Football: Celtic let lead slip

Celtic. . . .2

Hibernian. . 3

CELTIC'S old failing of not destroying the opposition when on top returned to haunt them yesterday as Hibs twice came from behind before sealing victory with six minutes remaining through their substitute Gareth Evans.

The home side's unremitting pressure paid early dividends when their Polish international full-back, Dariusz Wdowczyk, almost casually curled a free kick round the Hibs defensive wall and beyond the despairing fingers of John Burridge.

But as has happened in the past, Celtic allowed the Easter Road side back into the match. Paul McStay was booked for a foul on Mickey Weir near the half-way line and from the free-kick Mowbray's header was driven home by Wright.

Celtic restored their lead with a volley by McStay from a Tom Boyd cross but then the keeper Marshall brought down the Hibs striker Jackson in the box and he duly converted the penalty.

To cap a miserable afternoon for the home keeper he failed to stop Wright with a tackle and could only watch as he teed up the chance for the substitute Evans.

Celtic: G Marshall; T Boyd, D Wdowczyck, B O'Neil (J Miller, 68 min), T Mowbray, M Galloway, S Slater, P McStay, A Payton, G Creaney, J Collins. Sub not used: M McNally.

Hibernian: J Burridge; W Miller, G Mitchell, N Orr, D Beaumont, M Macleod, M Weir (C Milne, 89 min), B Hamilton, K Wright, D Jackson (G Evans, 84 min), P McGinlay.

Referee: H Williamson (Renfrew).

Goals: Wdowczyk (1-0, 11 min); Wright (1-1, 42 min); McStay (2-1, 58 min); Jackson pen (2-2, 65 min); Evans (2-3, 84 min).