MATCH REPORT: DUNDEE U 1 CELTIC 1

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:. An early onset of senile dementia (I thought the game was on Sat!) meant that I had to forgo Tannadice for long term engagement.

BORUC ….…….6 Had a god block in the second half and had no chance with the goal.

HINKEL.... ….. 4 Any good little signs of skill he displayed were cancelled out by his too many lax passes/tackles. It was his weakness in defensive play that led to Dundee U equalizing. Perhaps it is now time to give Caddis a run in this position.

CALDWELL…. 7 Is really putting in a series of good sound displays which will make it unlikely that he will be displaced by Loovens unless he’s moved into midfield to replace Hartley?

McMANUS…. …6 A sound, steady display.

WILSON …….….8 MOM Another opportunity for Wilson to make a real claim to replace Naylor and how well he started the match showing skill and composure. His overall display of skill, link up play and attack minded runs were a joy to watch. His contribution for the first goal started off in his own half and a superb delivery from the byeline was the icing on the cake.

McGEADY …. …..6 Has definitely improved in terms of link up play but is finding it very difficult to cope with the 2/3 man marking. Will enjoy the partnership with Wilson if it’s given a decent run.

BROWN. ………… 6 Another sound display which gives me optimism that a good season from him beckons. Kept his temper when on previous occasions he might have been carded.

HARTLEY ……… 7 Although I don’t feel that a holding midfielder is necessary in games like this, I do recognise the professional performance that Hartley puts in most weeks. Made a lot of attacking runs and one of these produced the goal.

NAKA…….. …….. 7 Good to see him back and some of touches showed what a class player he is. The best one touch passing phases usually involved him and he supplied the pass for Hartley’s goal. Understandably had to be replace after 65mins.

McDONALD.. ….. 4 It’s not the fact that he hasn’t scored yet, although he won’t have an easier chance than the header he missed just at the end, it is his apparent lack of sharpness and his ongoing inability to control or pass the ball.

JVOH………………5 Although he led the line well he sis main role is to score goals and he spurned a glorious opportunity to kill off the game when he only had the goalkeeper to beat.


SUBS

SAMARAS …….. 5 Only had 5 mins to do something

ROBSON………… 4 Replaced Naka but was raely involved.




REF…………. (Richmond) 6 I’m beginning to feel that the wheel of decisions re. dodgy ref’s decisions is beginning to turn Celtic’s way (I’m excluding any games involving the Rev Mike or S. Dougal). The tackle by Caldwell should have been penalised.

THE GAME ……6 A better all round performance by Celtic and lots more attacking moves. There will be a few teams who will find taking any points from Tannadice difficult.

GOALS ………. 1. A great flowing move from our own half involving Wilson, McGeady, Wilson supplying the cross, Naka making the pass and Hartley finishing it off.
2. Weakness by Hinkel in allowing a ball over his head was the reason for the goal.


COMMENTS ….. 1. The corresponding game last year resulted in a 2-1 victory with both strikers scoring (something that should have been repeated this year!).

2. A much better display of one touch, fast moving football that should reap benefits as the games go bye.