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Last Updated: Saturday, 29 July 2006, 13:24 GMT 14:24 UK
Celtic 4-1 Kilmarnock
Maciej Zurawski celebrates scoring the opening goal
Maciej Zurawski scored the opening goal of the Scottish season
Celtic celebrated unfurling the championship flag by cruising to an opening-day victory over Kilmarnock.

Kenny Miller pounced on a mistake by new Killie signing David Lilley for Maciej Zurawski to roll in the opener.

Jiri Jarosik, in his competitive debut for Celtic, headed in a Zurawski cross for the second and Shunsuke Nakamura curled in a free-kick for the third.

Steven Naismith volleyed home from 15 yards to give Killie some hope before Zurawski slammed in a fourth.

New signings Jarosik, Caldwell and Kenny Miller were all in the starting line-up as Celtic opened the Scottish Premier League season.

But Derek Riordan had to be content with a place on the bench, with Aiden McGeady starting in midfield.

Paul Telfer was a surprise omission, with Mark Wilson moving to his natural right-back position and Mo Camara starting on the left.

Camara's runs and crosses were the early inspiration for Celtic, who created the better early chances.

A Killie defence without injured pair Alan Combe and Simon Ford, replaced with Graeme Smith and Lilley, were quickly under pressure.

And Miller and Nakamura both sliced volleys wide at the back post.

But Killie had an equal amount of first-half possession and Naismith ought to have given them the lead after pouncing on Caldwell's poor control.

Last year's young player of the year shot straight at the chest of Artur Boruc and the goalkeeper saved at the striker's feet when he attempted to score at the second attempt.
Jiri Jarosik celebrates on his scoring debut
Jiri Jarosik scored on his debut for Celtic
But sloppy control from Lilley allowed Miller to steal the ball and deliver a fine, crossfield ball to the unmarked Zurawski, who drilled it low into the net from 10 yards for the opening goal.

Killie fell further behind when Zurawski curled in a cross that the rising Jarosik directed in off the far post via his shoulder from 14 yards.

Celtic were in total command after the break, Zurawski and McGeady sending drives just wide.

Goalkeeper Smith then had to be quick off his line to save at the feet of Miller.

Garry Hay had to clear a Caldwell header off the line following a corner kick.

But Nakamura killed off Killie with a curling free-kick into the corner of the net from 20 yards.

Naismith pounced after Celtic failed to clear their lines, but Zurawski restored the advantage in the closing minutes.


Celtic: Boruc, Wilson, Caldwell, McManus, Camara, Nakamura, Petrov, Jarosik (Sno 84), McGeady, Zurawski, Miller (Riordan 88).
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Thompson, Varga, Lawson, Wallace.

Booked: Boruc.

Goals: Zurawski 25, Jarosik 38, Nakamura 75, Zurawski 90.

Kilmarnock: Smith, Fowler, Lilley, Greer, Hay, Naismith, Johnston, Frazer Wright, Di Giacomo (Leven 69), Invincibile, Nish (Wales 63).
Subs Not Used: Bell, Grant Murray, O'Leary, Hamill, Stephen Murray.

Booked: Greer.

Goal: Naismith 87.

Att: 54,620

Ref: I Brines

SEE ALSO
Jefferies blasts Killie players
29 Jul 06 |  Kilmarnock


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