Keane's double leads Celtic over Falkirk

Soccer Betting Lines

03/07/2010 - Falkirk, Scotland (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Robbie Keane scored a goal in each half and Celtic defeated Falkirk 2-0 on Sunday at Falkirk Stadium for its first win over the struggling club in three matches this season.

Celtic settled for draws in its first two games with Falkirk, 3-3 on the road, and 1-1 at Parkhead. The Bhoys claimed the third meeting against the side last in the Scottish Premier League to move back within 10 points of Rangers.

Rangers dropped Celtic 10 points off the pace last Sunday with a 1-0 victory in the Old Firm, and beat St. Mirren 3-1 on Saturday to push its lead to 13.

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray considered benching Keane following his match with Ireland earlier this week against Brazil, but the Tottenham loanee started and rewarded his coach with his third and fourth goals.

"I was half tempted to put Robbie on the bench after (the Brazil game) midweek but I started him and he got his goals," Celtic boss Tony Mowbray said on the league's website.

Keane, who is Ireland's captain, turned an assist from Morten Rasmussen into the opener in the 34th when he slotted low past Falkirk goalie Robert Olejnik.

Keane added his second in the 79th when he met a free kick from Marc Crosas to beat Olejnik for the second time.

Celtic kept its slim title hopes alive, but would still need a collapse in the closing weeks from Rangers to dethrone the defending champions.

Falkirk boss Steven Pressley was pleased with the effort, but his side sits in last place and three points behind Hamilton and St. Mirren.

"I thought we controlled the game for long periods and I'm devastated for the players," Pressley said.

Morgaro Gomis scored in the 78th as Dundee United reclaimed third with a 1-0 win over Hearts at Tannadice Park.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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