It all started for me on Friday evening, flying out Eglinton and staying in the best hotel in Glasgow, the Premier Lodge. Friday night passed slowly, having a few drinks, as normal. Peacefully falling asleep and dreaming of the destruction of the Blue side of Glasgow.

The big day soon arrived, and so did the butterflies. I couldn’t believe it my first old firm and potential league winner! I quickly got my things together and said my goodbye’s to Carolanne (the boss) and set off walking to Parkhead. As I walked up the street the bar were jammed packed, atmosphere was rising as I drew ever nearer to the ground, of course stopping at Haughians, before moving on.

Outside the ground I meet up with the rest of the bhoys, got my ticket and was to embark on the journey every man should take, going to watch my beloved Celtic on Old firm day. By this stage the atmosphere was unbelievable. A new year and maybe a new record for O Neill’s eleven. Martin started the game with a 4-4-2 formation and there was the usual frantic opening spell that led to a couple of needling challenges. 

Early exchanges between Thompson and Ricksen set the tempo. With Ricksen guilty of a few late tackles, could you believe that! Celtic enjoyed must of the play in opening minutes and got the best out off Klos. From a sustained period of pressure, Celtic opened the scoring when Petrov met a cross by Larsson. >From this Celtic took a 1-0 lead into the break, knowing that the job was nearly done.

The second half started and Rangers looked better, but never actually threatened Celtic’s goal, with Douglas rarely having anything to do. However from this Celtic once again upped the pressure and it seemed that it wouldn’t be long before Celtic scored again. Then Varga headed home Celtic second and the crowd erupted, ‘ WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS’. By this stage Rangers, I felt were finished, nothing could help them now, not even WONDER BOY BURKE! From there on in, Celtic, cursed and in the dying minutes of the game, Thompson made it three, which a rasping free kick into the top left-hand corner, which Klos could only look at. Celtic showed composure and quality that day, which made Rangers look like a very average side. So there it is the day I had my first Old Firm. A new year, a new record, 18 successive league victories, which hasn’t be seen since the days of the great Jock Stein sides.

Of course there was the usual Saturday after match drink. Which started at Partick, were we had a heated debated about selling Larsson, before his contract runs out. From this we moved onto a bar in the city centre, where we got a fine display of pole dancing from Mr V Fox. The next morning, hangover and all, I set on my way home waiting for my next Old Firm encounter.

PS: Just a little thanks to all members of the Belfast Shamrock for memories since I have joined

Man of the Match: Neil Lennon