Two-goal Samaras sinks Rangers in Old Firm derby
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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Georgios Samaras struck his first league goals of the season as Celtic FC opened up a four-point advantage over Rangers FC courtesy of a 2-0 triumph against their Glasgow rivals.
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Two goals from Georgios Samaras, his first in the Scottish Premier League this term, earned Celtic FC a 2-0 win against Rangers FC in the second Old Firm derby of the season.
Following a first half when Rangers' Lee McCulloch came closest with a glancing header which Emilio Izaguirre cleared via the aid of his own crossbar, Samaras rewarded Celtic for their enterprising start to the second period with the opener on 62 minutes. Running on to Joe Ledley's long pass, the Greece striker beat Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor to the ball and stroked it into the unguarded net.
Samaras, without a goal for Celtic since he hit a hat-trick in a League Cup tie in September, added his second from the spot after being clipped by Madjid Bougherra. The victory gives Neil Lennon's side a four-point lead over their fierce rivals at the summit, though Rangers do have two games in hand.
Lennon, who was without nine players because of injury, suspension and international call-ups, said: "It's a huge result. Going into the game I don't think many people give us much of a chance coming here to play a good Rangers team. There was real determination about the team today and once they got over the initial flurry that happens in Old Firm games I thought we were by far the better side."