It was a game that will live long in the memory of Motherwell fans who have to go back to Skippy Sunday in 2005 to recall the last time that we beat Celtic on home turf. Suspension forced captain Craigan into the BBC commentary box and Jeffers was on the bench. Forbes and Hammell were the additions to the team that lost to St Mirren in midweek.
We kicked off facing the away support in the packed South Stand and within minutes they knew their team were in trouble. A hesitation between Mulgrew and Forster let Sutton steal the ball and round the ‘keeper for an easy goal. It was just what we needed to give a bit of belief and confidence though there were a few in the home stands who thought that we had scored too early as they anticipated a Celtic comeback.
Sutton converts for a 2-0 lead
Referee Norris earned the first of many rounds of grief from the home crowd when he booked Lasley for a harmless challenge in fifteen minutes. It was the first of four yellows that he would show to our players throughout the game.
As the game developed it became clear that we were not going to set up camp on our 18 yard line and hold what we had. At every opportunity we pushed forward and Murphy and Humphrey were quick to push forward to give support Sutton. One flowing move saw Randolph release Hammell on the left wing then a ball down the line for Murphy was followed by a low cross that fell to Humphrey coming in from the right. He had a great chance but fired wide. That wastefulness from Humphrey was to continue for the rest of the game. Several times he had the goal at his mercy but his lack of composure blew the chances.
Our hero!
We were hardly threatened until the closing minutes of the half. Randolph stood tall to prevent Stokes’ effort from close range and later Hutchison was in position on the line to clear from the same attacker.
If the start to the first half brought cheer to the stand then the first minutes of the second had our fans believing that the game was won. First came an early corner that Forbes whipped on to the sic yard line. Hutchison got his head on to and it struck the crossbar. Moments later Lasley was tripped by Izaguirre well inside the box and the penalty was awarded. Sutton made no mistake from the spot and the ball flew into the roof of the net with the ‘keeper going the wrong way.
Celtic made changes to try to alter the game but to ne effect. Randoplh was forced into a few fine saves but he was not beaten. Gunning and Hutchison proved to be a solid central defensive pair and it might be that we see more of them in future games.
The home fans broke into song as the dejected visitors started to make their way to the exits. Not only had they filled our coffers by buying all their allocated tickets but they left us with three points that few would have predicted.
It was a great showing from our boys – well done.
