Cvancara Scores First Celtic Goal as Champions Move Above Rangers with Falkirk Win

Tomáš Čvančara marked his home debut in style by scoring his first goal for Celtic as the champions reclaimed second place in the William Hill Premiership with a 2–0 victory over Falkirk at Celtic Park.

Benjamin Nygren was also on the scoresheet as Celtic moved above Rangers on goals scored, although they remain six points adrift of league leaders Hearts.

Falkirk contributed to an entertaining contest, registering 14 attempts on goal, but Celtic’s superior finishing ultimately proved decisive.

Loan signing Čvančara opened the scoring in the 39th minute, glancing a header beyond the goalkeeper from Kieran Tierney’s well-delivered cross. Nygren sealed the points shortly after the hour mark, curling a fine effort into the top corner following a neat exchange with captain Callum McGregor down the left flank.

The result was further boosted by Rangers dropping points in a draw with Hibernian, though discontent among sections of the Celtic support remained evident throughout the afternoon.

Before kick-off, a large banner was displayed in a sparsely populated standing section depicting chief executive Michael Nicholson, chairman Chris McKay and head of security Mark Hargreaves as characters from the BBC series The Traitors, accompanied by the message: “Banish the traitors, end the bans.”

The protest related to the ongoing collective ban imposed on the Green Brigade following an incident involving stewards and police at a previous meeting with Falkirk. Chants of “stand up if you hate the board” rang around the stadium, with many supporters — including some in the directors’ box — joining in.

Calls for further reinforcements are likely to intensify if Celtic fail to add to this month’s loan signings of Čvančara and Julián Araujo before the transfer window closes.

On the pitch, Celtic made one enforced change, with Dane Murray deputising in central defence for the suspended Auston Trusty.

Falkirk, who had conceded four goals on each of their previous two visits to Celtic Park this season, again showed attacking intent. They created the first clear opportunity when Leon McCann’s cross found Barney Stewart, whose header forced a diving save from Kasper Schmeichel.

Celtic responded through Yang Hyun-jun, who broke in behind down the right and tested Scott Bain before Čvančara broke the deadlock.

The visitors came close to equalising just before half-time. Liam Henderson headed a corner back into the danger area, and Schmeichel was forced into a point-blank save to deny Louie Marsh on the goal line.

Falkirk continued to threaten after the interval. Calvin Miller fired narrowly wide from distance, Schmeichel saved from Connor Allan, and Celtic survived a goalmouth scramble before Marsh struck the side netting following a slick one-touch move.

Celtic then asserted greater control. Čvančara fired wide from the left channel, while Daizen Maeda narrowly failed to connect with a low cross across the six-yard box.

Nygren’s 15th goal of the season soon followed, effectively ending the contest. Although Miller later flashed a shot just over the bar, Falkirk were unable to mount a late comeback.

Manager Martin O’Neill handed a late appearance to Stephen Welsh, who has been the subject of interest from Motherwell regarding a possible loan return for the second half of the campaign.