GLASGOW: Celtic left it late as Anthony Stokes scored three minutes from time to earn the champions a 1-0 win over Dundee United yesterday.
Celtic, who had shown all the signs of suffering from a European hangover following their midweek exertions against Shakhter Karagandy, looked to be heading for their second consecutive draw in the Scottish Premiership before Stokes sent an 87th minute free-kick in off the post.
The Hoops, on a high after their midweek qualification for the lucrative group stage of the Champions League, had started well with Mikael Lustig, Virgil van Dijk and Stokes himself all coming close early in the first half.
But they faded in a lacklustre second half and looked destined to have to settle for a point before Stokes fired in his 50th Celtic goal late on to secure the win.
Celtic remain second in the table three points behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who stayed top thanks to Billy McKay after he scored a double and had a penalty saved in a 2-0 win over Hearts. “It’s a great day’s work and a huge win after the effort they put in on Wednesday and considering the efforts they put in today as well,” said Celtic manager Neil Lennon.
“It was a tough game today and the pitch was very difficult to play on. We would have probably dropped points last season so they are learning and they’re learning how to win.”
Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara didn’t think there had been much in the match.
“I thought Celtic had the better of the start of the match. They caused us a few wee problems without carving us open. I thought we then got into the game and in the second half we cancelled each other out,” McNamara said. AFP
