Celtic 2
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

United, fresh from a great 7-2 victory in Europe, headed to Glasgow in confidence to meet Celtic at Parkhead. The starting eleven remained unchanged from the team that faced Slask on Wednesday, with Colin Campbell joining Billy Kirkwood on the bench.

Celtic were the better side in the opening exchanges, with MacLeod shooting wide and McCluskey having a shot inches over the bar. At the other end, Davie Dodds had a shot well saved by Bonner and a few minutes later the striker hit the ball wide of an open goal after Bonner had failed to cut out a cross. Nicholas was causing United numerous problems and in the 20th minute his header was too straight to bother McAlpine. Then a minute later he hit the United post with a venomous effort. It was no surprise when Celtic finally made the break through. A clearance from the United defence was returned by Sullivan. Phillip mistimed his header and Frank McGarvey got space to ram the ball past McAlpine. There were United appeals for a penalty on the half hour mark when a hand popped out to clear a high cross, but the referee waved play on. MacLeod, Pettigrew and Narey all shot past when they should have done better as the half came to an end.

Paul Sturrock did his best to bring United level in the second half and had MacDonald booked after fouling the winger in the 53rd minute. However, three minutes later the lead was doubled. McCluskey found Charlie Nicholas who shot low past McAlpine into the corner of the net. There was no way back for United and they left Glasgow with no points and no goals, and were sitting just two points above bottom placed Kilmarnock.