1980-12-27: Aberdeen 4-1 Celtic, Premier Division

Match Pictures | Matches: 19801981 | 1980-81 Pictures

Trivia

  • The last league game Celtic would lose until May 2nd 1981.

Review

On a sanded, frosty pitch Aberdeen looked more sure footed throughout and ran out comprehensive winners. This was a bad result for Celtic and they were well beaten in all areas of the field.

Billy McNeill fielded a defensive line up with three defensive midfielders in Aitken, Conroy and Weir and left the inspirational duo of Provan and Nicholas on the bench. The Celtic midfield was meant to contain Aberdeen's but Gordon Strachan was virtually unplayable and gave a majestic performance.

Aberdeen always looked likely from set pieces and their first two goals from centre back duo McLeish and Miller came in this fashion. Pat Bonner made god saves from McGhee and McCall as Aberdeen remained on top at half time with Strachan and Scanlon doing immense damage on the flanks.

McCall scored Aberdeen's third in 47 minutes and killed the game, another header, although Tommy Burns made a fine run and sent a 25 yard shot that Leighton done well to keep out. Even at 4-0 down the Celtic fans stayed behind their team and were rewarded in 71 minutes when Charlie Nicholas scored from a rebound. For the rest of the game the Celtic fans sang their hearts out and after the game Billy McNeill, whilst disappointed with the result, was proud of the backing the Celtic fans' had given the team and promised to repay their loyalty.

Celtic looked down and out as the league stood as follows:
Aberdeen….. 19 – 31
Celtic……….. 20 – 28
Rangers…… 18 – 24

However this was to be the last league game Celtic would lose until May 2nd 1981…..

Teams

Aberdeen: Leighton Kennedy Considine Watson McLeish Miller Strachan McCall McGhee Bell (Rougvie) Weir Sub: Hewitt

Goals: McLeish 9 Miller 40 McCall 47 Strachan 69 pen

Celtic: Bonner Sneddon McGrain Aitken MacDonald McAdam Conroy (Provan) Weir McGarvey Burns McCluskey (Nicholas)

Goals: Nicholas 71

Referee: D Ramsay
Attendance 24,000

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1980-12-27: Aberdeen 4-1 Celtic, Premier Division - The Celtic Wiki