Jambos break Celtic hearts

A Michael Stewart penalty was all that was needed to put Hearts through to the Co-operative Insurance Cup Semi-Finals, after a 1-0 victory at Celtic Park.

Christian Nade, who was in fine form, was brought down by Danny Fox inside the box, and Stewart’s poorly hit penalty crept under Lukasz Zaluska in the Celtic goal. Both Georgios Samaras and Paddy McCourt hit the woodwork in spectacular fashion for Celtic and skipper Stephen McManus saw red, as Celtic slumped to their 7th defeat in 18 games under new manager Tony Mowbray.

Just over 18,000 were in attendance at Celtic Park, perhaps suggesting the feeling surrounding the club at this time. However, the away fans were in full voice and were given something to shout about early on, as Nade broke through the Celtic defence, cut in past Caldwell and although his shot beat Zaluska, it was cleared off the line by Celtic’s Andreas Hinkel.

A poor first half ended with great excitement:Hearts defender Ismael Bouzid headed wide from David Obua’s cross, before Celtic's Chinese International skipper, Zheng Zhi, rifled the ball just past the post for Celtic. Chris Killen then forced Janos Balogh to a point blank save as a drab first half came to a breathless conclusion.

McCourt replaced Shaun Maloney at half time and immediately lifted the home crowd. He picked the ball up at the halfway line, turned past Andrew Driver then skipped past no fewer than three Hearts players before smashing the ball off the crossbar. It was the type of lift that Celtic needed and the fans got right behind them.

The Celtic revival was short lived, as Hearts took the lead in the 57th minute. Nade broke through the Celtic defence again and was taken out by Fox, who made no contact with the ball. There was only one choice and that was to award the Edinburgh side a penalty. Under fire captain, Michael Stewart stepped up and his penalty just made it under the body of Zaluska.

Samaras tried to hit back as he latched onto Aiden McGeady’s ball and lobbed the goalkeeper. The Greek striker had already started celebrating, when he saw his effort bounce off the post and into the arms of Balogh. Fox then had a good free kick saved before Samaras again blew a great chance to level with his head.

What was a frustrating night for the league leaders soon turned extremely sour. Driver went on the counter attack for Hearts in injury time and McManus slid in with a ferocious tackle. Referee Craig Thomson initially showed him a yellow card, but after consulting his assistant he gave the Celtic captain his marching orders.

Boos rang round Celtic Park at the final whistle, which is becoming quite a familiar sound in the famous arena of late, as Celtic have now only won twice out of their nine home games domestically and in European competition. For Hearts and Csaba Laszlo it was a fantastic night, and the away fans went back to Edinburgh knowing their team has joined St Johnstone, Rangers and St Mirren, in the draw for the Semi-Finals.