The history books record only the points, the monumental effort Celtic needed to overcome Mossley will be a mere footnote, but overcome Mossley they did.

Mossley’s intent to stifle Celtic was apparent from the off, showing little ambition going forward but solid at the back. Frustration showed in some of the cards earned by Celtic players, and chances were slim, with Ellis Horan the main outlet, with his speed and agility allowing him to worm past. His first effort zipped the wrong side of the post, his second required a tip over, when the cross became a top corner shot. Losing Ruben Jerome to an injury dented Celtic’s attacking options, and the half finished goalless.

The second half saw a more adventurous Mossley, earning a few corners, but opening up at the back, with Liam Tongue’s thirty yard rocket the wrong side of the post, and Aaron Chalmers heading over the bar. Most of Mossley’s attacking threat came through former Celt, Obua Mugalula, who twice went close, a flying save from Charlie Monks, and a more comfortable one, both coming with less than twenty minutes on the clock. With five minutes left on the clock, Ellis Horan broke free, outpacing the Mossley backline, but Finlay Madigan made the stop, both Jack Irlam and Max Leonard arriving for the square ball and tap in. Horan went alone again a few minutes later, this time, the offside flag stayed down and, one-on-one, jinked the keeper and slotted it past him.

Deep into stoppage time, Jack Morrow had a half chance, hitting a shot on the run, but it was always curling wide and Celtic are within one point of guaranteeing a play-off spot with three games remaining. Three points behind the leaders and one behind second, coming into form in exactly the right time.