A couple of hundred Motherwell fans were able to join the players as they celebrated the first win in Glasgow's east end since 2008. There will be several early Christmas parties in Lanarkshire this weekend.
It was no surprise to see the same eleven that started against Dundee take to the field against Celtic. From kick-off we made it clear that there was no intention to defend deep. We pushed forward at every opportunity but when possession was lost it was clear that everyone knew the game plan.
Celtic faced an eleven man defence at every set piece and our shape held firm with two lines of four protecting Ripley's goal. Moult and McDonald also played their part in regaining possession but that's not to suggest a negative outlook.
Johnson was happy to test the right side of Celtic's defence and his pace afforded several chances to deliver into the danger area. Gordon was alert though and we created no clear cut shots.
Ripley had few saves to make and he was happy to see several long rage effort float off target. Ciftci came close from a narrow angle but we reached the break with our goal intact.
The first fifteen minutes of the second half saw the game turned upside down. Ainsworth, who replaced Grimshaw at the interval, robbed Tierney in the centre circle and charged in on the Celtic goal. With McDonald available on his left our man instead elected to lob Gordon but his effort cleared the bar. A great chance had been missed and we paid the penalty when Bitton's shot was deflected into our net two minutes later.
We feared the worst. On countless occasions we have seen a brave Motherwell team hold out before the inevitable collapse. Not this time.
Johnson popped up on the left and he was able to send a fizzer of a low drive across the face of goal. Moult beat McDonald to the ball and the ball was swept home from a couple of yards.
Lasley had played the captain’s part as he led by example and it was his determination that paved the way for the winning goal. He nicked the ball at the angle of the box and fed McDonald. Simunovic’s clumsy tackle gave referee Madden no option but to point to the spot. Moult composed himself and drove low to the left hand corner to give us the lead.
As Celtic pushed for an equaliser we exploited their imbalance to fashion a few telling breaks. McDonald caused confusion as he twisted and turned inside the penalty area and his shot fell to Moult at the edge of the box but he was high with the shot.
McManus was felled and had to be replaced after a head knock. Laing replaced him and the manager decided that a back five was needed. Watt was added but before Ainsworth made way he had charged up the wing to set up Johnson. The side footed attempt was well blocked by Gordon.
We survived a few scary moments as crosses rained in. Ripley punched, clutched and held before four added minutes elapsed.
It was a stunning victory, let’s not wait another seven years before the next win at Parkhead!
Celtic 1 Motherwell 2
Attendance 42,603
Team: Ripley, Hammell, McManus (Laing 73), Hall, Law, Grimshaw(Ainsworth 45 (Watt 80)), Lasley, Pearson, Johnson, Moult, McDonald