Dundee 0 Celtic 0: Dark Blues Secure Battling Point

[JoeCovenant]

Dundee strengthened their hold on a place in the Premiership top six by securing a battling home point against Celtic.

The draw means the Dark Blues now go into Saturday’s final pre-split clash with Hamilton in the driving seat, sitting a point clear on seventh placed Ross County with a considerably better goal difference.

Dundee didn’t have it all their own way at Dens, as you never do against the league leading Hoops. But much like they did in the clash at Celtic Park a few weeks back, they did a sterling job of largely nullifying the threat of the visitors.

England youth international Patrick Roberts was the first to try his luck for the Hoops but his effort failed to test the returning Scott Bain in the Dundee goal as he fired wildly over after a neat turn on the edge of the area.

It was then former Dens man Leigh Griffiths’ turn, and this time Bain had to be at his very best to deny the striker.

A seemingly innocuous through ball squeezed its way through the Dark Blues backline and with Darren O’Dea and Julen Etxabeguren sleeping Griffiths pounced only for the advancing, sprawling Bain to deny.

At the other end Kane Hemmings’ unwillingness to give up a lost cause fashioned a chance for Nick Ross but the midfielder’s perfectly struck volley from the angle was palmed away by Craig Gordon in the visiting goal and Rory Loy was caught on his heels and unable to snap up the rebound.

Growing into the game as an attacking force the Dark Blues continued to push for the opener.

A delightful ball over the head of Michael Lustig by Paul McGowan found Kevin Holt and the defender’s cross was perfect for Hemmings but the forward’s effort was deflected behind, although strangely Kevin Clancy saw fit to award a goal-kick.

Scotland no.1 Gordon was again called into action to deny Loy, whose powerful volley was saved low down shortly before the break.

Erik Sviatchenko could, and should, have hit the target when he rose highest to nod a corner over the top, so too should former Tangerines man Gary Mackay-Steven but his effort from 18 yards was high wide and handsome.

Two minutes before half-time Stefan Johansen looked to have edged the visitors in front, Tierney’s centre found him in acres in the area but with the goal gaping a Dundee defender got a block on it and taking the pace off it the ball deflected on to upright, denying a certain opener. A bit of a let off for the Paul Hartley’s men.

With Hemmings a doubt before the clash he was withdrawn at the break, and Craig Wighton, so impressive at Celtic Park a few weeks back, was thrown into the fray. And from the off he was involved.

A deft through ball set the youngster away but again Gordon was swiftly off his line to cut out the angle and save.

And Loy went even closer, hitting the upright on the hour. He was quickest to react when McGowan’s rasping volley was parried by Gordon, only to see his effort come back off the foot of the post.

The Hoops, poor to this point, were not done as a force, though, and showed their aerial superiority from set pieces with Nick Ross required to clear off the line and Darren O’Dea nod over a clearance when Charlie Mulgrew had nodded goalward.

From this point Dundee had to survive a bit of a green and white onslaught but held their nerve to go into the final round of games with their fate very much in their hands.

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[Bloomogg]

Patrick are 7th.

[JoeCovenant]

Patrick are 7th.

Tell the Tully that! 

[Bloomogg]

Predictive text lol Partick.