Celtic secure 39th title

ByReuters

Published 18/04/2004 at 16:19 GMT

Stilian Petrov sparked scenes of celebration when his first-half strike secured Celtic their 39th Scottish championship in a 1-0 win at Kilmarnock on Sunday. The Bulgarian raced on to Henrik Larsson's deft header to hammer home a 32nd-minute winner for th

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Image credit: Eurosport

Kilmarnock had chances but a tired Celtic, clearly feeling the effects of losing Wednesday's UEFA Cup quarter-final to Spain's Villarreal, held on to wrap up their third title in four years under manager Martin O'Neill.

The scenes of jubilation among the more than 10,000 travelling fans contrasted starkly with the mood at the same Rugby Park venue last May.

Then, Celtic walloped Kilmarnock 4-0 but several of their players wept openly after Rangers beat Dunfermline Athletic 6-1 to take the title by a one-goal difference.

SPL