| Match Pictures | Matches: 1983 – 1984 | 1983-84 Pictures |
Trivia
- Provan and Aitken were still missing from the team
- Bonner saved a penalty from ex Celtic team mate Shuggie Edvaldsson
- MacLeod's goal was hit so hard it stuck in the stantion
- Jock Wallace is named as new Rangers manager
Review
Saturday’s was a competent performance rather than an outstanding one, for McClair it was a bonus in two goals to top the excellent spell he has enjoyed since his share in the defeat of Sporting Lisbon.
Teams
Celtic:-
Bonner, McGrain, Brian Whittaker (Sinclair), W McStay, McAdam, MacLeod, McClair, P McStay, McGarvey, Burns, Halpin.Sub: Dobbin
Goals:- MacLeod 29. McClair 40, 81McGarvey 64
Motherwell:-
Walker, Dornan, Wark, Carson, Edvaldsson, Forbes, Gahagan, Cormack, Alexander, Friar (McAllister), Harrow Sub: Burns
Ref:-
Att:- 13,408.
Articles
- Match Report (See Below)
Pictures
Articles
Match Report
A more realistic fixture than the one in midweek, a more responsible attendance and a more satisfactory score. Celtic out-did Motherwell in every department as they continued to put away goals and pick up points on Aberdeen’s heels in the league race.
Willie McStay, deputising for Roy Aitken during the big man’s three game suspension, has grown in confidence in each encounter and on Saturday displayed a great understanding with his fellow defenders as the whole department turned in a composed performance.
The midfield trio of MacLeod, Burns and Paul McStay played a good game. Up front, McClair and McGarvey each got their names on the scoresheet and John Halpin had a few good attempts.
An all round better display with Bonner putting the icing on the cake with a brilliant penalty save. That save came after MacLeod had put Celtic one up in the 29th minute with a 25-yard left foot drive that left the ‘keeper standing and saw the ball lodged in the net support above him.
Willie McStay was judged to have illegally stopped Gahagen during a Motherwell attack and the visitors were awarded a penalty. It was only justice that Pat Bonner got to the kick by ex-Celt Johannes Edvaldsson.
That was exactly a minute before McClair scored his first and Celtic’s second five minutes from half-time. The striker looked sharp as he got to a short pass back and put the ball round the ‘keeper before making his final touch count with the goal.
The second half was 19 minutes old when McGarvey made it three for Celtic. Burns, Sinclair and Halpin were all involved in the move that eventually saw McGarvey shoot over a diving ‘keeper with defenders all around him.
The finishing goal came nine minutes from the end when McClair beat Edvaldsson to a high Tommy Burns cross to head into the net.
Celtic looked good and with key men like Provan and Aitken on the sidelines, things are very encouraging.
