DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
United remain hopeful that Saturday's SPL visit to Dunfermline will get the green light, with boss Alex Smith preparing for the game in the usual manner. Although snow and frost have done their best to curtail training schedules this week, the Manager has expressed his delight with the Club's facilities. "Gussie Park in particular has been a real boost for us and we managed to do a fair amount of work on it. Preparations haven't been too bad under the circumstances, and we have got ready for the Dunfermline game on the basis that it will go ahead."
Smith plans to field the same starting eleven for the third successive game, as he strives for continuity of selection. That means he has resisted the temptation to include injury comeback man David Hannah in the squad. Smith explained, "Davie would have been available if required, but I feel he will benefit from further training right now." And the Manager expects his Tangerine troops to travel with confidence despite losing at East End Park in the last meeting there in August. He said, "The last game at East End Park saw Dunfermline score early and we never really looked like turning things round. We were a different side then, and it's a fresher and more confident team who will turn out at Dunfermline this time."
"The game here at Tannadice against Dunfermline was won through producing the battling qualities we are now beginning to show more regularly. I have to say, however, that Dunfermline have done very, very well since coming up to the SPL. Jimmy Calderwood has made some wise signings and, to their credit, they are playing a passing game this season. It will be difficult but we are now in a position where we can go into any game with a bit of expectation."
A pitch inspection at Dunfermline is expected on Saturday morning 9.00am.
Smith plans to field the same starting eleven for the third successive game, as he strives for continuity of selection. That means he has resisted the temptation to include injury comeback man David Hannah in the squad. Smith explained, "Davie would have been available if required, but I feel he will benefit from further training right now." And the Manager expects his Tangerine troops to travel with confidence despite losing at East End Park in the last meeting there in August. He said, "The last game at East End Park saw Dunfermline score early and we never really looked like turning things round. We were a different side then, and it's a fresher and more confident team who will turn out at Dunfermline this time."
"The game here at Tannadice against Dunfermline was won through producing the battling qualities we are now beginning to show more regularly. I have to say, however, that Dunfermline have done very, very well since coming up to the SPL. Jimmy Calderwood has made some wise signings and, to their credit, they are playing a passing game this season. It will be difficult but we are now in a position where we can go into any game with a bit of expectation."
A pitch inspection at Dunfermline is expected on Saturday morning 9.00am.
