The first half of the game saw few chances created although it was end to end stuff with both teams up for the contest. The Dons, who had brought in Darren Mackie for Chris Clark, were controlling the midfield with the Young brothers and David Rowson making valuable contributions.

It took forty minutes for the game's first corner to come along, with Aberdeen winning three in quick succession, although none of them came to anything.

HT 0-0

The second half began in similar fashion to the opener with neither keeper seriously threatened. For the Dons the defence looked solid with Derek Whyte marshalling his troops well.

Not long after Lubo Moravcik and Jackie McNamara had been introduced for Tommy Johnson and Colin Healy, Aberdeen had their best chance of the ninety minutes when Darren Mackie showed great skill, leaving Valgaeran trailing in his wake as he fired in a fierce shot which beat Douglas but unfortunately his right hand post as well.

With twenty minutes remaining, Celtic broke the deadlock, taking advantage of a lapse of concentration in the home defence. Didier AGATHE swivelled on the ball and placed a well struck shot to Esson's right with the keeper helpless.

Shortly afterwards, the champions elect almost added a second when Moravcik fired a shot in which cannoned off Esson's left hand post.

Chris Clark, Rachid Belabed and Thomas Solberg all came on late on in place of the Youngs and Kevin McNaughton but could do nothing to change a game which the home side will consider themselves unlucky not to have taken something from.

FT 0-1