Tom Rogic leaves it late to spare Celtic blushes at Livingston

Rangers have a game in hand but Celtic showed just how determined they are to make it nine titles in a row this season.

Tom Rogic leaves it late to spare Celtic blushes at Livingston

[team1]Celtic[/team1][score1]2[/score1][team2]Livingston [/team2][score2]2[/score2][/score]

Tom Rogic’s dramatic stoppage-time strike from the bench earned Celtic a point from a 2-2 draw at Livingston and stretched their lead over Rangers at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Hoops midfielder Callum McGregor thundered in the opener from the edge of the box in the 16th minute before Livi captain Jon Guthrie levelled eight minutes later after a Fraser Forster fumble.

Midfielder Scott Robinson, who had scored in the Lions’ 2-0 win over the Hoops in October, notched less than a minute after the break. However, at the death, substitute Rogic slammed in an equaliser to take Celtic 13 points clear of Rangers, who lost 1-0 at home to Hamilton.

Rangers have a game in hand but Celtic showed just how determined they are to make it nine titles in a row this season.

All eyes were on West Lothian as Livi attempted to repeat their previous shock win over the champions, who had recorded their 34th consecutive domestic cup-tie victory on Sunday with a 1-0 William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final win at St Johnstone.

Attacker Elyounoussi returned to the Hoops side to partner striker Odsonne Edouard at the expense of Leigh Griffiths, while Robinson replaced Jack McMillan and former Celtic defender Efe Ambrose made his home debut.

The visitors took the lead moments after Hoops keeper Forster had tipped a long-distance effort from Robinson past a post.

The Parkhead side survived the corner and when they raced up the other end, Livi defender Steve Lawson failed to connect with his clearance from Greg Taylor’s cut-back and the ball landed at the feet of McGregor, who quickly switched the ball on to his right before driving high past Livi goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, on loan from Rangers.

Forster was at fault for Livingston’s unexpected leveller.

The Southampton loanee failed to gather left-back Ciaron Brown’s long throw-in under pressure from Guthrie and the Livi defender simply hooked the ball over his head and into the net.

There were some Celtic looks towards referee Willie Collum to blow for an infringement but the goal stood.

The champions then had two good chances to restore their lead.

In the 35th minute Celtic defender Christopher Jullien headed a Ryan Christie free-kick over the bar. Edouard then crashed a shot off a post after being set up by McGregor, who had robbed Lawson on the touchline, before McCrorie punched away a shot from Taylor with the last action of the first half.

Celtic and their fans were stunned within a minute of the second half when striker Lyndon Dykes outmuscled Jullien on the right-hand side and rolled the ball back for Robinson to drive into the net from 14 yards.

Forster saved Aaron Taylor-Sinclair’s drive from wide with his feet moments later as Celtic wobbled before storming back.

Dykes missed the target with a curling shot after Steve Lawless played him in after picking up a loose Jullien clearance.

But Celtic kept piling forward and only a timely tackle by Guthrie thwarted Edouard as he set himself to shoot just 12 yards from goal.

It was backs-to-the-wall defending by the home side, but in dramatic fashion Rogic converted an Edouard cut-back in stoppage time as Celtic were again rewarded for their never-say-die spirit.

Elsehwere, frustrated Steven Gerrard faces another round of desperate soul searching after Rangers slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Hamilton at Ibrox and St Mirren were held to a goalless draw at home to St Johnstone

more courts articles

Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van

More in this section

Mujaguzi stunner halts Kerry's unbeaten run Mujaguzi stunner halts Kerry's unbeaten run
Bray Wanderers v Longford Town - SSE Airtricity Men's First Division Third consecutive win for Bray as they overcome Treaty
Manchester City v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League - Quarter-Final - Second Leg - Etihad Stadium City have no time to dwell on Madrid heartache
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited