A memorable and ever so vital win at Kilmarnock in 1998

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The Celtic Star

·15 February 2026

A memorable and ever so vital win at Kilmarnock in 1998

A memorable and ever so vital win at Killie back in 1998…

Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Later this afternoon Celtic face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in a vital league fixture, a game that is one of the must win category, and we’ve faced quite a few of those doon Ayrshire way throughout the years.

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One such time was back in April 1998, when we faced a Killie side who unlike the present side were an experienced group of players fighting for a place in Europe, whilst we were battling to win our first title in a decade, and in doing so stopping Rangers from achieving an unthinkable ten titles in a row.

Rugby Park had proven to be something of a bogey ground for us back then, indeed we had played out a goalless stalemate back a few months earlier, so it was a thought that would have naturally been in the back of the supporters and players minds heading into the game at a full capacity Rugby Park (back in the days before empty seats came into vogue in the Scottish Premiership).

Just days before we had suffered heartbreak after being eliminated from the Scottish Cup at the semi final stage at the hands of rivals Rangers, killing our treble dream in the process. So we had to make sure that we put that disappointment firmly behind us and kept in contention for the biggest prize on offer, that of course being the holy grail that is THAT league title.

Simon Donnelly of Celtic football club taken during the team photocall in Glasgow. Photo Allsport UK

Henrik Larsson fired us into the lead by grabbing the all important opening goal in the 19th minutes with a precise point blank header, a goal that settled our nerves slightly, but as always we needed that second goal just to relax a little.

Unfortunately disaster struck as our Rugby Park hoodoo looked set to continue when Alex Burke levelled for the hosts just five minutes from half time, and we headed into the interval severely deflated.

9 May 1998: Celtic Coach Wim Jansen and Murdo McLeod celebrate after a Scottish Premier League match against St Johnstone at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic won the match 2-0 to become the league champions. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/Allsport

Wim Jansen had a big team talk ahead of him during the break, and the players looked to have listened as they started the second period fully of energy and confidence, and got their just rewards when Simon Donnelly scored with a sublime finish on the 55th minute.

It was a goal of true quality, created by a terrific bit of build up play between Henrik Larsson, Craig Burley and Darren Jackson, which allowed Sid a one on one opportunity with former teammate Gordon Marshall, and he made no mistake as he coolly executed a deft chip over the keeper much to the delight of the huge Celtic support behind the goal.

It really was a goal worthy of winning any game, and it was reminiscent of the kind of finish the scorer of the first goal on the night, Henrik Larsson would make his trademark in the following six years.

We had chances to extend the lead and ease the heart rate heading into the final minutes, but were defied by Marshall in the Killie goal.

In wouldn’t matter, as in the end we held on to earn what would prove to be a vital three points in an ever important campaign. Indeed it was one of a handful of games that were pivotal in Celtic Park being the destination of the title.

A win at Kilmarnock today might end up being just as significant. Let’s get the job done Bhoys.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Last chance to grab your copy of Invincible, signed by Matt Corr

Last remaining copies of Matt Corr’s brilliant debut book ‘Invincible’ are now being sold on our bookstore or just £10 plus postage. And please note we only charge postage on the first book in our order so you can order others for just a tenner each postage free. Invincible is a brilliant read covering that awesome season that ended in spectacular fashion at Hampden in the Scottish Cup final….

Stocks are very low on Invincible so if you want it in your Celtic book collection today would be a good time to order! Visit celticstarbooks.com to get your copy of INVINCIBLE.

INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr. Order a signed copy now for just £10 plus P&P. Click to order…

Invincible by Matt Corr, available for just £10 plus P&P from Celtic Star Books – click to order…