Dundee 0
Celtic 0
League (Premiership)

Match Report

There were no goals at Dens Park tonight, but there was no shortage of entertainment as Dundee and Celtic fought out an exciting 0-0 draw. An excellent defensive performance kept the Dark Blues in the top six on goal difference. Whether they stay there after the final match on Saturday before the split remains in their own hands.

After good wins at the weekend each club made only a single change. Scott Bain returned from suspension to take his place in Dundee's goal, and Nir Bitton replaced the injured Tom Rogic in the Celtic midfield.

From the start Celtic looked a more composed and dangerous side than they did in the goalless draw in Glasgow a few weeks ago. Patrick Roberts was first to threaten, but his shot was too high after good work on the left by Tierney and MacKay-Steven.

Leigh Griffiths should have put Celtic ahead after 11 minutes when a simple through ball eluded the Dark Blue defence. The ex-Dee striker seemed sure to score, but he was foiled by Scott Bain's great block.

After that scare Dundee's defence settled down and were on top of their game for the rest of the match. Nothing less would have been good enough as Celtic probed with clever passing and running.

The champions may have been dominating play in the first half, but Dundee were still very much in the match. Craig Gordon had to save well when his defence failed to clear a Greg Stewart free kick. At full stretch he beat away Nick Ross's powerful 18 yard shot, but no Dees were following in to attack the loose ball.

Kane Hemmings turned and shot wide after Kevin Holt reached the byline during a spell in the middle of the first half when Celtic were dominating possession, but failing to create the shooting opportunities Dundee's more direct approach was providing. A long clearance sailed over the heads of the Celtic defence, and Rory Loy's first time shot from the edge of the penalty area brought another fine save from Gordon.

As the first half moved to a close Celtic pushed Dundee back and put the home defence under sustained pressure. Three minutes from the break the Dark Blues had a huge escape. Kieran Tierney raced to the byline and pulled a cross back for Stefan Johansen, whose shot took a big deflection, beating Bain, but rebounding from the post.

There was a surprise for the home support when Craig Wighton came out after the half time break, replacing Kane Hemmings.

The second half got off to an exciting start, with close calls at both ends. Griffiths' header from a deep cross beyond the far post went straight to Bain. Craig Gordon was then called upon again to rescue Celtic, making a vital save from Craig Wighton who had broken clear.

A Griffiths' free kick took a wicked kick off the pitch and Bain did well to parry it. Patrick Roberts then threatened with a marvellous dribble into the penalty area, only to be stopped in his tracks by Paul McGowan's perfectly timed tackle. Griffiths again came close when he had two shots blocked in a scramble following a corner.

Dundee fought back and Rory Loy came agonisingly close to the first goal when he struck the post after McGowan's shot was too strong for Gordon to hold.

Midway through the second half Celtic twice went close from corners. The first time Nick Ross calmly cleared Lustig's header off the line, and then Cammy Kerr got in the way to divert Mulgrew's header over the bar.

Just after the hour Gary Harkins came on for the injured Rory Loy. A good Dee move ended with Greg Stewart blasting the ball from 20 yards too close to Gordon to trouble the Scotland keeper.

There were no more clear chances in the last 25 minutes as both defences were on top. Celtic spent a lot of time in the Dundee half, but struggled to play their way into the home penalty area as a superbly organised Dundee midfield and defence kept them at bay.

Dundee earned many plaudits for their performance in the draw at Celtic Park in March, but Celtic played poorly by their standards that night. They were far better tonight, and it took a very good Dundee team to stop them. Most goalless draws are disappointing affairs, but tonight's game was enthralling and the supporters showed their appreciation for the efforts of the Dark Blues players with a standing ovation at the end. It was a terrific team performance, but the defenders are entitled to feel particularly proud of a clean sheet against the division's top scorers.

Match report written by James Christie - Official Dundee website