SPL Saturday November 3rd

St. Johnstone 1

Celtic 2

0:1 Dods o.g. (18); 1:1 Dods (25); 1:2 Larsson (90)

Att: 9,031

MIB: Dougie McDonald

Celtic: Douglas; Mjallby, Sutton, Valgaeren; Agathe, Lennon, Petrov, Thompson (Maloney 65), Petta (Lambert 81); Larsson, Hartson

Celtic looked positively post-coital after the humping they gave the Old Lady of Turin and appeared to be having a scratch for most of this game. Such was their languor that Sutton was played in the back three and they were afforded the luxury of playing Hartson up front.

Their lassitude was rewarded with an o.g from Dods after Petrov crossed and the Saint dived to clear. The resulting header was worthy of Terry Butcher at his best, as it rocketed into his own goal when it was easier to put clear.

The Sieve then rolled over and went to sleep which allowed Dods to grab an equaliser a few minutes later. Attempts to wake many of the players didn't seem to work as some of the Hoops appeared only to be footballers in their dreams. Agathe and Hartson had howlers. In a van Vossenesque display of striking Hartson indulged in open goal misses and a fresh air swipe. Not very helpful, with Sutton shoring up the Sieve and Larsson not firing on all cylinders.

As a consequence, the Billy Stark inspired Saints stormed back into the game and could easily have punished Celtic but for inept finishing.

With time running out and two points slipping away, Sutton appeared with the cavalry. Following a bit of argy-bargy with Dasovic, he was tumbled and Celtic played their 'Get out of jail free' card. Henke curled a superb free kick into the Saints net to grab all three points in what is becoming a bit of a habit.

Not good for the nerves. all these last minute winners, but then again, think of all the burst blood vessels over at Ibrox.