03/08/2025 – CELTIC (A)

Saints started the 2025/26 season where they finished the previous one, at Celtic Park, but were unable to repeat the point secured on that occasion due to an extremely unfortunate late deflected goal that gave the home side an undeserved win.

The last time we wrote, the future of Stephen Robinson was in some doubt as various English clubs allegedly pursued the Irishman, but Saints greatest manager of this century remains in place in Paisley and has overseen a squad rebuild during the summer.

One position that was a problem last season was in goals, and 2 goalkeepers arrived in the summer, with Ryan Mullen moving from Renfrewshire minnows, Morton, and Shamal George from Wycombe Wanderers and installed as no 1 at Saints.

George, who had 2 seasons experience of Scottish football previously with Livingston, made his debut the previous week in the League Cup against Ayr Utd, but really caught the eye a Parkhead with a brilliant performance.

As well as the goalkeeper, 2 new right wing backs came into the club, Jayden Richardson and Tunmise Sobowale, and both played well on their league debuts, as did Richard King at centre back who looks like being another excellent addition to the squad.

Apart from this, Robinson relied mainly on the “old guard”, and the reliable more experienced heads put in splendid performances, with Alex Gogic absolutely immense at the back along with Marcus Fraser, who should go through the 250 appearances mark for the club this season.

The match itself wasn’t a classic, with Saints looking to hit Celtic on the counter attack and expertly closing down space and options for a home side bereft of imagination or cutting edge.

We had our chances. Mark O’Hara brought out a splendid save from the Celtic keeper in the first half from a curling shot, but it was the second half where Saints passed up 3 good opportunities to take the lead.

Firstly, after Jonah Ayunga had spun clear of 2 Celtic players before being fouled out wide, the referee allowed play to continue as Declan John broke into the box.

With many Saints players in support it looked like the lead could be fashioned, however the Welshman fluffed his cross and the clearest opening of the day for either side was wasted.

A few minutes later, Ayunga broke clear in the same area of the pitch and as he edged towards the penalty area and drew in Celtic defenders, the possibility of slipping in Killian Phillips for a clear run in goal was overlooked, with the forward scuffing a shot that was easily dealt with by Schmeichel.

The best chance however, was carved out with around 5 minutes remaining. Saints worked the ball down the right and a fine cut back by Sobowale found Oisin Smyth totally free at the edge of the box.

The Irish midfielder tried to wrap his foot around the ball and curl with pace into the corner which would have undoubtedly led to a goal had he executed it properly, however he failed to get the sufficient contact and the shot was blocked by a Celtic defender and a massive opportunity wasted.

This was to prove a defining moment, as a few minutes later, Luke McCowan’s harmless looking shot took a massive deflection, and fizzed past George into the corner of the net for the only goal of the match.

It was a cruel and undeserved outcome for Saints, but considering the almost farcical gap between the clubs in terms of budget, once more Stephen Robinson came up with a game plan that Celtic seriously struggled to overcome.

In Consilium towers, we discussed what could have swung the match our way, and like the game in May, we concluded it was the absence of Toyosi Olusanya, or a similar type of player, that can hurt teams with pace on the break.

Had we had such a player, we genuinely believe we would have won the last 2 matches at Parkhead, but finding this type of forward is not easy on our budget, plus we have Jalmaro Calvin who is yet to make his debut and could be that very man.

Additionally, we were impressed with Evan Mooney when he came on. Full of energy and movement and clever touches, the teenager has filled out a bit since last season and could have a big part to play this campaign.

At the end of the day, the result is not what we wanted, but it was the most difficult opening match you can get in Scottish football, and we were a few minutes away from getting at least a point, so it is hard to be despondent at all.

The squad is looking strong, and hopefully we will add again before the end of the window, maybe even before our next match, at home to Motherwell on Saturday, but no matter the case, we think we are in for another rollercoaster of a season.

COYS!

Celtic Players of the Match:

5 points – Alex Gogic

3 points – Shamal George

1 point – Marcus Fraser

Check our the Player of the Season race here –

PLAYER OF THE SEASON 2025/26