Dundee went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against champions Celtic in Glasgow tonight. The Dark Blues stood up impressively to Celtic and frustrated them for long periods with a solid, well organised team performance. Benjamin Nygren scored the winner early in the second half. Dundee pushed for an equaliser but it wasn’t to be. The Dee players were a credit to the club tonight against a full strength Celtic team who were happy to hear the final whistle.
There were four changes from the eleven who started the win against Clyde. Owen Goodman made his debut in goal, replacing Kieran O’Hara. Owen Bevan, Idris Odutayo and Joe Westley came in for Aaron Donnelly, Brad Halliday and Zan Besir.
Dundee settled quickly and stopped Celtic getting off to a fast start. The champions were decidedly rusty throughout the first half and never quite found their groove throughout the match. They offered little early threat in the opening 10 minutes, but were then gifted a chance when Drey Wright gave the ball away and Kasper Høgh shot wide.
After 13 minutes a cross was deflected into the path of Benjamin Nygren and his shot struck Høgh before flying wide. A minute later the Dark Blues passed up their only real chance of the first half. Celtic’s defence couldn’t deal with Ryan Astley’s long throw. Simon Murray set up Charlie Reilly who shot narrowly wide from 12 yards.
The home supporters were getting frustrated by Celtic’s slow build-ups and the lack of penetration from their wide areas. From a Dee perspective full backs Drey Wright and Idris Odutayo deserve credit for the way they handled their direct opponents.
An uncharacteristically fast break by Celtic almost set up Høgh but his shot was blocked by Ryan Astley. Late in the half Celtic finally set up a clear chance from open play. Arne Engels found himself free to attack a cross only eight yards out but he let the Dark Blues off the hook by heading weakly wide.
The final action of the first half brought a terrific save from Owen Goodman to beat Kieran Tierney’s fierce angled shot out for a corner after Engles’ pass found the full back racing in from the left.
The first half was a surprisingly quiet affair and the Dark Blues matched Celtic well across the pitch, keeping their shape and organisation in defence. With less of the ball the Dee were moving forward as smoothly as Celtic.
It was no surprise that Celtic started to show more urgency in the second half following that tame first half display. Seven minutes after the restart came the game’s only goal. Tierney swung a perfect cross into the danger area and Benjamin NYGREN headed in from six yards.
Four minutes later Goodman made a great stop at the near post to cut out Camilo Durán’s dangerous cut back following a skilful run by the winger to the byline.
After an hour Fin Robertson and Ash Hay came on for Charlie Reilly and Simon Murray.
Celtic remained on top without being convincing. The Dark Blues always looked capable of playing their way through Celtic and setting up a chance. Joe Bevan’s pace was a constant threat to the home defence. He made a great run through the midfield that took him into the penalty area, but Auston Trusty made a vital late challenge to stop him shooting.
As Dundee pushed forward to try and save the game Celtic had more space, and should really have done more with it. However, the home side struggled to set up clear chances against Dundee’s well organised defence. Tierney did have a good chance from 18 yards, but shot weakly straight at Goodman.
After 80 minutes Alan Forrest and Brad Halliday replaced Joe Bevan and Drey Wright. Forrest set up a chance almost immediately. His well judged cross found Hay whose neat header forced a fine full length save by Viljami Sinisalo to deny the Dee an equaliser.
In the last few minutes, as the Dee chased a goal, Celtic managed to create clear chances. Substitute Colby Donovan smashed a fierce low cross into the goalmouth and Høgh steered his shot outside the post. Callum McGregor took advantage of Dundee pushing forward and he broke through the vacant midfield before curling a neat shot from 18 yards against the post. The follow up from James Forrest flew wide. Sebastian Tounekti slashed a wild finish over the bar after a good run across the Dee defence. At the other end Ethan Hamilton sent a 25 yard rocket just over the bar. In added time the Dark Blues threw themselves at Celtic, who were happy to launch the ball clear.
Sadly there was no equaliser, and the first game of the season ended in defeat. But we saw plenty to encourage us for the season ahead. The Dark Blues played well and gave the champions a tough test. Dundee have sometimes collapsed against a rampant Celtic at Celtic Park but tonight the Dark Blues gave us a fine team performance. Five of the starting eleven had never played here before but that never showed. The Dundee defence coped well, particularly at set pieces where they were more convincing than Celtic. The midfield partnership of Ethan Hamilton and Ryan Finnigan looked hugely promising. It was hard work for the forward players. Although they struggled to create much real danger they ensured it was never a comfortable or easy night for the Celtic defence.
The Dark Blues could not have been given a tougher first match of the season, but the team did themselves proud. If Dundee can maintain this level of performance they should do well in the months ahead.
Celtic 4-3-3
Sinisalo
Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney (Donovan 83)
Engels, McGregor (c), Nygren (McCowan 83)
Durán (Forrest 78), Høgh, Yang (Tounekti 78)
Unused subs: Doohan (gk), Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hatate, Murray.
Goal: Nygren (52).
Booked: Engels (foul on Robertson).
Dundee FC 4-2-3-1
Owen Goodman
Drey Wright (Brad Halliday 80, Ryan Astley, Owen Bevan, Idris Odutayo
Ryan Finnigan, Ethan Hamilton
Joe Bevan (Alan Forrest 80), Joe Westley, Charlie Reilly (Fin Robertson 60)
Simon Murray (c) (Ash Hay 60)
Unused substitutes: Kieran O’Hara (gk), Zan Besir, Charley Oosenbrugh, Ethan Crombie, Ryan Bland.
Booked: Hay (foul on Carter-Vickers).
Attendance: to be announced.
Referee: Matthew MacDermid. Assistants: Chris Rae, Dougie Potter. Fourth official: Lloyd Wilson. VAR: Grant Irvine, Ryan Lee.
Report: James Christie.
