Boost For United, As Motherwell Lose To Celtic

Dundee United received a boost ahead of this afternoon`s clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie, as news came through from Fir Park.

Craig Levein`s side are currently locked in a battle for 3rd top place in the SPL and the UEFA Cup place that goes with it, along with SPL rivals Motherwell and Hibernian.

This weekend, Motherwell hosted league leaders Celtic at Fir Park, even managing to take a 1-0 lead through a 60th minute Chris Porter header.

However, Celtic stepped up a gear after Porter`s opener and took just 1-minute and 20-seconds to find an equaliser.

A great touch by Shunsuke Nakamura just inside the corner of the Motherwell penalty area, was followed by an inch perfect cross to the backpost, where top-scorer Scott McDonald headed home a 62nd minute equaliser.

Then, former Dundee United captain Barry Robson didn`t old club a huge favour, by curling in a fantastic corner to the far post, allowing Georgios Samaras to guide the ball past Luke Daniels in the 'well goal.

Celtic were lucky to have won the corner, after TV coverage proved that Bobo Balde had been the last player to touch the ball before it went out.

Although, Celtic caught the home defence knapping and capitalised on the corner, earning themselves a 2-1 victory.

The result means that Dundee United can return to 3rd spot in the SPL, if they beat Aberdeen at Pittodrie this afternoon.

However, Jimmy Calderwood`s side believe they can still take 3rd spot themselves, since a win over United would put them only 3 points behind Motherwell.

Tomorrow afternoon, Hibernian play host to UEFA Cup finalists Rangers at Easter Road.

If that result goes Rangers way, then it could be an even better weekend for Craig Levein's side.

Will Dundee United be able to take advantage of Motherwell`s slip up, by beating Aberdeen this afternoon?
Or will Aberdeen take a giant leap towards an unlikely 3rd place finish?
We await with interest......