Celtic Secure Slim Win Over St Mirren to Maintain Pressure on Leaders Hearts

Celtic have kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Mirren, maintaining the pressure on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts. The decisive goal came in the 15th minute courtesy of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, allowing Martin O'Neill's side to leapfrog Rangers into second place, now just three points adrift of Hearts. Despite a promising start, Celtic struggled to find their rhythm, with Oxlade-Chamberlain's early strike, which followed an initial disallowed goal for offside, proving the difference. St Mirren, meanwhile, managed only one shot on target, as Celtic spurned opportunities to extend their lead, substitute Kelechi Iheanacho missing the best chance to seal the win. The victory marks a welcome return to form for Celtic, who were stunned by St Mirren in their previous encounter, a 3-1 loss in the Premier Sports Cup back in December. The Green Brigade, back in attendance for the first time since November, played their part in a lively atmosphere, ahead of next week's Scottish Cup semi-final. The win was not without its challenges, as Celtic initially thought they had taken the lead through Callum McGregor, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. St Mirren's Jonah Ayunga and Miguel Freckleton had early chances, but it was Celtic who capitalized, with Oxlade-Chamberlain scoring after a blocked shot from McGregor. The second half was more subdued, with both sides creating limited opportunities. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed concerns over his team's energy levels, particularly in the second half, where they 'surrendered possession quite easily.' St Mirren boss Craig McLeish, meanwhile, acknowledged the difficulty of picking up points at Celtic Park, but emphasized the need for his team to find creativity and spark in the final third to create more scoring chances.