21-08-99 Dundee 1 Celtic 2

By Dundeefc.net
April 24 2002

SAT 21ST AUGUST

DUNDEE 1(Sharp 86) CELTIC 2(Mahe 68, Larsson 89)

Att:10,531

Douglas Van Eijs, Tweed, Wilkie, Smith, Sharp Boyack, Rae, McSkimming, Miller Annand

Subs:
Grady (for Van Eijs 65), Yates (for Miller 71), Raeside, Maddison, Langfield,

For the third time in four matches Dundee lost to a late goal, this time after forcing an equaliser via Lee Sharp's header with only four minutes to go.

Dundee were forced to leave out top scorer Willie Falconer, who'd picked up a knock in midweek. Hugh Robertson was also missing from the squad, while another doubt in Lee Maddison and flu victim James Grady had to settle for seats on the bench. Michael Yates also dropped to the bench with Frank van Eijs, Shaun McSkimming, Lee Sharp and most surprisingly Lee Wilkie coming in to a 5-4-1 formation. Jocky Scott's intention was obviously to frustrate Celtic and the tactic worked in that the Parkhead men weren't overly impressive. Celtic in fact spent much of the game bickering with the ref, and on several occasions hitting the ground spectacularly. Mr Rowbotham wasn't impressed with the theatrical efforts of Larsson (twice), Viduka and Petta but was prepared to give the visitors the benefit of the doubt in that he didn't reach for the now mandatory yellow card for diving.

The disadvantage to Dundee's tactics was that it restricted the Dark Blues forward thrusts and it was only in the late stages that they carried any threat. The introduction of Grady and Yates for van Eijs and Miller (both of whom were substituted after being booked for their part in running feuds with Petta and Mahe) finally saw the Dees push forward but in between the two substitutions Celtic took the lead when Mahe charged into the box and took advantage of a kind bounce (off his hand according to the Dundee defence) before firing home from eight yards.

Dundee gained an advantage with five minutes to go when Riseth showed that he'd learned nothing from his last sending off (in the infamous Old Firm match at the tail end of last season) with a copy cat assault on Eddie Annand. The Norwegian incredibly wanted to argue the point with the ref and took some time to get off the park. The man advantage was instantly used as Boyack's free kick was floated outside the back post for Grady to head back into the six yard box - where Lee Sharp was arriving to power a header home.

The noise from the Bobby Cox stand was incredibly loud and should have been inspirational. Unfortunately for the first time in the match Dundee gave Celtic space without a fight and Douglas had to make a fine save from Larsson with injury time being played. From the keeper the ball deflected for a throw and when the Celt's launched the ball into the box again it skidded off Rae's head and fell perfectly for Larsson who beat Douglas low at his near post. It was a bad goal to lose and sickening for both fans and players - but particularly for young Lee Wilkie who, on his debut, had performed superbly against Viduka and definitely didn't deserve to be on a losing side.