Celtic squander chance to close gap

Dundee 1 Celtic 1

Dundee 1 Celtic 1

Celtic's championship hopes took a severe blow after they were forced to settle for a draw against Dundee today.

Martin O'Neill's men could take only a point from the first of their three games in hand over Rangers, as Alan Thompson's opener was cancelled out by former Hoops striker Mark Burchill.

Rangers now sit eight points clear at the with another Old Firm clash at Ibrox still to be played before the end of the season.

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Celtic were a goal ahead after only 10 minutes when Momo Sylla went on a good run down the right flank before crossing to John Hartson. He nodded the ball on to Alan Thompson who sent his own header past goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

But Dundee have enjoyed a decent run over the last couple of months and they had the confidence to push forward in search of an equaliser, which came just 10 minutes later.

Fabian Caballero embarked on a run which took him all the way to the by-line before playing the ball into the path of Burchill. He slotted home from four yards to grab his first goal for the club.

Celtic squandered a great chance to restore their lead after half an hour when Henrik Larsson flicked the ball on to Hartson. He teed up the shot 12 yards out but Speroni somehow managed to tip the effort over the crossbar.

Dundee also had chances to net again before the half-time interval. Bobo Balde's pass back appeared to be handled in the area by goalkeeper Javier Sanchez Broto but the resulting free-kick just inside the box was wasted when Caballero curled the ball just over the crossbar.

Celtic piled forward after the restart in search of another goal but they found themselves frustrated by a vigilant Dundee defence.

PA