SPL Saturday August 9th

Dunfermline 0

Celtic 0

Att: 10,082

MIB Pooh Dallas

Celtic
Douglas
Mjallby Balde Valgaeren
Agathe Miller McNamara Petrov Thompson
Larsson Maloney

subs
Sylla for Valgaeren 68
Beattie for Agathe 74
Smith for Petrov 74

The season kicked off with more pre match hype than a bill being paid at Ibrox. Fuelled by 'Rivers of Blood' stories in the press and the match programme, the on field play did not live up to the off field gamesmanship.

Dunfermline, stung by accusations of lying down at Ibrox, which they strenuously denied, raised their game. More helped than hindered by the extra long noses they grown with each time they try to explain their despicable performance at the Death Star, they manage to deny Celtic the three points

The absence of Sutton was a crucial factor in this match as Maloney and Larson, though they combined well, did not have the physical presence to match that of the home side. Coupled with the fact that Agathe might have thrown his dummy from the pram and bleated to the press pre-match, Celtic lacked sharpness. McGroarty had Agathe in his pocket for most of the game, and only when he escaped him did Celtic really threaten.

The Hoops had the lion's share of early chances and should have scored on 12 minutes when Mjallby headed over from six yards. The big Swede again went close from a Thompson corner, but his diving header was well saved by Stillie. Dunfermline's best opportunity came after the break when Crawford squared to Nicholson in front of goal. The mis-kick that ensued was the most enjoyable feature of the afternoon.

Chances came thick and fast as the game drew to a close, with Mjallby heading over the bar, then managing to clear an effort from Young off the line. Henke eventually got in on the act, only to narrowly miss with a header from six yards. Celtic could have grabbed all three points at the death, but Thommo fired wide from an acute angle, when a cut back was a better option.

Post-match the Pars fans thought they were in Ramallah and pelted the travelling support with stones. Their accuracy was akin to their teams, as they managed to hit each other and their own cars. How the Police let this happen is a mystery. Answers on a postcard please.