NEWLY promoted Ross County made history in Dingwall when SPL champions Celtic came calling on Saturday.
Only a last-gasp injury time equaliser from Celtic's Kris Commons saved the visitors from a major upset.
Stuart Kettlewell had a golden opportunity to settle the nerves within minutes but headed wide.
The teams went in for the break at 0-0 with Ross County acquitting themselves admirably in the face of their sternest test yet.
After two goalless draws on the trot, County were looking for their first SPL goal after a solid if unspectacular start.
Remarkably, it looked like it was about to come.
Richard Brittain delivered in style with an unstoppable 20-yard free kick which sent the home fans into fits of delirium. The unthinkable was looking possible all over again.
Ross-shire's county town had been buzzing since the start of the day with a real sense of anticipation in the air.
Billed by some ahead of the game as the "battle of the champions" - SPL versus First Division title winners - the match also rekindled memories of the home side's famous Scottish Cup win over the Glasgow giants.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon went into the match insisting the Hoops would take nothing for granted. Describing it as "bread and butter" match for a side aiming to retain the title, he said: "It's very important we win the game here."
But in sun-drenched conditions at a packed Global Energy Stadium - the official attendance was put at 6,110 - the home side bossed it in the early stages, looking comfortable on the ball with some pacey interchanges.
Celtic had gone into the game firm favourites despite a lengthy injury list and a few inevitable gripes over the journey north.
Brittain's goal remained the only difference between the sides until the game slid into injury time.
Commons' equaliser just before the death left a hugely relieved Celtic boss Neil Lennon dancing with delight on the touchline.
The goal came after the signalled three minutes of injury time. But when the dust settles, it'll be seen as a mark of how far County have come that they'll be disappointed with a draw against the champions.
Full analysis, reaction and all the latest from the County camp in next week's Ross-shire Journal. Were you there today? How was it for you?
