Dundee Utd 1
Celtic 5
League (Division One)

Match Report

Having lost 5-1 to Rangers just a month earlier, United were on the end of repeat scoreline against the other side of the Old Firm. Having lost 5-3 to Falkirk two weeks previous, this was the third game on the trot where United had lost five goals at Tannadice. There were two changes for United following defeat at Partick Thistle. Walter Smith replaced Marklund and Alan Gordon came in for Mitchell.

A 5-1 defeat never looked on the cards based on the evidence of the first half. With just 17 minutes on the clock United scored in their first real attack of the match. In a sweeping forward move, Traynor and Reid exchanged passes before setting up Copland who nodded down for Alan Gordon to swivel and finish expertly. The game hung on a knife edge from then until half time with play switching from one penalty box to the other. Both Traynor and Reid looked most dangerous for United in the first period but neither team could add to the early opener.

The turning point in this match came just a few minutes into the second half. Cameron brought down Hood in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Harry Hood dusted himself down and slotted home the penalty kick to level the match. Harry Hood only had to wait a couple more minute before he double his tally in the game, capitalising on a double save from McAlpine to bundle over the line. Lou Macari was next on the scoresheet, followed by Kenny Dalglish who made it four for Celtic. It was one way traffic now and United were toiling. Ten minutes from time, Celtic substitute Bobby Lennox scored the fifth with his first touch of the ball to round off another disappointing day for United. Rolland did have a close effort and Copland had a header cleared off the line, but from 47 minutes there was only going to be one winner here.