Celtic ease past Hamilton Academical

A goal in each half has given Celtic a 2-0 win over Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon.

Celtic looked the stronger of the two from the start as Jason Denayer tried to set up an early chance, while Kris Commons saw his free kick comfortably claimed by Michael McGovern.

Craig Gordon had to remain alert down the other end as Tony Andreu tried to open the scoring for Hamilton, but the Celtic keeper made a double save to deny him.

The visitors broke the deadlock shortly before half time when a Commons pass fell to Adam Matthews on the edge of the box, leaving the Welsh international to hit it first time, rooting McGovern to the spot.

Scott Brown had a chance to double their advantage just before the interval, but his curling effort flew well high of the crossbar.

Ronny Deila's side needed less than five minutes after the restart to add a second though, as Matthews put in cross in for Liam Henderson to slot into the bottom corner.

Dougie Imrie tried to get Hamilton back into contention with a low effort, trying to pick out the bottom right, but Gordon spotted the danger for the visitors.

Callum McGregor had a chance to put the win beyond doubt inside the final 15 minutes as he tried to pick out the top left corner, but McGovern punched the ball away before Virgil van Dijk blasted the rebound wide.

Hamilton kept pushing late into the match as Ali Crawford tried to give the home side some late hope with a long-range effort, but Gordon watched it all the way to make a comfortable catch.

Stefan Scepovic and Leigh Griffiths both had chances to add a third for the visitors in the final few moments, but neither could find the back of the net.

The result leaves Celtic second in the table, while Hamilton stay fifth.