Celtic leave it late to keep double hopes alive

CELTIC kept their double dream alive, and kicking yesterday with a cliffhanging Scottish Cup quarter final victory over Dundee United at Parkhead. With just two minutes left, Celtic were staring defeat in the face as Owen Coyle's goal separated the sides.

But enter Dutch striker Fierre Van Hooydonk with an 88th minute equaliser and German Andreas Thom barely 60 seconds later to send Celtic into the semifinal draw tomorrow.

United's players slumped to their knees as their Tangerine dream of another Hampden appearance had disappeared two years after they won the Cup.

But, in the end, the script was almost a carbon copy of the 1985 and 1988 finals between the sides when Celtic also won 2-1 with late goals.

Self confessed Celtic fan Coyle had put United in front after 28 minutes when he scored on the rebound after Gordon Marshall blocked his penalty.

But the strikes from Van Hooydonk and Thorn extended Celtic's unbeaten run to 26 games and made the semi finals a premier `Gang of Four' as they joined Rangers, Aberdeen and Hearts.

There was a surprise in the Celtic 14 with John Collins marked absent as Burns stuck with the side that beat Hearts 4-0 last week, including young winger Brian McLaughlin.

Scotland midfielder Collins had been injured then but on Friday had been declared fit for yesterday's game.

United recalled Brian Welsh after a month's absence to replace the suspended Christian Dailly, but skipper Dave Bowman had won his fitness battle.

Celtic made a typically whirlwind start and United goalkeeper Maxwell had to be in top form to keep them out in the first 20 minutes.

He brilliantly tipped over a shot by Peter Grant after 11 minutes and then was in luck when Jackie McNamara slipped at the vital moment when sent clear.

And after 25 minutes Maxwell saved with his legs when Celtic again released full back McNamara.

But two minutes later came the penalty drama as Craig Brewster worked a one two with Gary McSwegan and then tumbled under a challenge from goalkeeper Marshall.

Referee Waddell pointed to the spot but strangely declined to show Marshall any card when an ordering off would have ruled the goalkeeper out of next week's Old Firm match.

Coyle stepped up to take the kick and Celtic thought they were off the hook when Marshall blocked but, after McSwegan had chested the ball down, Coyle slammed it home.

There was a suggestion of off side but that did not trouble Coyle, a £400,000 signing from Bolt on in October.

Maxwell did well to hold on to a low drive from Grant as Celtic tried to hit back but they were trailing at the interval.

Celtic started the second half by piling on pressure but from a 58th minute corner United's McSwegan headed over when superbly placed from Brewser's kick.

Thorn should have done better after 66 minutes when he was through on Maxwell but elected not to shoot and took the ball too wide.

Celtic sent on Phil O'Donnell with 18 minutes left, taking off centre half Brian O'Neil as Grant dropped back.

But with two minutes left the towering Van Hooydonk headed home his 24th goal of the season and then Thorn sped through the middle and fired beyond Ally Maxwell.

It was cruel on Billy Kirkwood's side who lost concentration, for barely 60 seconds, but Celtic's season is now building to an almighty climax.

United's McSwegan and Coyle and Celtic's John Hughes were booked.