![]() ![]() The Frenchman had banged in the goals for Celtic with 88 goals in four years while his form with the under-21s also benefitted from his confidence of knowing he could put the ball in the net from any angle, against any opponent on any given matchday. ![]() That goal was a sucker punch to the visitors and Dembele came close to completing his hat-trick with another header from a Forrest cross, but Gaston reacted well to tip it over.Įdouard wrapped up the victory with Celtic's third goal, finishing well after another run and cross by Forrest, to ensure the holders progressed to the semi-finals for the seventh time in nine seasons.Odsonne Edouard arrived at Crystal Palace with a reputation as a prolific goal scorer with club and country. Marvin Compper made his debut for Celtic, after signing in January from RB Leipzig ![]() However, the referee John Beaton judged the infringement to have taken place inside the area and Dembele scored with the spot kick. Seven minutes later, Celtic doubled their lead in controversial circumstances when they were awarded a penalty after Dembele was fouled by Michael Doyle just outside the box. The striker's effort flew over Gaston and bounced in off the underside of the bar. The midfielder showed neat skill on the edge of the box to flick the ball up before sending a right-foot volley inches wide.īut in the 63rd minute Celtic took the lead when Dembele claimed his 11th goal of the season with a fine header from a Rogic cross from the right. Morton, looking to reach the semi final for the first time since 1981, were not overwhelmed by the occasion and Andy Murdoch prompted a moment of alarm for Celtic goalkeeper Dorus de Vries. Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard came off the bench to good effect, scoring the third goal in the final minute The ball broke his way 12 yards out, but his shot had no power and was easily saved by Gaston. The Morton goalkeeper's first intervention was outstanding as he reacted superbly to turn away the Celtic midfielder's strike after a sweeping move the second he tipped round the post as Rogic fired in a left-foot volley.Įdouard replaced Scott Sinclair at the break and came close within two minutes of the restart. Tom Rogic had two efforts prior to the interval, but on both occasions he was denied by fine saves by Derek Gaston. The pair combined to release Forrest on a scampering run down the right, and his cross from the byline was met by the French striker, who's header was cleared off the goal line by the vigilant Morton captain Thomas O'Ware. Moussa Dembele won a spot kick for Celtic when he was tripped by Morton defender Michael DoyleĬeltic eventually found some rhythm just after quarter of an hour, when Dembele and James Forrest combined to create a good chance. ![]() Morton showed early promise, with manager Jim Duffy's tactics giving Celtic food for thought, particularly on the counter attack with midfielder Gary Harkins often prominent. Gary Oliver latched on to the former RB Leipzig defender's misplaced pass - his first touch of the ball for his new club - but the Morton forward delayed in shooting and Kristoffer Ajer raced back to concede a corner. Marvin Compper, on his Celtic debut, almost made an immediate impact to forget when he gifted the Championship club an early opportunity. The Morton chief executive Warren Hawke felt this match should have been postponed as a consideration for the safety of fans travelling to the match in the wake of the week's adverse weather, but the Greenock club's followers arrived in Glasgow in good numbers. Moussa Dembele opened the scoring against Morton with a powerful header The tie featured the two sides with the best defensive records in Scotland, and Celtic had to show patience as they worked to break down a visiting side that played with resilience and spirit.
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