Celtic switched into attacking mode straight away with Joe Miller probing and drawing a corner, much to the approval of the fans behind the goal. Mick McCarthy’s header soars over the bar but the Celtic fans were encouraged. Gallacher darted through on goal from another long ball, it looked like he might get there but McKnight raced out of goal to clear the danger. And breathe!
Celtic charged forward. A Tommy Burns free-kick into the box was met by centre half McCarthy whose looping header rebounded off the crossbar. This Celtic team was not giving in but United were still a threat and Bannon headed down into the ground with the ball bouncing safely over the bar.
Despite United’s threat on the break, Celtic were in control. The ball found its way to Hoops left-back Anton Rogan, in an attacking position on the left side. His cross flies over the head of United keeper Billy Thomson and defender David Narey, and Frank McAvennie is at the back post to head into the net for the equaliser. Cue chaos and madness inside Hampden, as the Celtic supporters go absolutely mental with joy. It was handshakes and cuddles all round in the North Terracing and everywhere else where green and white was worn. Even the nuns gave us a wee smile and if God’s on your side then you know what’s coming next!
The winning goal was thoroughly deserved. There wasn’t long left, maybe 15 minutes or so, but the Celtic team this season seemed to be last-gasp goal specialists, scoring late in games to rescue a point or to turn one point into two with a late winner. So now, after this equaliser and sheer outpouring of joy, it was almost expected, and Celtic, as they did so many times in the Centenary season of 87/88, were going for the win.
I mind it well… but I mind more the scary surge to get through the turnstyle’s before kick-off!!