Dundee 1
Celtic 3
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

To Dundee guts and graft, to Celtic class and craft. Result-a deserved 3-1 win for the visitors, but no disgrace to the homesters.

In atrocious conditions these ingredients went into making one of the most interesting and exciting games seen at Dens in a long time.

At times, Celtic played excellent football, befitting their position as champions.

Despite Dens being barely playable with gallons of surface water, Celtic endeavoured to stroke the ball around throughout. They were well ahead of Dundee in the finer points of the game.

Tommy Burns, George McCluskey and Frank McGarvey in particular were far too sharp. However, newly promoted Dundee again indicated they won't be pushed aside lightly.

What they lacked in finesse, they more than recouped in concentration and determination.

There can be no moans about the outcome, although if Dundee continue to work as they did here, there's no reason why they shouldn't stay in the Premier League.

But all credit to Celtic. After their mid-week defeat in Italy, it would have been understandable if they suffered a reaction. However, from the start it was obvious their attitude was correct and there was to be no slip-up.

Once they'd adapted to the aquatic conditions, Celtic quietly slipped ahead. Ironically, it followed a breakdown of Dundee's likeliest-looking move.

Burns intercepted a Fleming pass on the edge of his own box and didn't release the ball until he reached the edge of Dundee's box. Sullivan crossed, Nicholas nudged it on and McCluskey scored at the far post, despite Geddes' despairing efforts.

Around this stage Celtic stroked the ball with a velvet touch. Yet, Dundee's determination saw Bonner make good saves from Sinclair and Cameron before Celtic went further ahead.

It followed the game's most telling move. McCluskey played two delightful 1-2's with Sullivan before stroking past the bemused Geddes.

However, it Celtic thought they could cruise after this, Dundee soon made them think again.

Fleming sent Ferguson through on the right and the teenager sent over a deep cross which evaded the hands of Bonner. George McGeachie threw himself at the ball and ended in the net beside it.

Just as Dundee had thoughts of saving a point, Celtic produced one final piece of culture. Charlie Nicholas slipped a well-judged pass inside Glennie for McGarvey to run on to and beat Geddes at his near post.

There were plenty incidents at both ends. Aitken and McAdam cleared shots from Sinclair and Ferguson off the line. Geddes had fine saves from McCluskey and Nicholas.

The game was played in a splendid spirit. I can't recall one bad tackle or nasty inciden.

Celtic have shaken off their European Cup disappointment in double quick time. Bonner, Aitken, McGarvey, McCluskey and Burns were outstanding. McGrain and Provan were hardly missed.

Dundee shouldn't be too despondent. They gave Celtic a better game than some other Premier League sides. However, they must find some pace and penetration if their season isn't to be one long. uphill battle.

Davie Bell was outstanding, keeping the in-form MacLeod quieter than usual. Cameron, MacDonald and Ferguson were their other notables.

Match report written by The Sunday Post