Celtic were grateful to Kris Commons’ early goal and yet another Fraser Forster clean-sheet as they made it fourteen straight victories against St Mirren at Parkhead.
Commons increased his own personal tally to twenty-two for the season when beating goalkeeper Marian Kello on six minutes. Meanwhile, Forster achieved a club record eleventh successive shut-out.
Newcomer Stefan Johansen earned his first start in place of the departed Joe Ledley but it was Commons soon receiving from Emilio Izaguirre and drilling in a low 25-yard finish to give his side the lead.
Striker Anthony Stokes went close from a narrow angle and then hoisted another attempt over while Scott Brown was also too high as the hosts continued to dictate.
In contrast, Forster was only needed to deal with a routine collection from Greg Wylde. Back at the other end debutant Johansen dragged wide before James Forrest was denied by Kello and Stokes curled inches off-target.
However, the Buddies began to come into the contest after the break following Charlie Mulgrew’s cross almost being turned into his own net by Marc McAusland.
Forster was finally called upon to make a fine stop from Josh Magennis while Forrest, Mulgrew, Stokes and Commons replied before Stokes shot wide from an angle after rounding the keeper.
