Those who stayed to the end left with smiles on their faces

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The Celtic Star

·6 October 2025

Those who stayed to the end left with smiles on their faces

Motherwell were impressive, but Celtic were the winners and that’s all that matters…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores a late goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

It would be wrong to suggest that we were superb in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Motherwell at Celtic Park, but those who stayed to the end left Paradise with smiles on their faces and in full voice after an afternoon of being put through the proverbial emotional rollercoaster.

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Firstly I’d like to say a big well done of the visitors who were backed by a larger than usual support. The visitors came and made a real game of it, playing a style of football you wouldn’t normally associate with a Scottish side.

Jens Berthel Askou, manager of Motherwell during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

Well boss Jens Berthel Askou said during the week that his side would go to Celtic Park to win, and at one stage it looked as if he would get his way. The Steelmen did spoil it a little with their constant time wasting in the second period, but in the whole their approach to the game was a refreshing change to what we usually get served up domestically.

As for ourselves, it was yet another lacklustre display and once more we looked disjointed and a tad nervy throughout the entirely of the game. It wasn’t helped by the constant hysteria from the stands, but to play for Celtic you need to have mental toughness as well as ability.

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Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores a late goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

In the end we showed that we posses those characteristics as we fought back from a goal down to clinch a euphoric last gasp win thanks to a Daizen Maeda goal deep into the seven minutes of added time, just like we should have had (or even more) from Don Robertson the week before.

Daizen Maeda yet again looked well below par on that right wing, as did the majority of his teammates, but in the end we still found a way to win, and that’s all that matters. At one point in the afternoon with theRangers winning at Falkirk and Celtic behind against Motherwell it looked like we’d go into the international beak five points behind Hearts and only four ahead of theRangers.

theRangers manager Russell Martin during the Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Hearts at Ibrox on September 13, 2025. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Instead we are nine ahead of theRangers, who subsequently sacked Russell Martin, and just two behind Hearts who we play later this month at Tynecastle. We can go into the break with a smile on our faces and hopefully things will happen this evening that will add to the feel good factor, although I wouldn’t bank on it.

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Hearts v Hibs, Scottish Premiership 04/10/2025. GOAL 1-0 Craig Halkett of Hearts celebrates with Alan Forrest after scoring the winning goal during the match at Tynecastle on 4 October 2025. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie PSI

Aberdeen won well and look like they are going to improve after a terrible start. Motherwell should be admired for the football that they are playing. Hearts are top of the league on merit. Dundee United and Hibs both look useful sides this season and there’s going to be a new manager at Ibrox who surely can’t be as unsuited to the post as Russell Martin turned out to be. St Mirren and Kilmarnock too have started the season well.

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Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

The Scottish Premiership is gradually becoming better in terms of quality and the football being played. Celtic should relish this development and raise our own game accordingly. Maybe cruise control to yet another title isn’t going to be the way it will be won this season. More is needed from Brendan Rodgers and his staff to make this squad better on the pitch.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

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Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.