Dundee Utd2–1Celtic

A near sell out crowd was in attendance for the lunchtime kick off at Tannadice. United were keen to make ammends for a poor result at home to Aberdeen a week earlier and Celtic came into this one on the back of a good run of form, winning their last eight.

United were quick of the blocks with Ciftci looking well up for the match. Unfortunately, the Turk let his passion spill over and was booked in the opening minutes. United took an early lead when they punished some sloppy play by Celtic. after five minutes an Armstrong pass was deflected past Efe Ambrose, who swiped at fresh air and Nadir Çiftçi stole in to hold off the Celtic defender before shooting into the far corner. That was enough to kick start Celtic and they responded well. Stokes and Izaguirre combined to provide Forrest with a great chance which he squandered. Johansen also tested Cierzniak after good work by Guidette. However, it wasn't all Celtic and United almost scored again when Conor Townsend was denied by Gordon as the Celtic 'keeper dived at full-stretch to keep out his shot. Celtic then claimed for a penalty when Dillon used his shoulder to push aside Guidetti as he chased a through ball. The woodwork came to United's help when the ball spun off Cierzniak against the woodwork and Virgil van Dijk’s follow up was scrambled off the line by a United defender.

United striker, Ciftci turned provider after 65 minutes when he again used his strength to get past Izaguirre and chipping to the back post for the unmarked Stuart Armstrong to force his header past Craig Gordon. United then had to endure significant pressure for the remainder of the second half. A Stokes cross deflected off Dillon and over Cierzniak but the ball struck the post. Moments later Izaguirre nicked the ball from Blair Spittal on the penalty spot, just as the United midfielder was about to shoot with only Gordon to beat. With 10 minutes remaining Johansen found Izaguirre, and the left-back knocked the ball square to Scepovic to slam his shot into the corner of the net, but, despite being onside, the goal was flagged off. Leigh Griffiths gave Celtic some hope shortly after that and in the opening minute of stoppage-time the striker rifled a low drive against the base of the post with Cierzniak beaten. United survived to take the three points and end Celtics eight match winning run.

Manager's Comment:
“We had five or six players out. We were up against it for their energy. I was worried about Butcher, but he was outstanding considering he's not trained for the last three days. I'm delighted with the effort and commitment and I think the players gave everything they had. They were absolutely knackered at the end. We rode our luck. Celtic put us under a lot of pressure."

Fan's Comment:
“After a no-show from the team the previous week against Aberdeen, this was a wonderful way for them to pay back the fans. It was excruciatingly nerve wracking for the entire 90 minutes. As United fans we have seen it all before against Celtic with late capitulations. However, the team worked their socks off to earn that result, all be it we had a fair bit of luck. Just wish we could bottle that desire and spirit and use it in more matches throughout this remainder of the season.”

Match Photos courtesy of Riki Grauer - More photos available at:
Dundee United Official Flickr Page