Dundee Utd3–4Celtic

The opening match of the season produced an explosive start with new signing Jochem Muller making his debut. There was almost a sensational start for the German newcomer when Bonner managed to pluck his header out from under the bar. However, it was Celtic who drew first blood in what was to develop into a quite fascinating contest. Charlie Nicholas headed Celtic ahead from close in after only nine minutes. There was a further set-back for us when Tommy Coyne took a return pass from Charlie Nicholas and blasted home a second from just inside the box after 17 minutes. However, a controversial penalty award ten minutes later brought us back into contention. Referee Brian McGinlay spotted Duncan Ferguson being held and after Bonner had been booked Michael O'Neillstepped up to hammer the spot-kick high into the net. Thereafter we enjoyed our best spell of the game to date only for Celtic to grab an unexpected third when John Collins lofted drive from 25 yards went in via the underside of the bar.

The pace of events didn't slacken after the break because within four minutes of the re-start Michael O'Neill reduced the arrears with a first time shot after John O'Neil's first effort had been blocked. This match of fluctuating fortunes took another twist in the 69th minute when Duncan Ferguson rose to head in a Dave Bowman cross into the top left-hand corner.

Just when it seemed both sides had settled for a point Celtic stole both points in this amazing contest when John Collins struck a long range effort high into the net from 25 yards. Even in the couple of minutes remaining we might have rescued a point. Only a finger-tip save by Paddy Bonner prevented John O'Neil equalising and then Michael O'Neill blazed a shot over just before the final whistle went.