Dundee Utd1–1Celtic

Both United and Celtic made three changes from their previous games for this Scottish Cup Quarter Final. Butcher, Rankin and Connolly were drafted into the first eleven with Telfer, Spittal and Erskine all dropping out. Izaguirre returned to the Celtic defence following a hand injury and midfielders Bitton and Forrest came into the side. This was the first of three consecutive games between the sides over the next three weeks.

There was a scrappy start to the match before it burst into life after 8 minutes. It started when Celtic skipper Scott Brown flew two footed into striker Ciftci just inside the United half. As the pair tussled, the ball broke free and and Van Dijk crashed into an ugly challenge on Calum Butcher. Both Butcher and the Dutchman struggled with each other as they attempted to get back to their feet. Paton and Dillon arrived on the scene just after and while Dillon attempted to break up the confrontations, Paton protested to the referee. The stand side linesman and referee took plenty of time to discuss the incident but incredibly it was Paton and not Butcher who was shown a straight red card, along with Celtic's Van Dijk. The double sending off looked to be better news for United as with Celtic's influential central defender missing, United took control of the first half. It wasn't until the last ten minutes of the opening period before Celtic began to gain a foothold in the match. United had a great opportunity when Brown fouled the energetic Butcher right on the edge of the penalty area. Ciftci tried to pass the resultant free-kick low into the corner of the net but it scraped just wide of the post. In the 42nd minute, Stefan Johansen fired a shot from 20 yards that Cierzniak did well to palm away. The post then came to the rescue of both sides. First a Butcher's shot from 18 yards was diverted against the post by Ryan Dow. Then Anthony Stokes, who was clean through on goal rolled the ball against the post. With the half-time whistle pending, Connolly weaved into the Celtic box and was brought crashing to the ground by a glancing challenge by Stokes. Thomson pointed to the penalty spot and Nadir Çiftçi slotted the penalty low into Gordon's right-hand post.

The second half had only barely settled down when there was more drama. James Forrest's found himself in acres of space and fired in a goal bound shot that was blocked by Dixon with the aid of his arm. Celtic were awarded a penalty and Dixon ordered from the field. United fans were ecstatic when Cierzniak dived to his left to save Griffiths's well-struck penalty shot. United then opted to move to a 4-4-0 formation and defend their single goal advantage. Queue wave after wave of Celtic attacks that for the early part of the second half were quashed. Cierzniak as the last line of defence was having a stormer and he made some fantastic saves to keep United ahead. However, after 71 minutes he was finally undone. Griffiths shook of his marker and carefully nodded a Johansen cross back across the 'keeper into his far corner. Many expected United to crumble at this point, but they stayed focused and continued to deny Celtic the winning goal. Butcher had the best of United's precious few second-half chances as he made a powerful run into the box, but had his shot saved by Gordon. After 5 minutes of stoppage time, United players could breath a huge sigh of relief knowing they had survived the second half barrage and lived to fight another day in this Scottish Cup campaign.

Manager's Comment:
"It was strange that the initial challenge didn't get dealt with by the referee. The initial challenge on Nadir was a bad one. I feel sorry for Paton, but I'm proud of the players, how they responded. We will appeal the red card as Paul Paton was not involved in the incident. I also don't think Aidan Connolly dived. I think Anthony Stokes' thigh has put him down."

Fan's Comment:
"Never thought we would survive the second half playing 4-4-0. Especially as we have struggle to defend all season. However, the lads were terrific out there today and deserve another chance at this tie, this time with 11 v 11 if possible. Rado was magnificent in goal and Butcher was so energetic. He was everywhere. There are so many psychological aspects to this now four game epic with Celtic. Therefore, going into the Cup final still in the Scottish Cup and having put in such a battling performance can only help both the players and fans go into next weeks game with great confidence. Proud. "

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