Another eventful day for Celtic on the last day of September including a famous win at Ibrox and some notable European victories…
23 years ago today, Celtic produced a stunning performance to beat Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox. The Hoops went seven points clear and made it back-to-back wins at Ibrox for the first time in 18 years. Two excellent strikes from Stilian Petrov and then latterly Alan Thompson, gave O’Neill’s side the all important three points. Amoruso was sent off in the match, and Henrik missed a penalty.
30 September 1999, Celtic win 1-0 away from home in the UEFA Cup 1st round against Hapoel-Tel Aviv. Celtic’s hierarchy lodged a complaint to UEFA regarding the state of Tel Aviv’s pitch condition which would have been more suited for pitch and putt rather than a European tie. Lack of any segregation between home and away supporters and continued building work in the stadium were also part of the board’s complaints. Nonetheless, Jonathan Gould saved a penalty with Larsson scoring the only goal in the match. John Barnes’ side went through winning 3-0 on aggregate.
32 years ago today, Celtic fought back from 2-0 on aggregate to defeat FC Cologne 3-0 at Celtic Park. A rare high point for Celtic in the early 90s. It was the UEFA Cup 1st round 2nd leg and progress to the next stage looked unlikely given the Hoops had been put to the sword in Germany. McStay, Creaney and Collins were on target giving supporters some delight in what was a tortuous period for the club. The Cologne manager shortly resigned after the match.
Seven years ago today, Neil Lennon returned to Celtic Park in the opposition dugout for the first ever time. Callum McGregor and John McGinn both scored doubles which concluded a 2-2 draw between Celtic and the Hibees. The draw extended Brendan Rodgers’ side 58 game unbeaten domestic run, a record that would not be beaten until 11 games later.
30 September 1989, Celtic are held to a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie. The Dons had started the season convincingly under the stewardship of Alex Smith, but Billy McNeill was delighted his side got out with a point after trailing in the game following an Alex McLeish opener. Joe Miller equalised for the Celts in a cagey affair.
Conor Spence