The last month has been near perfect for Scotland's champions elect. Today should have just been another routine win for Neil Lennon's men against a decent Kilmarnock side. However, it was anything but routine.
Admittedly, after watching the match and extended highlights, it is hard to believe that the Ayrshire men came up trumps in this encounter. However, if I were to say that Killie goalkeeper Cammy Bell was awarded man of the match, it might go some way to explaining the outcome.
The game was won by Belgian journeyman Dieter Van Tournhout, with a goal in the 84th minute, leaving Celtic with very little time to respond. Before today, Van Tournhout had more red cards then goals to his name for the club, having failed to score and having picked up one red card. However, in only his 7th appearance for the club, he has now written himself into Kilmarnock folklore.
Even with only six minutes to respond, there was a part of me that felt Celtic were still likely to score. But Kenny Shiels men defended bravely and prevented Celtic from scoring domestically since their home tie with Hibernian at the end of October. And it was Edinburgh's other half who were the last domestic team to beat the Bhoys, 2-0 at the beginning of October.
It was not only Kilmarnock who were showing signs of bravery, whistle blower Willie Collum held his nerve in the dying moments as he waved away dramatic protests for a penalty from the men in green. As Stokes was sent one-on-one with the Kilmarnock goal tender, I'm sure everyone was thinking the same - "Here we go Stokes equaliser. Kilmarnock restart the game. Celtic retrieve the ball and pile on the pressure. And Celtic take the lead". Instead, Collum booked the Irish strike man for simulation, much to Stokes outrage, an outrage displayed on Twitter that might result in further disciplinary consequences.
Every none Old Firm Scottish football fan had been waiting for a decision like this to happen for years. A game changing decision in opposition to the Old Firm was as common as a Rangers bank statement in the black. And the irony is, it may have been the wrong decision.
There was no doubt Kilmarnock rode their luck at times, however in doing so they have hopefully set two precedents. Firstly, that referees will refrain from constantly 'getting the old firm out of jail'. Secondly, that the rest of the SPL will begin to compete with Celtic for the remainder of the season.
It is crucial for the remaining dignity of Scottish football, that Celtic's league run in is not as straight forward as we first thought it would be. Kilmarnock's win will hopefully encourage those remaining teams in Scotland's maiden knockout competition, that anything is possible. Lennon's triple Scotch that he ordered might just turn out to be a single.
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