Hartson relaunches Celtic in style
Celtic 2 Dundee United
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Your support makes all the difference.As a dress rehearsal for next week's CIS Cup semi-final between these clubs, this offered a predictable premonition, but the real prize that Celtic have their eyes on is far from being decided.
John Hartson and Henrik Larsson ensured that the champions stay on Rangers'coat tails (just three points behind) in the Scottish Premier League, as they relaunched their campaign after the winter shutdown, with a comfortable victory at Parkhead last night. Celtic killed this contest before half-time thanks to two goals in four minutes from their prolific striking partnership, which took the pair's combined total to 51 goals.
Dundee United finally made a fight of it in the later stages and Stephen O'Donnell ought to have scored to earn the reward his brief substitute appearance merited. However, these sides will reconvene at Hampden Park next Thursday with something more tangible on offer.
Celtic's hunger to quickly reduce the gap on Rangers upon the resumption of the league campaign after the winter break was evident from the start. The champions hounded Dundee United in every area of the pitch and it did not take long before chances emerged.
Henrik Larsson saw a fine shot saved by Paul Gallacher before his partner, Chris Sutton, watched his venomous drive blocked by one of United's debutants, Gary Bollan.
Sutton was denied the opening goal in the 20th minute when his header from Petrov's corner was cleared off the line by Stuart Duff. However it took Celtic just five more minutes until they earned their reward. John Hartson continued his record of scoring in every game against the Tannadice side since moving from Coventry City last season. The Welsh striker met a perfect cross from Jamie Smith and struck a powerful header beyond Gallacher.
Celtic doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Larsson netted his 33rd of a remarkable campaign. This time, however, the Swede had every reason to be grateful to the work of Petrov and Sutton, whose delightful exchange of passes on the edge of the box allowed the Bulgarian to thread a pass to Larsson which was swept past Gallacher by the striker's lethal right foot.
Celtic (3-5-2): Hedman; Mjallby (McNamara, 28), Balde, Valgaeren; Agathe, Lambert, Sutton, Petrov, Smith; Hartson (Crainey, 82), Larsson. Substitutes not used: Broto (gk), McNamara, Maloney, Guppy, Crainey.
Dundee United (3-5-2): Gallacher; McCracken, Chiaarini, Bollan; Duff (Tod, 46), Miller, McIntyre, Wilson, Patterson (O'Donnell, 59); Dodds, Lilley. Substitutes not used: Combe (GK), Lauchlan, Hamilton, Todd, O'Donnell.
Referee: J Underhill.
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