Celtic restore five-point lead

Dundee United 1 Celtic 3:Daniel Majstorovic's diving header ensured Celtic enjoyed a more routine trip to Tannadice as they restored their five-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Dundee United.

The Swede finished off their hosts' second-half fightback when he threw himself at Charlie Mulgrew's free-kick with 12 minutes left.

David Goodwillie had given the hosts hope after deflected goals from Anthony Stokes and Mark Wilson put Celtic in command before the break.

Celtic's previous trip to Tannadice had resulted in long-lasting controversy with Dougie McDonald eventually quitting amid the fallout over his false explanation of why he had rescinded a penalty award to the visitors, a furore that played a significant part in the referees' strike.

Extra spice was also added to the occasion by sniping between managers Peter Houston and Neil Lennon, but there was not too much to dispute in their latest encounter as Celtic quickly took control and soon repelled a spirited United revival before securing their fifth consecutive SPL win.

Lennon said: "I thought the front two set the tone. In the first half they were sensational. We could easily have gone in with a more comfortable lead.

"At 2-0 you are always concerned that Dundee United could get back in the game, and they did. But there was a real belief about the team that they could have got another one, which they did, and really we should have picked Dundee United off a lot better on the counter-attack when they were throwing bodies forward.

"We got a bit of luck with the first two goals but I thought we earned it. We missed easier chances and should have been more clinical at times, but the fact we created quality chances really pleased me."

Houston said: "I don't think we turned up in the first half. I don't think we played anything near what we have been doing recently.

"For some reason we didn't come out the traps and if you give a good Celtic side a two-goal start you are always going to be up against it.

"When your better players can't pass the ball to each other, they are either nervous or Celtic put them under pressure. I felt Celtic put us under real pressure when we had possession.

"Rather than criticise my players, and yes they should have done better, I give credit to Celtic because they did the job properly."