Post by Taxigirl on Feb 16, 2004 10:39:45 GMT
Celtic came from behind with two late goals to equal a 40-year British record for consecutive wins and extend their lead over Rangers at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League to a commanding 13 points.
Shaun Maloney and Chris Sutton's rescue act stretched their winning league run to 23 games to match Morton's feat of 1963-64 and surely kill off Rangers' already slim title hopes.
Alan Archibald's 60th-minute opener for the visitors had threatened to end their magnificent league record and end an unbeaten run at Parkhead stretching back to 2001.
The Celtic defence were given an early warning in the second minute when the ball broke to Charlie Miller just outside the area but he lashed a left-foot shot over the crossbar.
Celtic got their passing game together and Henrik Larsson attempted to find Stephen Pearson at the far post in the 10th minute but Paul Gallacher coolly caught the ball.
United had a good chance to test Robert Douglas three minutes later when Billy Dodds was allowed a free header at the back post from Barry Robson's corner but headed over.
A number of Tangerines players called for a penalty in the 17th minute when Jim McIntyre went down in the box following Mark Wilson's free-kick.
The home crowd became restless and Stilian Petrov's long-range effort was far too ambitious and Gallacher comfortably saved.
Chris Sutton fell theatrically in the box under the challenge of Archibald in the 25th minute but referee Ian Fyfe - and even his own team-mates - did not look remotely interested.
Pearson had a sight of goal in the 36th minute after being played through by Larsson but Wilson did well to track back and put the ball out of play.
The former Motherwell youngster was Celtic's biggest threat in the first-half and was denied by a good block tackle from Derek McInnes.
Petrov was deservedly booked just before the break for a terrible tackle on Robson to sum up Celtic's half.
Stanislav Varga had the perfect opportunity to put the home side ahead in the 52nd minute.
Alan Thompson's free-kick spun up in the air off Sutton and from just six yards the defender headed wide.
Celtic hearts skipped a beat in the 56th minute when Bobo Balde and then Douglas failed to clear the danger and McIntyre's goal-bound effort was deflected just past the post.
United then stunned the home crowd into silence on the hour when they snatched the lead.
Robson crossed with the usual precision of Thompson and Archibald stuck out a leg to direct the ball past Douglas.
Varga again should have scored just two minutes later when Thompson's corner found its way to him but it bounced off him and went straight at a relieved Gallacher.
The United goalkeeper did well to keep out Petrov's low drive in the 67th minute before Maloney replaced Pearson.
Larsson missed two chances in quick succession and United had Mark Kerr booked for stopping Celtic from taking a quick free-kick as they hung on grimly.
They had the Hoops in trouble again soon after but Varga was on hand to clear Miller's cross.
Celtic came back strongly again and Maloney's shot was deflected over before Stuart Duff cleared Larsson's effort off the line.
Gallacher then brilliantly saved Sutton's attempt before Larsson failed to hit the target from close range.
But the pressure told in the 80th minute when Maloney arrived at the perfect time to sidefoot Sutton's cross home.
The drama continued just a minute later when the home side were awarded a penalty following Duff's mistimed tackle on Petrov and Sutton sent Gallacher the wrong way.
Former Rangers man Dodds was sent off in the dying seconds for two yellow cards to add insult to injury for a shell-shocked United, but United deserved praise for their brave efforts.
Teams
Celtic Douglas, Varga, Balde, McNamara, Agathe, Lennon, Petrov (Lambert 84), Pearson (Maloney 68), Thompson, Larsson, Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Sylla, Valgaeren.
Booked: Petrov.
Goals: Maloney 81, Sutton 83 pen.
Dundee Utd Gallacher, Wilson, McCracken, Archibald, Duff, Kerr (Samuel 87), Miller, McInnes, Robson (Easton 79), Dodds, McIntyre (Scotland 87).
Subs Not Used: Jarvie, James Paterson.
Sent Off: Dodds (90).
Booked: Kerr, Duff, Miller, Dodds.
Goals: Archibald 61.
Att: 58,698
Ref: I Fyfe (Scotland).
By Chris Roberts, PA Sport