Motherwell last week with a comprehensive 4-1 away win at Fir Park.

The home side could not repeat their heroics from eight days ago as Gordon Strachan's men closed the gap to Rangers at the top of the table.

Stephen McManus scored at both ends before Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink secured all three points for the Bhoys.

Celtic took the lead when Shunsuke Nakamura's free-kick caused confusion in the Well penalty area, allowing McManus to poke the ball home with goalkeeper Graeme Smith stranded.

McDonald nearly found himself on the scoresheet six minutes later but sent his header wide of the mark as Celtic threatened to run rampant. Instead McManus was unfortunate to help Motherwell draw level.

Ross McCormack slid a shot past Artur Boruc which rolled slowly towards the goal-line. As McManus attempted to clear the defender could only manage to find the back of his own net.

Luckily for McManus Motherwell were not level for long. Five minutes later Steven Hammill produced a fine tackle to deny Nakamura but the ball rolled neatly into the path of McDonald who made no mistake.

Just before the break Celtic gave themselves a two-goal cushion thanks to Vennegoor of Hesselink who headed home Barry Robson's corner.

The Dutchman then doubled his tally when he fired home from the edge of the box midway through the second half.

Celtic are now four points adrift of Rangers but their Old Firm rivals still have games in hand.