LAST UPDATE | 30 Sep 2023
CELTIC TWICE STRUCK late to beat Motherwell 2-1 on Saturday as all three goals came in the final three minutes plus stoppage time.
Luis Palma’s first goal for the Hoops looked to have edged a tight contest when his curling effort found the far corner.
Motherwell thought they had earned a point five minutes into added time thanks to Blair Spittal’s composed finish.
However, Celtic were not to be denied as Matt O’Riley side-footed home at the back post on 97 minutes.
Both clubs could face further action after both sets of supporters burst onto the field in celebration at their late goals.
But Brendan Rodgers’ men will be relieved to escape Fir Park with a victory that opens up a five-point lead at the top of the table and a seven-point advantage over Rangers.
Motherwell were unfortunate to lose 1-0 at Rangers last weekend and they pushed the other Glasgow giants all the way.
Despite dominating possession Celtic struggled to create clear-cut chances and there was even a touch of fortune when they did make the breakthrough.
Substitute Palma may have been aiming a cross when his low effort span into far corner.
The hosts bounced back when Spittal played a clever one-two on the edge of the area with Dan Casey and fired low past Scott Bain.
But the Motherwell fans had barely been ushered back off the field when Greg Taylor picked out O’Riley, who celebrated signing a new four-year contract on Saturday, with his fifth goal of the season.
Elsewhere in Scotland, Michael Beale found himself under the spotlight again as ragged defeat to Aberdeen at Ibrox.
Four wins in a row without conceding a goal following a damaging 1-0 home loss to Celtic had given the Gers boss some breathing space but defender Stefan Gartenmann scored his first Dons goal after 38 minutes, with the home side booed off at half-time.
A high-tempo Gers start had given way to another plodding, disjointed, one-paced performance and Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath added a second in the 68th minute before Rangers’ Scott Wright was sent off three minutes later for picking up a second yellow card from referee Steven McLean for a foul on Gartenmann.
Abdallah Sima reduced the deficit for the 10-man home side from close range in the 75th minute but Dons defender Jack MacKenzie scored a third in the 85th minute to seal a deserved three points for Barry Robson’s men.
The result piles added pressure on Beale, who may be entering his final days in Govan with his side already seven points behind league leaders Celtic.
The boos that rung out at the end from the home fans who had stuck around told its own story.
Updated at 17.34 with details of Rangers result
The 42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
