GLASGOW: Second division part-timers Arbroath scored a late goal to shock Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic as the part-timers earned a famous Scottish Cup fourth round replay with a 1-1 draw at Parkhead.
With one eye on Wednesday’s crucial Champions League fixture against Spartak Moscow, Celtic boss Neil Lennon made sweeping changes to his side with only two players from the midweek win over Hearts starting.
However, his makeshift side, which still contained six internationals, struggled to create any meaningful chances before a ridiculous own goal handed them a 36th minute lead when Arbroath defender Stewart Malcolm’s attempted clearance diverted off the backside of Alex Keddie and past Scott Morrison.
The Hoops upped the tempo in the second half and Morrison made superb saves to deny Miku and Lassad Nouioui before Arbroath shocked the home support with an 87th minute equaliser as a Steven Doris free-kick took a wicked deflection on its way into the net.
It continues Celtic’s dismal run at home, where they are without a win in three matches, and will cause the manager concern ahead of Wednesday’s match against Spartak when they will attempt to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Lennon said his side had more than enough chances to easily win the game.
“That’s football. We missed far too many chances for my liking at home but we’re still in the competition so we move on,” the Celtic boss said.
“I learned some things about some players and I’m disappointed with some performances but we had all the play and all the chances.”
Paul Sheerin, who was part of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle side that grabbed a famous Scottish Cup win at Celtic Park in 2000, was full of praise for his part-time players.
“To come as a part-time club, who train four hours a week, to the Scottish champions and get a result is up there with the best from a personal point of view,” the Arbroath manager said.
“We were dominated and my keeper was outstanding but I asked them to stay disciplined for as long as possible and I knew there would be a chance somewhere along the line and to get a result in any manner is incredible.”
Ibrahim Rabiu was handed his first start and tried his luck in the seventh minute with a shot from just outside the box that just dipped over the bar. AFP
