tidser at the double for youths

David Friel
CAPTAIN Michael Tidser led by example with a stunning double as Celtic Under-19s secured their first points of the new season with a deserved 2-1 win over Dundee United.

John McLaughlan’s young Hoops were out to make up for their opening day defeat against St Mirren and dominated their hosts throughout the 90 minutes on Saturday morning.

But for a mixture of good goalkeeping and poor finishing, Celtic could have won the match more comfortably, but coach McLaughlan was satisfied with the overall outcome.

He said: “It’s always good to get off the mark for the season and the boys can take a lot of confidence from the win.

“In fairness to Dundee United, they had a really young side out. We had a lot of possession, probably about 75 per cent, and if our finishing had been better the score would have been a lot more comfortable.

“I was pleased with many aspects of the performance. The boys worked hard and if we can get the finishing sorted out, we’ll have a chance of doing well this season.”

With Celtic controlling possession, United were on the back foot for most of the first half, but the hosts did have a chance when Jordan Elfverson smacked the post with a header.

Into the second period and Celtic were given a glorious chance in 48 minutes when they were awarded a spot-kick. Declan Bunting grabbed the ball, but failed to convert from 12 yards as United goalkeeper Bryn Hindley produced a save.

Undeterred by this set-back, Celtic continued to press for the opener and it arrived in 53 minutes from the left foot of their captain.

A throw-in was worked through the Dundee United midfield and Tidser found some space on the edge of the box. His venomous strike gave Hindley no chance and put Celtic ahead.

It was the goal Celtic had craved, but United stuck to the task and equalised in 63 minutes. Ross McCord played a ball over the Celtic defence and Ryan Dow made no mistake – slotting his finish past Ryan Marshall.

Celtic knew they were in a game and continued to create chances. Richie Towell, Michael Graham and Joe Bradley were introduced and the winner finally arrived in the 80th minute.

Tricky winger Bradley was upended out on the right wing and Tidser took the free-kick. He sent the ball curling into the danger area and it evaded everyone before finding the top corner.

McCord came close towards the end for United, but Celtic held on for the first three points of the season.

Scottish Youth League
Saturday, August 23, 2008
North End Park, Dundee

DUNDEE UNITED…1
(Dow 63)
CELTIC…2
(Tidser 53, 80)

CELTIC (4-4-2) Marshall; G.Gallacher, Gaughan, Strachan, Monti; Forrest, Tidser, Cochrane, Santonocito (Towell 70); Bunting (Bradley 65), Keatings (Graham 80)

DUNDEE UNITED (4-4-2) Hindley, Reoch, Irvine, R Smith, Lee, Brophy (Murray 70), Stokes, Allan, Elfverson, Ross McCord (K Smith 80), Dow.