Celtic Edge Out St Mirren to Stay in Title Hunt

Celtic maintained their pursuit of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Mirren. A solitary first-half goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved decisive, as Martin O'Neill's side climbed into second place, three points adrift of Hearts. Despite a blistering start, Celtic struggled to impose their dominance, with Oxlade-Chamberlain's 15th-minute strike - his first goal of the game, having had an earlier effort ruled out for offside - ultimately proving the difference. The visitors, who stunned Celtic with a 3-1 win in the Premier Sports Cup in December, were limited to a single shot on target, while Celtic spurned opportunities to extend their lead, substitute Kelechi Iheanacho guilty of a notable miss in the second half. The win marked a welcome return to form for Celtic, who were roared on by the Green Brigade, back in attendance at Celtic Park for the first time since November. The hosts thought they had taken an early lead, only for Oxlade-Chamberlain's rebound to be chalked off for offside, before the England international eventually broke the deadlock. St Mirren's best chance fell to Jonah Ayunga, who fired wide after a mazy run, while Miguel Freckleton's shot was saved by Viljami Sinisalo. Celtic's Tomas Cvancara came close to doubling the lead, only to collide with goalkeeper Shamal George, who was forced off injured. The second half was a more subdued affair, with Iheanacho's miss at the near post the closest either side came to altering the scoreboard. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill conceded his side lacked energy, while St Mirren boss Craig McLeish rued his team's inability to capitalize on their second-half performance.