Celtic on this Day – Two big win over Rangers hopefully to cheer you up a little after yesterday’s huge disappointment at Ibrox…
3 January 1966
Celtic 5-1 Rangers. It was Celtic’s biggest Old Firm win in years, and was another clear example of the transformation under Jock Stein’s stewardship. With the game being played in freezing and foggy conditions, Celtic players wore flat soled German Adidas branded training shoes which gave them a better footing during the match. Absent was Celtic skipper Billy McNeill, but John Cushley filled in impeccably. Stevie Chalmers netted a 40-minute hat-trick with all six goals coming in the second half. Charlie Gallagher and Bobby Murdoch were also on the scoresheet. The result crucially put Celtic two points clear of Rangers at the top of the table with a game in hand. Despite the trouble that had ensued after the 1965 Scottish League Cup final, there were no arrests before, during or after this encounter.
3 January 2004
Celtic 3-0 Rangers. Henrik beautifully provided Petrov whose diving header edged over the line despite Klos’ best attempts to keep it out for the opener. Stan Varga made it two in the second half after a wonderful delivery from Thompson which was smartly headed back across the goal by Hartson. The icing on the cake was sealed with Alan Thompson’s sensational free-kick which rounded off an emphatic Old Firm victory. It was a then record 18th successive league win for Celtic. Post-match, Alex McLeish conceded the league title as Celtic went 11 clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League table.
Conor Spence
