St Johnstone 2-3 Celtic, May 1991 – European Football Secured in Front of 9,486 Fans
On a crisp day in May 1991, Celtic secured a crucial 3-2 victory over St Johnstone in Perth, ensuring European football for the following season. In front of a crowd of 9,486 at Muirton Park, the win was a hard-fought and pivotal moment in Celtic’s campaign, marking the end of a turbulent season and granting the club an opportunity to compete on the continental stage.
The 1990-91 season had been a rollercoaster for Celtic, marked by inconsistency in the league and early exits from domestic cup competitions. As the season drew to a close, the Hoops found themselves battling for a European spot, with just a few points separating them from their rivals. The trip to face St Johnstone on the final day of the league season presented a do-or-die scenario, with a win needed to confirm a UEFA Cup berth.
St Johnstone, meanwhile, were fighting their own battle to stay clear of relegation danger. The Perth side, although lower in the table, were not an opponent to be underestimated. They had everything to play for, making the match all the more tense for both team.
Celtic came out of the blocks with intent, determined to take control of the game early. Their efforts were rewarded when striker Dariusz Dziekanowski put the visitors ahead with a well-taken goal. The Polish forward had been a key player for Celtic that season, and his opener gave the traveling supporters hope that European football was within reach.
However, St Johnstone hit back almost immediately, with Paul Wright equalising for the home side. The goal reignited the contest and raised the tension in the stadium as both teams knew what was at stake.
Celtic regained the lead through Gerry Creaney, whose clinical finish put the visitors back in control. But once again, St Johnstone refused to lie down, and their resilience paid off when John Davies found the back of the net to level the score at 2-2. The match was finely poised, and it looked as though Celtic’s European hopes might slip away.
With time ticking down, it was Creaney again who became the hero for Celtic, scoring a decisive third goal that sent the Celtic fans into raptures. His brace proved to be the difference on the day, and despite some nervy moments in the closing stages, Celtic held on for a 3-2 victory.
The win meant Celtic finished in third place in the Scottish Premier Division, ensuring qualification for the UEFA Cup in the 1991-92 season. This was a crucial achievement for the club, which had experienced a mixed season under manager Billy McNeill. Securing European football not only restored some pride but also provided an opportunity to test themselves against some of Europe’s best teams in the following campaign.
The result also consigned St Johnstone to a 10th-place finish, narrowly avoiding relegation in what had been a difficult season for the Perth side. While they fought valiantly in the match, Celtic’s superior quality ultimately prevailed.
For Celtic, the victory at Muirton Park was more than just a win – it was a lifeline. The club’s financial struggles at the time made European football even more important, as the potential revenue from the UEFA Cup offered much-needed funds. The win also gave fans something to celebrate after a season that had largely fallen short of expectations.
The 9,486 supporters in attendance that day witnessed a dramatic and emotional encounter, a fitting end to the league campaign. Gerry Creaney’s match-winning performance solidified his place in the hearts of the Celtic faithful, and the team’s perseverance ensured they finished the season on a high note.
Celtic’s European journey in the following season did not lead to glory, as they were eliminated by German side 1. FC Köln in the first round of the UEFA Cup. However, the qualification itself was significant, keeping Celtic in the European spotlight and offering the players valuable experience on the continental stage.
For St Johnstone, the 1990-91 season marked the end of an era at Muirton Park, as the club prepared to move to McDiarmid Park the following season. Their resilience in the top flight continued, and the foundations laid during that time would help the club remain competitive in Scottish football for years to come.
The 3-2 victory over St Johnstone remains a memorable match for Celtic fans who recall the drama of that final day. It wasn’t just the result that mattered, but the way the team battled through adversity to secure a vital win. The match symbolized Celtic’s determination and resilience, qualities that would continue to define the club in the years that followed.
In the grand tapestry of Celtic’s history, this match may not stand out among the more famous European triumphs or title wins, but for those in attendance and the players involved, it was a pivotal moment in a season full of challenges, ending with the promise of better things to come on the European stage.
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