Celtic 1
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Our excellent recent record at Parkhead was always under threat with Paul Hegarty and Dave Narey’s continued absence and there was the additional blow of Jim McInally being under suspension. As it turned out we were only nine minutes away from escaping with a point with Celtic displaying their vast array of attacking talent. The reason it took the Parkhead side so long to make the breakthrough was down almost entirety to a flawless performance by Billy Thomson in goal. Billy produced many fine saves, notably when he turned a Johnston header on to the post just before halftime.

He had, however, no chance when Celtic did score. Peter Grant’s through ball found Mo Johnston in the clear and Scotland’s leading scorer ran on to shoot low past Billy from just inside the penalty area. Five minutes later we almost snatched an equaliser when Kevin Gallacher sent over an inviting cross which Tommy Coyne flicked past Bonner but Grant made a goal-line stop. In the end it had to be conceded that Celtic deserved the points that opened up a four point lead for them at the top of the table.