The manager sent out an eleven loaded with defensive players into the Glasgow sunshine with Francis-Angol and Kerr replacing Lawson and Erwin. It was no surprise to see us pinned back from the start and the home side had a couple of corners inside the first two minutes.
We settled to the task and concentrated on a tight back line with the odd foray up the park. Vigurs latched on to a Ramsden throw-in after 10 minutes but his effort swerved wide of the target. At the other end Twardzik was kept busy and in addition to a few saves e cleared twice from outside his box.
Half time and one up (Pic - Christopher)
The small band of Motherwell fans exploded with joy when Sutton volleyed Reid's cross from the right wing after 20 minutes. Big John met the ball at the six yard line and Zaluska was beaten. It was a great confidence boost for the team and with a renewed determination they dug in with a ring of steel around our area.
Sutton had a glorious chance to double the lead before the half hour but from close in he missed the target. It was a real ‘how did he miss that!’ moment. Twardzik held a fizzer from van Dijk as we reached the break with the lead intact.
It was not a surprise to see the appearance of Commons and Brown as the game resumed. Kayal and Tonev were left in the stand. Celtic picked up the pace but they found well organised resistance backed up with an on form ‘keeper.
The inevitable penalty arrived midway through the second half. Law clipped Brown at the edge of the box and the referee elected to award the spot kick. Commons sent Twardzik the wrong was and the game was level at 1-1.
Sutton and Vigurs were replaced by Erwin and Carswell with 15 minutes left in the hope that fresh legs would bolster our tiring defence. We remained under severe pressure for the rest of the game but for the most part our well drilled team forced Celtic to shoot from distance.
A nervy three added minutes were played out but we held on for that rarest of prizes, a point from Parkhead!
Celtic 1 Motherwell 1
Attendance 41,719
Team: Twardzik, Reid, Ramsden, McManus, Sutton (Erwin 75), Vigurs (Carswell 75), O’Brien, Francis-Angol, Law, Kerr