Dundee 2 United 1

Disappointment at Dens this time ensures that United’s focus on promotion will not be distracted by the Betfred Cup.

By Tommy McKay

First Half

Dundee flew out of the traps at Dens and were by far the more dominant team for the whole of the first half however found themselves going in at the break all square.  For all their possession and chances, they struggled to work Lewis in the United goal.  When the goal for Dundee did come it was one the Dees will not forget soon.  On 29 minutes Roarie Decon collected an over hit cross on the left and his was only cleared as far as the edge of the box and meet by El Bahktoui whose thunderous strike flew in off the underside of the bar leaving Lewis with no chance. After a couple of efforts wide United were level with their first attempt on target on 40 minutes.  Fyvie’s neat ball caught the Dundee defence square and found Stanton's run.  His low cross eluded everyone in the box, including the outstretched hand on Scott Bain and there was Billy King to score at the back post.

Second Half

It started in much the same vein as the first with Dundee on top and Lewis had to make a smart save to prevent a Haber header however Dundee didn’t need to wait long after that effort or their second. Deacon's over hit cross was collected at the back post by Allan and his measured cut back found McGowan who coolly side footed the ball beyond Lewis. United’s best chance to equalise fell to Billy King.  Keatings beat the onrushing Bain to the ball and his cutback found King but the winger's shot was rushed and dribbled harmlessly wide. The last 15 minutes of the game was end to end stuff but ultimately it wasn’t to be United’s day, this time! United’s focus will now turn to promotion, which is ultimately the main aim of the team this season.  

Man of the Match

Sam Stanton – Always willing to surge forward and assured on the ball.  His assist temporarily brought the teams level.  I expect big things from him this season.

Dundee United: Lewis, Scobbie (Robson), Edjenguele, Durnan, Toshney, Fyvie (Murdoch), Briels (Keatings), King, McMullan, Stanton, McDonald Subs not used: Deniz, Fraser, Flood, N’Koyi

Subs not used: Deniz, Fraser, Flood, N’Koyi

Dundee: Bain, Kerr, Holt, Kamara, Allan (Vincent), McGowan, El Bakhtaouli, Deacon (Wolters), Hendry, Haber, Waddell Subs not used: Parish, Hateley, Williams, O’Hara, Spence Referee: Steven McLean Assistants: Alastair Mather, Andy William, Steven Kirkland (4th)

Subs not used: Parish, Hateley, Williams, O’Hara, Spence Referee: Steven McLean Assistants: Alastair Mather, Andy William, Steven Kirkland (4th)

Referee

Steven McLean

Assistants

Alastair Mather, Andy William, Steven Kirkland (4th)