McGregor’s Stoppage-Time Strike Keeps Celtic in Title Hunt
Well, what a dramatic finish we witnessed in Paisley as Celtic managed to snatch all three points from St Mirren in a match that looked set to end in a goalless draw. For most of the 90 minutes, Celtic struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their visitors’ play lacking the sharpness and penetration that fans have come to expect. St Mirren, meanwhile, had the upper hand for large portions, coming agonizingly close to scoring on several occasions. Conor McMenamin, in particular, had a day of near misses—he hit the post from close range and then again from 20 yards after a half-cleared corner. There was even a disallowed goal when Liam Scales inadvertently sent the ball past Kasper Schmeichel, with the offside flag cutting short what could have been a breakthrough for the home side.
Celtic’s captain, Callum McGregor, however, had other ideas. Deep into stoppage time, well past the four minutes initially added on, McGregor unleashed a spectacular strike from 25 yards that rocketed into the top corner, leaving both goalkeeper Shamal George and the St Mirren defense helpless. The goal not only secured a 1-0 victory but also narrowed the gap to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts to just four points, keeping Celtic firmly in the title race. The moment sparked scenes of jubilation as Celtic supporters flooded the pitch, celebrating what could only be described as a perfectly timed, clutch performance.
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Interim manager Martin O’Neill described McGregor’s contribution as “absolutely massive” and praised the quality of the goal, noting that it may not have reflected the general flow of the game, but it was “just great to win.” O’Neill admitted that Celtic had struggled to create chances and that the game had been heading toward a draw before McGregor’s intervention. Despite their challenges on the ball, the win provides a vital boost in confidence and keeps momentum alive for the champions as the season heads into its crucial stages.
St Mirren, meanwhile, could feel hard done by. Manager Stephen Robinson lamented the fine margins that have plagued his side in recent games, pointing to the string of disallowed goals and near misses. Despite their dominance at times, including several promising attacks, the home side ultimately fell short, undone by one moment of individual brilliance.
Off the field, the atmosphere had been tense, with Celtic’s abandoned annual general meeting and visible fan unrest providing an undercurrent throughout the match. Chants directed at the board and principal shareholder Dermot Desmond echoed in the stands, yet McGregor’s last-gasp winner offered a perfect antidote to frustration, at least for the team and their supporters.
In short, while Celtic may have struggled for large stretches, the victory was snatched in spectacular fashion, keeping their title hopes very much alive and leaving St Mirren to rue what might have been. It was a game defined not by the chances created but by one unforgettable strike that will be remembered for a long time.
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