Celtic score much-needed win

Celtic 2 Parma 1

Celtic finally produced the result that would give them a much-needed lift ahead of the new campaign with a win against Parma.

The signs ahead of next week’s curtain-raiser had not looked promising following convincing defeats at the hands of Werder Bremen and Ajax.

But Chris Sutton and Momo Sylla both netted to hand Celtic the win - despite a last-minute Parma penalty - against the Serie A side just seven days before the new campaign kicks off.

O’Neill was able to welcome back both Joos Valgaeren and Stephen Crainey to a defence that has suffered badly through injury in recent games and that seemed to make all the difference.

Within 10 minutes of the start of Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat against Ajax Celtic were already two goals behind, but they produced a far more convincing display against the Italians in the early stages and took the lead after just seven minutes.

Henrik Larsson squared the ball across the face of goal into the path of strike partner Sutton, who produced a long, low shot to send the ball past goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.

The Hoops could have added to that tally after 16 minutes when Larsson met a Crainey corner only to nod over the crossbar from just six yards out.

If that was disappointing for the Swede, Frey’s save after 32 minutes must have been downright frustrating.

Neil Lennon took the ball into the 18-yard box before providing the cross for Larsson, who was ideally placed just a few yards from the goalmouth.

His point-blank shot looked certain to hit the back of the net but he was left stunned when Frey produced an incredible save to deny Celtic a second goal.

But the home side were challenging again just a minute after the re-start when Larsson was brought down just outside the area by Marco Marchionni.

Lennon curled the free-kick at goal and, although on target, the effort was held by the goalkeeper.

Celtic’s best chances were coming from set pieces - this time Bobby Petta was felled - but Crainey sent the free-kick just past the upright after 57 minutes.

Parma enjoyed a period of possession and their best chance fell to Francelino Matvzalem who bulleted a shot from 20 yards just over the crossbar.

But Celtic doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Sutton found himself in possession just a few yards from goal but his initial shot was blocked and the ball eventually fell to Sylla who stabbed home into the bottom left corner of the net.

Parma managed to pull a goal back in the final minute when referee Mike McCurry ruled that substitute goalkeeper Jonathan Gould had brought down Emiliano Bonazzoli in the box.

Marco di Valo stepped up for the spot kick and sent the ball past the reserve keeper, but by then it was too late for the Italians.