The temperatures in the Celtic Park stands was almost unbearable, as the teams took to the park. Chairman Brian Quinn raised the Championship flag, alongside Captain Jackie McNamara and that blonde bit from the Bank of Scotland adverts. A minute silence was then immaculately observed for the late Celtic great, Bertie Peacock.
Celtic's line-up was predictable: Marshall in goal; McNamara, Varga and Valgaeren in defence; a midfield of Lennon, Petrov, Thompson, McGeady and Agathe; and John Hartson started alongside Chris Sutton up-front. Bobo Balde was suspended for the match.
The Celtic support started the game with a rousing version of You'll Never Walk Alone, and it wasn't long before the fans were on their feet again. A break from a classy move involving the tricky Aiden McGeady and Stan Petrov fell to Jackie McNamara, who struck the ball home sweetly from 20 yards. Celtic's first goal of the new campaign, and We Shall Not Be Moved was already echoing from the stands. With Rangers dropping two points at Pittordie yesterday, today was an big opportunity to go ahead in the title race, albeit so early in the season.
The Celtic-Mad prediction of 3-0 was doubled at this point, but the flurry of goals we all expected did not come. Chris Sutton came close and Motherwell done nothing as usual. Sutton and Hartson don't look too hot as a partnership together, and would maybe benefit with a smaller, quicker team mate alongside them. However, they are top quality players and will always get us goals.
Indeed it was Sutton who secured Celtic's victory, ten minutes into the second half. From an Alan Thompson cross, Sutton hit the net from five yards out. Game, set and match Celtic.
The rest of the game was played out like a pre-season friendly. Well fans waved their Union flags and England tops, but done nothing of interest.
Henri Camara came on with just over twenty minutes to go, but failed to get into the game. Time will tell, I suppose.
The result was overshadowed by a late injury to Stan Petrov, who appeared to go over on his ankle. Stan was stretchered off, and we will not know the extent of his injury until tomorrow. Martin O'Neill has since told the press that it is not as bad as first thought.
So we're ahead of the huns after only one game played. They face a tricky trip to Russia this week and before they know it, they'll be at Parkhead for the prospect of another humping. Here's hoping.
Celtic:
Marshall - 7
Varga - 8
Valgaeren - 7
McNamara - 9
Lennon - 7
Thompson - 7
Agathe - 7
McGeady - 8 (Pearson - 6)
Petrov - 9 (Sylla - 5)
Hartson - 6 (Camara - 6)
Sutton - 9
Celtic-Mad Man of the Match: Stan Petrov
Celtic-Mad Moment to Remember: The raisin of the league flag.
Celtic-Mad Moment to Forget: Stan taken off.