By Dundeefc.net
April 24 2002

SAT 12TH FEBRUARY

DUNDEE 0 CELTIC 3(Mjallby 66,Viduka 69, Healy 82)

Att:10,044

Douglas Wilkie, Tweed, Smith, Ireland Rae, Boyack, McSkimming,Robertson Bayne, Falconer

Subs:
Grady (for McSkimming), Sharp (for Robertson), Annand (for Bayne), Langfield, Sharpe

A poor second half performance in which too much space was surrendered to a determined Celtic side saw Dundee become the first side since the winter break to lose to the Glasgow giants.

A completely inneffective display by referee Orr, who continually let Celtic off with repeated fouling and dissent, never more evident than with Boyack about to take a shot on the edge of the 18 yard box, had his standing leg taken from him by Mjallby, a clear foul in full view of everyone - even the players stopped - however Orr waved play on which led to a Celtic break - almost leading to a goal.

Viduka was doing what he does best DIVING IN THE BOX, again referee Orr refused to take any action.

Dundee started well and should have taken the lead in seven minutes when Willie Falconer got on the end of a fine Boyack cross, but the striker swept his right foot shot inches wide of the target. The Dark Blues matched Celtic stride for stride in the opening half hour but as the interval approached the Hoops began to dominate possession although without looking threatening.

This was a pattern which continued in the early part of the second half with Celtic spending long periods on the ball but looking unlikely to break down the Dens back line. Dundee however had begun to lack any attacking options although Falconer and Bayne were working their socks off to try to give an outlet to the midfield. Too often however the teams passing, so good at Motherwell, was poor.

The breakthrough for the Celts came midway through the second half when a curled left wing from Moravcik took a deflection and presented Mjallby with a easy scoring opportunity from six yards. The big Swede's head did the rest.

Up to this point Dundee hadn't really looked like losing but they never looked like coming back from a goal behind and as Celtic's confidence grew they began to dominate completely. The second goal came only three minutes after the opener as Viduka danced along the edge of the 18 yard box before firing low into the corner.

Celtic replaced the ineffective Wright with Burchill as Dundee threw on Grady for McSkimming in a bid to get back into the match. It was the visitors' youngster who made an impression however with his pace always causing the Dundee back line problems.

With eight minutes to go Burchill raced clear of the defence for the second time, having already dragged a shot wide when one on one with Douglas. The keeper had to race out of his box and while he prevented Burchill scoring, the ball broke to Healy 30 yards out who placed the ball into the empty net.

Dundee instantly brought on Annand and Sharp, although there was a delay as Douglas received treatment for a knee knock picked up in the collision with Burchill.

The Dark Blues pushed forward in a bid to get a consolation goal but a fine save by Kharine from Grady's close range shot denied them before Wilkie ang Grady got in each others way, with Wilkie putting the rebound wide.

Make no mistake this was a poor Celtic side who only looked confident once they got the opening goal. They were there for the taking, and with a bit more belief we could and should have taken something from the game. At least unlike the Celtic we are still in the Scottish Cup and a win on Tuesday should lift the spirits.