Skip to content

Friendlies round-up

Image: Grant Holt: Norwich striker was on target in friendly victory over Celtic at Parkhead

Grant Holt's late strike gave Norwich a narrow victory over Celtic in their pre-season friendly at Parkhead.

Holt's late strike sinks Celtic

Grant Holt's late strike gave Norwich a narrow victory over Celtic in their pre-season friendly at Parkhead. After a night of close calls at both ends, the Canaries captain had the easiest of tasks in the 89th minute when the ball fell to him a few yards from goal, after Hoops goalkeeper Fraser Forster had blocked a drive from Jonathan Howson, to slam the ball into the net. Celtic manager Neil Lennon was in Iceland to see KR Reykjavik play HJK Helsinki in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, with the Finnish side winning 2-1 on the night for a 9-1 aggregate success which sets up a trip to Parkhead next week in the first leg of the third qualifying round. Lennon will already know following Saturday's 4-0 friendly defeat by Ajax in Amsterdam, that his side will have to improve if they are to get into the Champions League play-offs.

Pressure

Hibernian fell to a 2-0 friendly defeat against Union Berlin in Germany. Hibs played well in an even first half and Leigh Griffiths saw two efforts saved but the home side took the lead five minutes after the break through a header following a free-kick. Hibs, who brought on trialist Alan Maybury after 70 minutes, came under increasing pressure and goalkeeper Ben Williams made several good saves but was beaten from close range in injury-time. Dundee United won 2-0 at Alloa with Johnny Russell grabbing a goal in each half. St Mirren fielded former Rangers youngster Grant Adam in goal for a goalless draw at Dumbarton. Adam is trying to win a deal as back-up to Craig Samson and featured in a youthful Saints side that was supplemented by experienced players such as Gary Teale and Darren McGregor. Inverness lost 2-1 at Brechin despite taking the lead through Graeme Shinnie.

Around Sky