Tangerines inflict first defeat on Celtic with flurry of late goals

DUNDEE UNITED 3 CELTIC 2

In a pulsating climax to this rearranged Development League fixture at St Andrews University, the young Tangerines scored three times in the last 15 minutes to come from two down to inflict Celtic’s first defeat of the season.

Although Celtic had the greater share of possession in the first-half to lead by two goals at the break, the scoreline rather flattered them.

Indeed, the visitors scored with their first shot on target after 26 minutes when Kerr McInroy fired home after the ball broke kindly to him.

Without having troubled the United keeper again, Deniz Mehmet was beaten on the stroke of half-time when McInroy curled a free-kick round the wall.

The second period was a much more evenly contested affair.

Only a great save by Mehmet prevented McInroy completing his hat-trick with 20 minutes left.

However, three minutes later Logan Chalmers raced clear to score from 10 yards.

With 10 minutes left United were level when a surging run by substitute Gav Ritchie resulted in Louis Appére going through on goal to drill the ball home.

Only a brilliant last-ditch tackle by substitute Luc Bollan – son of former United defender Gary – prevented Celtic regaining the lead with eight minutes left

United were to have the last word, however.

Celtic keeper Ryan Mullen made a fine block to keep out a Chalmers effort, but the ball fell to substitute Dom McMeekin who steered in the winner from close range.

Dundee United: Mehmet, Ballantyne (Ritchie 67), Dailly, Allardice (Bollan 67), Davidson, Inglis, Chalmers, Appére, Trialist, Jones (Mcmeekin 67), Taylor. Subs not used: Donaldson, Reekie, Banks, McArthur.