11.40am

Yesterday's result: Motherwell 4, Celtic 4.

Unbelievably, I missed the game as I was at a wedding (congratulations to Lorna and John btw), and it sounds like I missed an absolute cracker. Managed to watch the first half on Setanta round at a mate's house, and saw Celtic go in 3-1 ahead at the interval even though I thought Motherwell had been the better side for much of the half. Celtic went in front against the run of play courtesy of a Hartson header, but we equalised shortly afterwards when great build up play from new loan signing McCormack (see below) setup Brian Kerr, and the Scotland internationalist curled a beautiful shot past David Marshall. The visitors soon regained their lead through another Hartson header, although Gordon Marshall went down for it in installments. Shortly before half time it was 3-1 when Marshall conceded a penalty by bringing down Petrov, and Harton fired home from the spot to complete his hat trick.

It was at this point I had to leave for the wedding, but on the car radio I listened to an unbelievable Motherwell comeback and two goals within three minutes brought the score level at 3-3. Firstly Hamilton headed a McCormack volley beyond David Marshall, then McDonald sent a glancing header past the 'keeper. Paterson then hit the post and Craigan missed a great chance before we eventually took the lead courtesy of a Kinniburgh header with only six minutes to go. Then right at the death, Celtic grabbed an equaliser when Beattie knocked the ball past Marshall and into the net. Final score 4-4. Phew!

The only thing I can really say about yesterday's game is that I'm gutted that I missed it! I'm sure we would all have taken a point beforehand, but losing an equaliser right at the death after coming from 3-1 behind was hard to take. From what I saw of the game, I was none to impressed with Gordon Marshall and perhaps its time to give Graeme Smith a chance. Still, McCormack was excellent, and I understand Hamilton and Paterson were both outstanding in the second half. Looks like it could be another memorable season...

Team (4-4-2): Marshall, Paul Quinn, Kinniburgh, Craigan, Hammell, McCormack (Fagan 70), Leitch (Kerr 9), O'Donnell, Paterson, McDonald (Wright 86), Hamilton.
Subs not used: Graeme Smith, Keogh, Fitzpatrick, Darren Lee Smith.

Motherwell scorers: Kerr 20, Hamilton 58, McDonald 60, Kinniburgh 84.

Booked:Hammell, McDonald.

Attendance:9,903.

Scott Leitch was carried off after only nine minutes of yesterday's game, and it looks like he has snapped his Achilles. At the age of 35, have we seen the last of Leitch in a Motherwell jersey?

Terry Butcher's post-match comments were as follows:
"I was coming down the tunnel (at half time) and I could hear ranting and raving in our dressing room. The players were having a go among themselves and I had to calm them down because they were angry. In the end it drove them on, we got the next goal and put pressure on Celtic. I couldn't have asked for any more. It felt like a defeat in the end. The players are upset because they have conceded a goal like that. We are very disappointed that we haven't got all three points. I thought with 90 seconds to go Celtic were going to score a winner and it was pay-back time but they didn't."

Scott McDonald has signed a new contract which ties him to Motherwell until 2008. The Aussie striker, whose existing deal was due to run out at the end of this season, is quoted as saying:
'I'm delighted that it has all been resolved and I am happy to extend my stay because I thoroughly enjoy being at Motherwell and I am looking forward to having a more successful season than last year. I would like to say a big thank you to all the Motherwell fans who have helped me settle in so well and I'd like to repay them by doing my very best for the club."

Motherwell have signed Preston midfielder Alan McCormack on loan until January. The 21-year-old, who made his debut in the 4-4 draw with Celtic yesterday, said:
"Billy Davies had no hesitation in recommending the move to Motherwell and I am looking forward to playing against sides like Celtic and Rangers and savouring the atmosphere of games like these. I am just delighted to be here and not looking beyond January but football is a funny old game and you don't know what might happen after that."

Former Man City and Sunderland midfielder Nicky Summerbee will arrive at Fir Park next week for a trial period. The 33-year-old is a free agent after quitting Bradford in the summer, and is quoted as saying:
"I have a few options on the table and Motherwell is one of them. I will go up and hear what they have to say when I get back next week. Terry is an old family friend. My dad appeared in the football film Escape to Victory and he became friendly with his co-star, the Ipswich player Russell Osman. He got to know Terry well through Russell. Terry used to stay at our house when I was a lad and he was in the area. He has done very well at Motherwell. I'm also good friends with Alex Rae and still keep in contact with him. When we played for Sunderland together we travelled up to Scotland to watch a few Old Firm games and other Rangers matches. I am not getting any younger and the chance to play in stadiums like Ibrox and Parkhead with a club like Motherwell at this stage in my career is one that appeals to me. People in England look down their noses at Scottish football. But Alex, who has played to a high level, has told me that it is no joke, it is a tough league. It would be a great challenge for me."

It seems that Martyn Corrigan's knee injury is not as bad as was first feared, and he will only be out for around five weeks.