Half-Time Report: Anthony Stokes fires Celtic ahead

An early goal from Anthony Stokes has given Celtic a 1-0 lead over Motherwell at half time in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon.

The visitors were ahead just six minutes into the tie when Stefan Johansen rounded the Motherwell keeper before crossing the ball for Stokes to tap in from close range.

Iain Vigurs had a chance to level the scores less than 10 minutes later, but his 20-yard drive was just wide of the target for Motherwell.

Dan Twardzik had to remain alert in the home side's goal as Celtic pushed for a second, but the keeper did enough to deny Johansen after a run from John Guidetti had set up the chance.

Guidetti found the back of the net himself a few minutes later with an overhead bicycle kick, but the striker's acrobatic finish was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Vigurs was on target again just before the end of the half, but Craig Gordon did enough to stop his shot after he had beaten Efe Ambrose in the box.