League · SPL
Dundee Utd1–2Celtic
David McCracken 49′
Henrik Larsson 37′
Chris Sutton 66′
Lineups
Dundee Utd
Celtic
Dundee Utd · Starting XI
Celtic · Starting XI
- Jonathan Gould
- Alan Stubbs
- Joos Valgaeren
- Tom Boyd
- Stephane Mahe
- Jackie McNamara
- Paul Lambert
- Eyal Berkovic
- Stilian Petrov
- Henrik Larsson
- Chris Sutton
Dundee Utd · Substitutes
Celtic · Substitutes
- Stewart Kerr
- Bobby Petta
- Olivier Tabily
- Tommy Johnson
- Mark Burchill
Dundee Utd · Substitutions
- Tassos Venetis for Neil Heaney71′
- Jim Hamilton for Alex Mathie78′
- Stephen McConalogue for Craig Easton84′
Celtic · Substitutions
- Tommy Johnson for Eyal Berkovic64′
Dundee Utd · Manager
Celtic · Manager
- Martin O'Neill
Dundee Utd · Cautions
Celtic · Cautions
- Joos Valgaeren58′
Match report
A big crowd was in attendance to witness United remember their roots wearing a green and white change strip. You could sense the optimism in the air that only a season opener can produce. Visitors Celtic saw most of the possession in the initial stages and caused an early threat. In eight minutes Alan Combe came to the rescue when he dived to his left to tip a Larsson free kick onto the post. It was backs to the wall stuff for United as Combe again saved from close range. In 15 minutes United created their first real chance when…Read moreRead less
A big crowd was in attendance to witness United remember their roots wearing a green and white change strip. You could sense the optimism in the air that only a season opener can produce.
Visitors Celtic saw most of the possession in the initial stages and caused an early threat. In eight minutes Alan Combe came to the rescue when he dived to his left to tip a Larsson free kick onto the post. It was backs to the wall stuff for United as Combe again saved from close range. In 15 minutes United created their first real chance when Alex Mathie set up Steven Thompson but the youngster's effort flew wide. Eyal Berkovic was causing the home side plenty of problems but the Terrors went close in 28 minutes after Neil Heaney won a free kick on the right. Jim Paterson took it and as the ball appeared to be heading for the net Celtic ’keeper Jonathan Gould stretched to palm the ball wide. In 36 minutes Celtic scored the opener after further pressure. Henrik Larsson curled a left foot shot beyond the reach of Combe’s right-hand side. Heaney, Hannah and Thomspon were all booked before half time as the frustration started to tell. Just on the half time whistle Alan Combe had to time his intervention to perfection as he gathered at Chris Sutton's feet to maintain the single goal deficit.
While the hosts had struggled to create clear cut chances before the break it was bedlam inside Tannadice in 50 minutes as the team drew level. Heaney delivered a free kick in from the left and David McCracken rose to head home his first top team goal. After 57 minutes Celtic came close to re-taking the lead as Larsson’s swerving shot just skimmed Combe’s left-hand post. United nearly went ahead when Jim Paterson crossed to Mathie for a free free header but his chance fell straight into the arms of Jonathan Gould. United were made to pay for the miss in 68 minutes as Chris Sutton put his side 2-1 up. Jackie McNamara drove the ball into the box and it broke to Chris Sutton who easily slotted home. In 76 minutes Hasney Aljofree was on hand to clear off the line to prevent United falling further behind. Paul Sturrock threw on Jim Hamilton and Stephen McConalogue in a late attempt to snatch a draw but unfortunately the hosts started their league campaign in defeat.
Visitors Celtic saw most of the possession in the initial stages and caused an early threat. In eight minutes Alan Combe came to the rescue when he dived to his left to tip a Larsson free kick onto the post. It was backs to the wall stuff for United as Combe again saved from close range. In 15 minutes United created their first real chance when Alex Mathie set up Steven Thompson but the youngster's effort flew wide. Eyal Berkovic was causing the home side plenty of problems but the Terrors went close in 28 minutes after Neil Heaney won a free kick on the right. Jim Paterson took it and as the ball appeared to be heading for the net Celtic ’keeper Jonathan Gould stretched to palm the ball wide. In 36 minutes Celtic scored the opener after further pressure. Henrik Larsson curled a left foot shot beyond the reach of Combe’s right-hand side. Heaney, Hannah and Thomspon were all booked before half time as the frustration started to tell. Just on the half time whistle Alan Combe had to time his intervention to perfection as he gathered at Chris Sutton's feet to maintain the single goal deficit.
While the hosts had struggled to create clear cut chances before the break it was bedlam inside Tannadice in 50 minutes as the team drew level. Heaney delivered a free kick in from the left and David McCracken rose to head home his first top team goal. After 57 minutes Celtic came close to re-taking the lead as Larsson’s swerving shot just skimmed Combe’s left-hand post. United nearly went ahead when Jim Paterson crossed to Mathie for a free free header but his chance fell straight into the arms of Jonathan Gould. United were made to pay for the miss in 68 minutes as Chris Sutton put his side 2-1 up. Jackie McNamara drove the ball into the box and it broke to Chris Sutton who easily slotted home. In 76 minutes Hasney Aljofree was on hand to clear off the line to prevent United falling further behind. Paul Sturrock threw on Jim Hamilton and Stephen McConalogue in a late attempt to snatch a draw but unfortunately the hosts started their league campaign in defeat.