Celtic made a dramatic start to their new Scottish Premiership season by scoring a very late goal to beat St Mirren 1-0 at Parkhead (also called Celtic Park) on Sunday. It wasn’t an easy win, but a substitute named Luke McCowan came off the bench and helped his team win the match with a lucky deflected shot in the 87th minute—just three minutes before the end of regular time!
The game was filled with chances, a little bit of bad luck, and a lot of frustration, especially for the Celtic players and fans. But in the end, they got the three points they needed to begin their title defense on a winning note.
Who Are Celtic?
Before we go further, here’s a fun soccer fact:
Celtic FC is one of the most successful soccer teams in Scotland. They have won over 50 league titles and are known for their passionate fans and famous stadium, Parkhead. They are also part of a huge rivalry with Rangers FC, known as the Old Firm derby—one of the biggest soccer rivalries in the world!
Flag Celebration Before the Match
Before the match began, the atmosphere at Parkhead was full of excitement. Paul McStay, a legendary former Celtic captain, was there to perform the special flag-raising ceremony. Celtic were celebrating being league champions once again. In fact, this was the 13th time in the last 14 years that they were raising the Scottish Premiership flag! That also means it was the 4th season in a row that they started as champions. Talk about being consistent!
A Tough Game for Celtic’s Attackers
Even though Celtic won, the game wasn’t easy for them at all. Their coach, Brendan Rodgers, had warned fans earlier in the week that the team needed some new attacking players to help score more goals. After watching this match, it’s clear he had a point.
In the first half, Celtic had most of the ball, but they couldn’t score. They hit the goalpost three times! That’s when a player takes a shot, and it hits the side or top metal frame of the goal instead of going in. It can be really frustrating for a team when that happens.
Soccer Fact:
In soccer, hitting the post or crossbar doesn’t count as a shot on target, because the ball doesn’t make the goalkeeper work to stop it.
Some of Celtic’s best chances in the first half came from new and returning players. Kieran Tierney, a fan favorite who came back to the club after time away with Arsenal, made good passes and crosses. He looked lively on the field and tried to help his team create goals.
Another new signing, Benjamin Nygren from Sweden, had a good shot near the end of the first half, but St Mirren’s goalkeeper, Shamal George, made a great save by pushing the ball onto the crossbar. Nygren also tried a header right after that, but George was quick again and stopped it.
VAR Disallows a Celtic Goal
Midway through the second half, Callum McGregor, the Celtic captain, thought he had scored. He blocked a clearance by St Mirren’s Mark O’Hara, and the ball bounced kindly for him. He shot it into the net, and the fans cheered—but wait!
The VAR (Video Assistant Referee) checked the goal. After watching the replay, they decided that the ball had touched McGregor’s upper arm just before he scored. According to the rules, even accidental handball leading to a goal isn’t allowed. So, the goal was disallowed. The score stayed 0-0.
Soccer Fact:
VAR helps referees make better decisions by checking video footage. It can be used for goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
Substitutes Change the Game
As time went on, the Celtic attack wasn’t clicking well. Yang Hyun-jun, who started on the right wing, had a quiet game and was replaced by James Forrest just before the 60th minute. Celtic continued to push for a goal, and it felt like it just wasn’t going to happen.
Then came the moment of relief. In the 87th minute, a substitute named Luke McCowan made the difference. He received a pass from Daizen Maeda on the edge of the penalty area and took a shot. The ball hit St Mirren’s O’Hara and deflected—meaning it changed direction—and went into the bottom corner of the net. It wasn’t the most beautiful goal, but it was enough to give Celtic the 1-0 win.
A Win, but Room for Improvement
Even though Celtic got the win, it was clear they weren’t at their very best. Coach Brendan Rodgers had started with three attackers: Adam Idah in the center, Maeda on the left, and Yang on the right. But most of the goal chances came from midfielders, not the forwards.
Idah, who is known for his strength and goal-scoring ability, came close to scoring when he chested down a cross and volleyed the ball—but it hit the post.
Rodgers is hoping the club will bring in more attacking talent before the transfer window closes. He has already said he won’t sign a longer contract unless the club shows it wants to keep moving forward and improving.
Where Celtic Stands
Thanks to their win, Celtic started the season with 3 points, putting them 2 points ahead of Rangers, who could only manage a 1-1 draw against Motherwell on Saturday.
In a long season, every point counts, and even these early matches can help decide who becomes champion.
Final Thoughts
The match showed that Celtic has the skill and determination to win, even when things aren’t going their way. Their defense stayed strong, their midfield worked hard, and in the end, a substitute saved the day.
It also reminded fans that soccer isn’t just about fancy moves or big scores. Sometimes, a single goal—no matter how lucky—can make all the difference.
Soccer Fact:
In league play, a win gives 3 points, a draw gives 1 point, and a loss gives 0. The team with the most points at the end of the season becomes the champion!
Next up for Celtic: They’ll be hoping for a more comfortable win next week. But for now, they can celebrate this late victory—and keep chasing their next title.
