Celtic 2
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Parkhead was the scene of our first defeat of the season and there is no doubt that United gave themselves a mountain to climb by losing two goals after only 12 minutes play. Celtic had Andy Payton making his debut and the former Middlesbrough striker almost scored with his first touch after 15 seconds. Not that a goal was long delayed. Newcomer Payton initiated the move with a pass out to Miller and when his cross arrived in the middle Gerry Creaney sent a glancing header well out of Alan Main's reach. Further disaster befell us eight minutes later when Boyd's cross from the left was again met by Gerry Creaney who this time directed a looping header in at the far post.

We didn't give up without a fight and we had chances to get back into the match, though early in the second half Creaney almost completed a' hat-trick, whilst only a fine one-handed save kept out a Tommy Coyne header. In truth, however, we never really recovered from the loss of those two early goals which made the return trip home from Parkhead as dreich as the weather.