SPL Saturday October 13th

Motherwell 1

Celtic 2

0:1 Moravcik 15; 1:1 Strong (67); 1:2 Larsson (88 pen)

Att: 9,922

MIB: John Rowbotham

Celtic: Douglas; Balde, Mjallby, Valgaeren; Sylla, Moravcik (Maloney 83), Lennon, Petrov, Guppy; Larsson, Hartson

Managerless Motherwell gave the Hoops another run for their money in the usual tight encounter at Fir Park.

With Sutton ill and Thompson, Agathe and Lambert rested, it wasn't surprising that the team would need time to find its rhythm. Hartson, Guppy and Sylla were drafted in and of these only Hartson gained pass marks. All three will have must do better stamped on their report cards if not on their arses by O'Neill's boot.

It only took 14 minutes for Lubo to put the Hoops ahead with a sublime free kick from all of 30 yards. The success rate from Celtic's set pieces is getting evermore impressive, but this one was worthy of goal of the season.

'Well huffed and puffed and frustrated a sluggish Tic with Europe obviously on their minds. Not surprisingly, Lennon was more than fortunate not to concede a penalty, as he bungled down a Steelman in the box, only MIB Rowbotham didn't see it.

The equaliser eventually came midway through the second half, when an unsighted Rab D narrowly failed to keep out a shot from Strong. No panic however, just industry and the late late show. Maloney, on for Lubo, was upended in the box and Larsson managed to convert the penalty for a change, sealing the 3 points.

Not tidy, but who cares, its another 3 points and the show goes on.