Liam Scales Goal Gives Celtic 1-0 Win Over Kilmarnock

Liam Scales secured a 1-0 victory for Celtic over Kilmarnock with a 26th-minute strike at Celtic Park, according to Sky Sports.

The Republic of Ireland defender hooked a cross from Camilo Duran into the top corner, restoring his side’s four-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The champions dominated large stretches of the match but struggled to extend their lead. Benjamin Nygren missed a second-half penalty after Aaron Tshibola was penalized for handball, as reported by RTE.ie.

Kasper Hogh saw his early opener ruled out following a VAR review, extending his scoreless run to 16 matches. The Danish striker finished from seven yards out after receiving a pass from Nygren, but referee JohnBeaton consulted the pitchside monitor, according to Sky Sports, and disallowed the goal for Mika Baur’s foul on Greg Kiltie in the build-up.

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann told Sky Sports News that his side deserved to take something from the match.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill praised his match-winner after the final whistle. “I couldn’t speak more highly of him,” O’Neill told the Irish Independent, adding that the defender is defensively strong and eager to contribute goals.

O’Neill also handed Jota his first start since returning from his 18-month lay-off, before substituting the Portuguese winger at half-time for Yang Hyun-jun.

Referee John Beaton reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and awarded a free-kick to Kilmarnock for Mika Baur’s foul on Greg Kiltie during the build-up, according to Sky Sports.

Benjamin Nygren took the 75th-minute spot-kick after Aaron Tshibola handled the ball, but Kilmarnock goalkeeper Nico Mantl blocked the attempt, as reported by RTE.ie.

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