Dev League: Dundee United 3 Celtic 2

A terrific fightback by Dave Bowman's men saw them come back from two down to defeat Celtic at St Andrews University this afternoon. 

By Peter Rundo

In a pulsating climax to this re-arranged 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 by the break 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 and ironically only a great save by Deniz prevented McInroy completing his hat-trick with 20 minutes left.

However, three minutes later Logan Chalmers raced clear and to pull one back from 10 yards.

And with ten minutes left, United were level when a surging run by substitute Gav Ritchie resulted in Louis Appére going through on goal to drill in the leveller.

Then, only a brilliant last ditch tackle by substitute Luc Bollan prevented Celtic regaining the lead with 8 minutes left.

But, United were to have the last word.

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: Deniz, Ballantyne (Ritchie 67), Dailly, Allardice (Bollan 67), Davidson, Inglis, Chalmers, Appére, Trialist, Jones (Mcmeekin 67), Taylor.

Subs not used: Donaldson, Reekie, Banks, McArthur.