ALL week the headlines were dominated by behind-the-scenes turmoil with Rugby Park chairman Michael Johnston under fire from furious home fans for cutting admission prices for Celtic fans, prompting yet another mass boycott and the rebels had their way with the paltry attendance of 6,149 the lowest for a fixture between the two sides at Rugby Park since the Second World War.

Those, however who did turn up witnessed an enthralling and at times edge-of-the-seat encounter in which the talking was all done on the field and Celtic were pushed all the way by a Killie side who were without a win in seven matches going into the match.

An inspirational opening 15 minutes saw Killie very much on top before the champs hit them with three quickfire goals - but visiting striker Georgios Samaras proved the destroyer with a hat-trick - his first in the Premiership sealing what was perhaps a more close-fought game than the scoreline would suggest.

While the scoreline ultimately perhaps flattered Celtic, they were undoubtedly worthy winners.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.