Celtic2–1Dundee Utd

Another impressive Parkhead performance from United went unrewarded this evening as a Looven’s header from a set piece and a deflected Samaras goal proved too much of a deficit to overcome. David Robertson’s strike gave Arabs hope midway through the second half, but United were ultimately unable to produce what would have been a deserved equaliser.

An adventurous looking United took control of the game from the outset, and a Conway drive was close after just four minutes. Celtic went even closer on the quarter hour mark as Samaras’s shot rebounded back off the post. United responded when a pinpoint cross from Conway picked out Sandaza and the Spaniard’s header forced a fine one handed save from Boruc, low to his left.

But just as in the game against Aberdeen, United’s excellent start was undone by a corner kick. Nakamura flighted an in-swinger into the goal area and Loovens managed to climb above a clutch of players to flick the ball into the net on 22 minutes. Celtic – clearly lifted by the goal – went on to enjoy their best spell as the interval approached; but resolute defending and wayward crossing meant just the one goal separated the sides at half time.

United again started the second half on top with Boruc saving Sandaza’s shot from an acute angle. Then on 50 minutes Kenneth sclaffed a shot from close range which was blocked away after Conway’s free kick had fallen to him in the six yard box. Once again Celtic scored against the run of play with Samaras’s first time shot from 20 yards deflecting off Wilkie and into the far corner of the net leaving Zaluska helpless.

But far from giving up, United pulled one back just five minutes later when a great run and cross from Dixon was met by a trademark run by David Robertson who blasted home from six yards. An equaliser almost followed immediately but Robertson’s cross was just too high for Shala and the substitute’s header drafted over from close range. Gomis was next to try his luck with a twenty yard drive just off target after a neat one two with Buaben. Buaben himself had three decent half chances to volley home an equaliser – the best of the opportunities he blazed wide, the more difficult two he struck really well but just too close to Boruc. At the other end Zaluska pulled off a smart stop as Nakamura ran through on goal.

Despite a tense end to end finish, there were no more clear cut chances. Though disappointed at the final score, Arabs would be quietly pleased that Hearts had dropped points at Pittodrie, and optimistic that another away performance like this at Tynecastle could deliver a positive result.