Today’s photo of the day dates back almost two decades, when Celtic won a title in the dying moments of the game at Rugby Park.
Celtic travelled to Kilmarnock needing three points to secure the league trophy. The Hoops had slumped in form, winning only one of their previous four league matches. Indeed the Celts lost away to Rangers and Falkirk, and only picked up a point at Tannadice.
A 1-0 win at home against Motherwell at the start of April was followed by a Cup Semi Final victory over St Johnstone (2-1). Spirits were now high going to Killie.
Midway through the first half a corner from Nakamura was met perfectly by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink as he glanced a header into the net to give Celtic the lead. The score remained 1-0 at half time and fans were in a buoyant mood, anticipating a title party in 45 minutes.
Kilmarnock equalised early in the second half and both teams missed chances to go ahead. Then, in the final minute, Nakamura was bundled over 25 yards from goal. He couldn’t, could he? The set piece specialist strode behind the ball, the referee’s whistle sounded and Naka picked his spot with a wonderful free kick curling into the bottom corner of the net.
The Celtic players ran to join the fans at the front of the Chadwick stand to celebrate the winning goal and the pending 41st title in Celtic’s history. Meanwhile, Tommy Burns and Gordon Strachan charged around the touchline going mental. At the other end of the ground, Artur Boruc jumped aloft in delight… it is that image of sheer joy which is our chosen photo for today!
