Pierre Van Hooijdonk’s perfect header – a special Celtic moment I cherish

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The Celtic Star

·13 Oktober 2023

Pierre Van Hooijdonk’s perfect header – a special Celtic moment I cherish

This week 27 years ago, 12 October 1996 to be precise, seen a last minute Pierre Van Hooijdonk goal give a 10 man Celtic side a vital win over Motherwell at Celtic Park.

The game it itself was a damp squib and nothing memorable. Besides the goal I can recall the bumbling Gordon Marshall getting sent off after hauling down a Motherwell striker who I believe was Lee McCulloch. A young Stewart Kerr was brought on to replace him and with us down to ten men and with time ticking away it looked very bleak.

Video OneFootball

Pierre Van Hooijdonk powers a header towards the Motherwell goal.

Rangers were also getting beat by Hibs at Easter road so it looked as if we were going to throw away a golden chance to cut their lead at the top in an all important season.

With time running out and two points looking dropped, Jackie McNamara whipped in a terrific cross and as the clock ticked on the 90th minute big Pierre Van Hooijdonk perfectly headed the ball into the top left hand corner of the net.

Bedlam. The place erupted with joy, it made one young man’s day as he was sitting directly next to the goading Motherwell supporters as the ball hit the net. Glorious. It isn’t the most significant my Celtic memories, but it’s one I cherish all the same.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy