Larsson snatches dramatic winner

Henrik Larsson's last-gasp goal enabled 10-man Celtic to hold onto their 100 per cent record at Parkhead.

Livingston had fought back twice to level the scoreline and looked like holding Celtic to a draw for the second time this season.

Lubomir Moravcik had given Celtic the lead only to be clawed back by an Oscar Rubio header then Larsson saw his first goal cancelled out by Francisco Quino.

But the Swede ensured all three points would stay at Celtic Park when he grabbed the winner in the last minute.

Celtic appeared to have recovered from the shock of their first league defeat against Aberdeen on Saturday as they set about pounding the Livingston goal in the early stages of this game.

Livingston have been the surprise package this season but seemed overawed by their first visit to a packed Celtic Park and, as early as two minutes, they were under pressure as Larsson tried to set up Stilian Petrov, only for the Bulgarian to fail to connect with the ball.

But Stevie Tosh's challenge on Moravcik proved to be costly as the Hoops took advantage of the resultant free-kick to surge into the lead.

Moravcik himself stepped up for the set-piece to bullet the ball past a stunned Nick Culkin.

Celtic had received a bitter blow when Chris Sutton landed awkwardly following a 50-50 challenge with defender Marvin Andrews and had to be stretchered off and replaced by John Hartson.

Livingston levelled the scoreline despite struggling to create much in front of goal. Rubio pounced on a Barry Wilson free-kick to nod home the equaliser after 36 minutes.

Despite the setback of Livingston drawing level, Celtic emerged even more determined after the interval.

Larsson restored Celtic's lead after 50 minutes when he pounced on a Paul Lambert ball to fire low past Livingston goalkeeper Culkin.

Livingston, too, were beginning to show more determination and, for the second time, they fought back to draw level.

Celtic goalkeeper Rab Douglas did well to parry a Wilson shot but, the ball fell to the feet of Quino, who smashed the rebound home after 58 minutes.

Celtic's chances of snatching a win suffered a blow after 78 minutes when they found themselves down to 10 men. Joos Valgaeren was guilty of a nasty challenge on substitute Nathan Lowndes and the referee did not hesitate to show him his second yellow card before producing the red.

But the home side managed to snatch all three points right at the death when Larsson met a Thompson cross to tap home from two yards out.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has urged the Parkhead faithful to throw their full support behind the team - or risk losing their 100 per cent home record.

O'Neill said: "Today the players did it for themselves. The crowd was getting a bit anxious and recently there has been a little extra pressure.

"But my own view is that last season we won 52 out of 57 points and this season so far it has been 30 out of 30 here so there shouldn't be too many complaints from the supporters."

CELTIC: Douglas, Mjallby, Balde, Valgaeren,Petrov, Lennon, Lambert, Thompson, Moravcik (McNamara 90), Sutton (Hartson 35), Larsson. Subs not used: Gould, Maloney, Crainey. Sent off: Valgaeren (79). Booked: Valgaeren, Moravcik, Lennon. Goals: Moravcik 12, Larsson 50, 90.

LIVINGSTON: Culkin, Brinquin, Rubio, Andrews, Santini, Anderson, Wilson (Aurellio 79), Quino (Hart 62), Bingham, Xausa (Lowndes 56), Tosh. Subs not used: McEwan, Caputo. Booked: Rubio, Xausa, Quino. Goals: Rubio 37, Quino 58.

Referee: G Mitchell (Scotland).