Hibernian 2 Glasgow Celtic 2

Last updated : 19 September 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Celtic dropped their first points of the season in a thrilling game at Easter Road in which Hibs were twice in front.

All four goals came in a pulsating first half and few could argue that the Edinburgh side deserved a share of the spoils.

Celtic started on top and John Hartson forced an early save from Simon Brown with a well-directed header from an Alan Thompson free-kick.

Hartson squandered a decent chance moments later when he swiped a shot well over the top from 16 yards out with the Hibs defence in disarray.

It took Hibs three minutes to get into Celtic's half as they were pinned back but they soon troubled the champions with some enterprising football.

Hibs took the lead after eight minutes when a great run from Steven Whittaker took him past four players and his cross was deflected past his own goalkeeper by Bobo Balde.

Scott Brown was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury when he fell awkwardly after a touchline challenge from Thompson.

The goal sparked Hibs and Garry O'Connor was unlucky with a head-flick which drifted just wide of target.

A Stephen Glass corner then caused confusion in the Celtic defence and the ball came off Hartson's head before David Marshall smothered it at his right-hand post.

Dean Shiels should have put Hibs further ahead after half an hour but shot into the sidenetting with only Marshall to beat.

Celtic equalised in controversial circumstances three minutes later. Juninho was flagged offside by the far-side linesman but referee Mike McCurry allowed play to continue and the Brazilian cut the ball back for Henri Camara to slam the ball into the net.

Hibs protested furiously and Mr McCurry only gave the goal after a long consultation with his linesman although television evidence showed he was correct as Guillaume Beuzelin had played the ball to Juninho.

But riled Hibs were back in front ten minutes from the break. David Murphy was allowed to run unchallenged into the Celtic box after Chris Sutton had inadvertently played the ball into his path and he slipped the ball into the far corner of the net.

There was a delay before play could restart after a pie was thrown in the direction of the linesman and the referee reported the matter to police.

Celtic equalised in the final minutes of the first half when a clever back-heel from Thompson freed Juninho and his cross was touched in by Hartson.

Stilian Petrov brought a fine save from Brown in the 51st minutes after Hartson had rolled the ball into his path as Celtic stepped up a gear.

Sutton then just failed to direct a Camara cross on target with Brown left exposed.

Stanislav Varga should have scored in the 70th minute but did not get enough power on his header and it bounced wide.

But Hibs also troubled Celtic at times on the break with Derek Riordan a constant threat but they failed to trouble Marshall unduly in the second half.