Celtic on this Day – Three important Celtic wins as Henrik Larsson and Moravcik lead the way…
19 December 1998
Celtic 5-0 Dunfermline. In desperate need of a victory having dropped points at Tynecastle and Tannadice in their previous two league outings, Dr Jo’s side just like they did on the opening day of the season against the Pars, comprehensively won 5-0.
This was only Celtic’s eighth win from 19 league matches between August to December in the 1998/1999 campaign. Indeed, it was a second-half blitz as despite both teams drawing level at the interval, the Hoops scored five goals in 18 minutes putting Dunfermline to the sword. Larsson and Moravcik both grabbed doubles whilst Johan Mjallby was also on target.
Post-match, Venglos lavished praise on Henrik and Lubo saying, “they are two creative players and Henrik’s form has been long term with good quality, good skill and technical ability. He and Lubomir understand each other very well, but of course we had other players such as Paul Lambert, who showed good quality passing.”
19 December 2001
Livingston 0-2 Celtic. It was a break away from league action for Martin O’Neill’s men as they travelled to Almondvale for a Scottish League Cup quarter-final tie. The Hoops defeated Stirling Albion 8-0 at Celtic Park in the Last 16, and their victory courtesy of Bobo Balde and John Hartson headers against Livingston set up a semi-final meeting with Rangers at Hampden.
19 December 2018
Celtic 3-0 Motherwell. Scott Brown’s landmark 500th game in Celtic colours that evening. Also, Brendan Rodgers’ side went one point clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with Anthony Ralston, Scott Sinclair and Mikey Johnston ensuring a comfortable performance and a straightforward three points against the Steelmen.
This was an important period for Rodgers and his team as Celtic were preparing to face Aberdeen at Celtic Park and then theRangers at Ibrox over the Christmas and New Year period. However, Odsonne Edouard picked up an abductor muscle strain, and with Leigh Griffiths on leave during this period, Celtic had an injury crisis up top – where Mikey Johnston temporary slotted into the no.9 position in Edouard’s absence.
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties
