It was a day that will live long in the memory of most of the 7,503 inside Fir Park. The game was level at the break after a fairly even first half but a claret and amber swarm overwhelmed the Celtic defence in the second period and the winning margin could easily have been more.
Higdon scored number 2
The game was delayed by five minutes as the East Stand crowd was held back until a loose advertising panel on the roof was made safe but when the kick off arrived at 1250 it was an unchanged Motherwell eleven that was tasked with taking on the newly crowned champions.
The visitors had the first effort on goal before one minute had passed when Watt took advantage of our static defence to beat offside claims but his shot was high. Hutchinson saw yellow in the second minute for a clumsy clash with Samaras but those early warnings were soon set aside. Law delivered a tempting far post cross following a short corner and Hutchinson was within inches of scoring.
Chances arose at either end as the game opened up. Kayal tested Randolph from 25 yards then McFadden skipped by two before attempting a curler that went wide. Our formation had an unusual look as Hateley was given a marking job on Hooper. Hammell, Ramsden and Hutchinson spread themselves thinly as a last guard.
Randolph stood up well to block Hooper yards from the line then we had a penalty denied when a shot struck Rogne's arm. The opener came when Randolph was tempted to his right but Watt delivered his chip to Hooper. The striker's header was returned off the bar and he scored at the second attempt.
We were level with the last kick of the half when Lasley released Ojamaa. A speedy run to the edge of the box was followed up with a low drive to Forster's left and honours were even.
Motherwell took charge soon after the restart when Mulgrew made contact with Ojamaa inside the box. Higdon calmly dispatched the penalty to stretch his record breaking tally for the season.
The big striker's mere presence forced the defensive error that killed the contest. Hateley floated in a high ball to the far post and Higdon, outgunned between a pair of green and white shirts, prompted Lustig to attempt a header as he sought to hear for a corner. The ball squeezed between the post and 'keeper. While the defence rued their luck the home fame celebrated.
We could have added a few more as McFadden, Higdon and Humphrey kept Forster busy but despite the visitors throwing on a series of attacking substitutes, we held firm.
Any attempt to pick out a man of the match would be unfair. There were so many fine performances married to a display of teamwork that must rank as one of the best displays seen at Fir Park this season.
We are now 9 points clear of Inverness with three games remaining and, with a goal advantage of 12 as insurance it seems certin that Motherwell will be league runners up for the first time since 1994/5. It's a good time to be a 'Well fan!
Sunday 28 April 2013 1245
Motherwell 3 Celtic 1 Att 7,503
Motherwell: Randolph, Hammell, Law (Higginbotham 90), Hutchinson, Hateley, Humphrey, Ojamaa (Francis-Angol 89), Higdon, Lasley, Ramsden, McFadden (Carswell 85)
Celtic: Forster, Izaguirre, Samaras (Stokes 78), Rogic (McGeoch 73), Mulgrew, Lustig, Rogne (McCourt 67), Watt, Kayal, Wanyama, Hooper
Source: PA