Season 1992-93 was not going well for Celtic. Rangers had already won the League Cup and were clear at the top of the table, with Celtic and Aberdeen vying for second place.
A even bigger blow occurred on 6 February, through at Brockville, when Falkirk, involved in a serious fight against relegation, beat the Hoops 2-0 in a Scottish Cup 4th Round tie.
Rangers had won the New Year derby 1-0 at Ibrox. In fact, they were on a run of 45 domestic matches unbeaten. So, on this day in 1993, Celtic had a lot to prove as the teams ran out at Parkhead in front of a crowd of 52,770 for the final league encounter of the season against the Ibrox club.
The Hoops side on the day was Bonner, Boyd, Wdowczyk, Grant, McNally, Galloway, Slater, P McStay, McAvennie, Payton and Collins. According to the press reports, Celtic had two good claims for a penalty turned down by referee Douglas Hope in the first half but just before the break, they took the lead with a nicely struck shot from John Collins. The goal made for a happy Celtic crowd at the interval.
And they had more to cheer about in the 52nd minute. There was some indecision between Rangers keeper Andy Goram and central defender Dave McPherson and Andy Paton had the simple task of knocking the ball in for number two.
Rangers did get one back six minutes from time though Mark Hateley but Celtic held out not only to take the points but also to stop Rangers undefeated run.
Here’s what happened…
Jim Craig
Andy Payton was an under-rated player. His talent is masked by the period that he played.