Celtic only draw at Dunfermline
Saturday, 17 February 2001 20:07Any thoughts of a possible Celtic Treble must remain on hold after Barry Nicholson struck a last-gasp equaliser for Dunfermline in a sensational final few minutes at East End Park. Swedish striker Henrik Larsson had helped himself to his 38th and 39th goals of the season either side of Andrius Skerla's 82nd minute strike to put Martin O'Neill's side on course for the last eight of the Scottish Cup. But the former Rangers midfielder struck two minutes into injury time to level the scores at 2-2 and earn Dunfermline a replay at Parkhead in a dramatic finale to the Scottish Cup fourth round tie.
The Glasgow giants and the Swede had produced little in a disappointing tie, but the Swede proved how dangerous he is with two crucial goals in an otherwise subdued outing. The game only came to life late in the second half when the visitors finally took the lead in the 66th minute, Larsson heading home Thompson's in-swinging free-kick at the far post. But with Celtic looking at a place in the last eight they were caught napping as Nicholson's corner fell to Andrius Skerla, who blasted into the roof of the net.
Yet again the home side were stunned into silence in the 89th minute when Celtic snatched a dramatic late goal which looked like being the winner. Lennon's cross into the box fell to Sutton, who knocked the ball inside the defender to Larsson, who coolly lobbed Ruitenbeek to send the fans behind the goal into wild celebrations. But their jubilation was short-lived as Nicholson picked up the ball deep into injury time before firing home past Douglas.
Filed by Shane Murray
