Celtic Fight Back in Title Race with Win over Rangers

I write for you today with my faith in football restored. You see, football will always be the winner, but sadly that winner won't always be Rangers!

Wednesday night's Old Firm derby was a classic. It had it all, with great goals, passion, penalty saves, red cards and some very very tough tackling.

Just the way we like them then!

Celtic went into this one knowing they needed a win to save their title hopes and a win they got, but only after a titanic struggle.

Barry Robson set the tone with a clattering elbow on Gers Christian Dailly inside the first minute.

How it went unpunished I really don't know?

Robson wasn't the only player in green and white firing on all cylinders and Celtic well and truly took the game to Rangers.

Rangers held firm thanks to great defending by in particular, Scottish player of the year Carlos Cuellar. 

The light blues were looking shaky, but the defense still didn't look like it was going to concede.

Midway though the first half though, Nakamura scored with a stunning long range effort. The ball swerved and dipped violently and was in my humble opinion, unstoppable!

Celtic bossed the rest of the first half which saw a couple of bookings with neither side pulling out of anything.

The second half started much like the first but in reverse. Dailly clattered Robson in what could only be described as a little revenge and Rangers were on top.

It didn't take much for the Bhoys to crumble and substitute Nacho Novo fired a sublime volley past Artur Boruc in the Celtic goal.

Game on!

Rangers of course didn't need a win and as they sat back inviting Celtic forward the game got messy and at times more than a little heated.

Rangers keeper Alan McGregor turned his ankle saving a shot that wouldn't even have counted and was immediately in some discomfort. The Rangers number one would eventually leave the field but not before something a little special.

Carlos Cuellar added to Rangers woes by getting himself sent off for a goal line clearance, well maybe I mean a punch!

Scott McDonald stepped up and fired the penalty to what could only be described as McGregor's good side and the injured keeper pulled off a miraculous save!

McGregor was forced off soon after and replaced by former Ipswich Town keeper, Neil Alexander. It had no bearing on the game, however, as he could do nothing about Celtic's 94th minute winner.

Rangers had looked all set to keep Celtic at bay and put one hand on the trophy, when one final long ball resulted in a header down, and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink sent Parkhead absolutely wild!

As I'm sure you're all aware, I was gutted!

The final whistle saw some ugly scenes as players from both sides clashed as they walked towards the tunnel.

It just proves how much it means to both teams and in a way I loved it. I'd never advocate violence or bad tackles but Old Firm games are special and the passion is unmatched!

I don't think anyone who watched last nights game could possibly disagree with me!

Rangers David Weir and Celtic's Gary Caldwell have both been handed one game bans by the SFA for their parts in the bust up.

Both players will line up next week in what can only be described as a possible title decider.

Over the whole game Celtic deserved the win but they must repeat the feat next Sunday when the teams meet again at Parkhead, if they're to have any hope of over hauling the Rangers in the title race.

Bring on next Sunday, I promise you, it's not to be missed!