St.Mirren U 21's - v - Celtic U 21's - SPL Under 21 League: Date 16/10/00

With St.Mirren playing so well at Parkhead, it was hoped that the Under 21's could put on a performance of similar quality. Unfortunately this match was something of a disappointment and actually served to outline the quality on show at Parkhead. Celtic only had Tommy Johnson as a recognisable first team squad member. They also had Liam Miller, who has been so successful at youth level with Eire and Stephanne Bonnes, one of the John Barnes less remembered signings, in the line up for this match. Only a hardened player of Championship Manager would recognise any of the other names and, were they a Saints fan, have at least gotten to see if they are as good in real life.

The first half started well for Saints as both Jens Paeslack and Paul Rudden coming close. Jens shot straight at Corr and Rudden was possibly the wrong man in the right place as he chested the ball down and shot wide from inside the box. Celtic took control of the match soon after Rudden's 8th minute opportunity and, had Tommy Johnson taken the opportunities which came to him, they certainly could have gone in at half time easily in the lead, but as it was the half time score was only 2 - 0 to the Celts. Celtic's first goal came on the 18 minute mark and was put away by Tommy Johnson, seven minutes later and Johnson scored again with a header from a corner kick. Other noteable incidents from the first half were a fine 30 yard free kick from Sergei Baltacha, which went not far past the near post and a fine piece of trickery from Celtic's Jamie Smith, which ended with a shot and save. We also saw Paul Rudden taken off with an injured ankle, reports suggest that it is only bruised and swollen, indeed this is the impression Alastair MacLachlan gave at half time.

The second half was virtually all Celtic, it would be a lie to say anything else. Five minutes into the second half saw Jamie Smith released with the ball and he made his way into the box before nut-megging Joe Nellis to make the score 3 - 0. Two minutes later, though, it was time for us to cheer as Paul McKnight broke free and shot a fine swerving shot into the Celtic net from inside the box. St.Mirren's attempts at goal ground to a halt at this stage and Celtic had efforts from Smith, McCann and Convery all come close. Jim Goodwin also got in on the act with some, what can only be described as, ambitious, long range shooting.

Saints had Jens Paeslack booked and the only other name taken by the referee was that of Celtic's Jim Goodwin.

Overall, this match was one which would have pleased Martin O'Neill, Tommy Burns and Kenny McDowall but would probably have had Joe McLaughlin asking some questions after the match. Celtic showed how to play the ball, whilst Saints relied on the long ball to Paeslack. Some slack passing, control and selection of pass also cost Saints.

Man Of The Match: A number of Celtic players probably deserve the accolade, Tommy Johnson and Jamie Smith being two, but, as this is the official St.Mirren website report, I'll give the award to Paul McKnight. Paul looked dangerous on the ball and was, at times, the only forward actually posing any threat. His performance was topped off with a fine goal and as Davie Provan would say "I can't see past him!"

Trialist Report: Saints only two trialists were goalkeepers Joe Nellis and Willie Rankine. Joe is currently famred out to Thornliewood United and Willie is the under 18's goalkeeper. SPL rules demand that they are both named as trialists.