Dundee 1
Dundee United 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

March traditionally roars in like a lion before with fading out like a lamb. However, in keeping the pleasantly surprising summer-type weather, there was certainly nothing ferocious about this "derby." In view of the trouble at previous encounters this season, this can only be good for football in general.

Mind you, there was nothing meek about things either. It was a hard-fought, exciting game with some excellent touches of skill from both Dundee and United.

But what impressed me most was the spirit of true sportsmanship in which the game was played. There wasn't a nasty foul through out and lan Fleming can consider himself unlucky to be booked for an innocuous foul on Holt.

Considering the nastiness of January's cup-tie, this was a tremendous step forward.

So down to details. And straight off it must be said United deserved to, and should have won convincingly, with Paul Sturrock running riot. However, when you don't even hit the target from six yards. what chance have you?

After a very even first half, United dominated. With only Jim Shirra competing for Dundee in midfield, the home side were over-run. However, Payne. carelessly scooped the ball over from six yards after a Sturrock cut-back. He had no one near him, and must qualify for the miss of the season!

Seconds later it was Pettigrew's turn to shoot past from similar range. In fairness, he was under severe pressure from two Dundee defenders.

As United kept up their momentum, Schaedler just managed to keep out a Hegarty header. Then Sturrock shot inches over with great 20-yarder a sprint.

In fairness to Dundee, their defence closed ranks and fought hard for their point. Aberdeen remain the only side to have won at Dens, and the home side's spirit and some beating.

However, determination they take can't allow themselves to be outplayed for so long in future. First half they had every bit as much play as United. In fact, they created the better chances.

Sinclair and Fleming both missed good openings before United scored.

Dundee's defence were caught with lead in their boots as Addison crossed from the left.

No one moved, and Paul Sturrock, completely unmarked, dived full length to head a slow-motion goal In-off the far post.

Dundee didn't let this get them down, and deservedly equalised before the break. A Murphy cross from the left was only half-cleared. Jim Shirra clipped a low shot which McAlpine couldn't hold and Kopel couldn't keep out at the far post.

Dundee had no answer to Sturrock's pace and directness after this. Playing wide on the left, he turned Dundee's defence continually, only to find his mates had left their shooting boots across the road at Tannadice.

Finishing apart, this was more like the United team who lifted the League Cup on their last visit to Dens.

Phillip Addison, Hegarty. Sturrock and Payne were tremendous servants.

If Dundee can keep up their first-half form, they can survive in the Premier League. But they must guard against that second half fall-out.

Men who mattered most were Schaedler. McGeachie, Shirra, Fleming and Murphy.

Match report written by The Sunday Post