Celtic on this Day – Rangers defeated at Celtic Park (1982) and Ibrox (1993)

The Celtic Star

·30 ottobre 2024

Celtic on this Day – Rangers defeated at Celtic Park (1982) and Ibrox (1993)

Two memorable derby victories against Rangers occurred on this day at Celtic Park in 1982, and then Ibrox 11 years later…

Celtic’s John Collins and Paul Byrne celebrate Collins’ goal during a Rangers v Celtic at Ibrox on 30 October 1993. Final score 1-2 to Celtic. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Rangers 1 Celtic 2…30 October 1993

Despite a pitiful domestic showing in majority of the nineties, Lou Macari’s first game as Celtic manager which came at Ibrox, had given Celtic supporters something to cheer about.

OneFootball Video

Macari may take all the credit, but it was Frank Connor, who had taken charge of Celtic in three matches as caretaker gaffer following the departure of Liam Brady, including a 1-0 victory in the UEFA Cup against Sporting Lisbon, that picked the team and masterminded the win versus Walter Smith’s side. For Connor to remain unbeaten as Celtic manager despite his side ailing, especially going to Ibrox and winning was an immense achievement.

Frank Connor Celtic’s unbeatable boss celebrates Celtic win at Ibrox on 30 October 1993.

Although Ally McCoist looked like he had grabbed a crucial goal with around 20 minutes remaining, Celtic responded instantly after Ally Maxwell blundered a relatively routine cross into the path of John Collins who albeit took his time in finishing the ball, did so cooly.

The Hoops rallied and did not settle for a point, and in added time, John Collins in swinging corner was glanced home by substitute Brian O’Neill for quite possibly his only touch coming onto the pitch to secure what was a memorable derby win amidst some terrible times.

Although it was a false dawn for Macari, Frank Connor came out the winner as history proves his time as Celtic interim manager was one of stability throughout a time of constant chaos for the Hoops.

Frank Connor’s starting XI 31 years to the day; Bonner, Grant, Gillespie, Mowbray, Boyd, Byrne, McStay, McGinlay, Collins, Nicholas, Creaney.

Press Cutting – Celtic 3 Rangers 2, 30 October 1982

Celtic 3 Rangers 2… 30 October 1982

30/10/82 Celtic 3 Rangers 2. 30 October 1982, Celtic Park.Celtic’s Paul McStay dashes off to celebrate after levelling the score at 1-1. Photo The Celtic Wiki.

Celtic’s 3-2 win over Rangers 42 years ago was played in front of a record 60,406 crowd in Britain for a league match in 1982/1983 . On the day, 72 arrests were made at the match and 12 people were hospitalised as a result.

Although only being 18 it was Paul McStay who “shined like a lighthouse,” according to his manager Billy McNeill, who praised the youngster for his dominating performance in a dramatic Old Firm clash.

Celtic 3 Rangers 2. 30 October 1982, Celtic Park. Murdo MacLeod knocks the ball past Rangers goalkeeper Jim Stewart and into the path of Paul McStay who scores for Celtic. Photo The Celtic Wiki

John Greig’s side led twice in the game, firstly through Robert Prytz directly from a corner after Pat Bonner made a complete mess of the cross. However, McStay equalised three minutes later, scoring possibly the easiest goal he would ever score in green and white hoops.

Davie Cooper’s header on the stroke of half-time meant that Rangers had led twice on the day and still came away from Celtic Park with nothing to show for it. McNeill’s resilient Celts fought back with two similar strikes in the second half. Firstly through Frank McGarvey which was followed by the winning goal from Murdo MacLeod who slotted the ball past a helpless Jim Stewart in the Rangers net.

Celtic starting XI 42 years to the day; Bonner, McGrain, Aitken, McAdam, Sinclair, Provan, McStay, McGarvey, MacLeod, Nicholas.

Press cutting

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties (Volumes One and Two) are both published next Tuesday 5th November. Order your signed copies now and treasure these landmark Celtic titles brilliantly researched and written by Matt Cor. Order at Celticstarbooks.com…