Dundee United extended their unbeaten run to six matches with a resilient 2-2 draw away to Celtic. The result at Parkhead on Wednesday keeps Jim Goodwin's side in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership with 14 points from 10 games.
Camilo Duran gave the hosts an early lead in the 18th minute, finishing off a well-worked move for his 11th goal of the season. Zachary Sapsford responded for United just ten minutes later, heading home from a Lyall Cameron cross. The visitors then took a shock lead moments later when Neil Farrugia, making his first start of the season, prodded home his first goal for the club after a defensive mix-up from a free-kick.
Celtic pressed for an equaliser and found it in the 65th minute through Liam Scales, who powered in a header from a Jota corner. The champions could not find a winner, however, as United held firm to secure a vital point. The draw leaves Celtic four points clear at the summit, while Dundee United are now 13 points behind the leaders.
Key contributors
Neil Farrugia's first goal for the club was a decisive moment. The winger, handed a rare start, capitalised on hesitant defending to put United ahead. Zachary Sapsford's headed equaliser was his second goal in as many games, following his winner against Aberdeen last week. For Celtic, Liam Scales' late header salvaged a point but the dropped points prevented them from extending their lead at the top.
Context and implications
The point at Celtic Park is a significant one for Dundee United's momentum. Their recent form now reads one win, two draws and two losses from their last five Premiership matches. They have scored 14 goals this season while conceding 12, giving them a positive goal difference of two. The result also means United have not won at Celtic Park since December 1992, but this draw will feel like a victory for the travelling support.
United's next challenge is an away trip to face St Johnstone on November 7. The Perth side currently sit eighth in the standings. The last meeting between the two sides in September ended in a 1-1 draw. Jim Goodwin's men will look to continue their unbeaten streak and close the gap on the teams above them in the table.
Further reading: Daily Record Football
