Celtic’s revival under Martin O’Neill continued with an unconvincing but vital 1-0 win against stubborn Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
Benjamin Nygren’s tenth league goal of the season was enough to secure victory to keep the Hoops six points clear of leaders Hearts, level with Old Firm rivals Rangers.
Burns had the best of the early chances but failed to capitalize on their confident and pressing game.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who has been widely criticized this season, pulled off a brilliant save late on to deny Ethan Williams an equaliser, saving defenders Auston Trusty and Liam Scales after mistakes.
With Hearts beating St Mirren, O’Neill maintained his 100 per cent home record this season to keep the pressure on in an exciting title race this season.
Unconvincing but crucial
Benjamin Nygren (left) is Celtic’s top scorer this season
Celtic had to survive a torrid first half and a late scare to emerge from Falkirk Stadium with his second goal in two games as O’Neill was tasked with saving Celtic’s season after a turbulent month under Wilfried Nancy.
Daizen Maeda headed home early after getting in behind the Falkirk defence, but the home side soon took the lead.
They looked compact out of possession, harassing Celtic into mistakes, breaking forward quickly and putting a few dangerous balls into the visitors’ goal.
Chances followed. Striker Barney Stewart hit the target twice but his shots lacked the power or accuracy to really trouble Kasper Schmeichel, who was in goal for Falkirk when they last beat Celtic in 2007.
Finn Yates tried to knock the ball down when he looked to have a good chance with a header and Philip Lees forced another save from Schmeichel.
Falkirk’s Barney Stewart (C) had a chance in the first half which was saved by Schmeichel
The home side’s best chance of the first half came when Kyrel Wilson broke down the right, cut in Kieran Tierney, rounded the Celtic keeper but lost his balance and shot wide when it looked destined to score.
Another quick counter-attack was wasted when Leon McCann shot well past a team-mate in the box.
Celtic stemmed the tide late in the first half and a warning followed for Falkirk when Maeda was awarded a free header from an Arne Engels corner. Former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain made a good stop.
The opener came from an almost identical delivery as Nygren nodded home from three yards in a crowded goal.
Referee Sean Murdoch made his Premier League debut following John Beaton’s injury
The only change at half-time came in the match officials as the injured referee John Beaton was replaced by fourth official Sean Murdoch.
It was a pretty clear mission for the reserve referee in a difficult second period with clear chances for a premium.
Burns created one great chance to equalize when a rebound fell to Ethan Williams from eight yards. Schmeichel spread wide and blocked the substitution attempt with his foot.
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel denied Ethan Williams an equaliser
Celtic substitute Reo Hatate mistimed a late chance to put the game out of sight.
But Falkirk’s hopes were eventually extinguished when Conor Allan’s stoppage-time header was headed in by Schmeichel before another corner in quick succession was tipped over.
‘Tough Old Evening’
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Martin O’Neill admits it was a difficult night for Celtic following their win at Falkirk as he says the club are hoping to get new signings in the door
Celtic interim chief Martin O’Neill speaking to Sky Sports News:
“It was an old night for us, really, really tough. I thought Falkirk played really well, had a couple of great chances in the first half.
“We were lucky to go in 1-0 at half-time. I thought we improved a bit in the second half, but even so, a few scrums here and there during the second half.”
“I’m delighted that we won, which is the most important thing, but we can play much better.”
“Maybe I just thought there was a little bit of nervous tension. Going for the points, there’s no room for error, and I think that maybe crept into our game.”
On the transfer front, O’Neill added: “We’re hoping to get some players in, there’s no doubt about that.”
“I know it’s the middle of January. But I’m very, very hopeful that we’ll do it.”
“Just as much to add to the team because we basically play a lot of the same players all the time. Maybe that was it, maybe just a little bit of energy.”
“We have a little time in that sense. We have a cup match, which I want to focus on.”
“In the meantime, we’re trying to look at some things. We hope to have some acquisitions at some stage or another.”
McGlinn takes the positives
Falkirk manager John McGlynn wants his players to have more faith
Falkirk the manager John McGlinn on Ski Sports News:
“The way we played, we have to have confidence.
“We have to believe more, the boys have to believe in themselves.”
“I think we were absolutely very, very good.
“We don’t have a result, but that’s how we play against such teams, we’ll turn this into draws, and draws into wins against them.”