Petrov goal proves enough keep Celtic in top spot

Hibernian 0 Celtic 1

But the Bulgarian proved his finishing can be just as deadly when he fired home to secure the three points.

Celtic started the game strongly and immediately attempted to put the Hibernian goal under pressure.

Without Larsson, it was left to others to create the chances and Stilian Petrov came close after five minutes when he burst into the box only to see his shot blocked by Yannick Zambernardi.

But, as the game progressed, the Easter Road side started to enjoy more possession.

They were threatening the Celtic defence after nine minutes.

Hibs had a great chance to open the scoring against the league leaders after 21 minutes.

Skipper John O’Neil flighted a corner into the box which was met by the head of Townsley, who looked destined to find the back of the net with his header. But a vigilant Alan Thompson managed to clear the ball off the line.

Murray became the first player of the game to be booked after 30 minutes for a challenge on Paul Lambert and Thompson had another chance to try his luck at goal from the resultant free-kick. But he could only curl the 25-yard effort over the crossbar.

The home support were in an uproar minutes later when Celtic goalkeeper Rob Douglas appeared to lift the ball about a yard outside the area. But referee Mike McCurry took no action and ordered play to continue.

Hibs tried to keep the momentum going after the break, and Murray forced Douglas into an impressive save just seconds after the restart. But the linesman’s flag was already raised for off-side.

Hartson squandered another chance when he burst through on goal and tried to chip the Hibs goalkeeper only to send the ball well over the crossbar. But he made amends after 77 minutes when he played the ball through to Petrov who finally broke the deadlock when he bulleted the shot past Colgan.

HIBERNIAN: Colgan, Smith, Fenwick, Zambernardi, Orman, O’Neil, Murray, Wiss, James, McManus, Townsley.

CELTIC: Douglas, Valgaeren, Balde, Laursen, Sylla, Lambert, Lennon, Petrov, Thompson, Hartson, Fernandez.