Celtic 2-1 Motherwell: Back-to-back wins for Neil Lennon's side

Celtic won back-to-back games in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since December as they saw off a spirited Motherwell on Saturday.

Allan Campbell scored a fine goal for Motherwell, who earlier had strong claims for a first-half penalty.

The win leaves Celtic 20 points behind Premiership leaders Rangers with a game in hand.

Motherwell remain ninth after losing for the first time in three games, but they were left to ponder what might have been after missing late chances to earn a point.

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It was a whirlwind start from Celtic. Their first attack earned a corner, from which Welsh powerfully headed home his first goal for the Glasgow club.

From there, they looked in the mood. Edouard flashed a header wide from close range, before David Turnbull twice went close from outside the area and debutant Jonjoe Kenny had a low shot blocked by the goalkeeper as Motherwell were rocked against the ropes.

In the midst of the pressure though, Bevis Mugabi met a Motherwell free-kick but headed weakly at keeper Scott Bain.

For all Celtic's possession, the visitors were only a goal behind and they continued to carry a threat themselves.

Chris Long's jinking run was curtailed by Kristoffer Ajer on the edge of the box, with debate over whether it should have been a penalty. A free-kick was given, from which Long forced a save from Bain.

Something had to give, though, as Motherwell allowed Celtic too much of the ball. Edouard and Turnbull both passed up chances, before the former exchanged passes with McGregor and drove the ball inside the near post to double the lead.

Celtic didn't relent. Turnbull had a long-range shot tipped wide and Ajeti headed over from close range. But just as you thought Celtic were going to run over the visitors, back came Motherwell.

Devante Cole's shot was saved and Mugabi headed wide from close range, but they pulled one back when Campbell superbly chipped Bain from outside the area.

All of a sudden Celtic were hanging on. Long drove a ball across the box, but Cole did not know much about it and it hit off him, while Jordan Roberts could not get to the loose ball at the back post.

At the other end, Liam Kelly brilliantly palmed away Tom Rogic's powerful shot and Mohamed Elyounoussi's effort was deflected just past a post.

But as the seconds ticked away Motherwell almost snatched a point. Harry Smith met a looping cross, headed towards the far post, and Diego Laxalt had to clear off the goalline with almost the last kick.

Man of the match - Greg Taylor

What did we learn?

The midweek win over Kilmarnock had installed confidence in Celtic. The early goal settled any early nerves and they played to a level above what they have been at for some time.

But when they conceded their confidence was frazzled, and in the end they may count themselves fortunate to have taken all three points. It was very much a case of impressive going forward but unconvincing still at the back.

Motherwell deserve credit for having an attacking mindset. In the first half, they gave Celtic far too much of the ball and were punished for it, but they kept at it and could have taken home a point on another day.

What did they say?

Celtic manager Neil Lennon: "I thought we were superb for long periods and 2-0 didn't flatter us - we deserved to be more in front. Then Motherwell got a bit of luck with their goal and the psychology of the game changes.

"We got a bit anxious towards the end, but thoroughly deserved the win. We had to rely on Diego for a great clearance at the end, but an equaliser would have been a great injustice."

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander: "I thought we really grew into the game, we had more confidence on the ball, and we scored a great goal from Allan Campbell who from me was the best player on the pitch.

"We went so close to getting that equaliser and on our second-half performance I think we would have deserved it."

What's next?

Celtic are away to St Mirren on Wednesday (18:00 GMT kick-off), while Motherwell visit Kilmarnock on the same evening (18:00).

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