FROM NEIL DOHERTY AT GAYFIELD: IT’S the Scottish Cup and Celtic would love to win it this year – just to kill off some ghosts from the past.
So when Abroath came to Parkhead and stole a draw, the prospect of tonight’s replay had us all wondering nervously if this would be another season without the end of season showpiece trophy.
Thankfully Adam Matthews’ brilliant strike after 18 minutes was good enough to move the Hoops into the next round on a frozen pitch which didn’t always make for pretty football.
Celtic dominated the game, but never added to the 1-0 scoreline. But it’s winning matches which counts and Neil Lennon was delighted with the result.
The manager had made two changes to the side which beat Kilmarnock 3-1 at the weekend, bringing Beram Kayal and Georgios Samaras into the starting XI. Joe Ledley missed out through injury while Gary Hooper dropped to the bench.
For his goal, Matthews took the ball from Colin Hamilton and went on a run down the right flank. With a wonderful finish he slammed the ball into the net to put his side into the lead.
Celtic remained in control and Tunisian star Lassad came close several times to adding to the lead.
Arbroath had two goals disallowed – both rightly.
And Forster made a couple of great saves.
Celtic will now face Raith Rovers in the fifth round early next year.
“It was a performance full of character,” said Neil Lennon afterwards.
“It was a horrible night. The pitch got worse as the game went on and you could see how difficult it was to play on. It became almost like an ice rink.
“I was worried about the safety of the players but they showed their professionalism tonight and great character. The pitch was definitely a leveller.”
Neil added: “Matthews is a great athlete, he’s got great pace and we’ve been asking him to do more of that.
“He was far more productive in his offensive play on Saturday and again tonight. He was probably our best outlet and the goal was a real thing of beauty.”
ARBROATH: Morrison; Baxter, Malcolm, Keddie, Hamilton; Doris, Currie, Kerr (Birse 77), Robertson, Sheerin (Holmes 77); Sibanda (Rennie 73)
Subs not used: Gribben, Bullock
CELTIC: Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, Wilson; Matthews (McGeouch 90), Brown, Kayal, Mulgrew, Izaguirre (Wanyama 66); Samaras, Lassad (Hooper 66)
Subs not used: Zaluska, Miku