Celtic 3 St Johnstone 0: Stokes hat-trick puts Saints to sword
ByCraig Smith
16/02/14 SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
CELTIC v ST JOHNSTONE (3-0)
CELTIC PARK - GLASGOW
Anthony Stokes (left) is congratulated by Leigh Griffiths after giving Celtic a 1-0 lead.
Celtic continued their quest to go a full Premiership campaign unbeaten with a routine 3-0 home success over St Johnstone.
Anthony Stokes was the hosts’ hero as it was his hat-trick that sealed all three points and ensured Neil Lennon’s men would stretch their unblemished league run to 25 games.
Stokes opened the scoring in 15 minutes and were unlucky not to double their advantage before the break as Kris Commons rattled the crossbar from distance.
However, Stokes did make it 2-0 in 63 minutes and then secured the match ball two minutes later when he drilled the ball beyond returning keeper Alan Mannus.
It was a disappointing defeat for the visitors from Perth, who had hoped to mark their 600th Premier League game with what would have been a memorable success at Parkhead.
As it was, Celtic deserved their victory over the piece and moved another win closer to the title.
Celtic 3 St Johnstone 0: Stokes hat-trick puts Saints to sword
