Callum Osmand celebrates. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
OVERALL – 8/10 – The madness of it all. After the tepid non-event snoozefest at Mordor a couple of months ago, this was like a fever-dream on purest absinthe. It was Halloween on Friday, extremely apt for playing the Zombies in many obviously comical ways, but particularly appropriate today as they took more attempts to kill off than Michael Myers in titular classic old slasher movie. Feels like we’ve been jinxed against them recently, and no different this afternoon as we inexplicably retreated back into our shells after dominating but failing to land real killer blows with their throats bared.
Liam Scales. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
So they got gallus on their new manager bounce and came out swinging with nothing to lose. That the Hoops didn’t handle it with authority, disdain and merciless punishment was the only real concern. Everyone’s got a plan until they get a punch in the face, but we couldn’t land one to put them back on their lardy-asses. That ruthlessness may come back to this embattled squad with renewed confidence. And the confidence to believe themselves more than a Japanese mid-priced family car comes with the events of extra-time when we re-asserted control and maintained creative intent, ultimately being rewarded with a rousing victory.
Shaun Maloney and Martin O’Neill. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
And a win was all that mattered. As ever in a semi-final. The fact we did it with a little pirate swashbuckling, a wily old sea dog at the helm, and ravaged the Zombies’ sordid delusions of adequacy to leave them perma-ragin’ makes it all the sweeter.
Christmas Cup Final, here we come.
Go Away Now
Sandman
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com
Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.
Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star
Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books
“Nylon” has shown over the past 2 games that he is a weak link.
Tries hard
Poor header of a ball even though he scored with one .
Gets into good scoring positions but can’t finish.
Took the ball off Kenny’s toe when he was about to shoot.
Nice to have a moan after 2 positive team performances and results.
Hail Hail.